Buyer Beware -- My Experience with HCC Specialty Cars…read more
In December 2024, I agreed to buy a 1986 Porsche 930 from HCC Specialty Cars. I flew down on December 8th to inspect the car. When I arrived, I was told they had just pulled it out -- but the engine was already warm, which seemed odd. We went for a drive, and I was told the car had been serviced and came with a binder showing about $140,000 in documented work over its lifetime.
During the test drive, I noticed a few small issues. I asked for them to be fixed before delivery, and they assured me they would take care of everything. None of those things were addressed. Later, Patrick (the owner) told me he was disappointed in his team and said he had personally inspected the car though what that inspection involved is still unclear. One thing that blows me away is him saying that he had the car serviced and the oil filter was 12 years old when we got it serviced. 12 years old!
The car was delivered to me on December 23rd. The delivery company had trouble getting it started. A few days later, I let HCC know the car wasn't running right. the battery kept dying, and the idle would fluctuate so badly at night that the car nearly stalled.
I brought it to Patrick Motorsports, one of the most respected Porsche shops in the country. They replaced the battery and advised me to drive it briefly, but more issues came up almost immediately. The car felt unreliable, and I was constantly worried it would break down. I contacted Patrick again, and we both agreed it needed a full evaluation and repair. I did end up spending over $70,000 to make this car right. I did not expect Patrick to reimburse me this amount but I did expect him to make it right. He never did nor has he attempted to.
As the list of issues grew, Patrick started becoming harder to reach. He told me he was overwhelmed and dealing with a lot of other cars. I encouraged him multiple times to speak directly with Kyle at Patrick Motorsports, who could explain exactly what they found. Patrick made one call to Kyle, but never returned any of the three calls Kyle made back to him.
Once I mentioned I was planning to go public with my complaints, Patrick said he might offer some kind of financial concession. Then he told me he should perhaps just save it for legal fees.
At the end of the day, this comes down to character. Patrick talks a good game, seems sincere, and has a great story but in my experience, he didn't follow through on anything that mattered. He didn't stand behind the car, didn't communicate honestly, and didn't make things right.
If you're thinking about buying from HCC Specialty Cars, don't take anyone's word for it. get the car independently inspected before you commit. I didn't, and it cost me.
