Inheriting a classic car collection can be as daunting as it is meaningful. For Jerry, that reality became clear after he took ownership of roughly a dozen vehicles once owned by his father. While each car carries history and character, the responsibility of maintaining such a diverse group quickly proved unrealistic. With limited time and resources, Jerry decided the collection needed to be sold rather than slowly deteriorate.
The assortment includes vehicles in widely varying condition. Some could be made roadworthy with basic maintenance, while others require extensive restoration. All remain complete, but many have been sitting for decades. Automotive historian Tom Cotter of Hagerty visited Jerry to document the cars and their stories before they disperse to new owners.
Not every vehicle came from Jerry’s father. A long-neglected 1967 Dodge Polara, owned by Jerry himself, opens the lineup. The sedan needs significant structural repairs, including floor panels. Parked nearby is a 1960 Dodge Phoenix convertible once driven by Jerry’s mother. The Phoenix was the top trim level of Dodge’s first-generation Dart-based full-size cars. While more than 300,000 Dodge full-size models were built that year, fewer than 5,000 Phoenix convertibles were produced. This example retains its original engine but has not run in years.
European models also appear in the collection. A Fiat 124 Spider sits in relatively better condition than many others, though it has not been driven in more than 30 years. A Volkswagen Type 4 wagon, specifically a 412 built between 1972 and 1974, is another uncommon sight in the United States. Fewer North American examples exist, and this one is offered for $6,000.
American sedans from the 1950s and 1960s round out much of the garage. A 1956 Oldsmobile four-door requires major work and uses a replacement drivetrain sourced from a 1957 ambulance. A 1954 Studebaker Land Cruiser, produced during the nameplate’s final year, stands out as an all-original V8-powered sedan from a limited production run of 6,383 units. Other vehicles include a 1960 Buick LeSabre with mechanical needs, a 1954 Chrysler Windsor with its original flathead six, and a restored 1964 Pontiac Bonneville convertible priced at $50,000.
While breaking up a long-held collection can be emotional, each vehicle now has the chance to find an owner ready to preserve and enjoy it rather than let it fade away unused.
