For some people, they can’t imagine wide open spaces, driving for miles without seeing another place. Western North Dakota is one of those last great frontiers. Around 100 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt left New York and staked a claim in this vast wilderness of Western Dakota. He loved the untamed beauty of nature and the solitude of the open plains. Antelope, deer, and even Buffalo still roamed the plains until the ranchers and farmers settled.

The Krinke Family came to North Dakota and staked their claim in Western North Dakota and have been farming the same ground for over 100 years. Farming is a rough life, and mother nature makes it hard for you to win. Neil grew up knowing the value of hard work and earning your way.

Neil Krinke was born in 1932 on a farm a half mile south from the ranch where he lives. He grew up farming with horses and couldn’t wait until they got their first tractor. It was an Allis Chalmers 40-60 on full steel. That horsepower was a big improvement over the horses and made farm life easier. When you are growing up on a farm, it takes all hands to make it work. Neil Krinke started helping by driving grain truck at the tender age of 8-years-old. He mastered the ‘28 Chevrolet grain truck with loads from the field, barely seeing over the dash. Neil’s Dad was also a mechanic and it fascinated Neil how his dad had the knack of making something out of nothing. His mechanical skill fostered Neil’s fascination with automobiles and what makes them work. It was a good thing Neil’s dad had such skills. Like farming in Western North Dakota, there are good years and bad years and often, “you have to make something out of nothing.”

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Neil graduated high school and got his first car. It was a 1949 Pontiac. With an abundance of open roads, racing and riding motorcycles was just something for a young man to do. There were also dances on the weekend. It just so happens that at one of those dances he would meet his wife, Rosalie. He remembers seeing that “good looking gal,” and they started dancing and talking. It would be 3 years and a blind date before they would meet up again.

Neil always wondered what happened to that gal at the dance in Raines. Luck would have it that he went on a blind date, and there she was. They kicked it off just like that night they met. Neil and Rosalie got married and started farming the family farm and getting a farm of their own. It was not always easy. Neil can remember one year it was so cold while they were trying to plant, they put every stitch of clothing on they had and wrapped fertilizer bags around their legs and arms. Farming got better and soon after kids came along, 3 sons, which was a big help with the farming.

Everyone in the area knew that Neil was a car guy. One of the first cars that he obtained was a 1929 Ford Model A that he bought so a man in town could bury his brother. Also, it was like the 1929 Model A that he met Rosalie in.

Neil was born in 1932 and he loved the look and style of 1932- 1940s Fords. Likewise, the years between 1932-1940s came with a lot of history. The Depression, WWII, and so many other events shaped the United States and Neil’s life.

Neil and Rosalie gravitated towards Fords and joined the early Ford V8 club and enjoyed the shared love of cars and history that the club had. Once Neil bought a 1941 Ford he was hooked. That car was a labor of love and took about 6 years to restore it back to its original glory.

Western North Dakota is not only known for wide open plains, but dry western metal that make solid cars for restoring and rodding. It seems people didn’t get rid of anything, and there always were many cars on every farm. He bought most of his cars in the collection from about 50-mile radius of his homestead.

Krinke started to buy them up and bring them to the ranch. He would line them up to be restored in the future. Now Mr. Krinke isn’t much of a seller, and most everything he ever bought is still in the collection, with a few exceptions of some Chevrolets that have left the fold. Neil loved to drive the 1934 and 1935 Fords and they were his favorites. Like many collectors, it’s not only the cars that get bought, but all the pieces to put them together. Neil went to many auctions and also bought parts from people in the area.

The Krinkes retired from farming in 1998 and expected to have more time to “see the world” in their 1930’s and 1940’s Ford cars. By then, the boys were taking over the ranching and farming operation and needed help. Neil put his dreams of driving around the world on hold and helped the boys with the farming and ranching. It wasn’t all work and no lay though. The Krinkes did make adventures with their cars to Dearborn and Early Ford V8 Meets. Their cars have won Dearborn and Early Ford V8 awards for Neil’s astounding attention to detail with his restorations.

