They say that racing gets in your blood, but with Dr. Keith Brown, you could say it was in his bones. Growing up in Estherville, Iowa, Dr. Keith Brown, and his brothers were always racing. It did not matter what it was, scooters, cars, and homemade go-carts.  Dr. Keith Brown wanted to race ever since he was 15 years old.

In 1961 Dr. Keith Brown went to Palmer College of Chiropractic and told his dad that he wanted a Triumph TR3 to go to college. Well, he did not get that Triumph TR3, and his dad bought a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette instead. That always bugged him, and he knew that someday he was going to get that car.

Dr. Keith Brown met his wife, Mary, on a blind date in college and after a short courtship they were married. Dr. Keith Brown graduated from Chiropractic College, and they settled in West Union, Iowa, and started his practice. Just like any business starts, sometimes you must sell things to get going. Dr. Brown sold that 1962 Chevrolet Corvette to get his first X-Ray machine for his practice.

Dr. Keith Brown’s practice and family grew. Soon they welcomed Shelly, their daughter. In 1966 Dr. Brown finally got to cure for the racing disease and bought a Formula Vee race car and started fulfilling his racing dream. Now you just do not jump in a race car and expect to compete with the veteran drivers on the track. Dr. Brown attended several race schools and soon was competing in his Formula Vee on tracks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and around the Midwest. The family would load up the motor home, hook up the trailer, and head to the track. Racing was a family affair with camping and cheering on their racing dad. Shelly remembers that they may have had a successful race, but sometimes the motorhome broke down more than the racecar, and quite often they found themselves on the side of the road.

The weekends were spent traveling around the Midwest racing on tracks from Elkhart to Black Hawk and everywhere in between. They covered countless miles as Dr. Keith Brown took a map, circled all the racetracks, took his finger, and made a bullseye in the center of all the racetracks and there was Onsted, Michigan.  Dr. Keith Brown moved his practice and family to be closer to the tracks. Yep, that is right, he moved his practice and family to make it easier to go racing at his favorite tracks. In the 1970’s, Dr. Keith Brown’s practice grew and another child, Scott, another racing kid, was added to the family. Shelly and Scott got in on the action taking driving lessons and going as a racing family to the tracks.

The practice was doing well, and Dr. Keith Brown never forgot about that Triumph TR3 he did not get to drive to college. It was always the thrill of the hunt, and Dr. Keith Brown found the car of his dreams, a 1958 Triumph TR3, and then adding more race cars, classics, and memorabilia were added to the collection. In the 2000’s, his wife Mary was diagnosed with ALS and passed away. Dr. Keith Brown lost his Copilot which led him to quit racing.

Dr. Brown’s daughter Shelly also went to Chiropractic school, collaborated with her father, and took over the practice. Dr. Keith Brown’s nurse at the clinic also lost her husband. They reconnected and not only had a past working relationship, but they also found each other and were married. Together they collected, adding more gas and oil collectibles as well as cars. Dr. Keith Brown and Janet spent years going to cars shows, races and adding to the collection.

Dr. Keith Brown had a profound sense of humor and known for being a great race car driver. Dr. Keith Brown always joked, “He who drives and dies with the most toys, as they say.” Sadly, Dr. Keith Brown fought health issues and passed away. Well, he died just like his saying, He died with all the toys.

Now his family will sell his collection in a live onsite auction at their home in Onsted, Michigan. If you cannot make the auction, online bidding is available. The Dr. Keith Brown collection has something for everyone. The collection boasts several SCCA British race cars including an Elva Mark IV that was part of the Doug Shierson racing history. The dash of the Elva Mark IV was modified for Doug Shierson’s big stature. The Elva was one of the prizes in his collection among other British race cars. There are several other race cars including a Formula Junior race car, and 1966 Lotus Super 7 that he has a picture with Dick Smother’s, who also raced. The Dr. Keith Brown collection also has a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette roadster, like he had in college, several Triumph TR3’s, a rare Lotus Elan S4 roadster, and even bought a 2005 Lotus Elise 2000 that he drove before he passed away.

The Dr. Keith Brown collection has a wonderful assortment of gas and oil memorabilia including pumps, signs, and his favorite DX collectibles.

Photos: VanDerBrink Auctions

The Dr. Keith Brown collection Auction will take place May 17th at 11185 W. U.S. 223, Onstead, Michigan, commencing at 9:30am.

Information, catalog, online bidding, and more can information at www.vanderbrinkauctions.com . Plan now to attend this auction or bid online and add to your collection so you can say you have the most toys like Dr. Keith Brown. See you there!

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The post When racing is in the blood… or bones: the Dr. Keith Brown Collection Auction appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

VanDerBrink Auctions – VanDerBrink Auctions to bring you the Tom Minnick Collection Auction. Tom was always laughing and a big ole’ cigar in his smile. He loved classic cars, especially Pontiacs, but he never passed up a good deal. Tom was a regular fixture at area auctions and car shows buying and selling his classics. He was always hunting for that next deal and never passed up a classic car. 

