The Hunter and the Hunted

A reflection from McKeel Hagerty-

This photo was taken last week in a farmer's field in South Dakota. The truck is an International and it won't be moving under its own power ever again. The hunter is a guy who seems to shoot with his eyes completely closed…but that is another story.
As I reflect on this truck I wonder how many cool old vehicles like this are sinking into the ground in farmer's fields. They are not valuable "barn finds" or hidden gems but rather the detritus of another time, a utility vehicle that lost its utility. This one probably spent its years of use hauling light loads around the fields of Kennebec, SD. It was probably inexpensive, it had no creature comforts and it served its purpose. Maybe it hauled blind shooters like me around on hunts of yesteryear but it never drove in a parade. As I drove around from farmstead to farmstead over a few days, I think I answered my own question; there are tens and likely hundreds of thousands of lost vehicles like this. Evidently, their only use these days is target practice.
It makes me realize that the vehicles we insure are truly an elite group, each with an elevated purpose. Even if a collector car of today was originally a utility vehicle like this International truck or a salesman's sedan or a plain-Jane four-door hard top, it is now a cherished object for someone and it made the cut. There is, after all, a kind of natural selection with the cars we drive. In their days of active use, the first ones are likely lost to traffic accidents or acts of God. The ones that make it a few more years are repaired and maintained and then slowly retired or traded in or scrapped. Only a few are saved from the scrap heaps and fields of South Dakota to be preserved or restored and then elevated to a new use of providing smiles, fueling egos, getting girls, winning races and trophies or just putting in a few scenic miles on a Sunday afternoon. There are likely only single-digit millions of these rare machines left in the entire world and their kind will likely never be made again. We at Hagerty are the trustees of the most cherished vehicles ever built and I, for one, promise never accidentally to shoot one again.

The Hunter and the Hunted - McKeel Hagerty

A reflection from McKeel Hagerty -

"This photo was taken last week in a farmer's field in South Dakota. The truck is an International and it won't be moving under its own power ever again. The hunter is a guy who seems to shoot with his eyes completely closed…but that is another story.

As I reflect on this truck I wonder how many cool old vehicles like this are sinking into the ground in farmer's fields. They are not valuable "barn finds" or hidden gems but rather the detritus of another time, a utility vehicle that lost its utility. This one probably spent its years of use hauling light loads around the fields of Kennebec, SD. It was probably inexpensive, it had no creature comforts and it served its purpose. Maybe it hauled blind shooters like me around on hunts of yesteryear but it never drove in a parade. As I drove around from farmstead to farmstead over a few days, I think I answered my own question; there are tens and likely hundreds of thousands of lost vehicles like this. Evidently, their only use these days is target practice.

It makes me realize that the vehicles we insure are truly an elite group, each with an elevated purpose. Even if a collector car of today was originally a utility vehicle like this International truck or a salesman's sedan or a plain-Jane four-door hard top, it is now a cherished object for someone and it made the cut. There is, after all, a kind of natural selection with the cars we drive. In their days of active use, the first ones are likely lost to traffic accidents or acts of God. The ones that make it a few more years are repaired and maintained and then slowly retired or traded in or scrapped. Only a few are saved from the scrap heaps and fields of South Dakota to be preserved or restored and then elevated to a new use of providing smiles, fueling egos, getting girls, winning races and trophies or just putting in a few scenic miles on a Sunday afternoon. There are likely only single-digit millions of these rare machines left in the entire world and their kind will likely never be made again. We at Hagerty are the trustees of the most cherished vehicles ever built and I, for one, promise never accidentally to shoot one again."

McKeel Hagerty wrote this blog to the employees of Hagerty Insurance on his recent experience. Thank you, for sharing your reflection with other collectors in classic car hobby.

Nicky's Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals

There was certainly no shortage of muscle this past weekend, and we're not talking Swarchenegger or Hasselhoff! Nicky's Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, hosted in Chicago, was packed full of muscle cars and Corvettes (I guess you could have figured that out based on the title of the show)! People came from all across the U.S. to partake in the two day extraveganza. From the show cars to the commercial vendors and swap meet, you could tell a great deal of effort went into planning this successful event. Check out their website to get more information: http://www.musclecarandcorvettenationals.com/index.htm . Without shows like this and the people who support them, the collector car industry would be suffering a great deal. Next time you're contemplating on whether or not to sit in the recliner on a Saturday or check out a show, make the right choice, go to the show!


This was during move-in day.

