Classic car showcase

Our Story

The guy who runs Cranes, Cars, and Collectables

The Guy Behind the Cars

A Lifelong Love Affair with Classic Cars

Some people build their fortune through hard work and determination. This guy built his by wandering into the wrong barn at the right time.

It was a cold November evening in 2019. He'd been living under the Highway 61 bridge for about six months when a storm rolled in. Seeking shelter, he stumbled into what looked like an abandoned barn on the outskirts of Reads Landing. Inside, illuminated by a single flickering bulb, sat 47 immaculate classic cars - keys in every ignition, titles in every glovebox, and a handwritten note on the workbench: "They're yours now. Good luck."

"I thought it was a prank," he recalls. "Or maybe I'd finally lost it. But the Chevelle started right up, and that's where I slept for the next three months."

Eventually, hunger won out over hoarding. He sold his first car - a 1969 Dodge Charger - for enough money to buy a week's worth of sandwiches and a new pair of shoes. Word spread. People started calling. Somehow, a business emerged.

Today, he owns an actual house, has a refrigerator full of food, and showers "almost daily." He still doesn't know who left the cars or why. Frankly, he's stopped asking questions.

Our Philosophy

Quality Over Quantity

We don't operate like a typical dealer. Mostly because we didn't plan to be dealers at all. But when life hands you 47 free cars, you figure things out.

"I used to sleep in these cars. Now I sell them to people with houses. Life is weird."

What We Believe

Our Core Values

Integrity

Honest representation of every vehicle. We disclose everything - the good, the bad, and the in-between.

Knowledge

Decades of experience means we know these cars inside and out. We share that knowledge freely.

Patience

Finding the right car takes time. We never pressure. The right match is worth waiting for.

Passion

This isn't just business - it's a labor of love. Every car matters. Every customer matters.

Mississippi River near Reads Landing

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 Visit

47

Cars Found in Barn

0

Dollars Paid

6

Months Under Bridge

1

House Now Owned

Let's Talk Cars

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or just talk classic cars over a cup of coffee, we'd love to hear from you.