Soon age and a health scare came sooner than they expected. It became apparent that something had to be done with the collection. The boys encouraged their dad to let other people enjoy the cars and he and Rosalie can enjoy a couple restored cars to “see the world.”

Years of collecting has filled multiple barns with signs, parts and cars. Adjacent to the cow yard, 1930’s-1940’s Ford cars and trucks were lined up and staged to be restored. The family called VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC and they started the process of selling the collection and setting an auction date. September 18^th, 2021 was chosen as the day to sell the vast collection at the ranch south of Scranton, North Dakota.

Inventory day came and Neil, the boys, and I started taking pictures and numbering the cars, parts, and memorabilia. The enormity of the collection soon became apparent. While doing inventory the memories came back and the stories started flowing about acquisitions and adventures. The collection also revealed so much history of the local area and its people. Every car, Neil had the story of who had it and when he got it. From the 1929 car that he bought to help bury a brother to a 1932 Ford 3-window coupe that was in a neighbor’s barn years ago. By the end of the day, 92 vehicles and collector tractors, nearly 100 signs, gas globes, and other automotive collectibles were numbered. The collection has a vast array of parts with many for Ford eras 1932, ‘33, and 1940’s. There are seventy plus Ford trucks, pickups, and MANY coupe and sedan bodies for restore or your hot-rodding dreams. The collection has a rare 1933 3-window coupe for rod or restore. Along with that amazing rolling body comes the hotrodder’s dream, a 1932 Ford 3-window coupe. There are even several rare 1932 Ford Victoria Sedans. Since Neil was born in 1932, there are many Ford 1932 sedans, coupes, and many 1932 Ford parts. The Krinke’s will be selling their restored Dearborn award winning cars, including a rare 1934 Ford Victoria 2-door sedan, 1936 Ford Cabriolet, 1934 Ford roadster project, 1940 Ford coupe, and more.

Even though the collection is primarily Ford, there are Chevrolets and Mercurys in the mix. A hard-to-find 1950 Mercury convertible is sitting in the corner of the machine shed. A 900 plus AACA Junior & Senior Award winning 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible will be sold along with an amazing 1954 Chevrolet 5-window pickup. Even a 1964 Mercury Marauder that was purchased new by the Krinkes will be up for sale. The auction will take place on the ranch and will be LIVE ONSITE with ONLINE bidding on September 18^th, 2021 at 9:30 AM MT. While there is no cell phone reception on the ranch, there is high speed internet to the residence. But it is best to be in person to bid and come and spend a beautiful weekend on the high plains of North Dakota.

Collections like this are hard to find, and you won’t want to miss or see this rare opportunity to bid on and view fabulous Fords and more. For catalog/online bidding, video, and many pictures go to the website www.vanderbrinkauctions.com . But you always get a front row seat on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by following VanDerBrink Auctions. So, plan now to venture up to the wide-open plains of Western North Dakota and bid on your piece of the amazing Krinke collection. 

VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC
1847 80th Ave.
Hardwick, MN 56134
Phone: 507-673-2517
Cell:605-201-7005
Fax: 507-673-0024
Web:www.vanderbrinkauctions.com
E-Mail: yvette@vanderbrinkauctions.com

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The post Ford, Ford on the range: The Krinke Collection appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

They say that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. That saying was never truer than when it pertained to Dick Pellow. The world seemed to revolve around cars for Mr. Pellow, even from an early age. He was in love with the style, class and mechanics of those early cars. Growing up in Minneapolis, he saw many changes in automobiles throughout the years. His first job was as a switchman with the Great Northern Railway all while as a member of the Navy Reserve. Like many men of the time, he soon married in 1952 and children came soon after. Five children to be precise. Dick and his wife Jean were kept busy. Getting a little restless, he decided to test his mechanical skills on the pit-crew for the Daytona 500 for his friend Bernie Hentges.

