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Auction Countdown! Bob Regehr Collection

Have you ever wished you’d done something wildly successful just so you could acquire and enjoy more vehicles? That dream came true for Bob Regehr, and after his passing, the fruits of his passion go to the highest bidders on 24 October 2020 here at Vanderbrink Auctions. A car guy to the core, Regehr showed up at the 1968 World’s Fair with an invention called the “Moon Walk,” a trampoline enclosed in a safety dome, and the rest was history. Be sure to read Regehr’s biography on the auction site. Though heavy on 1930’s Fords, the well-rounded collection includes General Motors products, tractors, and more! Let’s start with this rare 1932 Ford B400 two-door Convertible Sedan that spent time in Europe as a staff car at the American embassy in Denmark. Have you ever seen one in person? We covered some highlights of this collection in April here on Barn Finds, and there’s plenty more below. The online and in-person auction (with safety precautions) offers collectors around the world a chance to own a part of this epic collection.

A vintage ’60s hot rod build, this 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe packs a 21-stud flathead V8 with three deuces… one Ford carb and two Holleys! The three-speed column shift and pleated bench seat are perfect for cruising with your sweetheart.

Factory fuel-injected, this 1958 Chevrolet Corvette lost its original motor and the nifty “fuelie” setup, and now gets power from a later small block V8 with “dual quads,” twin four-barrel carburetors.

Another interesting ‘Vette, this 1972 Chevrolet Corvette runs a mighty 454 cid mill, with black leather interior and factory air conditioning. Like most of the auction cars, this big-block coupe is not running and offered in “as is” condition.

What collection is complete without a Chevy-powered hot-rod Ford? For decades the world’s most ubiquitous motor, the Chevrolet small-block, powered everything from Fords like this fiberglass-bodied 1932 Ford Hi-Boy to motorcycles. The name “High Boy” began when hot-rodders would discard the fenders and other panels, lightening the car and making them ride higher on the suspension. In hot rod parlance, “High Boy” describes any full-bodied custom that has not been channeled onto the frame.

What could be more audacious than a V12 two-door? This 1947 Lincoln Continental makes quite a statement with its airy cabin and grand-piano-sized hood covering the magnificent V12. According to Mr. Regehr’s notes, this beauty is original and never-restored.

Representing the standard of luxury in the 1960s, this 1965 Cadillac Sedan de Ville shows well inside and out, with a cream cloth interior in decent shape. The four-door hardtop makes for delightful windows-down cruising in style.

This “E” code 1957 Ford Thunderbird draws power from the rare 312 cid V8 with factory dual-quad four barrel carburetors. Though not running, the owner’s notes indicate a rebuilt motor and a paint job during the car’s tenure in the collection.

Chevy brought serious style to the pickup truck world with this 1955 Chevrolet Cameo. Specific fiberglass sides on the Cameo’s bed lent a super-sporty look, perhaps the first attempt to pitch casual truck ownership to stylish suburbanites.

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala looks ready to blast into space! Red inside and out, the space-age Chevy shows well and features a 348 cid V8 and automatic transmission. Take a moment to view these beauties and appreciate the American Dream so well-realized by Bob Regehr, a self-made man who collected and cared for these splendid automobiles. May we all be so blessed! Which of Mr. Regehr’s rides is your favorite?

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    Have never laid eyes on a ’32 Convertible Sedan and didn’t even know there was such a thing. Would really like to find out what that one sold for.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Kimbal

    I saw an Auburn Boattail, red, in one of the pictures – THAT would be a sweet ride!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Kimbal

    My bad. You see it in the first picture? It is a kit car…alas! No Auburn. It was way back in 1970, when I was going to get my first car at age 17. I wound up with an original 1964 1/2 Mustang convertible, 289 engine of course. Poppy Red with white top and seats, black carpeting. BUT there was a golden brown Auburn Boattail Speedster at a local lot. They wanted 950 bucks for it but cash no credit no loans. Blah. I got drafted in 1972, my Dad got in a money crunch and worried about losing his business he sold it while I was in basic training! Give me either one of those right now and I am riding high!!!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Charles Sawka

    B400 ? Was it production ? Wow

    Like 0
    • Avatar John Taylor

      yes they were.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Ron

    A lot of variety but most of them don’t appear to be high dollar collectibles…

    Like 0
    • Avatar Cadmandan

      Have you truly viewed the inventory? I will estimate the total sell will exceed over 2.5 million.
      69 Camaro Indy Pace car, 57 Chevy Bel Air convertible, 58 Corvette fuelie, 56 Corvette, etc…
      Smells like lots of $$

      Like 2
  6. Avatar Phlathead Phil.

    A pity that it is being sold off. Bob Regehr’s collection should be preserved intact, IMHO.

    It’s men like him that keep the automotive genius of American know how alive.

    May he long be remembered.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Joseph Saad

    I love those two Sportscoach Motorhomes, I cannot find an information on the website about them? Anyone know if those are for sale too?

    Like 0
  8. Avatar vintagehotrods

    One of the rarest ’32 Fords ever built – just 884 Model 18 V-8’s and 14 Model B four cylinder cars. In the past I’ve seen them sell for over $100,000 but with the current state of affairs they may not reach those prices.

    The best collection of ’32 Fords I’ve ever seen in my lifetime belong to Gene Hetland of Anoka, MN. Last year I was very fortunate to be given a personal tour by Gene of his collection. His collection is absolutely stunning, both the cars, most of which are very low mileage, untouched originals, and his extraordinary collection of memorabilia that he has collected over the past 60 years. I would love to see Gene’s entire estate and collection be preserved just as it is forever!

    See his website here: http://deuceheaven.com/

    My photos from that day: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KL8mT9yHKL7NJiBu5

    Like 2
    • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

      Awesome!

      Like 1
  9. Avatar Joe Haska

    Vintagehotrods, Thanks so much for your comments and especially the web site and your personal pictures. I love early Fords and vintage Hot Rods, I have had several 32’s and still have my first early Ford, a 1934 5- window coupe ,I purchased in 1963 , when I was 19 years old. I have seen many 32 collection’s but never Gene Hetland’s, Thanks again for sharing…..Joe Haska.

    Like 1

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