Oregon Woman’s Stolen Chevrolet Nova SS Recovered After 13 Long Years

Cristin Elliott’s story has a happy ending, but it began with heartbreak and led to a 13-year-long rollercoaster of emotions while she tracked down her stolen 1971 Nova SS and struggled through a seemingly flawed system to rightfully reclaim what was hers.

Oregon Live outlined the story on May 10, 2023. Elliott parked the car at a friend’s house before leaving for a treatment facility back in September 2010. The car disappeared two months later. She immediately began her search for the Nova when she got home. Her scouring of car listings continued until 2019, when she finally found her Nova listed in an ad. She notified the police, but it would take another four years before she and the Nova would be reunited.

Cristin Elliot’s Facebook post pleading for her stolen car’s return.Oregon Live

The Chevy Nova was in the hands of a dealer who reportedly thought he bought the car legally, free and clear. He did admit that the seller claimed to have lost the car’s title while it was in storage for 10 years, but when the dealer and presumed car thief went to the DMV together, a new title was issued without hassle. How is that possible? The Oregon DMV apparently purges its stolen car database every few years. Elliot’s Nova hadn’t been in the system since at least 2015, so registering the muscle car’s VIN number threw no red flags.

There is a safeguard in place, but it’s not all that effective. The Police are alerted when the state is planning to purge its stolen car database so any vehicles that are still missing can be left in the system. In Elliot’s case, the Nova was never mentioned as missing, so it was removed from the list of stolen vehicles.

Dana MacDonald, Northwest regional director of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, told Oregon Live that the lack of record keeping allows thieves to easily steal cars, and store them until they are undetectable. “The records are purged, and it’s a problem and it’s not being addressed,” she said.

According to a DMV employee, that office was also partially at fault. “If the transaction had come to me for review, I would have required a new possessory lien form because it was not dated at the bottom,” the anonymous employee told a detective. But there’s more: The DMV reportedly didn’t review the records that were required from the previous owner, like how he obtained the car, and basically all the other documents you’re supposed to have before you can get a new title.

During a final court appearance, Elliott showed the actual vehicle’s title with the Nova SS obviously registered in her name. The court ruled in her favor, and she and the Nova are finally reunited. The original seller was arrested, but because a public defender wasn’t available, the judge dismissed the charges, and he was released a month later. Charges couldn’t be refiled as the statute of limitations had already passed.

This is the short version of Elliott’s story. The full version is still available on Oregonlive.com.

Described as “like new” apart from minor wear on interior components, this fully restored 1967 Amphicar 770 Convertible is one of 3,878 produced during the model’s seven-year run. When it made its splash in the ‘60s, the amphibious drop-top filled a unique void in the automotive market by combining road going capabilities with water crossings. It’s one vehicle that allows its owners to live the boat life while also experiencing classic car nostalgia.

Instead of the more common crossover built for road driving and off-road capabilities, the Amphicar is arguably the ultimate crossover vehicle, providing transportation across roads and water without requiring the driver or occupants to leave their seats. Anyone who has ridden in or driven an Amphicar will relish in the “oohs” and “ahhs” echoing from passersby, especially at the boat launch.

With a top speed of 70 mph on land and 7 knots in water, the Amphicar was never built to be fast and furious. It’s best fitted to the relaxed driver looking for the best scenic route, whether on lake or pavement. This example, fittingly finished in Lagoon Blue, is powered by what is believed to be the factory original 1,147-cc inline-four engine, rated at a whopping 43-horsepower when new. The rear-mounted engine is matched with a four-speed transmission. According to the seller, the car has been restored, and the restoration included new propellers. The car is said to start and run well, and there are no reported issues.

Photos show what appears to be an exceptional amphibious vehicle that is ready for the road, lake, or classic car and boat shows. The auction is estimated to end just eight days from this writing. Cruise to the auction listing for more information and over a hundred photos.

