Selling a high-value vehicle isn’t like selling an everyday commuter car. These aren’t transactions driven solely by utility or budget—they’re often tied to passion, collectibility, and significant financial stakes. For owners of exotic, rare, or enthusiast-grade vehicles, finding the right buyer takes more than posting on a classifieds site. That’s why many turn to consignment: a hands-off option where a dealer markets and sells the car on your behalf, often promising top dollar without the hassle.
But what seems like a simple solution can come with serious risks.
When you hand over your car—sometimes even the title—to a third party, you’re putting immense trust in that person or dealership. And as the now-infamous CNC Motors case revealed, that trust can be catastrophically misplaced. Based in Upland, California, CNC Motors once appeared to be a top-tier exotic dealer—until dozens of consignors came forward claiming their cars had been sold without payment or, worse, had disappeared entirely.
The scandal became a wake-up call to collectors across the country.
This post explores the hidden risks of consignment—and why new, transparent alternatives like Reserve Lane are changing the game for serious sellers who refuse to compromise.
For years, CNC Motors appeared to be a shining example of how exotic car sales could be done right. Based in Upland, California, the dealership built a gleaming reputation on its sprawling inventory of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and McLarens. Their showroom was polished, their marketing professional, and their online presence reassuringly slick. CNC became a known name in exotic car circles across the country—not only among buyers but also among sellers.
A large part of CNC’s success stemmed from consignment. Car owners—many of them collectors or investors—trusted CNC to take possession of their vehicles, market them to a global audience, and negotiate top-dollar sales. On the surface, it was a win-win: the seller avoided the hassle, and CNC earned a commission without owning the inventory. The model worked, until it didn’t.
In early 2021, the cracks began to show. More than a dozen individuals started coming forward online, reporting that their vehicles had been sold by CNC—but they hadn’t received payment. Others discovered their cars were missing altogether. Some had turned over titles to CNC in anticipation of a sale, only to realize the car had been sold without their knowledge or consent.
As more victims spoke out, the pattern became clear. CNC was operating on a dangerous financial edge. It appeared the dealership had been using proceeds from new sales to cover old debts or delayed payments—a tactic that quickly spiraled out of control when cash flow dried up. Some buyers also reported paying for cars that never materialized, or receiving vehicles without proper paperwork or title.
The stories circulated on enthusiast forums, YouTube exposés, and local news outlets. Eventually, the spotlight became too bright to ignore.
In November 2023, CNC Motors’ founder, Clayton Thom, was charged with multiple counts of grand theft, embezzlement, and tax fraud. According to the Daily Bulletin, Thom is accused of defrauding customers of more than $5.6 million, failing to pay over $1 million in sales tax, and orchestrating a long-running scheme that left dozens of consignors and buyers financially devastated.
The criminal complaint painted a damning picture: cars sold without authorization, proceeds pocketed instead of paid to sellers, and a complete breakdown of business ethics.
The consequences were swift and severe—but not for everyone.
Sellers whose vehicles had been sold without payment were left scrambling. Some tried to sue CNC, but with the company insolvent and facing criminal proceedings, their odds of financial recovery were slim. Buyers who had purchased cars without receiving titles found themselves in legal limbo. Even banks and lienholders were affected, as vehicles were sold before loan obligations were cleared.
The emotional toll was just as significant. Owners who had spent years curating collections watched their prized cars disappear. In several cases, vehicles worth well over $100,000 simply vanished—with little more than an apologetic email or radio silence in return.
CNC’s once-pristine reputation collapsed. YouTubers like “Hoovie’s Garage” and others in the exotic car community released exposés that drew hundreds of thousands of views. Forums like FerrariChat and Rennlist became hotbeds of discussion, with users sharing warnings, screenshots, and firsthand horror stories.
And while Thom now faces legal consequences, many sellers still feel justice hasn't truly been served. Most will never recover the full value of their vehicles—or the trust they placed in a system that was supposed to protect them.
The CNC Motors scandal is now viewed as one of the most high-profile consignment fraud cases in the enthusiast car world. But what makes it even more alarming is this: CNC was not a back-alley operation. It was glossy, established, and seemingly legitimate.
