Classic Car Shop Owner Sentenced for Over $2.5 Million Fraud Scheme
A striking case from the auto restoration world has recently culminated in a significant legal judgment. Clark P. Rittersbach, a 51-year-old business owner from Cape Coral, Florida, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison for orchestrating a fraud scheme that defrauded customers out of more than $2.5 million. His establishment, Concours Classic Motor Cars, based in Macedon, New York—a quaint town located just east of Rochester—was a haven for classic car enthusiasts looking for quality restorations. However, for many, it became a source of frustration and financial loss.
The Scheme Unfolded
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reported that, over a four-year span, countless customers made substantial payments for automotive work that was ultimately left unfinished. Many of the shop’s clientele were non-local, often hailing from out of state or even overseas, which made it easier for Rittersbach to manipulate communications. The nature of classic car restoration meant that projects often took years, providing Rittersbach with plenty of time and opportunity to deceive his customers.
To keep clients at bay and maintain the facade of proper progress, he would frequently send reassuring text messages and emails. However, these updates were often filled with false claims. In stark contrast to what was reported, many of the tasks he claimed to have completed simply weren’t done.
Specific Cases of Deceit
One notable instance involved a victim who received a text from Rittersbach in 2019, alleging that work on a Duesenberg engine was complete. This customer wired $25,000 in trust, only to find out later that the work had not even been started. Such discrepancies were not isolated; another victim had entrusted Rittersbach with the restoration of a classic 1964 Porsche. Rittersbach sent emails claiming milestones had been achieved, while in reality, the work was nowhere near completion.
By fabricating updates, Rittersbach effectively bought himself time to either attempt to finish the projects or to continue accumulating ill-gotten gains. The manipulation was systematic and deliberate, aiming to keep clients invested in projects that were never going to be realized.
The Financial Toll
The extent of the fraud was staggering. Prosecutors revealed that Rittersbach managed to defraud victims of approximately $2,536,308.64—an oddly specific figure that reveals the meticulous nature of his deceit. For those lured in by promises of expertly restored classic cars, the emotional and financial impact was profound. Many customers were not just losing money; they were losing dreams of owning valuable pieces of automotive history, treasured dreams that would never materialize.
Legal Consequences
As the legal proceedings drew to a close, Rittersbach’s actions received the harsh scrutiny they deserved. The sentence of 24 months in prison serves as a cautionary tale not only for aspiring business owners in the classic car industry but for consumers as well. It emphasizes the critical need for transparency in business dealings, especially in a niche market where trust is paramount.
The case sheds light on the broader issue of scams in the automotive restoration industry, reminding potential clients to do their due diligence before entrusting their beloved vehicles to any shop. Rittersbach’s story is a stark reminder that the road to fraud can be paved with the best of intentions, but often leads to devastating consequences for those who place their trust in the wrong hands.
Understanding the intricacies of this case provides valuable insights into consumer protections and the importance of holding businesses accountable. As car enthusiasts continue to chase the dream of restoring classic vehicles, awareness of such scams becomes crucial in ensuring that passion does not turn into peril.