would love to go but cant. passing this info along just in case you can go. http://www.sullivanauctioneers.com/auction/huge-collector-car-antique-tractor-collection-2/
lots of cool stuff there. if I had all that stuff and a bunch of family I would make sure they know how to sell stuff on their own before I die. between what the auction charges and the taxes you will then pay that would cut the $$$ in half.
Thanks @bct...ya gotta have a mechanical drool once a day and today you provided one to cover a couple of days at least. The fellow knew what he liked and showered his life with it and seems to have had the space and funding to do it. He had something for everyday of the year and no doubt actually drove them Perhaps someone here knew this guy and has some stories to share.
I do not know the guy and just started doing a little research when I first saw the sale. Sounds like he was a farmer who just kept getting bigger and bigger, buying up all the land he could. Then like other large farmers he started a trucking company to haul all his grain. After that, he decided he could get a better price for his grain by buying his own grain elevators/storage facilities/truck and rail terminals. Like a lot of other farmers in the 1940's thru the 1980's, he realized he could get a better price on all his trucks if he bought a GMC dealership. Next time your local newspaper writes a tear-jerker article about starving farmers......be at least a little skeptical. Hope to be at the auction for at least a couple of days.
Imagine an episode of the Twilight Zone where all those tractors suddenly started up on their own and were running amok through town!
Oh......I forgot the best part (I do not know if this was a factor for Mr.Gabeline)......when you get upset paying the local banker interest for all the $$$$ you need to borrow to do the above-mentioned expansions.......you get on the board of the local bank......and then you buy the bank !!
I sold Bob grain trailers in the late 80's. I was on that farm many times and I new he had a couple of cars. I had no idea that he had this size of collection. Bob and his family always treated me good. There is a sign at the county line that say RICHEST COUNTY PER CAPITAL IN THE UNITED STATES>
I knew him and don't live too far from him. Maybe 90 minutes. Anyone wanting to buy, just send me a blank check and I'll take care of you... LOL
Hey thanks all for shedding light on this fellow. Perhaps he was a Hamber. He was successful in his endeavours, seemed an okay guy and lived the dream. He did enjoy some modded stuff to it seems. Boy the cruise nights around there will soon see a bump in attendance...
a really great collection! have been working for the auction company for the last few months inspecting all the cars. great cars! great signs! great parts! and pedal cars like i have never seen. this isnt just an auction its an event! i hope i can control myself but im sure i will overspend.
Looks like lots of strong prices for vehicles that will need some "recommissioning". Got to love that mob excitement let's see what the Car Corral @ Iola looks like this weekend, there might be some "second chances" ?
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