Wisconsin Barn Find Estate Sale!

A huge thanks to reader Tom C for sending in this tip! If you’ve been looking for a barn find to buy, this estate sale in Wisconsin might just have something for you. These barns were owned by a Jack Slattery, who appears to have stuffed them full of classic cars. There are 40 cars set to be auctioned off in this estate sale, ranging from 1940’s Cadillacs, Packards and Lincolns to ’50s convertibles, a few ’60s muscle cars and a handful of ’70s land yachts. Jack seems to have been a man of many interests and he accumulated some really cool cars! His collection is set to be auctioned off on November 4th, but you can already start bidding here on HiBid.

While Mr. Slatterly’s cars are all covered in dust and are in various conditions, I see lots of cars I would love to have! There’s a diverse selection, but it appears Jack’s interest was primarily in luxury American cars, with a emphasis on Cadillacs. What’s truly impressive is how many of the cars are two doors and convertibles, especially the ’40s cars. As cool as some of the ’40s Cadillacs are, I’d like to have the Lincoln Convertible, it just isn’t something you see that often.

Out of the ’50s cars, I can see the Buick Skylark Convertible, Shoebox Ford Convertible, Pontiac Star Chief Catalina and the ’58 Cadillac Coupe De Ville bringing in the most interest. Anyone of them would be fun to have, but for me it would boil down to what they get bid up to.

As cool as the ’40s and ’50s cars are, I think some of the ’60s car will generate the most commotion. There will likely be a bidding war for the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T and the ’65 Corvette. As a matter of fact, the Corvette is already bid up to $4,800 and the Charger has already hit $8,500. They both appear to have serious issues, but considering what similarly rough examples have been going for on eBay these days, they might end up being good buys!

Even if you aren’t in the market for a barn find right now, this auction would be a fun event to attend. It’s being held at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wisconsin. There will be a preview on November 3rd and the auction will kick off on the 4th. If you are able to attend, we would love to hear about it! Oh and be sure to take a look at all of Jack’s cars and let us know which ones are your top picks in the comments section below.

Comments

  1. Hide Behind

    Gimme the old Buick and Pontiac if verts.
    What a cruiser they make.
    Have Flash Gordon era Dash panels, add 454-500 Chevy normally aspirated, Carson top (removable while retaining canvass top) newer drive train and brakes) air suspension and rechrome over rich maroon or Black with newer type metallic base.
    What a ride for long vacation drives or evening cruise at nearest burger barn.
    PIMP MOBILE ANYONE?
    Take 40 grand at minimum to do, but end product worth vastly more e1ven back to original. Engi rd in both Buick and Poncho have more than enough to hold own on freeway. 100+mph.
    EARLY turbo Hydramatics actually 4 speeds, 2 stage 1st gear, and damn rugged great trannys.

    Like 1
    • Alan Brase

      You probably knew this, but the early automatic made by GM since 1937 was called “HYDRAMATIC”, not “TURBO”.
      You are correct. It was a very rugged unit. Pretty heavy, I think perhaps near 300lb.
      Further, they did not have a torque converter, but rather a fluid coupling. The units are called “torus wheels” and have a 1 to 1 ratio, so the trans needs the double reduction of 1st gear, somewhere about 4 to 1.
      They were first used in Cadillacs, but later in bigger things like medium sized trucks, maybe some military equipment. With some changes, they had great acceptance in drag racing. “B & M Hydro Stick” and others. The later emanations of this tranny were used til 1964, but only the 1949-1955 were the favorites of the drag racers.

      Like 1
  2. ol huddy

    what in heavens name is the split window car behind the dkw……. through the bumper exhaust ?…. this must be e european photo?

    Like 1
    • Fred Martinsen

      Tatra t603

      Like 1
  3. Zachary Dillinger

    That Packard 120 convertible would be great to have. I just wish it had a title, Michigan is sort of a pain in the rear these days.

    Like 1
  4. Todd Zuercher

    I like the ’53 Skylark in the lead photo.

