He Vowed to Restore Their Cars. Then the Delays Began

Classic-car dreams turned into long-running headaches for dozens of Texas owners—and the man behind the work orders is now facing what could amount to decades behind bars.

Richard Thomas Finley, who operated Classic American Street Rods in the San Leon–Bacliff area, was sentenced in January after being convicted of felony theft of more than $300,000. Prosecutors said the conviction stemmed from a yearslong engine-swap scam, according to Auto Wire. Authorities alleged that between 2018 and 2023, Finley collected more than $498,000 in deposits from at least 72 customers for modernization projects that were largely never completed.

Investigators testified that Finley required sizable upfront payments to replace older engines with ones he claimed would require less maintenance. After receiving the deposits, he allegedly delayed the work, offering shifting explanations and misleading progress updates as months turned into years. In some cases, parts were reportedly removed from customers’ vehicles and sold, even as owners were told their restorations were moving forward. More than 20 classic cars were eventually recovered and returned to their owners, but most of the money was not.

Finley was ordered to pay $495,000 in restitution to victims, according to People. The case comes amid a broader wave of fraud prosecutions targeting restoration shops and highlights how lengthy custom-build timelines—and customers relying primarily on shop updates rather than in-person inspections—can allow misconduct to go unnoticed. With a sentence that could total up to 60 years in prison, Galveston County prosecutors said the outcome signals that large-scale restoration fraud will not be treated as a routine business dispute.

According to Chron.com, Finley has appealed the ruling.

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