For many sellers, that’s the scariest part.
Consignment has long been pitched as a convenient, low-effort way to sell a high-end vehicle. The dealer handles the listing, fielding of buyers, and closing of the sale—while the seller waits for a check. But underneath that polished pitch is a system built on informal agreements, minimal oversight, and trust that’s often unearned. The CNC Motors scandal was an extreme case, but it exposed systemic issues that make traditional consignment fundamentally risky—especially for high-value assets.
One of the most immediate concerns with consignment is the complete loss of control. Sellers routinely hand over not just their car, but often the title and all supporting documentation. In doing so, they surrender leverage. The vehicle is no longer in their possession. If the dealer makes poor decisions—or acts dishonestly—the seller is left with few options to intervene.
Worse, many dealers reserve the right to manage pricing strategy, field offers, and negotiate final terms. Some may even reduce the asking price or accept a lower offer without consulting the seller first. For anyone selling a vehicle worth six figures, this dynamic introduces an unacceptable level of risk.
The auto consignment business is surprisingly under-regulated. Unlike real estate agents or financial advisors—who operate under strict fiduciary guidelines—car dealers are not required to act in the best interest of the consignor. There is no nationally recognized licensing or ethics board for consignment specialists. In most states, dealers can operate consignment programs with little more than a business license.
That lack of oversight creates an ideal environment for abuse. Even dealers who appear legitimate may use vague contracts, make verbal-only promises, or avoid clear documentation altogether. The legal gray area gives unscrupulous businesses room to manipulate the process with little fear of consequence.
Even in seemingly legitimate deals, delayed payments are common. Some dealers will wait days or even weeks after a sale before disbursing funds. In worst-case scenarios, dealers sell the vehicle and never pay the seller—either due to cash flow issues, disorganization, or outright fraud.
It’s also common for dealers to deduct additional “expenses” from the seller’s payout without clear explanation. Because many consignment agreements don’t require real-time reporting or transparency, the seller may have no way of knowing how much the car sold for—or what fees were subtracted along the way.
When delays stretch into months, or communication breaks down entirely, sellers are often forced to pursue legal action just to get answers.
Unfortunately, when a consignment deal goes bad, legal recourse is rarely quick or easy. Filing a lawsuit is expensive, time-consuming, and jurisdiction-specific. If the dealership is in a different state, the seller may need to hire an attorney licensed in that state and travel to court if the matter escalates.
And what if the dealership closes its doors or files for bankruptcy in the meantime? In that case, the seller may find themselves one of many unsecured creditors—waiting in line behind banks and tax authorities to recover what’s owed, with little hope of full repayment.
Even when there’s a clear breach of contract, enforcement is often slow, and by the time a judgment is issued, the vehicle or funds may already be gone.
Perhaps the most dangerous misconception in consignment is that reputation equals security. High-end showrooms, glossy websites, and glowing Yelp reviews can mask underlying financial instability or unethical behavior. CNC Motors looked every bit the part of a top-tier exotic dealership—until it became a case study in fraud.
Scammers know how to dress the part, and even well-meaning businesses can collapse under poor management. In an industry with minimal regulatory friction, there’s often no early warning when things begin to go wrong.
That’s why trust alone isn’t enough. Sellers need a system built on transparency, control, and accountability—especially when six-figure vehicles are on the line.
Regardless of whether you're selling a six-figure car through a traditional consignment dealer, an online platform, or a modern alternative like Reserve Lane, you should never go into a transaction without clear protections. The risks of high-value vehicle sales are too great to leave to chance or trust alone. Sellers must set clear expectations and demand transparency at every stage. Here are five non-negotiables that should be present in any sale agreement or partnership.
Before handing over your keys—or even beginning the listing process—you should have a clearly written agreement that outlines the full scope of services, all associated fees, timelines, and any contingency clauses. This contract should specify who is responsible for what, when funds will be dispersed, and what happens if the vehicle doesn't sell within the expected time frame.
Vague, one-page consignment forms with generic language are a red flag. If a dealer or service refuses to put terms in writing, or pushes for verbal-only arrangements, walk away. Written contracts are your first line of defense.