Tom and Edna, along with his mechanic Jerry, traveled throughout the Southwest picking up the next project. Tom passed away and his wife, Edna has decided it is time to sell his collection of Classic cars, hundreds of parts, memorabilia, and well-maintained personal vehicles. The collection of vehicles and other items will be offered LIVE onsite and Online at the Minnick garage in Wickenburg, AZ. But if you are looking for classic parts, you must be at the auction. Check out the pictures, catalog, and we’ll see you at the auction!

Click to view Catalog

CLASSIC CARS & TRUCKS: RESTORED, PROJECTS, AND MORE:

PLYMOUTH/MOPAR:

1969 HEMI Roadrunner Clone Project, 426 HEMI, made from a 1969 Plymouth Satellite, repainted, motor worked, 1963 Plymouth Fury Convertible Project, 383 V8, Ready for restore

PONTIAC/OLDSMOBILE/BUICK:

1971 Pontiac Grand Prix, bought new!, 455 HOS, Loaded!, 1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible, 455 V8. AT, Restored! 1967 Pontiac GTO Coupe, 400V8, AT, Partial restore, 1968 Pontiac GTO Coupe, restored Beauty! 400, 4-spd, Red/Black, 1963 Pontiac Catalina 2dr HT, 421 Tri-Power, 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible, Project, V8, AT, 1972 Pontiac GTO, rebuilt 400 V8, Project, 1972 Pontiac GTO Convertible,

Project, 400 V8, 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible, rebuilt 400 V8, Project, 1967 Pontiac GTO, Project, 400 V8, 4spd, 2-1967 Pontiac Catalinas 2dr HT, Project, 1975 Pontiac Grand Am, Project, 1963 Pontiac Catalinas for project or Parts, 1963 Pontiac Lemans Vintage Drag Car, 400 V8, 400 Turbo Transmission, Cool Paint! 1960 Pontiac Ventura Coupe, project or parts, 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, 389 V8, Runs & Driving Project, 1968 OLDSMOBILE 442, w/motor, W30 components, on registry for 442, 1955 Buick 4-dr Sedan, Project, or Parts, AND MORE!

FORD: 1984 Ford F250 XLT Diesel, Dually, 1958 Ford Edsel Citation 2dr HT, Project or Parts, 1960 Ford Sun liner Convertible, Project, 1968 Ford Torino GT, Project, Barn Find, 1964 Ford F100 Pickup, Project,

CHEVROLET/GMC: 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4dr, 350, project, 1968 Chevrolet Caprice, rebuilt 454 V8, Project, 1970 Chevrolet Custom C10 Pickup, Project, AND MORE..

STUDEBAKER/WILLYS/JEEP/VOLVO: 1950’S Studebaker, Project, 1971 Volvo 1800E, Project,

1950 Willys Jeep CJ-3A, 302 V8. Restored, 4×4, Ready for the dunes! 1964 Willys/Jeep Wagoneer J100

HUNDREDS OF CLASSIC PONTIACS AND MORE PARTS:

Pontiac Motors, Pontiac Tri-powers, Chevrolet Motors, Ford Motors, Intakes, Manifolds including Black Block and Ram Air Parts, HEMI Parts, Pontiac Emblems, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Consoles, Seats, Transmissions, Hoods, Fenders, AND MORE! Must be present for parts, onsite bidding only!

CLEAN-MAINTAINED USED LATE MODEL VEHICLES:

2012 RAM 1500 Crew cab, short box Pickup, Beautiful! 4×4, 5.7 HEMI, Loaded, Big Horn Edition.,

2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV, Black, loaded!, 85,237 miles, Beautiful! 2005 Bentley Continental GT Coupe, Midnight Blue, Loaded, 6.0L Twin Turbo V-12, 47,245 miles.

CUSTOM SAND RAIL-DUNE BUGGY! Wild Radical 350 V8- Custom Build! ARTIC CAT 4-WHEELER,

18FT. SINGLE CAR TRAILER, DETROIT DIESEL GENERATOR, 1982 AIR STREAM DIESEL PROJECT!

MEMORABILIA: Pictures, Posters, Model cars, Gas Pumps, Vintage Pop Machines, Oil Jugs, Signs, and more!

2- ATLAS 9000# 4 POST LIFTS, TOOLS, TOOL BOXES, AND MORE!

ANTIQUE TRACTORS & MORE:

Jacobson Tractor for Parts, Massey Ferguson Model 85 for Project or parts, Massey Ferguson Model 65 w/Box Scraper, 3Point, PTO, runs & Drives, 1979 IH Cargo Star Box Truck for storage or parts.

