When I lived in Panama I had a neighbor who owned a "business" called Super Replicas. Through a giant coincidence I came to realize that I had once met this man in 1996 in Utah. I went undercover, and I did my best to befriend him and earn his trust so that he would let me make a video "advertising" Super Replicas. Really I just wanted to reveal the truth about the cars they make.
Now that my wife and I are out of the country I can finally tell this story.
Here are a few links to stories I was interviewed for, but couldn't be quoted as a source until now. A new story will be coming out later today with the undercover video I shot.
http://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-religious-extremist-scam-artist-and-accuse-458784578
http://jalopnik.com/meet-the-internet-frauds-who-want-to-sell-you-a-top-gea-456281683
http://jalopnik.com/even-more-proof-that-super-replicas-is-a-scam-457106632
It's frustrating to me that someone like this can continue to operate in Panama while stealing/scamming money from people all over the world.
Replies
http://jalopnik.com/exclusive-video-the-worlds-shadiest-supercar-co...
Steve, what happened?
In my experience replica cars are a very bad idea anyway. They invariably have shoddy workmanship. You take a real chance with your life and other peoples whenever you get behind the wheel of one. And they are pretty difficult to insure. All that risk to look good? No thank you.
Ryan, I love your videos mate. It's a real shame you're no longer in Panama, I would have loved to meet you and shake your hand and buy you something from sugar and spice. Your videos really helped me choose Boquete over other destinations that I looked at.
I wish you all the best.