Jackson Jambalaya

 Shazam!  The JJ lawsuit detector found another lawsuit filed against The Vault and it's owner, Jerry Pass.  While other plaintiffs accuse Pass and Company of selling their cars on consignment and keeping the money, this plaintiff claims Pass sold him a classic Jaguar that just plain did not run even though he claimed it was in nearly perfect condition.  

1954 Jaguar XK 12 SE Roadster on Vault website

The story begins a year ago when Belmont, California resident William Musgrave bought a 1954 Jaguar XK 12 SE Roadster from Pass.  Musgrave claims he was concerned about the car's condition but Pass said it was "perfect in every way." 

Musgrave paid $160,000 for the Jaguar.  The sales agreement required Pass deliver the vehicle, a full detail, complete tool kit, and documents of ownership to Musgrave in California.  Unfortunately for the new Jaguar owner, the car was not in perfect shape and required an estimated $30,000 of repairs, including replacement of the transmission. 

Unable to obtain satisfaction from  Pass, Musgrave sued Pass, TheVaultMs.com, and Vault manager Shana Krapovicky in San Francisco County Superior Court in September 2025 but the defendants removed the lawsuit to federal court.  However, the original complaint provides more information about what allegedly took place.  The complaint states: 

On July 29, 2025, the Vehicle was delivered to Plaintiff in Belmont, California. Upon delivery and in subsequent use, Plaintiff discovered numerous defects and misrepresentations. The promised tool kit was incomplete, missing essential components such as the jack, pump, oil and grease guns, Thor hammer, and other tools. The delivery driver stated that he observed the driver-side door strap had been ripped off and stuffed into the crease of the passenger seat prior to loading the Vehicle for transport.Contrary to Defendants’ assurances, the Vehicle had not been fully detailed and arrived in poor cosmetic condition.

In the days that followed, Plaintiff documented additional and serious defects: overheating due to an empty radiator, fuel pooling beneath the car, carburetor malfunctions, fluid leaks, and nonfunctional or inaccurate gauges. Transmission defects included extensive whining in first gear and persistent grinding in all gears. These problems were not isolated or incidental; Defendants had attempted to conceal them before the sale by providing a video in which Defendant JD Pass falsely attributed the grinding noise to his “fat foot slipping off the pedal,” when in fact the defect occurred consistently in ordinary operation. Defendants also failed to provide the required ownership paperwork, preventing Plaintiff from registering, even properly insuring, or legally operating the Vehicle.

14. Plaintiff promptly notified Defendants via email on July 29, August 1, August 4, and August 6, 2025, demanding repairs (transmission and clutch replacement) or compensation totaling $30,000 (Attached hereto as Exhibit B). Plaintiff further emphasized that JD Pass had promised prior to purchase that if Plaintiff was not satisfied, Defendants would either correct all problems or provide a full refund. Plaintiff reasonably relied on these assurances when agreeing to purchase the Vehicle.

Jerry "J.D." Pass

 The plaintiff sent a demand that Pass pay Musgrave $32,500 for the repairs.  Musgrave spent $18,000 on repairs and "anticipated" the total repair bill would be over $30,000. 

The federal complaint alleges more problems: 

 24. Defendants failed to provide promised title and ownership documentation, including documents necessary for California registration, despite repeated written demands.

25. Defendants’ failure to deliver ownership documentation has prevented Plaintiff from registering or lawfully operating the Vehicle in California and caused substantial economic loss.

Pass did not respond nor did he pay the alleged damages.  

The complaint charges the The Vault with breach of contract and breach of express warranty.  The defendants are charged with fraud/intentional misrepresentation, violation of California Legal Remedies Act (Lemon law of sorts),  and violation of California Unfair Competition Law.   

The two sides sparred over jurisdiction but the plaintiff won that fight.  The defendant's counsel withdrew from the case and have not been replace.  The Court scheduled a Zoom conference for August 20. 

The list of lawsuits against the Vault alleging some type of fraud keeps getting longer and longer. 

* Michael Cooper of Atlanta sued The Vault and Pass in U.S. District Court on May 4.  The Vault was supposed to sell Cooper's 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Deluxe truck on consignment.  The lawsuit alleges Pass instead sold the vehicle and put the money from the sale in his pocket.  He offered a partial payment later when challenged by Cooper. Earlier post.

* Sheila Jenkins sued the defendants in 2024. The Vault was supposed to sell three cars for her, including a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. The Vault allegedly sold the cars without her consent and kept the money. The case is pending in Hinds County Circuit Court. Earlier post.

* Susan Vukovich sued Pass and The Vault in Rankin County Circuit Court in February.  The complaint states The Vault consigned to sell five Corvettes (1963-1967).  The defendants allegedly sold the cars and pocketed the money from the sales.  The case is pending. Earlier post.

* Jo Ann Bailey sued The Vault and Pass in Hinds County Circuit Court in April.  Bailey contracted with the defendants to sell her late husband's car collection.  The collection included Ferraris, Corvettes, and Lamborghinis. The complaint accuses the defendants of either selling the cars and keeping the sales proceeds or keeping the cars without returning them to Bailey.  The case is pending. 

* Timothy and Michele Fant, owners of Taste Italian Kitchen, sued Pass in Rankin County Circuit Court in June.  The Fants loaned Pass $1 million a year ago. Earlier post .