TERMS: CASH, Check w/Prove of Funds, Credit Card w/ADM Fee. Payment in FULL day of Sale for all onsite bidders. 10% Buyer’s Premium. ALL VEHICLES AND ITEMS SOLD AS IS AND ALL SALES ARE FINAL! This is a Live onsite auction with Onsite bidding for many items. Please see catalog. Parts, tools, and other items for onsite bidders only. Online bidders have additional terms. Online bidders may pick up and pay in person Sunday March 30^th, 2025 from 9-5PM. After that date, online bidders can NOT pay onsite and must wire, FED EX Verified funds, or Credit Card. Buyers must arrange and pay for trucking and shipping. Removal within 7 days. Call auctioneers with further questions.

TOM MINNICK COLLECTION AUCTION – Edna Minnick- Owner

VANDERBRINK AUCTIONS, LLC
Yvette VanDerBrink- Auctioneer 605-201-7005
For More Pictures, Catalog, Online Bidding, and more auctions… www.vanderbrinkauctions.com

Looking to sell your collection.. We want to work with you!

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Growing up on a farm or ranch in South Dakota, mostly likely you, including me, had your first driving lesson in a pickup truck. With the wide-open pastures and fields there was room for making mistakes and the chances of hitting anything was remote except for a badger hole. Greg Anderson, grew up in north-central South Dakota and always enjoyed history, hunting and fishing. Greg started his collecting passion with his first collection of rare and unique antique tractors. Greg searched the country and had several hundred before selling the collection.

His uncle, was a car collector and got Greg into buying classic vehicles. Greg was born in 1960, so he only thought it was natural that he would start buying 1960 Chevrolet Impalas. Greg, besides being a farmer, did nuclear power inspections. His job would require him to travel around the U.S. When he spare time, he would drive around and find Impalas and bring them back to South Dakota. Greg focused on 1959-1963 Impalas and has accumulated over 25 in his collection along with Square Body pickups and some unique older trucks. 

Greg was used to restoring tractors and started to restore several Impalas. While working on a convertible and bubbletop, the others took a backseat waiting for their turn to be restored. Besides doing nuclear power inspections, farming, and cattle, Greg also heads to Nashville and plays blues harmonica and guitar with several bands. So, the cars, well just took a backseat to his adventures and work. Greg has decided that his collection needs to go to classic car enthusiasts that will use them for parts for their builds and restored to hit the roads again.

The Crocker Hills collection is nestled in NE South Dakota, just out of reach of accurate GPS. There are 48 Impalas, Square Body Trucks, and more slated for the auction. The collection will be sold in an Online Only auction. The bidding is open Now! The biding ends November 29th, 2023 at 7PM. The catalog and and online bidding are available at www.vanderbrinkauctions.com. 

These Impalas and more on the Prairie would be a good addition to any collector looking to build or finding hard-to-find parts. There is everything from a 1960 Impala convertible that was owned by an Arkansas Governor to a Rare 1946 White COE Truck that would make for a wonderful build. 20-plus Impalas and more will be incoluded in this online auction. Greg is looking to scale down and wants the cars to go to other collectors and live on in their builds. Check the website for all details www.vanderbrinkauctions.com

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VanDerBrink Auctions – Smokey and the Bandit had a huge influence on the classic car hobby. I don’t think the producers realized that a 1977 Trans Am would create such a frenzied demand for the Trans Am and Pontiac brand. Bob Steely has loved cars ever since he was a little boy. Bob was also enamored with the “Bandit” seeing the 1977 Trans Am in Smokey and the Bandit movie convinced him that Trans Ams were the way to go. The sleek Ponchos started his love affair with the collector car hobby. 

Bob lived and breathed Trans Ams. When he got his first Trans Am, Bob could hardly sleep until he picked it up. His anticipation was rewarded with the purchase of a new 1983 Trans Am (being sold at the auction). That car cemented Bob’s addiction to Trans Ams.

Bob was driving that Trans Am when it got the attention of a blonde at a party in 1984. Bob met Sheila and they were together ever since. Bob bought acreage outside of Waverly that originally was his parents place and built some buildings eventually filling them with Trans Ams. Together Bob and Sheila traveled the Midwest buying Trans Am cars and parts. One of those trips took them to Minnesota where they purchased two rare NASCAR Trans Ams and a 1981 Indy Pace car. 

Bob also setup a garage where he could fix up his cars and do some repair work on the side. An accountant by degree, the only addition that he wanted to do was adding more Trans Ams and parts to his collection. 

Bob and Sheila made friends over the U.S. Bob met a fellow Trans Am loving buddy in Georgia, they would buy and sell cars between each other. But it seemed there were more additions than subtractions to Bob’s collection. 

