From Brandon P. – Hey Guys! So, I have two interconnected stories that I thought you might find interesting.  Since you recently posted some stories about being reunited with previously owned cars, I thought I would tell you about mine. When I was 15, I bought my first car.  A 1980 Pontiac Firebird Formula.  I was driving it as I restored it until the engine broke down. I didn’t have the know-how, or money to fix it, so I eventually sold it after graduating high school in 2007. Last fall, I just happened to come across it for sale on Craigslist. It had passed through several owners since I sold it, but it was surprisingly still only 30 minutes from my parents farm where I had kept it. I didn’t have the space to store it, so I passed on it. But my wife and I have since bought a house with a two car garage, so I just bought the car back a few weeks ago.  Ironically, the guy I sold the car to never transferred the title, so the car was actually titled under my name for all these years!

I’m now on the hunt for various parts to restore the car. Just this past week, I met up with a guy in Southern Wisconsin to buy a few things. When I pulled up to his house, I noticed that he had about 15 Firebirds and Camaros around his farm. All second generation. Some parts cars, and some with new paint needing to be reassembled. In his barn he had a pair of Trans Am Pace Cars, which he is planning to sell. After seeing that he had so many cars and parts, I mentioned that I was also looking for a hood.  He said that he had one, but it was at his shop (about 10 minutes away). I was in a time crunch, but knew I should get the hood since I was already there. Well, after we got there he opened up the shop to reveal another 8 cars!

A third generation Firebird, some more second generation F-bodies and a Mach 1.  These were all complete cars.  Some just needed minor work. One of the T/A’s only had 43k miles!  As we loaded up the hood, he mentioned that he had a Formula that is probably very similar to mine, but it was in the next building over. I was running really late at this point, but couldn’t resist. He took me into an active manufacturing plant, down an elevator and into the huge basement underneath. As the door opened, I was shocked to see a collection of approximately 60-80 more cars! Mostly GM cars, but some Fords, Mopars and VW’s too (spanning across many time periods)!  Most of the cars were covered, but the ones I could see were in great shape.  Through this whole experience, I didn’t even take pictures, because I was in pure shock!

As we were leaving, he had to take the cover off of one of the cars to show me. It was his dad’s 1967 Shelby GT500! His father bought it from the original owner for $3000.  The original owner parked it, because he was scared to drive it (I had to take a few pictures of that one!). Needless to say, I’ll be staying in touch with him in case I need something in the future. If/when I get back there, I’ll be sure to get some more pictures for you! Almost forgot.  There was a variety of old motorcycles and mopeds down there too! I’ve attached a picture of my Formula, and some of the car collection. I had my wife take them while I was looking at parts, so they aren’t the best angles. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing this with us Brandon. The old car world can be an exciting one. You never know who you will meet or what you will find. Good luck with your new project!