In nearly every major consignment scandal—including CNC Motors—sellers turned over their titles early in the process. That’s a critical mistake.
Unless required by the specific sale channel (e.g., some auction platforms), the seller should retain the title until the sale is complete and full payment has cleared. Retaining the title gives you leverage and legal ownership if something goes wrong. It also prevents unauthorized transfers and limits your exposure if the vehicle is mishandled or misrepresented.
If the platform requires that the title be submitted ahead of time, ask for a written explanation, secure documentation, and confirmation that it's being held—not transferred—prior to sale.
Another area where traditional consignment often fails is in transparency. Sellers are frequently kept in the dark about the actual sale price, the identity of the buyer, and how much they’ll receive after all deductions.
You should always know the final sale amount, how much you’re being paid, and a breakdown of any fees or expenses deducted from the sale. You should also receive the buyer’s information and the payment timeline in writing. This isn't just about trust—it’s about accountability.
Sellers should never feel locked into a consignment or listing agreement indefinitely. A legitimate service or dealer will offer a clear opt-out clause allowing you to withdraw your vehicle from the process without penalties or retaliation.
This protects you if the vehicle isn't getting traction, if communication breaks down, or if you simply change your mind. If a business pushes back on this clause, it’s worth asking why—and reconsidering the relationship.
Finally, if your vehicle is going to be stored off-site during the sales process, you have every right to know where it will be kept and how it will be protected. Ask for documentation on the storage location (garage, showroom, warehouse), security protocols, and proof of insurance coverage while the car is in their possession.
You should never assume your vehicle is covered by their policy—get it in writing. One mishap could lead to major financial loss if the right protections aren’t in place.
The risks of traditional consignment aren’t theoretical—they’re real, and for too many high-value vehicle owners, they’ve proven costly. Reserve Lane was created specifically to eliminate those risks while delivering the professional support sellers need to navigate online platforms like Bring a Trailer, PCarMarket, and others.
Our model is built for serious sellers of $100K+ vehicles who want control, transparency, and results—without handing over the keys to a dealership. Here’s how Reserve Lane does it differently.
Traditional consignment dealers typically take 8–10% or more of the final sale price. That means the more your car sells for, the more they make—yes—but it also creates a perverse incentive to close quickly, even at a discount. In many cases, consignors are pressured to accept lower offers so the dealer can move inventory and get paid, regardless of your goals.
Reserve Lane takes a different approach: we charge a flat fee based on the level of service you need, and that’s it. Whether your car sells for $110,000 or $560,000, our pricing stays the same. This structure means we’re never motivated to push lowball offers just to close a deal—we're aligned with your interests from day one.
You get the full sale proceeds (minus platform fees), with no surprise deductions or shifting incentives.
One of the most fundamental principles of Reserve Lane is that you retain control over your asset at all times.
We never take possession of your vehicle unless absolutely required by the listing platform—and in those rare cases, we ensure clear, documented agreements are in place. In the vast majority of listings, your car stays in your garage or with your preferred storage partner. That means no risk of it being driven, mishandled, or sold without your knowledge.
And when it comes to ownership, your title stays with you. Unlike many dealers who require the title to be signed over upfront, we don’t touch the title until the transaction is complete and funds are secure. It’s your car until you say otherwise.
Selling a high-end vehicle on enthusiast platforms requires more than just posting a few photos and hoping for the best. It takes a curated, strategic approach—and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Reserve Lane acts like your high-end showroom team. We manage every aspect of the listing process with the care and polish you’d expect from a luxury dealership—but without taking control of the asset. Our services include:
We handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on decision-making—not managing logistics or dealing with tire-kickers.
One of the most dangerous parts of traditional consignment is the financial handling. Sellers are often left waiting for funds to be “processed” or disbursed by the dealer—if they come at all. The CNC Motors scandal showed exactly how dangerous this can be.
Reserve Lane eliminates this risk completely. We never collect, hold, or distribute sale proceeds. Payment always goes directly to you, either through the auction platform (e.g., Bring a Trailer’s secure payment system) or directly from the buyer in private sale transactions.