    Like 1
  5. Todd Fitch Staff

    I’m with Todd Z – That Skylark is sweet. My Dad had a ’53 Roadmaster Riviera HT, but the Skylark has some unique features. Plus, just getting to say “Sheboygan” is worth the price of admission.

    Like 1
  6. Brian Gould

    Too bad these demented old hoarders don’t manage to hoard the titles as well. Too many parts cars and not enough titled units to pique my interest. Too much hassle to title an untitled unit.

    Like 1
    • TriPowerVette

      +Brian Gould – I have some experience with titling the untitled, and in Arizona it’s pretty simp… er… I mean… you’re absolutely correct. It is hell getting title. You may be just be improving sombody’s else car… Better stay away.

      Like 1
      • BILL GRAHAM

        I’m a demented old hoarder and proud of it! If you don’t want to be bothered, there are lots of other people that will be.

        Like 1
      • Miguel

        What happened to the title services in Alabama ands other states?

        Like 1
    • Ancient Mariner

      Titles are not a problem , there is a guy in new York that advertises titles and titles and frames in Hemmings. I have used him in the past with real good results.

      Like 1
      • carsofchaos

        Titles are absolutely a problem….in certain states. Take New Jersey, for instance. NJ DMV long ago got wise to titles of 60’s and 50’s cars suddenly flooding into NJ from Tennessee, Alabama, etc. So, good luck with using an out of state title service in NJ cos your chance of success is about 10%. Outside of that, if you are in NJ, unless you can locate the person who the vehicle was last titled to, or unless the car was abandoned at a repair shop (not a residence) you will never get the title. Ever. Washington State has also gotten very tough on non-titled cars, with a 3 year time out before they will issue you a title.

        Like 1
    • danieljslattery

      Brian,

      It is unfortunate you didn’t have a father like mine. My father taught me to respect others and not make assumptions but seek understanding. My father spent a lifetime loving and caring for his family. His “hoarding” will now result in his ability to remain solvent keeping himself and my mother in their home.

      You may depict his collecting as “demented” but it is quite apparent that his collection is selling for a decent sum. His ability to recognize cars with potential was quite sound. Mind you that when he was buying, the sale price was commonly $10 to $15 dollars.

      Poor choice of words can injure. My father was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is difficult for our family and him as he is still quite aware. I find it disturbing that individuals feel the need to lash out and cause harm behind the safety of their computer screen. Individuals read what you write and you put forth a less than humane character. Consider your audience and heed proper respect and courtesy.

      You would have learned these lessons had you been gifted with a father like mine. My sympathy is extended to you, Brian.

      PS. All of the cars in the auction have titles. With a couple of exceptions, keys are also available. My father had the foresight to preserve.

      Daniel J Slattery

      Like 1
      • Brian Gould

        I am sorry that my thoughtless comment hurt your feelings and caused needless pain. Please forgive me. I will try to do better.

        Like 0
  7. On and On On and On Member

    I like the ’54 Pontiac but auctions can be dangerous and it’s definitely a caveat.

    Like 0
  8. Del

    What is a shoe box Ford ?

    Like 0
    • On and On On and On Member

      ’49-’51 Fords that had a boxy style.

      Like 0
  9. Brian Gould

    +Bill Graham I guess so. Look at all those bids on the untitled beauties. Some of them are approaching 10% of scrap price. Hoard the titles too.

    Like 0
  10. Miguel

    At times I have had up to 100 cars and I had clear titles on each and every vehicle.

    I never bought a vehicle that didn’t have a title to begin with.

    Some of these vehicles have been with their owners for decades and some states didn’t issue titles when they were purchased.

    Like 0
  11. Luke Fitzgerald

    God almighty – makes looking after 1 (or two) old heaps some sense

    Like 0
  12. newfieldscarnut

    Titles could be in the gloveboxes .
    Perhaps converted to mouse nests .
    BTW – If it weren’t for hoarders most of these cars would be long gone .

    Like 0
    • carsofchaos

      I’d go out on a limb and say most of these cars are pretty long gone already, but I agree with what you are saying. That Cash for Clunkers thing was a death knell for a lot of old rides that had been “sitting up out in the back” for ages.