Dick and his wife bought a Body shop in 1960 and soon adding towing to the business after purchasing Milt’s Towing. The towing business would soon be the start of his legacy and additional businesses. He started Twin Cities Towing, Twin Cities Salvage Pool, and Twin Cities Wrecker. His experience and demeanor of a true “Blue Collar” guy, made him a leader in the industry. In the 1980’s, he was critical part in the towing and body shop arena and was the founder of Minnesota Professional Towing Association(MPTA). Dick was also instrumental in starting and working with the Towing and Recovery Association of America. His leadership in the industry granted him the privilege of being inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame in 1987. The businesses that he built are now being run by his daughter Renee and son Rodney. Dick’s business legacy continues with a new generation.

With his accomplishments in the industry and working with many businesses and people, he decided to run for the Minnesota State legislature. “People for Pellow” was his slogan. Dick worked hard for the people of his district from 1989-’92 and again in 1995 and ’96. His business adventures helped him to pursue his passion for old cars. His kids say there wasn’t a car that he didn’t like. They all had their own characteristics. The 1935 Ford Cabriolet in the auction, is the first car that he bought and restored. Soon many others followed and are included in the auction.

With his children also included in his businesses, they found themselves with their own love for automobiles. There were present on many trips to Chickasaw, Oklahoma along with trips to the Hershey Swap Meet and others.

Dick and his family were instrumental in the start of the New London, MN to New Brighton, MN tour. They went door to door encouraging people along the route to cheer on the race and to enjoy all the old cars. The 1910 Buick Model 14 along with the Overland, and 1905 Cadillac all are proven touring cars on this run.

Dick enjoyed his collection, the automotive hobby, and the friends he gained in the industry and hobby until he passed away in 2019. Now the family will sell his entire collection at auction to the highest bidder. VanDerBrink Auctions will sell the approx. 50 vehicles, memorabilia, many parts, and even his shop equipment on June 26^th, 2021 at his museum in St. Paul, MN. This will be a LIVE ONSITE Auction with Online bidding for vehicles and memorabilia. The parts and shop equipment will be for onsite bidders only. There are so many fabulous and rare cars in the collection including a 1911 Krit, 1928 Cretors Popcorn Truck, Many early cars with proven touring history. A beautiful 1936 Hudson Terraplane Custom 6 Convertible is 1 of 6 known left in the world. The collection has signs, brass lights, and other unique items. The family and VanDerBrink Auctions want you to come and join them in the celebration of the Pellow collection and bid on these fabulous vehicles and more. This is a treasure of St. Paul and you won’t want to miss this auction. For catalog, video, info, and more auctions www.vanderbrinkauctions.com . See you at the Auction or bid online. 

VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC
1847 80th Ave.
Hardwick, MN 56134
Phone: 507-673-2517
Cell:605-201-7005
Fax: 507-673-0024
E-Mail: yvette@vanderbrinkauctions.com

*As an Amazon Associate, Old Cars earns from qualifying purchases.  

The post This man really loved cars: The Dick Pellow Collection appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.

Have you ever wished that you could go back in time and buy that classic car you’ve always wanted? The Beneventi Collection auction on July 25, 2020 in Granger, Iowa is your chance.

The automobile started a revolution that has changed throughout the years from horses to horseless carriages. The Beneventi family evolved as well. They started selling automobiles with a Star-Durant dealership in Granger, IA that evolved into the Granger area Chevrolet dealer.

Don Beneventi was always intrigued with anything with wheels. Growing up with a family that owned a Chevrolet dealership, Don got to see many years of advances in Chevrolets. When Don was five years old, his dad used to pick him up from school when a news shipment of cars came in. Don would wiggle into the train boxcars to steer the new cars out. Don recalls that they were tied to the floor as well as hung from the ceiling of the boxcars. He noted that he worked at the dealership for 80+ years and steering those cars was his big start in the dealership business.

Don went off to college, met his wife, got married, and came home to work for the dealership in 1956. He recalled that ’56 was an exciting year with the introduction to the 265 c.i.d. V8 in Chevrolet in 1955. Don could see that people loved that new motor and wanted style and a sportier car than what they had grown up with. In 1963 Don became more active in the dealership. His dad gave him the reins and Don took over ownership of the dealership. With his dad still watching over, Don remembered the first load of cars he ordered. The transport arrived with a load of 1964 SS’s. His dad went out and said, “Wow, that’s an impressive load of cars. Where are they going?” The driver said, “They are yours. Where do you want me to unload them?” Not missing a beat, Don could here his name being called like he was five years old and in trouble. That’s a tone that you don’t forget. But Don made the right call, for the load had sold before they even hit the showroom floor.