If you're wondering why the ropes? It resembles an advertisement that was done when these first came out.

I wonder what this sounds like sitting inside the car?

7th Annual Christmas-For-Kids Car & Truck Show

The 7th Annual Christmas-For-Kids Car & Truck Show was a hit with over 550 classics, street rods, muscle cars and modern collectables spreading across the Hendrick Motorsports campus.

There isn't enough time in the day to speak with every classic car owner to hear their unique story behind their classic. Enthusiasts traveled from Louisiana, Virginia, South Carolina and further to have the opportunity to participate in the show event organized by the Carolina Camaro Association (www.carolinacamaroassoc.org).

Click on the video to view this amazing 1977 Pontiac Trans AM 6.6 Liter. The owner of the classic mentioned he owned a '78 "back in the day," and finally had the opportunity to purchase this '77 ten years ago for $2,800!

This was one of my favorite streetrods at the show. This is a '48 Cadillac! The sleek design of the exterior and interior really makes this streetrod stand out from the crowd.




It was incredible to witness all the classic cars parked while driving down the hill into the Hendrick Motorsports campus! The Carolina Camaro Association (www.carolinacamaroassoc.org) and Hendrick Motorsports (www.hendrickmotorsports.com) did a great job organizing this event, and encouraged enthusiasts participation throughout the day. Congratulations on a successful event! Classic car shows and cruise-ins do not end in the Southeast!

See you at the next show!

Bonhams & Butterfields Auction - Petersen Automotive Museum

Bonhams & Butterfields hosted the Classic California Auction featuring important motorcars, motorcycles and related memorabilia at the Petersen Automotive Museum www.petersen.org/ on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

William Butterfield started it all in 1865. Today Bonhams & Butterfields Auctioneers is recognized as one of the most dynamic auction houses and is one of the largest companies of its kind in the world. For more information on Bonhams & Butterfields Auctioneers go to www.bonhams.com/

2009 Classic California highlights: 1968 Egli-Vincent by Godet sold for $95,940, The ex-Steve McQueen1940 Indian 74ci Chief sold for $99,450 and the elegant 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupé sold for $172,000 (see picture below.) For all of the 2009 auction results go to www.bonhams.com/petersen.

Bonhams & Butterfields returns for the eighth year to the Petersen Automotive Museum for the Classic California auction in November 2010.

A view from inside the tent on the second floor of the Petersen Museum.

My favorite view of the day!

Number 1 in the series, the property of Chad McQueen. 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt Edition.

1954 Bond Mark "C" Convertible. The first Smart Car....well it's small enough.

1930 MG M-Type

The better side of the MG!

The 14th International built and is believed to be the earliest surviving example. A 1907 International Highwheeler Four-Seater. This is one of my favorite from the day. I can see myself cruising down PCH in this.

1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Standard Steel Saloon.

1958 Studebaker Transtar V-81/2 Ton Pickup Truck. I think this would look great with a Hagerty logo on it.

1957 Jaguar XKSS 3.8 Liter Replica. This was estimated to sell for $200,000-$225,000. It didn't sell.

1932 BSA Beeza De Luxe 3-Wheeler

1933 Ford Model 40 Deluxe Cabriolet Hotrod.

I love this car! A 1948 Packard Series 22 Woody Custom 8 Station Sedan. Sold for $57,330.

1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupé sold for $172,000

1929 Indian 45ci 101 Scount Hill Climber. This motorcycle has seen better days!

This is an unrestored 1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup and was previously owned by Steve McQueen.

1954 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster

1915 Ford Model T Touring.

1983 Monaco Historic Grand Prix award winning 1956 Lotus Eleven Series 1 Sports-Racing two seater.

1962 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible.

1954 Bentley R-Type Special Coupe. Featured in the Bentley book, Fifty Years of the Marque

Springfield, Ohio Swap Meet

Being from Michigan, when I see someone wearing an Ohio State logo, I typically give them a hard time. However, being in Ohio this weekend, I had to bite my tongue! And they did play Saturday afternoon, winning in overtime! That may have contributed to the quick decline in attendance at the swap meet late Saturday afternoon. With the weather being amazingly warm for mid-November, thousands of people came out to Springfield to find the proverbial "needle in the haystack". There was also a car show and plenty of 'cars for sale'. This was the third and final swap meet of the season hosted by http://www.ohioswapmeet.com/. According to the show organizers, the spring swap meet is incredible! Take a moment to check out their website and put the 2010 dates on your calendar!