Bob was a private person and even his friends did not know how many Trans Ams and parts that he had. Sadly, Bob had a heart attack that left him not able to fully enjoy his cars. Even though he was ailing, he kept adding to his collection with the help of the internet. Sheila would see crates and cars arrive and put them away in the sheds for Bob. Bob would sit and read his books and look through the PHS papers and plan for the day he would drive his cars again. Sadly, that day did not come, and he passed away.

His family soon discovered how big this collection was and called VanDerBrink Auctions to help them with auctioning off the collection. Before Bob had died, he told Sheila to call that VanDerBrink Gal. So, Sheila did. Yvette VanDerBrink was touched by the comment and amazed at the collection. 

55 Trans Ams and 65 cars total along with thousands of parts. It truly was amazing. Bob’s shop equipment, tools, tool boxes, and more will also be sold. The work started months ago and now the auction will take place over 2 days. Day one will be Friday August 4^th, 2023 with gates opening at 10am and the tools, shop equipment will be sold at 4PM for ONSITE bidders only. Trans Am enthusiasts can come that day and preview the cars and parts and register for the auction. Day 2 will be August 5^th, 2023 with gates opening at 7:30 and the cars starting to sell at 9:30am which will be LIVE ONSITE bidding along with online bidding. The selling of parts will also start and will be only for onsite bidders. It’ll be a big 2 days and more information, video, and catalog for the auction cars is at www.vanderbrinkauctions.com . It is amazing and you won’t want to miss this auction. Again, all information on this auction and more info is at www.vanderbrinkauctions.com

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VanDerBrink Auctions will be auctioning off a crazy collection of cars when it liquidates the Soneff’s Master Garage Collection this Saturday (June 10). The collection features dozens of coveted MoPar project cars that will certainly have restorers drooling. The sheer number of incomplete and partially restored cars is staggering.

For this week’s “We’d Buy That!” we’re going to opt for one of the Soneff Collection cars that doesn’t appear to need any work. This 1969 Plymouth Road Runner convertible is quite a prize! According to the listing, this rare droptop has “undergone a 3 year restoration from top to bottom. It runs and drives beautifully and what an investment car and fun to drive. The car is B3 blue metallic in color with white vinyl top and boot. it has Rally Stripes. Rally Rims. The car is powered by a numbers-matching drivetrain and is a 383 V8 with automatic transmission. There are 67,851 miles showing on the odometer. It has dual exhaust. The interior is white vinyl bucket seats with blue carpet. Headrest option on the seats. Power steering and 8 track tape with AM radio, manual windows and locks.”

Only 2,128 Roadrunner convertibles were built in ’69. This one has been restored to a high level and is a numbers-matching car. There’s something gnarly and unrefined about Roadrunners that just makes them eternally cool. For some top-down fun on a summer day, this muscle machine would be hard to beat!

CHECK IT OUT

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DENVER, Colo. – More than 80 American classic automobiles from the collection of Jay Soneff – a dedicated car collector and owner of Soneff Master Garage in Denver – will be sold without reserves on Saturday, June 10^th, online and live at the Soneff-owned warehouse located at 3825 Grape Street in Denver, starting at 10 am Mountain time. Online bidding is via Proxibid.com.

Most of the cars will be MoPar (Dodge and Plymouth) muscle cars from the 1960s and ‘70s. These will include originals, restored cars and project cars. The auction will be conducted by VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC, based in Minnesota.

 “There is something for everyone, from a survivor 1970 Super Bird to multiple MoPar project cars,” said auctioneer Yvette VanDerBrink.

VanDerBrink added, “This very special auction features many rare and hard-to-find Mopars and Mopar project cars, including multiple Coronet R/Ts, Road Runners, Super Bees, Chargers and many more. The collection has everything from survivors to project cars – a car lover’s dream.”

While the vast majority of cars will be MoPar, the auction will also feature AMX, Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Hudson, AMC and Jeep.

 “Jay was raised in a family that appreciated the automobile,” VanDerBrink said. “His dad was into cars and Jay was raised around Hudsons and appreciated their style and performance, but it was the MoPar muscle that grabbed his attention.”

In addition to the 1970 Super Bird survivor car (meaning one that’s never been re-painted) with less than 57,000 miles, other Plymouths will include two beautifully restored 1969 Road Runners (one convertible, one hard-top); five other 1969 Road Runners; a 1971 and 1972 Road Runner; a 1970 and 1972 Satellite; a rare 1963 Sport Fury convertible; and a 1959 Fury two-door hardtop.

Then there are the Barracudas, arguably the most desirable of all the muscle cars from the era. Offered for bid are a 1967 Barracuda convertible; a 1968 Barracuda Type S coupe; three other 1968 Barracudas; a 1969 Barracuda S convertible; a 1969 Barracuda Type S coupe; three 1968 Barracudas; a 1970 Barracuda; a 1972 ‘Cuda; GTS’s, GTX’s, and two 1971 Plymouth Dusters.

