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.

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!

High Point Cruise-In

The cruise-in in High Point, North Carolina probably has the most diversed selection of collectable cars in the area, and on it's15th year has no signs of slowing down! The collectable cars range from muscle, modifies, early/late models, ratrods and newer vehicles. It was great to compare the differences and similarities of the 2010 Camaro and Challenger to the originals.

Click on the video below to catch a glimpse at a '71 Plymouth 340 Cuda bought NEW in 1971! This is a 340 Six Barrel Engine! Can you guess the value on this Mopar?

Check out this '61 Desoto (2 Door)! In 1961, only 911 2 door Desoto's were produced making this classic a keeper! Can you name other model cars with similar tail fins? This was one of my favorites at the show!

This is a remarkable Shelby G.T. 350! Take a look!

The High Point cruise-in is every Thursday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm located at 1628 S. Main Street! If you're eager to cruise in your classic on a sunny day during the colder months then you can cruise to High Point!

See you there!

Mopar Nationals!!

That title sort of has a catchy ring to it.....you can hear yourself saying it out loud through a bull-horn.. M-O-O-P-A-RR NATIONALS!!!!! It's best when it's shouted out with a long, drawn out sound! The 29th Annual Mopar Nationals at National Trail Raceway just east of Columbus, Ohio took place last weekend. The weather was cooperative, and the crowds were plenty. I apologize for the lack of photos and video, but I spent the majority of my time at the Hagerty booth speaking to enthusiasts about collector car insurance. Next year I will get out and see the grounds as there is tons of cool stuff to see. For information about Mopar Nationals, check out their website: http://www.moparnats.org. One great highlight of the event was the drag racing. Mopar fans could take some time to sit and relax while watching some powerful beasts race down the 1/4 mile all weekend long!

With the weather topping out at 90+ degrees, shorts were the only way to go when spending 12 hours on your feet!

It's a short video clip, but humorous seeing a grown man drive that little go-cart past the booth!

Someone brought a car that you could smash with a sledge hammer. Only cost $1 for 4 or 5 swings!