Do you remember that old car Michelle Obama said Barack picked her up in when they were dating? I think I found it here in Spearfish:
That old Depression truck is up for sale here in Spearfish Saturday morning (today, as you read this). So is this 1934 Ford coupe.
These cars and several others are all part of the amazing Les and Delores Schuchardt collection. The Schuchardts presented their lifetime collection of lovingly restored antique cars this evening in the old Passion Play parking lot. Les and Delores held unassuming court under their own white canopy, supping, shaking hands, and watching hundreds of friends and strangers stroll about the grounds to marvel over one man's wealth and handiwork.
The auction starts at 9:30 a.m. The Black Hills Pioneer reported this week that Jay Leno may be just one of around a thousand car enthusiasts coming to bid on these remarkable pieces of American craftsmanship.
In a way, I feel sorry for them, having to auction off these treasures at this point in our economy.
I have tried to auction several guitars from my extensive collection on ebay this year and the market is extremely weak. Hopefully, our farm income that has grown at 30%+ annually, prior to this year, for at least five years, will still generate some interest, but I doubt the impact will be seen West River, where the same corn and bean prices that have driven income have not been enjoyed by beef producers.
But, the message is, if you are doing well, as South Dakotans claim to be thriving more than any other state, go out and make an investment! If not at these auctions, on eBay, where collectibles are at an inflation-adjusted low.
If you want a Lloyd Loar constructed F-Style Gibson Mandolin, I would advise you that NOW is the time to buy one of the most treasured instruments in American history! Don't come close to the asking prices, but put a bid in on the "best offer" option. If you find a '58-'60 Les Paul Standard guitar at a garage sale or auction, be willing to pay up to 10k for it, or more.
Thanks to Pawn Stars and Antiques Roadshow, the prices of these items have been overinflated in past years, just like everything in our economy and look for 50 cents on the dollar deals like there is no tomorrow if you get the opportunity.
Great photos, Corey. Thank you for sharing them.
Auto auctions like this are a real economic shame. These vehicles and others in past auctions of collections should be acquired by a state or private museum and kept here.
We let attractions like this get spread all over the country when they could be another part of the economy and tourist business.
One of my uncles traded a Ford truck like that for a weed sprayer. I could remember riding in it when I was small enough to get into serious trouble for messing with the spark advance lever while my dad was trying to crank it.
The Northern Hills (especially Spearfish Canyon) is a beautiful setting to drive in an old classic car. I remember seeing the old classics come to town every September just as I was beginning my Fall Semester classes at BHSU. Too bad, this is the last year for what has become a long tradition. Thanks for posting the pics of the cool cars, Cory!
Oh, and I like the quip about you "finding Barry & Michelle's date-mobile!" LOL Now, Cory, do you think you can find Barry's proudest possession: that old coffee table he found in the dumpster? LOL
G-Man, I can't speak to coffee tables, but there are some nice Obama-dating-era credenzas inside the old Passion Play lobby.
...and I just got back from the auction. More photos tonight... but first, bike ride up the Canyon!