Ford debuted the U.S.-spec 2024 Ford Ranger lineup on Wednesday, May 10, and it includes a much-anticipated Ranger Raptor model. The lineup also includes the XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, all only available in crew cab configuration with a five-foot bed. The Tremor is reportedly on hold for now but may return later, which means the Raptor is king for 2024 when it comes to off-road pickup prowess.

The Ranger Raptor adopted the Bronco Raptor’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 405 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. The proven anti-lag system from the Bronco Raptor is used to keep the turbo spooling when its needed most. Every Ranger offering for 2024, even the Raptor, receives a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Raptor automatically comes with with four-wheel drive, while rear-wheel drive is standard on remaining Rangers with four-wheel drive as an option.

According to Ford, the max payload for the Ranger lineup is 1,805 pounds. The standard tow rating is 3,000 or up to 7,500 pounds with the Max Tow package and a Class IV receiver, however the Raptors max out at 5,510-pound tow rating due to its extra off-road gear and softer suspension.

The 2024 Ranger models are based on a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. The front wheels are stretched forward by 1.9 inches when compared to the prior crew cab, though the truck’s overall length remains the same. The 2024 Ranger’s track is widened by 2.4 inches and the rear shock mounts are now mounted outside of the frame rails, much like the Bronco Raptor.

The Ranger Raptor models are even wider with a 3.5-inch extended track. Instead of the Ranger’s standard rear leaf springs and struts, the Raptor uses a Watts-link rear suspension with coil springs. All four corners are cushioned by Fox 2.5-inch reservoir Live Valve shocks. Raptor models also increase suspension travel with added upper and lower front control arms, plus raised front shock towers.

Ford refers to the Bronco Raptor as the rock crawler while the Ranger Raptor is built toward high-speed desert driving. That said, the Ranger will not have the disconnecting front sway bar but will still feature locking front and rear differentials.

The four-wheel drive Ranger Raptor will ride with 10.7 inches of ground clearance, almost 1.5-inches more than rear-wheel drive Ranger models. The Ranger Raptor is equipped with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 off-road tires from the factory. According to Motor Authority, Carl Widmann, Chief Engineer of Ford Performance, said 35s might fit, but also might rub and could cut into suspension travel.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

For the exterior, Ranger Raptor models receive wider fender flares and a functional hood and fender vents to optimize heat extraction. Front and rear hooks are included for off-road recoveries. The dual exhaust gives the Raptor two shiny silver exhaust tips that exit out the lower rear bumper. For protection from rough terrain, every Ranger Raptor is shielded with high-strength steel skid plates that guard the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

Inside, the Raptor models invite occupants into orange-accented, thick-bolstered sport seats. Magnesium paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, and an orange stripe at the top of the wheel marks the center position. The Raptor comes standard with a 12.4-inch digital cluster, 12-inch touch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside, the Raptor models invite occupants into orange-accented, thick-bolstered sport seats. Magnesium paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, and an orange stripe at the top of the wheel marks the center position. The Raptor comes standard with a 12.4-inch digital cluster, 12-inch touch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside, the Raptor models invite occupants into orange-accented, thick-bolstered sport seats. Magnesium paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, and an orange stripe at the top of the wheel marks the center position. The Raptor comes standard with a 12.4-inch digital cluster, 12-inch touch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside, the Raptor models invite occupants into orange-accented, thick-bolstered sport seats. Magnesium paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, and an orange stripe at the top of the wheel marks the center position. The Raptor comes standard with a 12.4-inch digital cluster, 12-inch touch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside, the Raptor models invite occupants into orange-accented, thick-bolstered sport seats. Magnesium paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, and an orange stripe at the top of the wheel marks the center position. The Raptor comes standard with a 12.4-inch digital cluster, 12-inch touch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The U.S.-spec Rangers will be built in Ford’s Michigan plant and are expected to arrive later this summer. The base models begin at $34,160 and Ranger Raptors are expected to cost $56,960, including a $1,595 destination charge.