Don recalled those years, 1955 to 1970, were exciting with all of the winning designs from Chevrolet. He worked to get a sportier and more progressive inventory on the lot as well as stocking utility vehicles like trucks and pickups. During this timeframe he sold a lot of SS models. It wasn’t until 1963, that he started collecting for himself. His dad had sold a 1937 Chevrolet Master sedan and it was traded back in 1963 for a Nova. Don quickly bought that car back. Not only for memories, but to start his personal car collection. He didn’t start holding back inventory and more trade-ins until 1972. He ordered a 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, triple black, 350, AT car as his demo. The car came with an added $39.00 to the bill for black that year. He held that one back, and this car will be sold with the window sticker at the upcoming July 25 auction. At this time Don also began holding back cars that were being traded in that he had previously sold new as well. He also began saving more old, original inventory. Additional cars followed which will be included in the auction as well. A 1977 Camaro Z28 coupe with only 456 miles, 1975 Caprice Classic convertible with 1241 miles, 1974 Corvette, 1978 Corvette, and more will be included in the auction. Some of the impressive held-back trades are: a 1981 DeLorean with less than 4000 miles that was traded in on a Corvette, a 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna S3 with a 454, that was sold new and traded back, an IROC Camaro and more. Approx. 24 vehicles in total will be in the auction with an assortment of parts and memorabilia to be offered July 25, 2020.

Don learned throughout the years that business will follow where it is welcome. Don and Beneventi Chevrolet had 88 years of successful sales in the Granger, IA area. But with a heavy heart, he saw that technology was becoming more advanced and he had taken the dealership as far as he could. He made a deal to sell the Chevrolet Franchise to the Willis Auto Group out of Des Moines, IA. Matt Willis and his family will add Beneventi Chevrolet to their Automotive group. After 88 years, it was a difficult decision, but Don’s mind is at ease knowing that the dealership his family built is in good hands and will continue to serve the area for years to come.

The Beneventi Collection auction will take place July 25, 2020 at 10a.m. at the Granger Chevrolet, “formerly Beneventi Chevrolet” in Granger, IA. There will be a celebration of the transition from Beneventi family to the Willis Auto Group on July 24 from 10-6p.m. Bidders can register and preview the cars at this time. VanDerBrink Auctions will be selling yet another group of the new/old cars and trade-ins.

VanDerBrink Auctions sold the now famous Lambrecht Chevrolet Collection in 2013 in Pierce, NE with 55 New old stock and almost 400 trade-ins held back by Mr. Lambrecht. Just when you think lightning can’t strike twice, another group of impressive new Chevrolets comes to VanDerBrink Auctions to sell! I remember working with the Lambrecht Chevrolet very well. The one big difference is these beautiful Chevrolets are running and driving and are in like-new condition. This group of new Chevrolets also have the window stickers, documentation, and more that will go with the cars as they did with the Lambrecht sale. It’s amazing to see all the automotive history in one place. Collectors will be thrilled with Mr. Beneventi and his collection. Some of the noteworthy pieces include a 1957 Chevrolet 2dr. ht with a 1958 Fuel injection, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Coupe, NEW 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, NEW 1977 Chevrolet Z28 Camaro, and even New Corvettes. The collection will be offered No RESERVE LIVE ONSITE along with Online bidding. The collection represents the Beneventi’s years of service and Don’s love of Chevrolet. We invite everyone to come to the auction or bid online and bid on your chance on buying a New Old car. There is complete catalog, video, story, pictures, and more auctions at www.vanderbrinkauctions.com

See you at the auction and your chance to Own a New/Old car! 

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The post See the USA in your unsold Chevrolet. The Beneventi Chevrolet Auction appeared first on Old Cars Weekly.