PROBLEM:

Your debtor has loved the Aston Martin DB5 ever since James Bond drove it across the silver screen in 1964.  He has wanted one for years, and you suspect that he finally took the plunge and bought one the minute you moved out of the house.

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SOLUTIONS:

As we have explained in previous posts, vehicles are usually easy to find because they are all registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The same goes for antiques, just like any other cars.  This means that we will usually be able to find them in a vehicle registration search.  Our searches can reveal the owner of the vehicle and when and by whom the vehicle was bought and sold.  We note that, in some states, this information is private and not available through our proprietary databases.

However, even if the debtor lives in a state with these stringent privacy laws, we can find his vehicles through a search of the public record so long as he purchased them with a loan.  A record of the loan will appear in the form of UCC lien filings, which are often available online.  UCC records can also reveal whether the loan used to purchase the vehicle or trailer has been satisfied.

Even if the debtor purchased the vehicle with cash and happens to live in Washington, where vehicle registration information is private, all hope is not lost.  Antique car enthusiasts like to show off their vehicles to other connoisseurs, and most collectors will talk passionately and at length about their favorite cars and others who share their passion.  Call around to local antique car clubs and see if the debtor belongs to them or attends their shows.  The local Aston Martin club may be able to give you information on what kind of car your debtor has, how much it is worth and when he will next appear at a car show.

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