Barn Finds Are Still Out There....

[Mr_Meaner]

Judging by the way you were building the suspense, I was expecting it to be something decent!

[gtxb67]

even if the mk 1 cortina isn't decent on it's own - the lotus part makes it a very desirable car

of course, i am biased since my grandfather/old man owned/owns a 2 door mk 1 consul cortina, but i doubt there would be many enthusiasts that didn't appreciate a lotus cortina
the cortina gt/gt 500 won bathurst 3 times - effectively it was the fore-runner to the gt falcon

[Neale]

Originally Posted by gtxb67

even if the mk 1 cortina isn't decent on it's own - the lotus part makes it a very desirable car

of course, i am biased since my grandfather/old man owned/owns a 2 door mk 1 consul cortina, but i doubt there would be many enthusiasts that didn't appreciate a lotus cortina
the cortina gt/gt 500 won bathurst 3 times - effectively it was the fore-runner to the gt falcon

You right mate, there wouldn't be to many enthusiasts that dont appreciate a lotus Cortina.

[buggerlugs]

Originally Posted by Neale

sure is, there are loads of old cars out west & you don't have to look hard they are parked out in fields buy the hundreds, but good luck trying to buy them.

here are some that I have seen recenty. There is also a guy in Molong near Orange that has everything from cars & trucks all the way to a heap of trains & an old DC3 airliner. Just have to get some pics.

Here are just a few that I have seen when I have had a camera on me

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This is pretty cool as well. There is an old Holden Dealer in Canowindra, he has parked all of these old holdens in the dealership & its like stepping back in time

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Great Photos especially the old dealer with all the all Holdens, thanks for sharing............

[66GT]

My 66 GT Cortina was a barn find when I found it. It's stable mate was a genuine Lotus Cortina (tried but couldn't afford it). Story goes the guy bought the GT - quick resto of body paint interia engine etc in early 80's, drove as weekender for approx. 1 year when found Lotus. Same resto but swapped the block, bellhousing & gearbox complete between the 2 cars. So I purchased a genuine GT with unrestored Lotus mechanicals (GT head) for $400 in late 1990's. Again a quick touch up & became my daily for approx. 5 years, been slowly completing full nut & bolt resto since - almost there. Great little cars, love to be driven hard on bitumen & dirt, & in good mechanical order will stick with many new cars of similar engine size.

[LG17]

Of course they're great cars!

[jaydee]

Awesome find here, brand new chevs that are about 50 years old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRFi...e_gdata_player

[Pepscobra]

Originally Posted by jaydee

Awesome find here, brand new chevs that are about 50 years old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRFi...e_gdata_player

That's just amazing... How does something like that happen???

[gcg2503]

Originally Posted by Pepscobra

That's just amazing... How does something like that happen???

Only in America!

[MethodX]

Originally Posted by Pepscobra

That's just amazing... How does something like that happen???

Awesome finds in some of those rural American towns.
mmm that corvette and those Impalas..... very cool cars.


That corvette pedal car would probably be worth a fair bit too.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by jaydee

Awesome find here, brand new chevs that are about 50 years old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRFi...e_gdata_player

The stuff dreams are made of......

Lambrecht Chevrolet Company Inventory.......just WOW!

http://vanderbrinkauctions.com/aucti.../Inventory.pdf

http://vanderbrinkauctions.com/aucti...5&allimages=NO

The Story of Ray P. Lambrecht and Lambrecht Chevrolet Company by Jeannie Lambrecht Stillwell

Urban legends speak of a former Midwest Chevy dealer with a collection of hundreds of vehicles hidden away in a rural setting. Rumors abound regarding this man and the mystery of that collection. The man behind that legend is my father, Ray P. Lambrecht. Dad owned and operated Lambrecht Chevrolet Company from 1946 until 1996, selling new Chevrolets to multiple generations of families all over the Midwest and beyond. This is his story.

Dad was born in 1918 during the Great Depression in rural Pierce County, Nebraska, a small farming community. He displayed a strong interest in cars and trucks from a very early age. As a boy, he created a lifelike replica of a delivery truck from scraps of wood and metal after spotting one on a street. The reproduction featured intricate detailing down to a hand-carved steering wheel and a complete exhaust system underneath.

