Stop what you’re doing right now and check out this insane auction that is going on in Alabama. Some 50 cars, a handful of boats and even a train are all going home with the high bidder in this no reserve hammer pounder. From the collection of railroad tycoon Royce Kershaw, Sr and his son Royce Kershaw Jr., we find this incredible barn find car collection that appears to have been gathering dust for quite some time. Well get out your Griot’s Garage products, because it’s time to clean these puppies up.
Located near Montgomery, Alabama in an nondescript warehouse sits the massive collection. Following the death of Kershaw Jr. last year, the family decided to unload the items, which consists primarily of classic American cars, including rare Cadillacs, Lincolns and a very early Ford Model T. But there’s plenty more to explore and each of these items have a story to tell. I mean, just look at this futuristic motorhome! While there is plenty of miscellaneous items up for grabs, like train depot benches and vintage gas pumps for sale, but let’s take a look at what’s in the classic car auction, and then take a peek at the antique locomotive for sale that has ties to a country music legend.
The oldest car for sale is this 1909 Ford Model T. Colloquially known as the Tin Lizzy, it had been introduced in late 1908, making this a very early example of one of the most influential cars ever. There’s not a ton of information provided, but it is claimed to be in nice condition and complete. With just over 10,000 built that year, it was still one of the most common cars of the era. I couldn’t find exact production numbers on the Roadster configuration, which is what we have here.
If you’re looking something a little different, this Maxwell may be for you. Founded in 1904 in New York, Walter Chrysler would reorganize the brand into Chrysler Corporation in 1925. The vehicle description indicates its a complete car with no top and wood wheels. This would certainly cause a few folks to scratch their heads at the local cars & coffee.
As mentioned, the Kershaw family made their fortune in the railroad industry. From what I can gather, a primary aspect of their business was fixing trains. This 1941 Dodge reflects a different aspect of their business, contracting, with its doors branded C.G. Kershaw Contracting Co. The description calls it a rail road repair truck and notes that it has been restored. This is your chance to own a piece of Alabama history.
Noted as being the rarest car in the auction, this barn find Lincoln features a Brunn Body. This includes a convertible top over the chauffeur area. Originally purchased by the Russian consulate in New York, it has sat a long time in this barn with its V12 now removed and disassembled, but included in the auction. It seems Lincoln Motor Company was a favorite of the Kershaw family, as there is 1940/1941 Continental, 1948 Continental and a 1985 Lincoln Town Car in the auction, a long with a variety of other Lincolns.
An original Deuce Coupe! This vintage Ford has undergone extensive modification and repair to the tune of more than $50,000 spent at Brookville Roadsters. While it runs and drives, it will need a bit more work to get it across the finish line. It does have new suspension, a small block Ford and Sniper fuel injection. As of writing, bidding has crossed the $30,000 for this Henry steel roadster.
This is one of two vintage motorhomes for sale to the highest bidder, and neither appear to be of common form. This “Kershaw Industries” Executive Cruiser is a one-of-a-kind RV featuring a Ford front end on a Dodge 1 ton truck chassis with a 413 Chrysler to power the handformed coach built in the Kershaw factory. The company had hoped to build and sell many of them, advertising it as “all sportsman, family adventures, vacations and for group tours.” The listed top speed is 101 miles per hour, but it won’t be doing that any time soon as it is in need of restoration.
There are a lot of Fords and Lincolns in the bunch, so this Cadillac stands out. However,it being a GM product isn’t the only reason it draws eyes. This 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine is one of 690 produced and was purchased new by the State of Alabama and used by five governors. The car is highly original, with its 390 V8 and four speed automatic transmission in tact and operation. Included in the sale are tobacco stains from previous owners.
Showing just over 12,000 miles on the 351 Cleveland that is connected to a 5-speed manual transmission, the car combines fine Italian styling with raw American power. This car does run on an auxillary gas tank and needs a bit of work to get it back in optimal condition.
Hopefully you’ve got a warehouse of your own, because chances are this 1913 steam train isn’t going to fit in your garage. Ordered new by the W.T. Smith Lumber Company of Chapman, Alabama, and later acquired by Kershaw, you could be the next steward of this piece of rare train history. Of course, there’s a bit of country music lore mixed in. Kershaw Sr believed Lon Williams, the father of Hank Williams Sr, was the conductor of this train. According to the auction house, the last song that Hank Williams wrote and performed was titled “The Old Log Train,” and it was a biographical story about his dad Lon when he was the engineer for the W.T. Smith logging company.
There is plenty more to see in this auction full of barn finds, including what is claimed to the be the first Ford Thunderbird sold in Alabama. What car, truck or other item is your favorite?
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