A Palm Beach County man says he has spent nearly two years trying to figure out what happened to his prized Mercedes after it vanished following a tow from his apartment complex.
Ehsan Bassam told CBS12 that he left his 2008 Mercedes SL65 AMG in the garage at his Riverstone apartment complex while traveling out of state to care for his sick father. When he returned, the luxury vehicle was gone.
Bassam said the car was much more than just transportation. The rare model featured a V12 twin turbo engine and was considered one of the fastest automatic production cars of its era.
“They don’t make these kinds of cars anymore,” Bassam told CBS12.
According to Bassam, he received no warning that his vehicle would be towed while he was away dealing with his family emergency. By the time he returned to South Florida, he says the Mercedes had disappeared and the search for answers had only begun.
Tow Records and Auction Documents Raise Concerns
Bassam said his investigation revealed that the car had been removed from the apartment complex by Anytime Towing. He later learned the Mercedes had reportedly been sold at auction.
However, the owner says he has been unable to determine exactly where the vehicle ended up.
Documents reviewed by CBS12 showed conflicting information regarding the sale and ownership history. Bassam claims several records do not add up and that he has encountered roadblocks while trying to trace the car’s whereabouts.
The rare Mercedes, which had sentimental value and represented years of ownership, remains missing.
Bassam believes the circumstances surrounding the disappearance deserve closer scrutiny and says he has spent countless hours attempting to recover information about the vehicle.
Despite his efforts, he says he still has more questions than answers.
Police and Legal Authorities Are Reviewing the Case
The unusual disappearance has attracted the attention of law enforcement and legal authorities.
West Palm Beach police have been investigating the matter, while prosecutors have also reviewed aspects of the case. According to CBS12, questions remain about whether all procedures connected to the tow and subsequent sale were properly followed.
Bassam said he has provided investigators with documents and records he believes could help determine what happened.
The case highlights the complexities that can arise when vehicles are towed and eventually sold, especially when owners are away and unaware that action has been taken.
While towing companies have legal mechanisms to dispose of unclaimed vehicles, disputes sometimes arise over notification requirements and paperwork.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges, and the investigation remains ongoing as officials continue examining the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Owner Refuses To Give up Hope of Finding the Car
Even after nearly two years, Bassam says he has not lost hope that his Mercedes may one day be recovered.
The 2008 SL65 AMG is a rare model, making it easier to recognize than many other vehicles. Bassam hopes someone who sees the car or has information about its location will come forward.
For him, the issue goes beyond financial loss. The Mercedes represented a passion for exotic automobiles and years of memories.
He says the experience has been frustrating and emotionally exhausting, particularly because it unfolded while he was dealing with a serious family situation.
Bassam continues to seek answers and wants accountability for what happened.
As the investigation continues, one question remains unanswered: where is the missing Mercedes?
Until that mystery is solved, Bassam says he will continue searching for the car he never expected to lose.