A Tennessee car enthusiast thought he’d just embarked on a dream restoration. Instead, he found himself in a five-year ordeal that ended in court, accusations, and a car returned in worse condition than when it left his hands.
Kevin Bickley’s story begins in October 2020, when he entrusted his prized 1969 Mustang Mach 1 to a restoration shop in Sevierville. Car buffs know the Mach 1 isn’t just any classic. It was a highly sought-after model, and Bickley had a clear vision for its future.
He wanted a full transformation with modern upgrades, a fresh transmission, new wheels, a redesigned interior with orange accents, and a striking Grabber Orange paint finish that would turn heads.
At the time, the shop, Miller Performance and Restoration, appeared confident it could bring Bickley’s dream to life. A social media post even showcased the Mustang, promising a tasteful restoration. Bickley says he was told the project would take about six months, with a target completion date around Easter 2021. That timeline came and went.
Months turned into years.
Promises, Payments, and Endless Delays
According to Bickley, little meaningful progress was made on the car despite his repeated attempts to stay engaged. He visited the shop frequently, sometimes as often as a dozen times, even offering to help with the work himself without pay in hopes of speeding things up.
Photos taken during this period show the car sitting in the shop, largely untouched.
Meanwhile, the financial commitment kept growing. Bickley says he paid more than $24,000 for parts and labor. Receipts back up those payments, yet the promised transformation never materialized.
Communication from the shop owner, Corey Miller, became a cycle of delays and explanations. Text messages cited illness, staffing issues, and other setbacks. At one point, Miller reportedly said he had been hospitalized multiple times with pneumonia.
He also blamed challenges like workers quitting and broader disruptions such as COVID.
In 2023, after years of waiting, Bickley escalated the situation. Lawyers for both sides exchanged emails, and Miller agreed to prioritize the Mustang and complete the job. Still, deadlines continued to pass without results.
A Criminal Case, a Return, and a Car Stripped Down
The situation took a more serious turn in October 2023, when a Sevier County grand jury indicted Miller on multiple counts related to the alleged unlawful control of vehicles belonging to different customers. He was arrested on felony theft charges.
Despite the severity of those accusations, no trial had taken place by the time Bickley finally retrieved his car.
That moment came on December 30, 2025, more than five years after the Mustang was first dropped off.
What Bickley got back was not the restored classic he had envisioned. Instead, he says the car was in worse condition than before. Parts were missing, including doors, suspension components, and other key elements.
The vehicle had been stripped down, leaving Bickley questioning what had happened to the pieces that were removed.
He is not alone. Another customer, Jeff Ratliff, shared a similar experience involving a 1956 Ford F100 truck. Ratliff says he paid over $25,000 for upgrades that were never completed. After ten months with little progress, he also had to take legal action to recover his vehicle.
Miller disputes the claims. He maintains that restoration work takes time and insists he did nothing wrong. He argues that there were unpaid invoices and claims Bickley could have picked up the car years earlier. Bickley strongly denies that, saying he fulfilled his financial obligations.
Now, the case sits at the intersection of customer frustration and legal scrutiny. With felony charges still pending and multiple customers speaking out, what began as a routine restoration project has become a cautionary tale.
The 1969 Mustang Mach 1: A Collector’s Prize
The 1969 Mustang Mach 1 was Ford’s first true high-performance Mustang. Introduced as a performance-oriented trim above the GT, the Mach 1 flaunted potent V8 options, including the 351 Windsor, 428 Cobra Jet, and even the Super Cobra Jet with Ram Air.
It also flaunted distinctive matte-black hood treatment, hood scoop, racing-style side stripes, and chrome pop-open gas cap that gave it a race-ready look. The inside showcased deluxe interior with wood-grain accents, high-back bucket seats, and unique badging that elevated it above standard Mustangs.
This car helped cement Mustang’s reputation as a muscle car icon. It didn’t just outsell the GT; it set the stage for later performance models. That said, the car remains a blue-chip muscle car investment, with values strong enough to justify restoration expenses—provided originality and quality are maintained.
Full restorations often exceed $40,000–$60,000, although that depends on originality and parts availability. In fact, custom upgrades can push costs higher. Unlike many classic cars, the Mach 1’s collector demand means well-executed restorations usually hold or increase value.
Still, there’s a risk factor. Over-customization (non-original parts, modern mods) can reduce collector appeal, meaning money spent doesn’t always translate to higher resale value. If Bickley’s upgrades were faithful to the Mach 1’s heritage (e.g., performance engine, period-correct styling), the investment likely aligned with market appreciation. If heavily modified, resale value may lag behind costs.
Bickley’s spending may have felt excessive at the time, but in today’s market, a well-restored Mach 1 is worth every penny. Well-preserved examples can fetch between $50,000 and $100,000, with rare or concours-level restorations selling for much more. For Bickley, the focus now shifts to rebuilding what was lost. Not just the car, but the trust that went with it.