Posted on 12/03/2017 2:29:07 AM PST by LibWhacker
Ford Motor Co. is laying the legal smack down on WWE star John Cena.
The automaker on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the pro wrestler after Cena resold his 2017 Liquid Blue Ford GT supercar less than a month after owning it, breaking a contract that said the vehicle couldn't be flipped until two years after purchase.
Ford is seeking damages in excess of $75,000. It wants to buy back the vehicle for the price Cena paid ($463,376.50) and is seeking whatever profit Cena made off it.
"Upon information and belief, Mr. Cena has unfairly made a large profit from the unauthorized resale flip of the vehicle, and Ford has suffered additional damages and losses, including, but not limited to, loss of brand value, ambassador activity, and customer goodwill due to the improper sale," the automaker said in the lawsuit.
Ford last April instituted a rigorous application process for the first 500 supercars, which cost about $450,000 each. Ford at the time made clear that it would favor current GT owners as well as celebrities and influencers to ensure the cars would be seen and driven rather than stored in a museum or resold at high markups.
The lawsuit said Ford considered "each applicant's interest in Ford cars, specifically the GT and in collectible cars generally, each applicant's relationship with Ford, if any, and each applicant's involvement in the motorsports community, if any."
Cena completed his application on or about April 14, the lawsuit said. He reportedly said that the GT would go "to an owner who truly deserved it and would care properly for the car," and included photos and videos of himself promoting high-end cars.
Cena was approved, and paid for the vehicle in two installments, the last coming on Sept. 21. His vehicle was delivered to Elder Ford in Tampa, Fla., on Sept. 23.
Shortly thereafter, he recorded a four-minute video for his vlog, "John Cena: Auto Geek," in which he drives the GT out from the dealership.
He sold the car a few weeks later, the lawsuit says,"to liquidate for cash to take care of expenses."
Ford contacted him about it, and he allegedly apologized, saying "I completely understand and as stated am willing to work with you and Ford to make it right."
Cena is among a host of high-profile celebrities to get the supercar. Others include Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who posted a photo on Twitter earlier this month of his car. It's Ingot Silver with a white racing stripe.
Ford's top executives, including Chairman Bill Ford and President of Global Operations Joe Hinrichs have GTs. Former CEO Mark Fields is among the lucky buyers, too.
The three all chose the red-white-blue racing livery for their vehicles.
Yes, it is.
“Ford may have been better off pretending this cretin had done nothing wrong.”
That is precisely how our Nation has slipped nearly to destruction; By pretending that the Clintons, Comeys, Holders and Muellers, et al, have done nothing wrong.
“Ford may have been better off pretending this cretin had done nothing wrong.”
That is precisely how our Nation has slipped nearly to destruction; By pretending that the Clintons, Comeys, Holders and Muellers, et al, have done nothing wrong.
That was so interesting!
Was only able to watch half but hope to finish it this afternoon after church. Thanks for posting it.
Good businessmen deal squarely with someone. You buy it....it’s yours.
In this specific situation, people will think, “Oh, it’s just a big, bad corporation. Who cares if they lose money?”
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How are they losing money? They got their sales price.
> Jeremy Clarkson bought the same type of car years ago and went on a non stop tirade on Top Gear about what a useless piece of crap it was and he too got rid of it.
That was the 2005 one, which completed an equally unstoried career in racing. The new one has won Le Mans and IMSA.
It was an advertising investment, like any other celebrity sponsorship. If the celebrity doesn’t go through with the contract, he should return the sponsor’s money.
The Ford GT, or this particular deal?
If you mean the Ford GT, it is a well known super car to commemorate the historically significant GT40, consecutive four-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1966-1969), including a 1-2-3 finish in 1966.
If you are talking about this particular deal, then I agree.
Cena signed the contract. That is as square as it gets.
Do you sign contacts with no intent of honoring your word?
Alabama should be in. Maybe it has something to do with all those National champ wins. Small print: I went to Auburn and live in Alabama. Roll Eagle! No bias here:)
I’m surprised at John Cena...always thought he was a stand-up guy. But a contract is a contract.
In Cena’s defense...”Ford contacted him about it, and he allegedly apologized, saying “I completely understand and as stated am willing to work with you and Ford to make it right.””
Also have to ask...how does a guy as big as “pro-wrastler” John Cena even get in one of those things?
Did he take a loan?
I buy a car, a house, a piece of land it’s MINE. If he paid cash, it’s his.
The state he lives in gives him an unencumbered title. The seller should take it up with the state who gave him said title.
You lawyers are the real thieves. You make up a phony language and keep it like a fraternal organization keeps its secret passwords. I’ve dealt with the ridiculous usurious fees that are charged for this bogus translation. Making a living bilking the public. It’s the basis of THE SWAMP.
Great video!
Judging by my screen name, do you think I’m a lawyer?
You sign a contract or you dont get the car.No ifs ands or buts.Ford is in the right.
BULLFEATHERS
I’m going to guess you aren’t a lawyer or a business owner...
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