Memphis Mechanic Arrested for Classic Car Theft
A 76-year-old shop owner was charged after customers found their classic Mustangs abandoned and stripped of parts.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Garner Kirkendoll, the owner of Classic Mustang Specialist on Pleasant View Road in Memphis, was arrested for property theft. Customers reported finding their vehicles abandoned and missing valuable components after the business closed.
Why it matters
The case highlights the significant financial risks faced by owners of classic vehicles when entrusting them to specialized repair shops. Victims in this case reported thousands of dollars in losses due to uncompleted labor and missing parts.
One victim reported total financial losses of $19,809.67, including $11,172 in labor costs and $8,637.67 for parts that never arrived. Another customer had paid $7,000 for work on a 1965 Ford Mustang.
The players
Garner Kirkendoll
The 76-year-old former owner of the Classic Mustang Specialist shop in Memphis faces multiple theft charges.
Andrea Bailey
A customer who reported losing over $19,000 in combined payments for labor and parts that were never provided.
The details
Kirkendoll allegedly abandoned customer vehicles in various parking lots throughout the Memphis area. Investigators found that original parts were systematically removed from the cars and replaced with inferior aftermarket components.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The reported theft case was published.
Roadmap
This incident reflects broader vulnerabilities in the niche classic car restoration market, where specialized knowledge creates high barriers for consumer oversight. As owners look to maintain vehicles valued between $10,000 and $85,000, the reliance on independent repair shops remains a critical point of potential friction.
Owners seeking restoration work should verify shop credentials and request itemized parts invoices before transferring funds. This case serves as a warning for drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles when left at third-party repair facilities for extended periods.
The takeaway
Always maintain detailed records of all payments and communications when commissioning specialized vehicle restoration. Regular physical inspections of a vehicle at the shop can help catch discrepancies in progress or parts replacement early.
Further reading
For more information on the industry, visit the Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HotCars.
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