Formula One champion Jenson Button is currently embroiled in a legal dispute after being accused of fraudulently selling a prized 1970 Ford Bronco for $166,000 at an auction.
The accusation states that Button falsely claimed ownership of the vehicle when it actually belonged to his then-girlfriend, Brittny Ward, a US model.
The controversy began when Button listed the dark blue truck for sale on the Collecting Cars website in January 2022, stating in the advertisement that he had owned the vehicle for the past four years.
Leo Eccles, a British company director, purchased the car but later initiated legal action against Button, alleging that he had been misled into believing that Button was the legitimate owner. Eccles claims that the true owner, Brittny Ward, is Button's girlfriend and now his wife.
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles, Eccles argues that the vehicle was registered under Brittny Ward's name, not Button's. He also points to social media posts where Ward referred to the Bronco as "my girl."
In response, Button offered a picture of himself in the car and suggested re-registering it in his name when Eccles requested a refund and cancellation of the sale.
Eccles contends that he would not have purchased the car if he had known Brittny Ward was the legal owner. He also claims that Button failed to disclose the need for substantial repairs when listing the vehicle, although the online advertisement described it as being in fair condition with minor paint chips.
Button has filed a counterclaim seeking declaratory relief, stating that Eccles asked him to hold onto the vehicle and make improvements, including fitting rear seatbelts.
Button asserts that he and his wife are ready to deliver the car to Eccles, but he refuses to accept it. Button's counterclaim suggests that Eccles is attempting to back out of the deal due to buyer's remorse or difficulties registering the car in his home country.
The legal battle between Button and Eccles is ongoing, with no hearing date scheduled yet. Both parties have retained legal representation, and further proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
Jenson Button, who won the Formula One World Championship in 2009, married Brittny Ward in 2022, after the sale of the Bronco. They currently reside in Los Angeles with their two children.
Please note that the information provided is based on the available details of the case up until my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.
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