The Dodge offerings will be no less impressive. These will include 1970 and 1971 Challenger convertibles; a 1973 Challenger; a 1970 Challenger; a 1971 Charger R/T survivor car; a 1970 Charger RT/SE; 1967, 1969, 1970 and 1972 Chargers (the ’72 painted Petty Blue); a 1968 Charger Coronet 500; two 1969 Super Bees; and three 1968 and two 1969 Coronet R/T’s.

Other Dodges will feature a 1969 Coronet; two 1967 Coronet R/T’s; a 1972 Demon; a 1969 Dart GT; a 1963 Polara convertible; a 1969 Dart Swinger; and more. Ford will be represented by a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 project car; a 1972 Mustang Mach 1; a 1980 Pinto wagon (famous for its gas tanks that burst into flames when hit from behind); and a 1983 Mustang 5.OHO convertible.

General Motors (Pontiac/Chevrolet/Oldsmobile) will also make an appearance, with a gorgeous 1960 Chevrolet Impala two-door hardtop; a 1964 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan with a 396 c.i. V-8 engine; a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS coupe project car; a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO; a 1966 Oldsmobile Jet Star two-door hardtop; and an original Pontiac Bonneville Salt Flats racer.

The Hudson/AMC/Jeep offerings will include a 1954 Hudson Hornet Twin H Hollywood coupe; a 1940 Hudson Country Club 8 sedan; a 1946 Hudson Super Six coupe; a 1953 Hudson Hornet Twin H sedan; a 1969 AMC Javelin SST coupe; a 1982 Jeep Scrambler pickup; and a 1974 Jeep Wagoneer Cherokee Edition. For pictures and more info, visit www.vanderbrinkauctions.com.

Jay Soneff has been into cars ever since he can remember. 

“When I was three years old I could tell the make and model of every car on the street,” he said with a chuckle. 

Cars are in his DNA. He got it from his late father, named John, who ran a parking lot business, did cars on the side and in the ‘60s bought a big parking garage that was used as a general automotive repair shop.

Father John’s first car was a 1932 roadster he bought while in high school. His best friend’s father owned a Hudson dealership, and that’s what got him deep into Hudsons, a love affair he passed along to his son. Young Jay’s first car was also purchased in high school: a 1927 Ford ‘Bucket T’ street rod, with J-2 three-deuce setup, Olds motor and Lincoln/Zephyr transmission.

He eventually traded that car for a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, a swap that got him and his father to thinking: why not start a business dedicated entirely to classic American cars, with an emphasis on muscle cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s? Before long Soneff Master Garage was born in Denver, and today it remains as one of the premier dealerships for rare, classic American cars.

Growing up in the muscle car era, young Jay spent a lot of time at Bandimere Speedway for Friday night drags and at 16^th Street downtown Denver for the Saturday night cruise. When he rebuilt that first 426 Hemi for a GTX convertible, he was hooked for life. That also was a factor that led to him and his father to form Soneff Master Garage, where they worked side-by-side.

One Saturday not long ago, while working at his shop, Jay got a call from a man claiming to be the comedian and legendary car collector Jay Leno.

 “At first I thought it was a prank,” he said, “but then I recognized the voice. He said he was in town to do his act and wanted to stop by and say hello. I told him I’d come pick him up at his hotel.” Leno said, “No, I’d rather walk there.”

So a little while later, Jay Leno comes strolling in, with his trademark giant chin and shock of white hair.

 “He couldn’t have been nicer,” Soneff said. “He took me to lunch, gave me tickets to his show that night and even spotted a car he wanted. “The car he asked about wasn’t for sale, so I had to tell him no,” Soneff recalled. “But it was great meeting and talking cars with Jay Leno.”

In addition to the more than 80 cars in the June 10^th auction, Jay has around 50 other cars that won’t be sold. He said cars are a passion, and a source of income, but his main bread and butter comes from his real estate investments – downtown Denver parking lots, apartment buildings and other properties. 

“As for cars, my philosophy has always been to just enjoy them,” he said.

Jay also stressed that now would be a perfect time to invest in a project car, what with the value of the completed projects skyrocketing and the cost of restoration materials such as sheet metal and the like very reasonable at today’s current prices. 

“In the case of the muscle cars pretty much everything you need in terms of material is readily available, making restoration easy,” he said.

An open-house preview will be held the day before the auction, on Friday, June 9^th, from 10-6 Mountain time, at the Soneff-owned warehouse in Denver. Masks are recommended but not required. For more info about the sale of the Soneff Master Garage collection, consisting of more than 80 mostly MoPar muscle cars from the 60s and 70s, visit www.VanderBrinkAuctions.com. 

