Oliver Döser v Miguel Ángel Capriles López

Facts

Mr Döser, a German businessman, bought a 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring in October 2019. In April 2022 he authorised its transport to England in connection with a proposed sale, introduced by Mr Edwards, to a purported client called 'Max Kay'. The sale was presented as part of a three-car deal, with a total price of £2.2 million and £850,000 for the Porsche. Unknown to Mr Döser, Mr Edwards, an undischarged bankrupt, was negotiating its sale to Mr Capriles, a Venezuelan collector, through Mr Capriles' son-in-law, Mr Rosales. The Porsche was invoiced to Mr Capriles for £516,750 on 23 May 2022, payment was made on 26 May and the car arrived in Lisbon on 30 May 2022. Mr Döser was never paid. He reported the Porsche as stolen on 30 September 2022. He sought a declaration that he remained its owner, together with delivery of the car or alternatively damages. The parties agreed it was worth about €750,000 at trial. Mr Capriles said he had acquired title through Mr Edwards' actual or apparent authority or by ratification, and in the alternative relied on section 2 of the Factors Act 1889. The claim was tried over three days in June 2026.