Our Story
The Guy Behind the Cars
A Cautionary Tale About "Just One Car"
It was supposed to be one car. ONE. Specifically, a 1967 Mustang fastback he'd had his eye on. Clean, documented, reasonable price. A sensible first classic car. But then - and this is where things went sideways - someone bid against him. Out of spite, he kept bidding. Out of what can only be described as "auction fever psychosis," he won. Except it wasn't the Mustang. In his competitive rage, he'd been bidding on the wrong lot. He went home with a 1974 AMC Gremlin. Leroy Purple. Automatic. Not running.
"Well," he told his wife, standing in the driveway next to what can only be described as an automotive cry for help, "at least it was cheap." It was not cheap. He'd paid $8,500 for a purple Gremlin that didn't start. The Mustang sold for $6,200.
That humiliation led to a second car purchase "to recover his dignity." Then a third, because "I'm clearly on a roll here." We're now at forty-seven cars. The Gremlin is still in the barn, still Leroy Purple, still not running. He's keeping it as a reminder. A reminder of what, he's not entirely sure.
The problem, as he explains it, is that auctions are "basically casinos where you gamble with garage space instead of money. Except you also lose money." His wife has suggested he stop going. He has suggested she's "not being supportive of his journey." They've agreed to disagree, which is code for "he's still going to auctions."
The collection lives in Reads Landing, Minnesota, where there's room for all this nonsense and the neighbors have learned to stop asking questions. Visitors are always welcome - especially if they're willing to pretend that owning a non-running purple Gremlin is perfectly normal behavior for a grown adult.
The "Philosophy"
Rationalizations We Tell Ourselves
"They're investments." "They don't make them like this anymore." "This one was too good to pass up." "I'm preserving automotive history." These are all things said by a man standing in front of his wife, holding another set of car keys, hoping desperately that one of these excuses will work this time.
"The first step is admitting you have a problem. I have not taken that step. I have, however, taken delivery of a 1970 Chevelle."
What Draws Us to These Machines
The Muscle Car Era
Bold Design
Long hoods, aggressive stances, and styling that turned heads. Detroit wasn't afraid to make a statement.
Raw Power
Big blocks, high compression, and no computers. Just mechanical engineering at its most visceral.
The Stories
Every car has a history - where it's been, who drove it, what memories it holds. Uncovering those stories is half the fun.
The People
Fellow enthusiasts, auction regulars, and the next generation just discovering these machines. This hobby connects people.
Our Location
Reads Landing, Minnesota
There's a reason we chose this spot. The upper Mississippi River valley offers a serenity that's increasingly rare. It's a place where you can slow down, appreciate craftsmanship, and remember why these machines captured our hearts in the first place.
Visitors are always welcome by appointment. There's nothing quite like seeing these cars in person, hearing them run, and experiencing the passion firsthand.
Schedule a Visit47
Cars (So Far)
1
Very Patient Wife
3
Structures Full of Cars
0
Plans to Stop
Come Enable This Behavior
Whether you're a fellow addict, want to see the cars, or just need someone to make your own collection seem reasonable by comparison - the door's always open.