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There’s gold in them there hills! The Black Hills of South Dakota are known for tales of the Wild West. The infamous “Dead Man’s Hand” and Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Sioux Indians, and Pioneers searching for their fortunes in gold. But for Gary Kuchner, his treasure isn’t gold but iron that Gary has “dug up”, Yee Ha, approx. 80 Classic Cars.

Gary Started his search for old iron as a little kid in Nebraska. Gary’s Mother was fixing an old pedal car for him. She had just painted it and came back to find Gary had wiped off the seat and was riding it around the basement. From then on, he was car crazy. Gary got his first car, a 1942 Dodge that beat up on the local Chevrolets and Fords.

Gary built his 1^st hotrod from a Ford Model A Sportster. He cut down the top and threw on some 1946 Ford wheels and raced up and down the country roads.

After graduating from high school in 1955, Gary went to trade school and learned to be a body man. His first job was at the Ford garage as a painter. This fueled his passion to build hotrods and a means to do it. Gary had heard about the hotrod craze in California and packed up his young wife and headed to California. Gary worked as a body man and loved the car culture. But the farm was calling him back and he went back to Nebraska to the family farm. Gary took over the operation and farmed for about 20 years and still did body work on the side. Soon, he was looking for a change and sold the farm to his cousin.

Gary has worked as a body man at a Ford garage and a Rambler garage, but his favorite job was at a Chrysler dealership. From Road Runners to Challengers, Gary loved seeing the yearly style changes arriving on the trucks.

He got divorced, and well, another marriage, and he headed out to find his treasures in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gary’s choice of home is fitting for his wild nature and interests. His home is tucked amongst the granite cliffs and tall Pines of South Dakota. Lucky for him, the Internet was coming into its own, and this allowed him to “mine the web” for his “iron” treasures. The web was full of classic cars looking for a new home.

He bought a trailer and started buying cars from all over the area and United States. Gary has had a lifetime of adventures buying cars and pulling his trailer around the United States, but now at 84-years-young, Gary has decided to sell his collection. It’s not that he is parking the trailer, but he has more cars than time and he can’t restore them all, so it’s time for them to go to other collectors and for them to enjoy. VanDerBrink Auctions will sell the cars in an Online Only Auction. 

Gary is a wealth of information and a truly car crazy guy. His mind is so full of car trivia, and he favors Fords and Chryslers. The collection is full of Fords and many Chryslers including “Big Fin” cars. The collection consists of everything from older restored to projects and parts cars. There is a rare 1971 AMC AMX Javelin that has the 401 V8 and is 1 of less than 2000 built. The 1966 Ford Mustang GT Fastback would make a fine addition to any collection as well. The collection has everything from big finned MoPars to a 1955 Chevrolet Belair 2dr. ht. that belonged to family. There are approx. 80 vehicles that are being offered up in the auction. Because the cars are tucked up by Gary’s home in the Black Hills, the auction will be Online Only and can also be viewed for buyers by appointment.

CHECK OUT THE CATALOG HERE

When you walk around Gary’s Collection, you start to see some of his fun personality. There’s a UFO crash sight, a car full of baby dolls, and characters that greet you as you come up the winding road to the collection. The trip to see this collection and buy one of Gary’s well worth it and truly “gold in them there Hills”

VanDerBrink Auctions will sell the Kuchner Collection in an Online Only auction and bidding starts Now! Bidding will end October 21^st, 2022. For more info on the auction, catalog, video, and more auctions. www.vanderbrinkauctions.com or 605-201-7005.

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300 cars! Why would one man need to have 300 cars? I’m sure Randy Milan has heard that more times than he can count. But Randy can’t help it, it’s in his genes. If a scientist would do an analysis of Randy’s DNA, you would find he had a genetic code for old cars. Where did this gene come from, his dad. Growing up, Randy’s dad always had an old car project he was working on. Randy would go with his dad to swap meets and get everything set up to sell. Cars, Parts, and everything needed to build your dream car or finish that project. There was a slight problem, as soon as a car guy started to show interest in a car or part, Randy’s dad would jump in and say, “It’s not for sale!” It never failed; the Milans would go home with more than they brought. Even today at 94 years young, Randy’s dad knows what he has and where it is at. So, for Randy, saying and hearing the phrase, “Not for sale!” came naturally.

Randy started collecting himself at 18 years old. His first car was a 1958 Chevy pickup. Sadly, this is one truck that he sold, but he still knows where it’s at. Randy saw that guys didn’t really like the 1959 a 1960 Chevrolets, so he started buying, any and all of them that he could find. Bubble tops, sedans, convertibles, wagons, and more are still in the collection. If you ask Randy, the reason they are still in the collection is, “They are not for sale!” Today, in the collection there are approx. 40 – 1959 Chevrolets, and 50 1960’s. That’s not all, there are many other Chevrolets from 1950’s including Impalas from 1958 and up. The collection is not all about Chevys, there are Ford coupes that will make great street rods, as well as Mustangs and more. Luckily, Randy had the room, and the collection kept growing like his dad’s. The answer was always, “Not for sale.” Randy broke his own rule and sold a 1957 Chevrolet convertible to pay for a divorce. If you ask him today, rumor has it, it was her or the cars. Well, the cars are all still there… just saying.

