This is one of the more interesting collections we’ve seen come up for sale, and the irony is not lost on me that it’s located in Vermont. With an impressive collection of Volvo 240s along with some vintage American cars and trucks, there’s something for everyone here – and what’s even more amazing is the size of the building dedicated to what seems to be the “everyman” of car collections. The seller even invites potential buyers to come by and have a cup of coffee! Check it out here on craigslist in North Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
I have never heard of North Ferrisburgh, Vermont, and it appears to lie in the northern half of the state right on the waters of Lake Champlain. It looks like a stunning place to visit in the summer months; winter, not so much. It just goes to show you that you never know where you might find an impressive car collection hidden away. The seller’s photos offer a snapshot of what’s inside, including what appears to be a Bugatti kit car, a JDM market Toyota, and a 1940s (Pontiac?). Keep me honest on the last one, folks – that era isn’t my specialty.
The listing refers to the location as Palmer’s Garage, and a quick Google reveals it to be an auto recycling facility. This makes me wonder if the business has been able to squirrel away decent collector cars and trucks that were otherwise slated for the scrap heap, which had to be a significant volume of vehicles given the prevalence of rust in this part of the world. The Facebook page is viewable here and it indicates this business has equal appreciation for domestic classics and JDM imports.
Now, what’s interesting is that the same cars are listed for sale on the Facebook page in 2018, albeit outside. Many of the same cars are now parked inside, but given it’s five years later, not much has changed. This pretty E-Type is also included in the photos, which seems like someone’s personal car rather than a salvage yard rescue. I suspect one of the biggest obstacles to moving inventory is the seller’s location, as getting a transporter up there or finding time yourself to move metal can make remote settings a hindrance to a sale. Still, it could be worth checking out if you’re within a day’s drive.
“Different” car collection, and a unique way to market them. Wish there was more info made available. Not sure how successful it might be, and maybe it is not all that critical to make sales, but hey it might be a fun couple of days hosting visitors.
I’ll keep repeating, stay away, better yet run away from Craiglist! Cars for sale 5 years ago strangely re-appearing again? Personal snapshots of cars? Cars in a recycling center destined for scrap suddenly resurrected from certain death? All red flags… maybe a quick call to the Vermont DMV to check this out may be in order here.
jv -SmashPalace
Where do you buy your cars from JE? Craigslist was created for local sellers. You go to the sellers location and inspect the item for sale. Do all of the research you want. If you don’t like it walk away. You can probably get some medication prescribed for your paranoia.
At least with craigslist most of the vehicles are local,
so you can go see them in person.
Funny that you don’t seem to have a problem with
other places.I’ve heard horror stories about people buying
vehicles off of BringaTrailer & eBay sight inseen.
“Honey, I’m going to run over to North Ferrisburgh for a cup of joe and to pick up a Volvo 240, be back soon.”
Bring the Missus and stay in a nice B&B of her choosing. Just happen upon the car sale while touring about. Then out of a romantic concern for her safety let her pick out whichever car she wants.
Googled him on Facebook, cool place, looks to worth the trip.
Don’t forget to pick up a 5.0, a T-5, and a puffer.
North Ferrisburgh is not that far out of the way. Shouldn’t be a problem. The biggest challenge is getting underneath any of those vehicles and examining them for the likely VT. salt damage.
Just because a collection is in Vermont doesn’t mean all the cars came from there, but yeah, a close inspection is mandatory. I say that as a former Vermont resident.
VT does not use salt. They use sand.
Ha! They very much use salt. My neighbor bought a fairly new truck that was just starting to rust. He meticulously went through eradicating rust wherever he found it. 5 years later it’s no longer roadworthy due to all the rust. It’s a war you won’t ever win.
Oops! I stand corrected.
Collections like this are a nightmare when goodbye time comes. Been there done that and after two weeks I had a scrap company come in. Forget an auction. It all looks great until the fees, no pays, and the 1099 as my friend learned. Sell the easy high interest ones and shred the rest. It sounds harsh but you do much better in the long run. Seems to be Swedish brick month on BF.
One good running Volvo with plenty of parts cars…. I would only be interested in the blue Chevrolet truck they can keep the rest.
Some nice Champ pickups and a Lark convertible in the mix. Those should be saved. The ’80s Volvos? not so much.
They got them in with a truck so there’s no problem taking them back out
typical, arrogance with ignorance.. i bet i know who your voting for .
80s Volvos were some of the best built cars in the world, anyone who actually knows cars and not just based on their narrow minded pride knows that.
As for me, and to share my enthusiasm with other like mindeds,
HEY , is that a 164 in that mix ??
That is a ’39 Pontiac.
Sounds like fun to me. The Chrysler has potential and maybe the prewar Pontiac. And hey what’s wrong with Volvos? Some of the most rock solid cars ever made. Vermont is a beautiful state. Especially if you like winter. I’m more of a summer person. GLWTS and HNY to all.
bought a car in Ferrisburgh, VT in ’74. A slant6 that took me 300K arounf parameter states of usa (yr or 2). It wouldnt even make it 1/2 way home 130 mi straight S (Rt 7). Needed the 170 from the ’64 to keep using. The ’66 dart wagon had shinny paint as some 1 in PA (still had the inspection sticker) had applied alota bondo! I used the chicken coop on the ’64, both wagons. So the earlier was close to its last inspection pass.
Wonder if this is the same place. B careful. When swapin the 170s I found saw dust in the ’66 bottom end. Crook softened down the rap so as not to hear on the few min I listened @ pre purchase (asa twenty something…
Here’s sompin for the grammar police I caught on my last post. Just hit the Delete button when seein my name ona post. ’S what I do for yous guys 8^ )
If you check their FB page, it was last updated in 2018 and most of these cars listed here were for sale on their FB page back then. Only 5 photos for 15+/- cars. Possible someone grabbed the photos and is scamming, but also possible that, well, things just moving at a Vermont pace..LOL
I was going to volunteer my sister to go and see if the place is still there and in business/if the cars are still there… But looking at the map, Palmer’s Garage is on the southern section of the lake and probably 2 hours from where sister is over near Smugs.
RE the cars, they all look savable and in most cases, probably drivable after a little elbow grease.
No snow, here, currently, and temps aren’t bad. I have seen a variety of special interest autos, parked outside the fence. Sometimes, for weeks at a time. I haven’t seen many for sale signs. The shop in the back is very large. There is an auto hauling company, ten minutes south of there, in New Haven.
I live in Vermont and have a 25 classic car collection. Yes, Vermont uses salt, like many other northern states. A lot of it. But my cars came from states that used little or no salt. My cars are put away before Winter arrives with salt, and on the road after mud season in Spring is finished. All in a climate controlled building. So just because a vehicle is from the North, doesn’t mean it’s rusty! Real car enthusiasts protect their vehicles!