What’s in that Barn? They are still out there!

When I was a kid, my Dad collected 1957 Chevrolets. Us kids, could spot those tail fins peeking out of the grove of trees at 60mph. We’d yell with delight, “Dad! Tailfins! 57 Chevrolet!” He would spin the car around and next thing we know, Dad would be buying that hidden treasure and bringing it home back in our shed and trees.  Who would have thought that this “Car Spotting” skills would come useful with my profession.

All those miles of riding around and listening to Dad make deals on Chevrolets. Absorbing all that information like a little sponge and filing it back for future use. No not Jeopardy for a question for money, but helping a family with selling their collection.  It give me a thrill to tell them that car Grampa or Dad had is a real treasure and not “junk”. I have been in hundreds of barns and looked at thousands of vehicles, but last week I got butterflies in my stomach and the thrill of the find.

I have been in hundreds of barns and looked at thousands of vehicles, but last week I got butterflies in my stomach and the thrill of the find.

I am working with a family in Wisconsin that their Dad passed away. He hoarded, to say the least, antique furniture and antique Luxury cars. They were all tucked away in a shed, that was to say the least, not good for the. Over the years, those nasty Raccoons had taken up refuge and eaten a few interiors. Never the less, they seemed to avoid the more valuable cars.

I went there to do inventory after they were out. It was a hot, muggy day, and the racoon poop odor was pretty dang strong. I pulled up my pickup in to the clearing and their they were. I couldn’t believe it. Cadillacs everywhere, 1959 Cadillacs!  I looked around and there were many projects. What are the odds of not just 1 but 2 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertibles in 1 barn find! I was going along with my inventory and then boom, there it was.  1 of 1690  made, a 1953 Buick Skylark convertible project. This would be the 2nd one that I will sell this year. That’s awesome! The son-in-law came out and asked, “Is there anything here anyone would want?” “Absolutely, I said.,” I explained what they had inherited and that we would work to get out the word.

It just amazes me, time and gain, and thrills me to help families realize “What’s in the Barn” and at the same time get these wonderful cars back into the traffic flow and hands of the collectors so they can shine their great chrome beauty in the sun again. For that, I can handle spiders and some raccoon poop. If you have a collection that you’d like to sell or know what’s in your barn, give me a call, I’d be happy to help. 605-201-7005

Yvette VanDerBrink-The Salvage Princess   VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC- Auctioneer