The Auburn factory sent out the serial numbers of some stolen vehicles to Pennell’s, Van Wert dealership. A few days later, two men came to Pennell’s dealership with a car that matched the description of one of the vehicles. The car had a defective starter and Pennell knew it was to be repaired under warranty.

“As soon as the men left, Pennell rolled back the floor mat to check the serial number on the body. At that time he noticed there was clearly burnt into the wooden floor boards, ‘Property of Al Capone.’ Then he called the factory to report what he found with the serial numbers matching the telegram. Later the factory telegraphed back notifying him not to worry about it and fix the car under warranty.”

When the men returned for the car, Pennell told them the repairs had been made under warranty and no reimbursement was needed. The men gave Pennell $20 and left.