Recent internet articles have stated that Specialty Auto Works in Knoxville Tn.has filed for bankruptsy from its creditors and is presently in Federal Bankruptsy court.
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Recent internet articles have stated that Specialty Auto Works in Knoxville Tn.has filed for bankruptsy from its creditors and is presently in Federal Bankruptsy court.
Earle
Is that Steve Lawing personally or SAW, Inc.
Bob
Is that Steve Lawing personally or SAW, Inc.
Bob
SAW closed down about five years ago. This news is old.
If by "old" you mean June 2010, then, yes, it's old news.
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=12549806
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=12549806
Even though he can't make good on the orders he already has, he is still currently courting (no pun intended) new customers with the same old false promises.
Yes it's old news, the Knoxville Wate keeps referring to issues that occurred a number of years ago, regardless the date of their "latest" scoop. If you believe everything that supermarket rag sheet prints then you must really believe the National Enquirer, Fox News and Rush Limbaugh (personally I like Glenn Beck). Specialty AutoWorks not Specialty AutoSports was closed, law suits were settled or in the process of being settled, and the bankruptcy was a personal one to protect his family. As you can plainly see, Steve Lawing has been in this business for over 30 years, still producing cars, and has a headliner ad on this website. But that said, I doubt if anyone else cares, so just keep on beating that dead horse until you get your jollys off. Oh yeah, just to up the count, 2 guys produce 20 of the most unique 356s on the planet in 5 years.
Did I miss something here? We reportedly just went through the longest thread in the history of SOC on what appears to be the same subject. Many people expressed their views positively and negatively on this subject. The same WATE Internet posting was cited as a source of information. Hopefully, all (well, almost all) have had a chance to read and digest it.
The summary of all of these postings seems to be that SAS builds a decent (perhaps even unique) car but very slowly and that perhaps Steve lacks some business management skills. I think most of us can agree to this synopsis. Many people commented as to how they would improve SAS
The summary of all of these postings seems to be that SAS builds a decent (perhaps even unique) car but very slowly and that perhaps Steve lacks some business management skills. I think most of us can agree to this synopsis. Many people commented as to how they would improve SAS
Talked to Steve on Friday. When I asked him directly about any and all bankruptcy proceedings he explained that the personal bankruptcy was to protect his family. SAW, less than 10 days ago, delivered a beautiful black speedster to a customer who is just tickled to death to have it. After 30 years in the investment business I believe I understand risk: I also understand sniping just for the sake of it. If you don't like the odds stay out of the game. Otherwise give Steve the benefit of assessments based on the facts. I'm pullin for him. Don't give a rats a-- what any detractors may say or do.
Bob and Sarah
Bob and Sarah
Thanks for chiming in with that Bob. I am not a SAS customer, and since I am quite happy with my current car, not likely to be any time soon. Still, Steve has been very friendly and hospitable to me, providing some touch-up help during the BBQ we had there last October. He may or may not have issues in his business model, but he produces very fine cars, and I believe that he truly means well. I really don't understand why these threads keep popping up again and again unless it's a personal vendetta by some of those same folks who sued over street rods years ago and just can't let go. Give it up, guys!
Nolan - I don't know Steve Lawing personally, and I'm not out to get him in any way, but I think it's perfectly okay for guys considering doing business with SAS (Steve Lawing's current company name) to know what's being written and broadcast about him.
WATE/Knoxville is a television station. Their website link to the Lawing story (above) says, among other things, "In 2007 there were 10 lawsuits against Lawing. Now there are more than two dozen.
"Lawing has also been arrested at least twice. In at least one case, he pleaded guilty to theft of services and was ordered to pay restitution.
"Those seeking money back from Lawing now may have a tough time because he just filed for bankruptcy."
If any of that is tabloid bullshit and not true, then you're right to stand up for Steve and defend his name. In fact, Steve should sue WATE. Assuming what they put on their website was also broadcast on their station's news, the case for libel and/or slander seems solid.
But, if it is true, then people need to know what they're getting into should they be asked to send Steve a sizable check to start the admittedly very long build process. Since Steve Lawing is SAS, his filing personal bankruptcy is not the trivial matter you make it out to be. His current customers are holding the bag.
My guess is Steve filed personal bankruptcy because his company does not have sufficient assets to pay its bills (suppliers, creditors, customers), and he does not want litigants to sue past his business identity to him, personally. Either way, his current customers are adversely affected in that whatever their builds might need (pieces, parts, etc.) will be hard to come by without the cash to purchase them. You don't file bankruptcy to "protect your family." You file because you can't pay your bills.
