Owner Arrested After Classic Mustang Shop Abandoned Cars

Memphis customers reported finding their classic cars stripped of parts after their mechanic closed his shop.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Auto Parts

Owner Arrested After Classic Mustang Shop Abandoned Cars

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Do you trust your local mechanic enough to leave your vehicle there for a major project?

Garner Kirkendoll, 76, was arrested for theft after customers at the Classic Mustang Specialist on Pleasant View Road discovered their vehicles had been abandoned. Multiple owners found their cars stripped of valuable components and replaced with cheap aftermarket alternatives.

Why it matters

When a specialized repair shop closes abruptly, owners of high-value classic vehicles can face significant financial losses and damage to their property. These incidents highlight the risks of leaving restoration projects with independent operators without verified escrow or timeline safeguards.

Owner Garner Kirkendoll faces theft charges ranging from $2,500 up to $60,000. One customer, Andrea Bailey, reported a total loss of $19,809.67, including $11,172 in labor and $8,637.67 for parts that never arrived.

The players

Garner Kirkendoll

The 76-year-old owner of the Classic Mustang Specialist shop in Memphis who faces felony theft charges.

Andrea Bailey

A customer who reported nearly $20,000 in losses due to uncompleted labor and undelivered parts for her vehicle.

The details

The owner allegedly closed the business and left customer vehicles in various parking lots. Investigators found that high-quality components were removed from the classic Mustangs and substituted with inexpensive aftermarket parts. Restoration projects, which often involve vehicles valued between $10,000 and $85,000, were left in a state of disrepair.

October 13, 2026: The article was published detailing the shop's closure and subsequent arrest.

The Home Front

This case reflects a recurring pattern of risk where specialized, small-batch restoration shops lack the operational oversight of larger repair networks. Such closures often mirror broader trends in small business insolvency where vehicle owners become unsecured creditors during shop shutdowns.

If you have a vehicle currently at a restoration shop, verify the status of your parts and request a detailed inventory of what has been installed. For any ongoing long-term projects, ensure you have a written contract that specifies progress payments and allows for regular, onsite inspections.

The takeaway

When dealing with specialty car restoration, always prioritize shops that provide itemized invoices for parts as they arrive. If your vehicle is in storage, schedule periodic check-ins to monitor the condition of the car and ensure that specified components are being installed throughout the process.