By Shawn Henry 
For many enthusiasts, handing over a beloved classic to a restoration shop requires a leap of faith. In Galveston County, Texas, that trust turned into a years-long nightmare for dozens of car owners.
Richard Thomas Finley, the former operator of Classic American Street Rods in the San Leon–Bacliff area, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted of felony theft exceeding $300,000. Prosecutors say Finley defrauded at least 72 victims between 2018 and 2023, collecting large upfront payments for engine swaps that were never completed. According to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, the total amount stolen exceeded $498,000.
Promised Upgrades, Delivered Delays
Finley reportedly marketed his business as a solution for classic car owners looking to modernize their vehicles. He offered “engine swaps” designed to replace aging powerplants with newer, more reliable, and less maintenance-intensive options.
Customers were required to pay significant deposits before work would begin. What followed, prosecutors said, was a pattern of prolonged delays, vague updates, and shifting explanations.
Months stretched into years. In many cases, owners never saw meaningful progress on their vehicles.
When clients pressed for answers, authorities say Finley provided false status updates about parts, timelines, or work being performed. Evidence presented during trial indicated that not only were the promised upgrades not completed, but parts were allegedly removed from customer vehicles and sold elsewhere.
Victims testified that the engine swaps they paid for were never performed.
Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Losses
Investigators from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Auto Crimes Task Force began examining complaints and uncovered what prosecutors described as a systematic operation.
More than $498,000 was taken from victims over a five-year span, according to court findings. Authorities recovered more than 20 classic vehicles during the investigation and were able to return them to their rightful owners.
While the total dollar figure may not rival some high-profile corporate fraud cases, the human impact was significant. Many of the vehicles involved were long-term projects or deeply personal investments, and owners were left without their cars or the money they paid.
Finley was found guilty in December and received a 60-year prison sentence.
A Pattern in the Restoration World
This case adds to a growing list of restoration-shop fraud convictions across the country.
In November, a New York restoration shop owner was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of misrepresenting work performed and falsely claiming acquisitions in order to secure payments from customers. In that case, prosecutors said more than $2.5 million was obtained fraudulently.
The difference in sentencing highlights how courts may weigh factors beyond dollar amounts alone. In the Texas case, the number of victims was significantly higher — 72 individuals compared to three in the New York matter.
Federal authorities in previous cases have warned that restoration fraud can be especially difficult for customers to detect. Classic car builds often take years, creating a gray area where delays can seem normal. Customers frequently rely on progress updates and assurances rather than regular in-person inspections.
That dynamic can create opportunity for abuse.
Why Restoration Fraud Persists
Restoring or modifying a classic vehicle is rarely inexpensive. Engine swaps, fabrication work, paint, and drivetrain upgrades can quickly climb into five-figure territory. Shops often request large deposits to cover parts and labor commitments.
When legitimate, the model works. When abused, the financial damage compounds quickly.
The Texas case demonstrates how repeated upfront payments, extended timelines, and lack of transparency can allow misconduct to continue for years before enforcement intervenes.
For enthusiasts, it serves as a reminder that due diligence matters — written contracts, milestone-based payments, regular documentation, and verified progress can reduce risk.
A Harsh Sentence With a Message
A 60-year prison term is an unusually severe outcome in automotive fraud cases. While parole eligibility and other legal factors may affect actual time served, the sentence itself sends a strong message about how seriously local authorities treated the case.
Classic car culture is built on trust — between builders and owners, buyers and sellers, collectors and craftsmen.
When that trust is exploited, the consequences can be lasting.
In this case, the court’s decision makes clear that restoration fraud involving dozens of victims will not be viewed as a minor business dispute. It will be treated as a major criminal offense.
For collectors and hobbyists alike, it is another cautionary tale about what can happen when passion meets misplaced trust.
Eve Nowell