Rodd Sala Parkward-Motors The Park-Ward Motors Museum Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists Buyer BEWARE! Rodd Sala/Parkward-Motors not truthful regarding condition of Rolls-Royce. Unethical behavior following purchase Crystal Lake Illinois

Buyer Beware!!

We went to Illinois and visited Rod Sala at Park-Ward Motors in Crystal Lake Illinois.  Mr. Sala showed us many cars and shared many stories to earn our trust for future purchase. We were comfortable when he touted the thoroughness of his pre-check inspection prior to any purchase as he does not permit independent pre-purchase inspection. We were thrilled when he called and had a beautiful 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche fixed-head coupe which we agreed to a purchase price.  

Rod promised that “Under the care of our team, the car will be fully work-shop tested……… using our complete pre-delivery commissioning.”  He told us the veneer was in excellent condition. All interior features and functions are fully operational, including all electrics dash, seats, gages, clock, etc.” He advertised the car as mechanically in superior condition.

Mr. Sala was not truthful.  Buyer BEWARE!

The car arrived and indeed is beautiful. However on the maiden outing with the car numerous issues became immediately available.

• Front driver window made noise going up and down
• Front right (passenger) window had failed internal relay
• Left rear quarter window barely functioned and rachets in either direction
• Right rear quarter window inoperable; broken gear saddle (no parts available)
• Both rear windows have worm gear issues and gear box loose
• Clock not operable
• Oil gage not functioning
• Dash instrument gage lights non functional
• Left-side headlamp was not working
• Brake issues required repairs with new break line to be installed
• We were told veneer excellent condition: both back quarter door caps cracked, chipped and down to raw wood in many places
• Following post purchase inspection there were engine pieces under the bonnet connected with a paperclip

Our Story`      

On the first outing with car we called Rod because of the window problems. After many attempts Mr. Sala told us to simply get the windows repaired and “he would take care of the bill”.  When that was done, he refused to pay the bill from the certified repair shop in Tempe Arizona. We have multiple texts from Rod prior to our finding a qualified Rolls Royce mechanic assuring us he would cover the cost. He did not. He paid part of the bill and we had to pay the rest of the bill in order to get the car released.

As of this writing the rear windows still do not operate. They require parts that are difficult to find. Mr. Sala at one point offered parts from a similar car in his shop. He never came through with that either.

Since purchasing the car from Rod Sala we have spent over $9,000. to bring the car even close to the condition Rodd promised.  Of course, this does not include the rear windows (cost to be determined). In addition, we are moving forward with refinishing the veneer in order to have in the condition we expected. That repair will be several thousands of dollars.

We were very saddened by the untruths and unethical behavior of Mr Sala and cannot recommend Park-Ward motors.  Ultimately, we take responsibility for our misjudgement of his character and should have identified as a red flag his policy of no pre purchase independent inspection.  We are most frustrated and disappointed by the experience.