WATE/Knoxville is a television station. Their website link to the Lawing story (above) says, among other things, "In 2007 there were 10 lawsuits against Lawing. Now there are more than two dozen.
"Lawing has also been arrested at least twice. In at least one case, he pleaded guilty to theft of services and was ordered to pay restitution.
"Those seeking money back from Lawing now may have a tough time because he just filed for bankruptcy."
If any of that is tabloid bullshit and not true, then you're right to stand up for Steve and defend his name. In fact, Steve should sue WATE. Assuming what they put on their website was also broadcast on their station's news, the case for libel and/or slander seems solid.
But, if it is true, then people need to know what they're getting into should they be asked to send Steve a sizable check to start the admittedly very long build process. Since Steve Lawing is SAS, his filing personal bankruptcy is not the trivial matter you make it out to be. His current customers are holding the bag.
My guess is Steve filed personal bankruptcy because his company does not have sufficient assets to pay its bills (suppliers, creditors, customers), and he does not want litigants to sue past his business identity to him, personally. Either way, his current customers are adversely affected in that whatever their builds might need (pieces, parts, etc.) will be hard to come by without the cash to purchase them. You don't file bankruptcy to "protect your family." You file because you can't pay your bills.
OK, I give up, think what you want about something and someone you don't even know, seen or have ever met.
John, I don
Charles, what specific parts of what WATE said about Steve are "incorrect?"
I'm not trying to be contentious; I really would like to know.
I'm not trying to be contentious; I really would like to know.
I understand the pope is considering Steve for sainthood....
Actually the Pope said it may take a while, the list is long but if he's got about 15 Large the line could shorten
Actually the Pope said it may take a while, the list is long but if he's got about 15 Large the line could shorten
John's post content is spot on and yes, there are some cars built by Steve out there and it is agreed what is produces in limited number is a decent vehicle. I personally wouldn't be ignorant enough to wave good bye to my hard earned funds for three years or more years in hopes that a car would be in production... someday. However the concern herein is the multitude of clients that have been left out to financially drip dry and could very well loose their shirt. That, is fact and the reason we have this forum and the opportunity to post these discussions.
John, I really don
Jim grab me a beer
Gerd, are you into Primo yet?
Charles...I was excommunicated from the catholic church many years ago, because I wasn't a very good catholic. I doubt the Pope cares about any of us....
You appear to insist on defending this guy, and dragging this thing on....now you want to tell us how most of this is the buyers fault..
Bull $hit....That is all part of the process, all the sellers go through those things, but I don't read $hit about them being arrested, etc...
The whole thing started when someone asked about SAS...It is part of this forum to inform potential buyers what sellers are available to them and our opinions of these sellers...it appears the truth has been told and you, and a few other SAS owners don't like what you hear. The past matters and what is currently happening also matters.
Anyone, who after reading this forum wants to deal with Steve, that is there decision...but they go in knowing the pitfalls...
Steve builds a great car, everyone agrees...he has no business sense,
everyone agrees....
seems to me this forum did it's job....
You appear to insist on defending this guy, and dragging this thing on....now you want to tell us how most of this is the buyers fault..
Bull $hit....That is all part of the process, all the sellers go through those things, but I don't read $hit about them being arrested, etc...
The whole thing started when someone asked about SAS...It is part of this forum to inform potential buyers what sellers are available to them and our opinions of these sellers...it appears the truth has been told and you, and a few other SAS owners don't like what you hear. The past matters and what is currently happening also matters.
Anyone, who after reading this forum wants to deal with Steve, that is there decision...but they go in knowing the pitfalls...
Steve builds a great car, everyone agrees...he has no business sense,
everyone agrees....
seems to me this forum did it's job....
Charles - you are correct. People have already taken sides.
At best, Steve Lawing is an innocent victim. At worst, he's a serial crook.
I'm going to step away from this discussion, and not chime in again if it recurs. But, I've got a feeling it will.
At best, Steve Lawing is an innocent victim. At worst, he's a serial crook.
I'm going to step away from this discussion, and not chime in again if it recurs. But, I've got a feeling it will.
John, Vince, Alan
OK.
OK.
Charles, Thank you for your compliment regards in my speedster hobby.
