Complaint Review: IDEAL CLASSIC CARS-- FLORIDA

MICHAEL LOMBARDO OWNER-  IDEAL CLASSIC CARS VENICE FLORIDA

I purchased a 1967 Chevelle SS from this dealer, and paid over top dollar for what was told to me about this car. Now let me explain. I decided to get rid of my 68 Camaro SS, to find a nice builder 67 Chevelle SS or a numbers matching quality car, only in memoriam of my late brother who owned one in the 70,s.

I visited several sites, talked with private sellers as well as spent travel time, to go look at  several cars. This is where MICHAEL LOMBARDO & IDEAL CLASSIC CARS. comes in I talked with salesman Rich Mcarthy about one he had just recieved, that was a numbers matching, fully restored car. ground up. Being a marina blue it matched my brothers except it had no vinyl top, in which I would install.

Well after going round and round, about how new condition this car was, I decided to back out of the deal, only to have Rich Mcarthy Salesman call me several time to say he had alot of people who wanted this, as well as him "Why" because this car was like new and you will never find another one in this condition. Well I decided to purchase this car and again at well over the true worth of this car. NOW THE NIGHTMARE STARTS.

The car was shipped to Calif,  The day I recieved it my Upholstery, who is directly across had the factory vinyl top to install. As well I was heading to Mexico. I recieved a call the next day from the upholstry shop, the car was leaking a good sixe amount of oil, just to let me know. I came home 3 days after having this car shipped to me, and they had 3 rags under engine to catch oil leaks.

I brought the car across to my shop & called Ideal Classic cars to inform them, as well the car ran extremly rough. Now the hustle starts Rich Mcarthy said no oil leaks here ? I guess 2 days of travel in an enclosed  car carrier this is where it started. I had my guy look at car, valve cover gaskets as well as engine gaskets shot. Again I made over 5 calls upset.  Again the same blow off.

Now with not even 2 miles on car since purchase. My wife & I decided to take the car to a friend that has several muscle cars & is an expert on Camaros & Chevelles. We never made the visit 15 miles away. Why ?? The engine started knocking. We called a tow truck brought the car back to shop & again called Ideal Classics Cars now very upset. I was totaly blown off as I caused the problem. Well after have 20+ muscle cars.

I tried several times to call the owner MICHAEL LOMBARDO. Well go to thier website & listen to his "mission statement" its all B.S. He will not return, or even talk with me he hides behind his staff. My mechanic pulled the 396 fully restored motor & I trucked the motor to one of the best big block builder in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has built over 1000, Race car enginges, Etc. & knows these inside out.

He tore engine down & this was no rebuilt, Excessive engine over heating and wear was found as well as cylinder wear. Now at a cost of another $11000.00 over the cost of the car and shipping. & less than 20 miles even put on car. Its been in my friends shop for over two months as we wait for motor build to be done. I have actualy only had the car in my possession 3 days since purchase, and now 2 months in shop, and still looking at another month till work is finished. Oh ya the transmission seal is leaking & its as well in shop.

Here is the bottom line, They will tell you everything, until the second the car leaves them. Then  they accused me of the damage. MICHAEL LOMBARDO IDEAL CLASSIC CARS & RICH MCARTHY. ok you guys screwed me, but the computor and writing stories about my experience with your dealer ship will not go silenced. SHAME ON YOU