This removes a major point of failure and ensures you never have to worry about where your money is—or when it’s coming.
We’re not a generalist service trying to be everything to everyone. Reserve Lane exists specifically to serve sellers of premium, enthusiast, and collector vehicles priced at $100,000 and up. Our entire process is tailored to the unique needs of this market segment.
From determining the right reserve to choosing the most appropriate platform and crafting a visual strategy that gets attention, we bring years of collector-car experience to the table. We understand what buyers expect and how to present your vehicle in a way that drives interest and maximizes value.
This specialization also means we’re tuned into the nuances of the space: market trends, buyer psychology, comment thread dynamics, and even seasonal shifts that impact performance.
You’re not just another VIN in a sea of listings—we know how to make your vehicle stand out to the right audience at the right time.
Reserve Lane isn’t just an alternative to traditional consignment—it’s a smarter, safer, and more transparent way to sell a high-value vehicle. With flat-fee pricing, seller-first policies, and premium-level support, we’ve created a model that prioritizes what matters most: control, clarity, and confidence.
Whether you're looking to list your vintage Ferrari on Bring a Trailer, a 911 on PCarMarket, or test the waters with a fixed-price listing, Reserve Lane gives you the tools and team to get it done right.
Because selling a six-figure car shouldn’t feel risky—it should feel rewarding.
Traditional consignment might still work for some sellers—but it’s absolutely not the right fit for everyone. If you fall into any of the following categories, Reserve Lane offers a safer, more transparent path tailored to your needs and concerns.
Selling a vehicle on enthusiast platforms like Bring a Trailer or PCarMarket is nothing like listing your daily driver on Craigslist. There are unspoken rules, presentation standards, and buyer expectations that can overwhelm first-time sellers. From photography to documentation to comment management, getting it right is a full-time job. Reserve Lane simplifies the entire experience, giving you professional support without requiring a learning curve.
If you’re selling a vehicle valued at $100K or more—or one that’s rare, historic, or heavily modified—you can’t afford to cut corners. These vehicles demand a specialized audience and a strategic listing approach. Reserve Lane was built with these kinds of cars in mind. We don’t just help you list—we help you position and protect what is often a prized asset.
For many sellers, the idea of giving a dealer physical possession of their vehicle or transferring the title before payment clears feels risky—and it is. At Reserve Lane, your car stays with you unless the platform requires otherwise, and your title is never signed over until the deal is done. This gives you peace of mind and full control throughout the process.
Selling remotely only increases your exposure to risk. If your car is stored out of state, you may be unable to monitor its condition, confirm how it’s being represented, or react quickly if something goes wrong. Reserve Lane’s structure is ideal for out-of-state sellers: we handle everything virtually, while you remain in control of your asset.
If you've been scammed, underpaid, or misled by a dealer before—whether through consignment or a wholesale deal—you know how costly misplaced trust can be. Reserve Lane exists specifically to provide an alternative. Transparent pricing, clear agreements, and zero middlemen make us the better option for sellers who’ve been through the wringer and want to do it right this time.
The CNC Motors scandal wasn’t just an unfortunate exception—it was a wake-up call. For years, car enthusiasts and collectors have trusted dealerships to handle high-value sales, often with little more than a handshake and a promise. The consequences, as we've seen, can be devastating.
But the solution isn’t to avoid selling altogether. It’s to sell smarter.
Reserve Lane was created to provide sellers with a better way—one that protects their assets, respects their time, and maximizes their return. With transparent flat-fee pricing, professional representation, and a process built for modern platforms like Bring a Trailer and PCarMarket, we offer all the support of a showroom—without the risk.
Whether you’re parting with a $100K+ sports car, a rare collector piece, or your dream build, you deserve a selling experience that feels as premium as the vehicle itself. At Reserve Lane, that’s what we deliver.
Ready to sell your vehicle without handing over the keys—or the control?
👉 Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation to discuss your listing strategy with Reserve Lane.
Explore our services:
🔹 Auction Concierge – Full-service support for enthusiast platforms like Bring a Trailer and PCarMarket
🔹 Private Sale Management – Fixed-price listings for sellers who want control, discretion, and serious buyers only
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