      Like 0
  13. Norm

    Is there a list somewere ??

    Like 0
  14. On and On On and On Member

    Hit on the HiBid link.

    Like 0
  15. Brian Gould

    The titles would be fine if they just put them in one of their empty jam jars and then in the glove box. And yes the hoarders save a lot of cars from the crusher but why not take the extra care in saving them in a useful manner? Otherwise it is less saving them and more just postponing the inevitable.

    Like 0
  16. Del

    Hoarders probably not worried about paper work

    Like 0
    • JohnT

      I can’t afford to hoard cars but I do have lots of paperwork, If only I could get it all sorted out then maybe I could work on a car collection.

      Like 0
  17. Alan Brase

    Iowa has a bonded title scheme. Don’t know if you can transfer the title during the bond period, which I think is 24 months. Years ago I brought one in from Alabama, no problem, but I’ve heard they made that a lot harder. I’ve been around a few estate clean ups. A lot of times the heirs just want things to be swept away and are not successful at finding the location of the titles. Pretty good stuff in the dumpsters.
    I think your are totally wrong about the decedent not worried about paperwork. They usually have planned to be driving them again. Just too much chaos in storing papers, or following up on paperwork deliveries.

    Like 0
  18. leiniedude leiniedude Member

    Hard to beat Sheboygan for brats, beer and cheese. Even if you do not score at the auction you will eat and drink like a King. I might go, if nothing else to look at the cool old iron and eat and drink like a King. Limburger forever!

    Like 0
  19. On and On On and On Member

    I might see you there, I’m from Lodi, north of Mad City. I’ll be the guy with the hat on and the beer in my hand.

    Like 0
  20. BOP_GUY Greg Member

    I wish I would inherit a barn like this!

    Like 0
  21. mike D

    if you click on the link and take a good gander at some of the other cars, some are pretty beat… I wonder if those that are being sold as ” parts cars” are those w/o titles a few I would really consider .. most are ” I’ll fix it up someday” the 82 GP caught my eye except for the torn up driver front fender looks pretty nice .. and the price is right!

    Like 0
  22. Jim in AL

    With a couple notable exceptions, all I see is scrap metal.

    Like 0
  23. Duane Hayes

    Should be illegal to store neat old cars in Wisconsin, I can picture all the rust from the dripping wet humidity that’s constant there. Unless you run a dehumidifier and heater.

    Like 0
    • Tom Member

      Right on Duane. Surprised no one had commented yet on the extreme rust in unusual places like the tops of the engines. the entire underbodies and everywhere, I guarantee, look like what can be seen in the photos….rust and corrosion from extreme moisture. That goes for all wiring, electronics, you name it. I would bet most interior fabrics etc might look good in the photos but too have been saturated. Too bad. I am in Illinois and storing things in the Midwest is a tricky business….these were far from stored properly. Again, too bad.

      Like 0
  24. Dan

    Almost all of the cars have titles and keys. My father is not demented but you seem to have some judgmental issues.

    Like 0
    • Alan Brase

      It’s your father that was the collector? And he is still living? Give him my regards. I think it is great that he saved all these rare and wonderful cars for future generations. He found some real beauties- the Skylark, Lincolns, Caddies, Packards. Is he able to recount any history of the cars? Previous owners?
      I live in neighboring state of Iowa, and we do certainly have rust issues on those driven in salt. But Getting them under a roof, and a concrete floor, makes long term storage pretty effective. Certainly better than sitting outdoors for decades. He did a good thing.

      Like 0
      • danieljslattery

        Yes, my father is quite alive! I think he will attend the auction. He knows all the history and can tell many stories on each car. If you would like to meet my father, mention it to the auction staff. The staff will work with me to arrange meetings.

        Like 0
  25. Lora

    Would the author please correct the owner’s name? It’s Slattery, not Slatterly.

    Like 0
    • Jamie Palmer Jamie Palmer Staff

      Not the author, but the fix is done and thanks for the correction!

      Like 0
      • Lora

        Thank you!

        Like 0

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