How a Porsche Owner Triumphed After 11 Years of Mechanic Drama

When Dr. Penelope Horlick, an anthropology professor at Oxford University, entrusted her beloved 1997 Porsche 911 Targa to a mechanic in 2010, she never imagined it would lead to an 11-year nightmare. What started as a simple repair job after a minor accident spiraled into a saga of unfulfilled promises, legal battles, and emotional distress.

Dr. Horlick had brought her rare Porsche to Jagjiwan Jhally of JJ Engineering, trusting him to repair the damage from the accident. She paid over $12,000 for the work, but delays and hostile responses soon replaced progress updates. For years, the car was held hostage, with the mechanic refusing to release it despite Dr. Horlick's patience and multiple attempts to retrieve her vehicle. At one point, he even claimed ownership, citing unpaid storage fees and other costs.

By 2016, Dr. Horlick sought alternative repair solutions, but the mechanic still refused to release the car. Then, in 2022, she awoke to find the stripped shell of her Porsche dumped outside her home, missing its engine, transmission, and other key parts. This act of vandalism, coupled with years of unprofessional conduct, led Dr. Horlick to take legal action.

The court ruled decisively in her favor, awarding her $152,000 in damages for breach of contract and the emotional toll the ordeal caused. The judge condemned the mechanic for his egregious behavior, emphasizing that the Porsche held significant value as both a prized possession and a symbol of Dr. Horlick's success. The case underscored the importance of consumer rights and the potential risks of entrusting valuable possessions to untrustworthy service providers.

Despite the victory, the saga isn't entirely over, with further court proceedings anticipated to determine the full extent of damages and appeals. For now, Dr. Horlick's perseverance serves as a reminder to car owners everywhere: always vet your mechanics carefully, and don't hesitate to pursue justice when wronged.

Cited Sources:

​TheDrive.com