In 1985 Randy started Import Towing and Recovery in Ft. Collins, Colo. Along with a body shop. This was a perfect fit for his car collecting hobby because Randy got to see lots of things while towing cars. But the second time was a charm, and he hooked a gal that was into cars, too. Deb Milan, was one of a kind, and the two of them traveled around to auctions while privately buying more cars for the collection. The car crazy couple also bought the Cheyenne, Wyoming Speedway and managed and ran the races up to a few years ago. Deb and Randy have built the towing business to not only have a body shop but also repair facility for their collection.

Randy was getting older and started to see that the cars needed attention and it was time for them to go to another care taker. Randy also saw that he had grown up and was just like his dad. All those cars and neither of them truly finished a project. Sure, there were some cars that were restored, but there were far more that were waiting in line to get back on the road. Randy realized that there isn’t enough time to get them all done and now the answer to, “Will you sell that 1959 convertible?” has changed to “Yes!”

That’ right! Many of his friends didn’t know that the collection had grown to approx. 300 vehicles consisting of older restore, originals, rod projects, and many Chevrolets for restore, and also parts. Randy and the guys have been busy removing the cars from their slumber in the buildings and in storage lots to rows out in a field to be sold on October 15^th, 2022 at 9AM, not far from his Towing company in Ft. Collins, Colorado. VanDerBrink Auctions will sell the collection of approx. 300 vehicles in 1 big day, LIVE ONSITE with ONLINE BIDDING! But you are going to want to be in person for this fabulous collection. Just the fact that the collection boasts 40 – 1959 Chevrolets of all makes and models and along with approx. 50 – 1960 Chevrolets of all makes and models, including those 1959 Convertibles. The collection doesn’t stop there, there are Chevrolets galore! From 1950-1970’s. Many Impalas, 1964-72 Chevelles, and more. Randy’s dad will also sell his collection along with Randy’s, and there are 1959 retractable HT’s, 1959 Chevrolet El Caminos, 1965 Ford Mustang with HI-Pro 289, and a rare 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone that was an Indianapolis 500 Pace car. The collection also boasts Cadillacs, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and many 1930’s Ford coupes for Rod and Restore. There is a rare 1957 Cadillac Biarritz convertible project. The collection is truly amazing, and you won’t want to miss seeing the collection and being part of this auction. VanDerBrink Auctions is still building the catalog, so follow the progress on the website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Then get ready to bid! When they were getting ready, Randy had friends that said he wouldn’t sell to them, but now he’ll sell them to you, and of course, friends too. Like Randy says, “Come to fulfill your car dreams. I want car guys and gals to come to the auction to buy your future project, get the parts cars you need, because you know what, “Everything is for sale, now!” See you at the Auction! It’s Amazing!

For more information, pictures, and more info on the Milan collection www.vanderbrinkauctions.com or 605-201-7005. 

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The post ‘Not for Sale’… Until Now! – The Milan Collection appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

If you were a car guy in the Bismarck, North Dakota, you probably knew Al Blatter or “Mr. GTO.” Al was a friend to anyone that loved cars, especially Pontiacs. If fact, Al, Mr. GTO, kept a book with all his friends’ cars and other people in their car club and the parts that they needed to get their Classics back on the road. It wasn’t a surprise that Al would walk up to one of the guys in the car club and hand them a part for their car that they had been searching years for. Al, “Mr. GTO”, would walk right up to them and hand them that elusive part and walk away smiling ear to ear. So many lifelong friendships were made from their love of cars. For over 25 years, Al and his car friends had cruises and camp outs and many hours around the bonfire talking cars. There was one cardinal rule in the club, “Don’t count your cars and tell guys what you got.” This cardinal rule became apparent this past year after Al, “Mr. GTO” passed away after contracting COVID in 2021. His friends would finally see the mystery of Al Blatter, “Mr. GTO” and his Pontiac hoard.

Sandy Blatter, his wife called their closest friends over to help her start the daunting task of going through “Mr. GTO’s” Pontiac Collection. They knew he had a lot of cars and parts, but it what they found was unbelievable. 90 Pontiacs and many rare cars with half of them consisting of Lemans, GTO’s and Tempests. Everywhere they looked were parts for Pontiacs and mostly all hard-to-find GTO parts from 1964 to 1974. Now it made sense, when Al would show up and give them that mystery part they were looking for. Sandy even found the notebook with all his hand written notes of friends and their car parts needs. While they were working they remembered stories about Al, “Mr. GTO” and how there was no other car than a Pontiac. John remembered a time that Al got mad that he had bought a Chevrolet Corvette instead of a Pontiac. Another friend had his eyes covered by Al, so he couldn’t look at a car that wasn’t a Pontiac. 

