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Driven In Under Their Own Power

 

t-birds

From Rob S – During the spring of 2013 in Wainwright, Alberta a friend of mine received a call regarding an issue with plumbing out at a local acreage. He responded to the call like any other and completed the job to the customer’s satisfaction. When he was about to leave, the owner of the property asked if he would be interested in purchasing any old cars. He declined but called me soon after to pass on the information and directions. The next weekend I drove twenty minutes from town and arrived at a sandy lane way with multiple outbuildings, Quonset huts and a house in the middle. Behind this house was a large tree lined hill. As I pulled in there was no indication that there were any cars to be found only a generic silver Ford escape parked beside the home. I knocked on the door and was greeted by a man in his late sixties wearing a house coat and the large head of a black panther tattooed on his chest. I explained to him how I came to be knocking at his door and he pointed over the hill. He said to have a look around and come in to talk when you’re finished. It would be three hours before I returned from the other side of that hill.

67'mustang 1

I began my walk up the hill and noticed an open front storage shed halfway up. I went over to investigate sitting in the middle was a 1967 Mustang with a sunburned patina. As well inside the shed was a tarp covered 1940’s Packard sedan and two 1964 Thunderbirds one convertible and one hardtop. I tread lightly on this first visit only lifting the tarps high enough to identify the vehicles. Leaving the storage shed I made my way up to the tree line. Encompassed in trees were yet again more Thunderbirds I would later count a total of thirteen birds scattered across the property.

partial view of valley 4

I crested the hill to see a valley of classics, rust buckets and wrecks spread out before me. In between the cars were hoarded piles of surplus ammunition casings, missile storage tubes, and scrap steel. Many of these items I would find out later were bought through government surplus auctions.

57'belair 5

Rounding a pile of surplus items, a chromed fin of a ’57 Bel Air was revealed from under yet another tarp.

47'dodge 6

Two 47′ Dodge special deluxe sedans sat side by side. As the hours passed and the sun began to set I made the walk along the sandy trails back to the house occasionally kicking up spent ammunition casings. 

extra pic 8

Once I reached the house I was invited inside to talk cars. The owner had been steadily growing the collection since ending his military career. He would purchase vehicles through classified ads in the Ontario based old autos newspaper and have them shipped sight unseen via rail. Take trips across the border with a trailer and bring back whatever he saw fit. The collection ranged from 1920 to present day. Though the stand out was the collection of T-birds, unfortunately none completed. I was assured that almost all the vehicles had been driven down the sandy trails under their own power.

extra pic 7

I made three trips back to the property and bought three vehicles. Each subsequent visit more vehicles would reveal themselves.

67'mustang 2

This sure looks like a fun place to visit and I wonder what else is still hiding behind that hill! Special thanks to Rob for sharing! So do you see any projects here you’d love to have?

Comments

  1. Avatar Blindmarc

    What did you end up buying?

    Like 0
  2. Avatar nighttrainx03

    Wow what a great find!! Rob what did he want for the mustang? Looked like it was in nice shape. Other than the T-Birds what other old Fords were there?

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Cassidy

    Are there any 64 Birds? Prices? How much is the mustang? Are there other Mustangs?

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Luke Fitzgerald

    Wow – still happens

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Craig

    Just shows ya, ya never know whats around the corner, hill, etc.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Alexander Member

    I always appreciate stories of traversing fields to discover automotive gems, while being kept in line by the property owner retaining/renewing spent ammunition around to keep you honest! I like the beat up 36 Ford 5 window coupe but I’m sure that one is destined to sit a few more decades. Great story!!!

    That may not be a 36 Ford…but what a treat to see some 70+ year old vintage tin sitting there!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Tricky

    Share the wealth dude!!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Leo Judice

    What’s the address

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tricky

      Wainright, Alberta Canada Leo!

      Like 0
  9. Avatar AMC STEVE

    Cool story bro

    Like 0

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