This is probably the most unusual listing that I have come across in a while. It states, “My old man passed, digging these out, selling at Wachter auctions in Sykesville, MD in May or June, Rip“. And that’s it. So whether the seller knew about his father’s cars or learned of them after his passing is unknown but these six have been identified and are part of his estate – auction to follow. They are listed here on Facebook Marketplace and are located in New Windsor, Maryland. Thanks to Chuck F. for this tip.
First up and probably the star of the show is a ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop. Besides the obvious body condition, missing back bumper and smashed windshield are the very old Virginia license plates. The “V” adorning the hood tells us that this Chevy is, or was, V8 powered, more than likely a 283 CI V8 but it could have also been a 265 which was available at the early part of the ’57 model year. The front left wheel looks like a Cragar GT but beyond that, it’s hard to tell much about this car’s particulars.
Following is a 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door sedan. The body appears to be straight with no signs of serious rust but then the devil’s always in the detail. This particular car is sporting a V8 engine of some sort as evidenced by the stock car style pipes exiting in front of the rear wheels on either side. As with the ’57, it is wearing aftermarket wheels up front but there is not much else discernable here. Interestingly, 1961 was the only year that Chevrolet made the Impala available in this two-door sedan body style. The trim holes on the side of this car look more like those that would have used to secure Bel Air trim than those used on an Impala.
Based on the Spring Green color, I’m going to call this El Camino a 1972 model – getting a good look at the front is the only way to discern it from a 1971 model. The watchword here is rust. It is evident in the passenger side quarter and under the vinyl top covering – never a good sign. It’s pretty well down on its haunches which may be due to an overloading of detritus in the cargo bed or a more serious suspension problem.
Following suit is a 1969 El Camino which appears to have been stripped for refinishing. As with the others, the wide tires and aftermarket wheels attest to this Camino’s one-time performance aspirations. Along with the missing grille, it’s easy to imagine that rust has become a bit too friendly with this ute. At least it’s undercover.
This mid-’70s Corvette is about to get a lift – in a big way as a forklift bears down on it and plucks it up. This is another Chevy with hot-rod intentions as evidenced by its air cleaner and what’s left of its driver’s side chrome exhaust. It would be nice to know what happened to the hood but I guess it really doesn’t matter.
Finally, and for bonus points, name this car! Yes, quite certain it’s a Chevrolet but that’s where the sleuthing goes cold. It does appear to have a transmission, however, or maybe that’s a wheel shoved in there.
Wachter Auctioneers is located in Sykesville, Maryland but I couldn’t find this treasure trove on their schedule. I’ve been to quite a few auto auctions in the past but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of attending one that handles this sort of merchandise. All I can say is GLWTA.
I think the only thing of value is the old Viginia license plate.
Scratch that, those are present day issue VA. “antique vehicle” plates.
Junk, nothing but. Imagine the water damage in that 57 after some idiot used the windshield for target practice.
Rough looking lot, might be something there but doubtful. Too bad these were neglected.
Last one is a vette I beleive !
68 Corvette.. only year that Chevrolet used that style door handle (see rt door).
The chrome flap had a high failure .Changed in 69.
Should have said door plunger was incorporated in to upper flap and only lock was maintained below
My 75 coupe has the same door handles
The ’61 doesn’t look too bad. Make a great nostalgia Super Stocker!
The last one is a Stingray version Corvette. You can see the door release at the top of the door.
No Lowballers! I know what I have.
Someone should make the vandals buy the cars. Smfh
“…this sort of merchandise..” ha ha. I like the kindly use of the language. Rust can be removed and metal can be replaced. The great secret to the restoration process is to MAKE PROGRESS with the work.
A team of restorers can make short work of restoration with the visible sheet metal on the fenders and body the last part to finally get done with a whole lot of sanding and polishing. A well-restored vehicle radiates the memory of the labor intensive work done to produce the shiny paint and chrome, and to bring back the sounds of the running engine.
Otherwise the work will take a steadily educated craftsman five years with a patient partner who loves him and overlooks his foibles.
Not exactly a respectful kid. Just wants money and adios.
Maybe, just maybe, dear old dad didn’t deserve any respect? Don’t judge, you don’t know the circumstances.
The 61 is the only one I’d crawl under . The rest look too far gone.
Evidently, his ‘old man’ was in the same condition his cars are in.
Well, for all intents and purposes, he is now!
65 year’s ago I called my father the “old man” and he put his hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye and said, “listen son, I am your father and don’t you ever forget that!” I NEVER called him that again and everyone I have heard call their father the “old man”, I always tell them this story and I have never heard them do it again. My father died in 1974 and I was 33…. I think of him every day, love you dad.
Amen Randy, they go to soon
The advantage of being the youngest in a big family. My sister referred to Dad as “the old man”. I learned from her mistake and never used that phrase.
“The old man”
“The old lady”
Uh, no. Just wrong.
“The crotchety old neighbor”? That might be me.
Nothing wrong with that one.
Right on! I was lucky to have my Dad (ALWAYS my “Dad”) to his 94th B’day. WWII vet to boot! Was a Studebaker then a Ford man (had 2 Mustangs over the yrs, lucky me!) but last car was a Buick LaCrosse
You might be able to sell a fender or two and maybe the v8 engines other than that it’s scrap iron and not much of that.
Respect your father; no ones perfect some just made worse mistakes than others.
God bless America
The 57 is salvageable, ths 61 is too. The rest are probably not worth the effort, donor cars
The 61 actually looks like it has plenty of potential.
yes, they all look rough, some more so than others. But, you need to look at the potential they possess! In the hands of the right builder and one can own a show piece. It is called making a silk purse out of a sows ear.
I like the comments on how these cars aren’t worth the space they take up in this neglected condition. Not everyone that wants a 50 or 60 year old classic can afford a 30k+ example of these cars, and if that guy has talent to do most of the work himself he could an enjoyable old car and enjoy it, keep your trailer queens
I would peek at the 61,if good structural, then worth fixing up,as a driver,I would not do a complete restoration though, the white one missing the front clip and no transmission etc.Im saying is a 65 or 66 Chevy impala.
I would give anything parked on dirt for a long time a pass.
Not for sale, going to get to em some day. Guess some day never came.