My role as well as posts by others within SOC discussion threads is to express our thoughts, experiences and ideas that provide a venue for additional dialog voicing opinions, purchase experiences, repair questions, improvements and overall ownership.
My role as well as posts by others within SOC discussion threads is to express our thoughts, experiences and ideas that provide a venue for additional dialog voicing opinions, purchase experiences, repair questions, improvements and overall ownership.
Based on my experience, SL is the type of guy who will piss in your pocket and then try to tell you that it's raining outside. Other than that I have zero problems with him.
225
Charles ill take that primo
OK, I give up!
What is primo (Primo)?
Cannabis?
Weird Scotch?
Something about women?
What is primo (Primo)?
Cannabis?
Weird Scotch?
Something about women?
If my guess is right, beer.
For a long time, Primo was the only Hawaiian brand. I think somebody sold it to a Mainland company in the 80s, in California somewhere, because that's when my grandfather stopped drinking it.
Used to come in brown bottles that were something along the lines of a Guinness bottle, with a blue King Kamehameha (long-dead Hawaiian king) on them.
For a long time, Primo was the only Hawaiian brand. I think somebody sold it to a Mainland company in the 80s, in California somewhere, because that's when my grandfather stopped drinking it.
Used to come in brown bottles that were something along the lines of a Guinness bottle, with a blue King Kamehameha (long-dead Hawaiian king) on them.
yep i assumed it was beer also
Cory is correct about the re-establishment on the mainland. I mentioned Primo to Gerd because he shows his location as Maui (Lahaina) and my wife is from Maui (Kihei) - 20 miles down the road.
http://www.primobeer.com/homePage.aspx
Perhaps Gerd can advise us of the latest joy juice on the islands.
http://www.primobeer.com/homePage.aspx
Perhaps Gerd can advise us of the latest joy juice on the islands.
Now THIS is a conversation that I can get into. Mmmmm... Beer
I lived in West Foster Village (off of Salt Lake, near Radford HS) as a kid.
My uncle used to live in Manoa Valley; he moved to WFV to look after the grandparents in their last dozen or so years.
Great place to grow up.
I'm assuming we've all had enough of the SAW/SAS thread?
Sorry for the hijack.
My uncle used to live in Manoa Valley; he moved to WFV to look after the grandparents in their last dozen or so years.
Great place to grow up.
I'm assuming we've all had enough of the SAW/SAS thread?
Sorry for the hijack.
CHARLES I HAVE HAWAII IN THERE AS VINCE AND MR BILL AND I ARE GOING THERE ON 09/19/10 AND I WANTED TO SEE IF ANYONE LIVED ON MAUI THAT WE COULD CONNECT UP WITH. FORGOT TO CHANGE MY ADDRESS BACK TO CALI
Gerd, the only Speedster that I know of on Maui is one of the SAS Speedsters in Kihei. But then, it might be a good chance for some of the Left Coast guys to see an SAS car. Perhaps this is not a good thread for this posting but you did bring the subject up. Bucky sometimes posts on SOC so I know he reads the forum from time to time.
Mmmmmmmmm, beer. Had some Brooklyn Oktoberfest on tap last night, yummy! This time of year, I'll drink anything, as long as it is Oktoberfest!
Steve Lawing? Who is that? I hear he occasionally builds a car or two. I got a ride in John Hallstrand's car, sweet ride. I like the mid-engine Suby concept, excellent execution is what matters. There is a lot of posting on the Spyderclub site about Greg Leach and Vintage Spyders. I have one of those and endured a waiting period about 2-3 times longer than promised. I was unhappy when lied to but ultimately am happy with the rolling kit bought, then assembled by me. I could have had a Beck almost immediately after my order. This was when Chuck still ran the business. In the end I liked some of the engineering of the Vintage better than the Beck. Carey has brought the Beck far forward with all the changes he has made since.
Steve Lawing? Who is that? I hear he occasionally builds a car or two. I got a ride in John Hallstrand's car, sweet ride. I like the mid-engine Suby concept, excellent execution is what matters. There is a lot of posting on the Spyderclub site about Greg Leach and Vintage Spyders. I have one of those and endured a waiting period about 2-3 times longer than promised. I was unhappy when lied to but ultimately am happy with the rolling kit bought, then assembled by me. I could have had a Beck almost immediately after my order. This was when Chuck still ran the business. In the end I liked some of the engineering of the Vintage better than the Beck. Carey has brought the Beck far forward with all the changes he has made since.