Al was straight forward and there was no filter with him. This went back to when he was a kid and his first car deal at 10 years old, a 1926 Chevrolet that is still in his collection. But it was a 1969 Pontiac Lemans that he bought at 19 that started his passion for Pontiacs. This car also got his other love of his wife, Sandy. She saw him in his Pontiac and that’s all it took. She was a car gal and they hit it right off. Al lived on the farm on the North Highway 83 edge of Bismarck, N.D. and his first job was working as a mechanic at the JCPenney in his hometown. Al was a skilled mechanic and people waited for him to work on their boats and vehicles. Collecting Pontiac cars was a hobby that they both enjoyed and brought them their closest friends.

The Blatters lived on the family homestead and they noticed Bismarck was growing a bit too much for their liking. So, they sold the farm.  Al, being sentimental moved the old shop and even the tree that his dad had planted by the shop years prior. The auction will be held in that shop where you can see that tree today. Al worked as a mechanic and eventually retired to work on his own cars. 

Al and Sandy loved to go to the Pontiac-Oakland Shows and National GTO meets. Al would talk to everyone with an interesting car and wanted to learn about their car’s whole story. Sandy remembers it would take hours to go through a show. He was a social butterfly and his passion showed in conversations with other Pontiac collectors. But it was this passion about Pontiacs that kept Al collecting. Al couldn’t stand to see a car get crushed until all the parts were harvested and in the hands of collectors. Al, “Mr. GTO” collected cars back from his high school days and moved all of his vehicles at least 3 times with him over his lifetime. His collecting was a lifelong passion. He had restored many cars and was in the process of restoring a 1970 GTO for Sandy when he became ill. Sadly, he contracted COVID and succumbed to it. Before Sandy knew it, he was gone. Her heart was broken. 

Al’s cars were special. Sandy had his 1967 GTO on the program for the funeral. When they were getting ready for the auction, his friends drove that exact car.

After Al’s passing Sandy will take on the title of “Ms. GTO.” Sandy is no stranger to the car hobby, she enjoyed and knew as much as Al. While working on the auction it became apparent that the title of “Ms. GTO” was in the right hands. Sandy is having the 1970 GTO finished and will drive the Pontiac cars with pride. Even though Al, “Mr. GTO” is gone, his memory will live on with all his GTO parts going to collectors for them to finish their projects and restorations. Sandy wants all his cars and parts to go to good homes. Bidders from across the U.S. are coming to buy a piece of this amazing collection.

With all the inventory, VanDerBrink Auctions was called and will sell the collection on July 23^rd, 2022 at 9:30 am at the shop outside Wilton, North Dakota in a big 1-day auction. The collection has 90 Pontiacs comprised of GTO’s, Lemans, Catalina, Tempest, 1955 Pontiacs and even an ULTRA RARE 1963 Oldsmobile Jet fire Turbo V8 4-speed car. There are Thousands of 1964-1974 Pontiac GTO parts that will be only for onsite bidders. The auction will be Online and Onsite for cataloged items, but if you are looking for all those GTO parts, you got to be at the auction. There is everything from rare Pontiac Tri-Powers to tail lights and more. Now you can get a piece of the “Mr. GTO” hoard and finish your ride. Just like Al, would say, “Drive them! They don’t belong in a garage or on your trailer!” So, for more information go to www.vanderbrinkauctions.com for pictures, video, catalog, and more information. 

A look at some of the vehicles up for sale at the July 23rd sale

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VanDerBrink Auctions has a bunch of cool cars and parts that we’d like to get our hands on in its July 16 auction in Commerce City, Col. The auction will feature a “barn find” collection of Chevrolet cars and parts, including a lot of “Tri-Five stuff” and there quite a few vehicles that collectors will be drooling over.

One that really grabbed our attention is this original, unmolested 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon. 

According to the listing, “this was bought new and had only one owner. Current owner is 2nd owner. The car does not run, but clean. Turquoise and white in color…There is a little rust starting to bubble on lower quarter. Bel Air trim. V-8 and automatic transmission. 3,669 showing on the odometer. Can not confirm mileage, may be over. It was stored inside. It has [hanging] AC. The interior is matching turquoise and bench seats. Two rows. Tissue box, manual windows and locks. Does not run. Hubcaps and white walls.”

There are a lot of Tri-Five Chevy collectors and fans out there, and one of them is sure to get their hands on this baby and give it the restoration it deserves. We’ll bet a steak dinner that in a few years this hauler is shining like new and the jewel of somebody’s collection.

Check it out here…https://www.vanderbrinkauctions.com/lot-item/10c-2/

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The post Old Cars We’d Buy That: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.