Al Blatter was a Pontiac aficionado and especially had an affinity for GTOs, which would earn him the nickname, “Mr. GTO.” Over several decades, he collected dozens of cars and thousands of parts. Now that he has passed, this collection is for sale and the inventory offered looks to be endless. From Wilton, North Dakota, this extensive assortment is available here on VanDerBrink Auctions where bids will be taken live and in-person in later July 2022. Thanks for this cool tip, Larry D!
From what we can tell, ole Al was especially interested in the A-body GTOs built from 1964-to 72, which would be the heyday of those muscle cars. There was a Colonnade-era GTO in 1973 and a Ventura-based GTO in 1974, but those didn’t generate much interest with Al or the buying public in general. In looking at the photos provided, which seem to cover about 90 vehicles, it’s not so much what Al had but what he didn’t have, which might not be anything at all.
Maybe Al’s nickname would have better been “Mr. Pontiac” as the collection is not all GTOs. There are some LeMans and at least one Grand Prix and two station wagons, whose vintage seems to go into the mid-1970s. We’re told that Al would rescue almost any Pontiac that he found on its way to the crusher. He became recognized for his huge collection of parts and being a source of them for friends and strangers alike. If you liked Pontiac’s, Al probably liked you!
Here’s another little story about the auction which gives a bit more insight into Al’s Pontiac “obsession.” Al’s widow would like to see the cars and parts go to good homes and that the ones needing work will eventually find themselves back on the road. There are tons of completed autos as well as projects that Al probably had parts for. Not every car will go as Sandy Blatter plans to keep a 1967 GTO convertible that was a favorite of Al’s and a 1970 edition that he was in the process of restoring for her.
four wheeled goat farm
First, I’m sure Al was a swell guy. Can’t help but think about all the parts and cars that could have been on the road. Instead they were hoarded away for decades. Not trying to be disrespectful to Mr Blatter. Glad some of it will be put back into circulation
I guess he thought he could take them with him.
But because he got them before someone else, they were placed in dry storage and appear to have faired very well. They all look like easy restorations. If not, half of these probably would’ve been lost completely
When Bill Harrah was collecting cars for his museum, people said no man should have so many cars. And when he died and MGM started auctioning off cars, people said you shouldn’t break up such a great collection. Granted, I’ll never see so many Packards or Wills St Claires in one place, but many cars got saved that may not have and hopefully are being enjoyed by their new owners. Consider Al’s stewardship of these cars and parts as a plus to the hobby because what was “junk” in the 1980s & 90s is now gold. Probably not a bad investment, either.
Its a good thing he ‘hoarded’ them ‘away’ ;
and though he probably had reasons for each one.. time is relative
cause here they are now
just in time for us all to see em and choose
and soon be back bring smiles and miles to many.
Thank You Mr. Blatter
There’s a project for every day of the year here, it seems like. Is anything actually finished?
I knew Al personally and he had several finished show quality cars.
And yet not one of them runs? What a strange collection.
He probably was always rescuing something and never had the time or money to dive into any single car. We seem to buy 2 or 3 for every one we roll in to start restoration on. But in order to prevent this, we will sell off here and there to get the cars the best possible outcomes. Its often an eyes are bigger than the stomach situation.
It is great he saved so many parts for others. The 66 GP is nice. Not a fan of Red but those and 68-69 GTO’s are my favorite even if I’ll never get one. ( my TLC is saved for a 55-56 GMC someday if all works out, but they have Pontiac engines so…. )
I really like that ’66 GP. I’ve been wanting one of them.
Near Bowling Green, KY (yep, home of the ‘Vette). There is fellow who has a place called GTO heaven with a very large collection of GTO’s.
Wonder if they knew each other.
As the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you!”
Back in the early 1980s, Vern the “Goat Man” in Southbury, CT had a sizable collection of early GTOs and parts, including a stunning black 1964 tripower and green 1966 tripower. I always wondered if the executor of his estate understood the values of his assets because they disappeared so quickly after he died.
I’m in Stratford ct I remember Vern right down the street from the training school got a few pieces from him in the late 80’s I still have my high school car 69 GTO conv, graduated in 87
Collecting was likely the disease that ended of the old guy’s life. Heck, if I had to deal with that much scrap yard parts I’d probably bite the dust too.
Bob
Have you ever heard the old saying that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure? I would much rather live with a bunch of old car parts than in a museum full of art. Oh, wait, that is how I live. Works for me.
Al was obviously a Goat Hoarder !