'32 Ford Truck

In '57, Charles Bowman started moving his collection of Fords to a new property at a rate of 1 vehicle per day. Even back then, the process took almost 3 months! Buildings were added onto multi-directionally as more units were purchased over the years. After his death in the '99, hundreds of cars and tens of thousands of parts went to probate - where they remained for about a year and a half.

Having been fortunate enough to purchase cars and parts from Charles over several years, dozens of trips were made going through what was amassed. Ultimately, his 3 sons left with the daunting task of inventorying & selling lost patience. Their slower-than-molasses-in-January idea of unburying proved too slow going. An absolute auction was held, estate liquidated. This B was photographed the first time it saw sunlight in 41 years. It was in the "worst" condition of any of the trucks kept indoors. Not bad for 99% rust free.

NOS Indian pistons

Last time a bunch of NOS Indian Chief pistons with original boxes were seen together? Well, it may have been in '51!

'58 Goggomobil T400

This diminutive microcar is indeed a great find. The little German rear engined 2 cylinder sedan score has logged a mere 8084 miles since new! Being tucked away for years no doubt enabled original paint and a wonderful interior condition to survive well. Only 1200-1500 Goggomobils were sold per year in the US from '58-'61. US market received the "big block" desirable 392cc engine, or 400 designation and are highly sought after. Bumper overriders, turn signal lenses, big headlights, separate oil tank, and pre-gear select transmission are all indicators of an early US market car.

Inspiration 2

How many camouflaged rusting relics can you spot after enlarging panorama?

This old yard closed in '72. By '75, over 1700 cars were scrapped, leaving about 200 of the most complete or most interesting at the time. Pretty much untouched property since.

'60 Buick LeSabre Bubbletop

4 doors and sedans dominate market; 2 door coupes - not so much. This TX find has no rot, having been stored indoors for a couple decades. Rear driver quarter has a softball size dent, rest of body is straight. Missing front bumper has been replaced with a good replatable core. Radiator has been stolen. Great base for a mild custom with this bubbletop's sweeping lines.

'56 Cadillac Eldorado Seville

Pretty damn nice original TX survivor - absolutely no rust, straight as an arrow, 100% complete, and running. Perfect restoration candidate. This one has sold.

'41 Indian Sport Scout

This attractive 45ci skirted civilian model 641 is at least under cover, procured for a future generation's enjoyment.

'59 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible

Two friends went on together to give this rare Dodge Lance a frame off restoration. Beautiful (albeit dusty) in triple black. Even though 984 were made in '59, few were fitted with the new 383 D-500 option which boasts 345 horsepower.

'40 Ford Tudor

South Texas sedan awaiting new life as a hot rod. Si.

'53 Buick Special woodie

Pretty complete running, driving '53. Acquired with light surface rust throughout, the body was blasted with walnut shells and a coat of epoxy applied as a preventative for further deterioration. Original wood is completely dried out with fair patina. Went through brakes, added new tires, and take to cruise nights regularly. Has 5 Buick wire wheels. Beauty of this woodie wagon? It can be used as is or restored. 

'61 Chrysler New Yorker

100% complete uncommon 2D for restoration. Hasn't seen light of day in 20 years, when tucked away from the elements for safekeeping. Trunk floor has rust and there are holes peppering the front floors. Body is straight, no evidence of ever having accident damage. Impressive astradome dashboard assembly!

Harley Davidson Knuckleheads

Daytona, '94 - Volusia County swap meet. Asking prices seemed preposterous at the time. Both FL mills, both had original case numbers. One of them had 45FLxxxx. There were like what, only 200 navy bikes made in 1945? They were $5k and $5500. Whoops!

'59 Cadillac limousine

This monstrous finned chromasaurus was saved in the 11th hour from a date with the crusher. Good thing too! Underneath the TX sunburned paint is a fairly straight body with minimal rust. Windshield and front floors are the two largest areas of concern for this Series 75 informal (non-divider) limo.

'54 Chevy 210 Handyman

Considered a 'sleeper' when compared to the popularity (and prices) of Tri5s, this super solid NM tin woodie wagon peacefully awaits more attention. Still boasting original paint, it's mid-line model trim rests on the front seat. Another candidate best suited for preserved genuine status.

'56 Vespa Ape AB4T

Came across this rare (late) faro basso Vespa in upstate NY where it had sit undisturbed for years after being acquired at Hershey. Took another decade to buy...and little more than cleaning points & setting timing to run.

This old soldier proudly wears battle scars. Too cool original patina to restore. Count on one hand how many fenderlight Vespa Apes are in the US. How many of you can hank crank your scooter?

'60 Cadillac truck

 Fun concept crudely executed. What started out as a rust free NM 6 window Sedan DeVille ended up as a quirky Cadamino. Unfinished project with a solid platform where the vision should be followed through. Can you say bubbletop..?