Over the last few years, we have been flagging a series of craigslist ads from the Bangor, Pennsylvania area with what looks like an entire warehouse full of vintage American cars and trucks. The seller would disperse a few vehicles at a time, usually issuing a stern warning not to ask about the other vehicles in the background. It seemed like there was no real rush behind moving metal, but the latest ad has a slight sense of urgency (and emphasis on “slight”) as it sounds like an auction has been planned to wind down the collection more expediently. The seller has listed a few cars here on craigslist as “pre-auction” opportunities, including this gorgeous 1957 Cadillac that has been in the seller’s family since new for $38,500.
Some of you may recognize the backdrop with this car, a 1966 Cadillac hardtop that fans of the AMC drama Mad Men may recognize as the same car lead character Don Draper drove in the final season. The seller calls it a barn find with 62K original miles and that it remains in unrestored condition. I love the color – which appears to be a deep oxford green – and the chrome appears to be excellent. As you can see in the background, this seller has amassed an incredible collection of American cars and trucks, and this offering on craigslist represents only a small assortment of what he owns.
The Cadillac being in the seller’s family since new provides some context for how this collection may have come to be. Perhaps the family was in the used car business (or the new car business) and was able to select the best examples for their personal stash from the trade-in lot. Some of the cars and trucks he owns are fairly average in terms of their collectability but do appear to be in time-warp condition. This clean 1971 Chevrolet Impala sedan listed for $5,900 is a great example of this, as a six-cylinder four-door isn’t exactly sought after but does look to have outstanding cosmetics and gorgeous paint.
There’s a wide assortment of wagons, too. That’s been a staple of the original listings that first started appearing two or three years ago, so it’s no surprise to see several long roofs offered up for sale in this latest listing. This is a 1964 Pontiac Catalina Safari Wagon fitted with factory air conditioning and a 389 for $2,900. While the seller may come across as being stern in his listings, I absolutely get it. You don’t have time to waste with people just looking for the factory tour. Hopefully, if a full-scale auction does come together, we’ll be able to spot it far enough in advance to bring you the details here first.
Didn’t take long to find it on Google maps. Seems he’s collected more stuff since the Google pic was taken (the big building above the auto shop)
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.8733182,-75.20843,3a,60.9y,121.99h,89.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srfYjyTVUgG_L_hc0gEQVJQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
About 45 minutes from me. Prices seem reasonable but a 30 year old plus POS Chevy wagon with a even bigger POS engine for $6,500? I bought one in 1993, sold it in 2000 after the dealer replaced the engine under warranty. Burned more oil than a heater in Siberia. Think I unloaded it for $1,000. Times sure have changed.
Just remember, your experience was almost 30 years ago. I joke to my friends sometimes when one of them brings up an incident we all know and remember fondly that “You know, that was more than half a century ago!” and we all laugh.
B302,
I keep telling people this alone is proof that time travel does not exist!
In 1975, while living in Germany, I bought a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT2+2 for $1,200, and turned around a few months later sold it for $1,800. Should have at least kept the never used & complete Ferrari tool kit, as I just read those tool kits are selling for $45,000!
That Catalina wagon seems like a bargain…
if interior mostly good & engine not seized. Wagon interiors done right can be very costly.
Don Draper’s ’66 Caddy was silver with red leather, so this is the same model but very much not the car used in the show.
Love longroofs and both the ’64 Cat Safari and the ’65 Vista Cruiser (it’s even a 3seat Posi) appear to be potentially decent projects at the $. Only a personal inspection would tell – we all know how cruel Pennsylvania climate can be to vintage tin. Also looks like there’s a ’68-’69 Chevelle wagon on the lot not listed in the ad.
While not ‘interesting’ as in ‘desirable’; a ’71 Impala with I-6 must’ve been a fairly unusual combo even when new with extremely low survival rates. I can see it happen with Biscayne or Belair customers but how many bought 6cyl Impalas in the 70s really…?
The typical buyer of a car like the I6 Impala was also the type who took very special attention to their car and rarely drove it, so 30 years later they had a near mint car with 10,000 miles showing. The cars were often ‘Plain Jane” vehicles with few options. These cars were usually near perfect, but often had little scrapes in the paint down the right side of the car, from the garage door opening being struck, as the car was backed out of the garage.
‘57 Caddy looks like the cream of the crop.
I wouldn’t mind having the ’41 Buick.
I hate auctions. The bring out dumb egos
Can I drive the Catalina wagon back to Cali? If so, book me a flight to the nearest airport.
Then again it looks like it’s been sitting outside.hmmmm……….and I’m sure the owner’s attitude will be : “What do you want for 2900 bucks?
Darn it.
Don Draper drove a silver and red 65 coupe