Ittleson v. Hagan

Sharpe, J. The plaintiffs’ claim is based upon an assignment to them of a contract entered into by the defendant Hagan to purchase a motor vehicle from F. J. Quinlan of Mt. Pleasant. It contained the following provision: “It is agreed that the title to, ownership in, and right of possession of said chattel are vested in you and your assigns until said indebtedness and all other sums of money payable to you, whether evidenced by note, book account, or otherwise, also any judgments which you, your successors or assigns may obtain therefor, shall have been fully paid in money, at which time ownership shall pass to me.” This instrument was not recorded. It seems to be conceded that if it be found to be a chattel mortgage, the action of the trial court in directing a verdict for the defendant Chase and entering judgment thereon should be affirmed. Under it the vendor retained title not only until the balance due on the contract was paid but until all other sums, however evidenced, which he then owed and any judgments obtained therefor were fully paid. Under it he might sue and obtain judgment and yet retain title. This provision clearly stamps it a security — a chattel mortgage, under the repeated decisions of this court. Among them are Young v. Phillips, 202 Mich. 480, and Nelson v. Viergiver, 230 Mich. 38. It cannot be said that the subsequent provisions change its nature. That the contract between Quinlan and Hagan was void because Quinlan failed to comply with the mandatory requirements of the statute (section 3, Act *58 No. 46, Pub. Acts 1921, as amended by Act No. 16, Pub. Acts 1923), as was pointed out in Endres v. Mara-Rickenbacker Co., 243 Mich. 5, admits of no doubt. As tbis question was not raised in tbe trial-court, we do not, however, rest decision upon it. Tbe judgment is affirmed. Dead, C. J., and North, Fellows, Wiest, Clark, McDonald, and Potter, JJ., concurred.