Dad first drove a car at the age of 9. He climbed into the family’s 1927 tan Chevrolet two-door coupe and drove his mother 7 miles into the nearest town for groceries. Driver’s licenses costing $1 weren’t required by law until 1941. Dad made the journey driving 20-25 mph over dirt roads, barely tall enough to peek over the steering wheel. The sight was shocking enough to prompt the local banker to rush out of his office in amazement saying, “Look at that little guy driving!!!”

In 1942 during World War II, Dad was drafted into the army and served as a Sergeant for four years in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska where fierce fighting with the Japanese had just occurred. His planned marriage to my Mother had to be put on hold, but she followed him to California to be closer. When Dad was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946, he and Mom returned home to Nebraska and were married.

Dad’s opportunity to begin his career as a Chevrolet Dealer presented itself upon returning home. Prior to the war, General Motors had been distributing franchises throughout small towns in the Midwest, and one of them had been given to Dad’s uncle Ernest. Ernest had been operating out of a small garage, and he needed both Dad’s financing and also his ability to construct a dealership building in order to really start growing the business.

Life was extremely difficult during this period of time, and wartime rationing made it almost impossible to obtain even the most basic building materials. Dad was one of very few individuals allowed to purchase those materials because of his army veteran status. Even with that privilege, supplies were so scarce that Dad was forced to drive hundreds of miles from town to town to obtain needed materials such as cement block and roofing beams. Fortunately, Dad was a gifted carpenter and architect. He obtained the necessary materials, designed the building, and then built the dealership that still stands today.

Dad operated the dealership in partnership with his uncle for only two years. After a serious illness forced Ernest to retire, Dad bought out his share of the business and became the sole owner of the franchise.

Lambrecht Chevrolet Company was owned and operated by my parents, Ray and Mildred Lambrecht with only one employee, a mechanic. They operated the dealership for 50 years until they retired in 1996 at ages 78 and 75. My parents worked six days a week for 50 years, never taking one single day of vacation or one sick day. They worked hard and operated their business with honesty, integrity, and kindness, frequently lending a helping hand to others who were in need.

Dad managed the dealership and handled all sales. Mom was second-in-command, and supported Dad in every aspect of the business. She served as notary public for the dealership, handled all accounting, and made almost daily runs for parts.

That first year, the dealership was allotted 16 cars for the entire year. They were black or gray with cloth interiors and no heat. At that time, cars sold for around $600 to $800. They also received 6 pickups that year. They came with no box. Dad got the local lumber yard to supply wooden boxes for the pickups.

Some of Dad’s first customers were his army buddies who learned that Dad now owned a Chevy dealership. These friends purchased new vehicles, and then returned to their homes scattered all over the country. They were so pleased with the experience of buying cars from Dad, they and their families became life-long repeat customers. They also began spreading the news far and wide about the good deals at Lambrecht Chevrolet Company. Before long, Dad was one of the top sellers in the entire country, receiving many awards for sales from GM.

Dad’s real success stemmed from a basic philosophy very different from most auto dealers. He didn’t deal or negotiate. He gave his best price the first time. When a potential customer arrived, Dad would pick up a pencil, make a few calculations, and then give him a number. That was it. People would argue with him, try to bicker on price, and threaten to walk out. Dad would always say, “If you can find a better price on this vehicle, then you should go get it”. Invariably they would be back. After doing all of the legwork and the homework comparing prices from surrounding dealers, the conclusion was always the same. Dad had given them the best price right from the beginning.

I remember a man ringing our doorbell on a Sunday morning. He was a very nervous fellow standing there with his little notebook full of numbers. He very insistently told my Dad, “I’ll buy that truck, but I won’t pay a penny over this amount”. Dad said “Fine”, knowing that the fellow had gotten himself so confused after making all of the rounds that he was offering more than Dad had priced in the first place. The fellow was happy, Dad sold the truck, and all was well.

Dad sold cars all over the country. He was known far and wide as the Chevy dealer to see for the best price and the most courteous treatment. In 1959, Dad created the motto for his dealership while talking with the District Manager – “It Will Pay to See Ray”. It was the slogan that embodied his entire philosophy, and it stuck.

Dad believed in the Golden Rule, and he treated his customers accordingly. He was especially kind to the children who accompanied their fathers to the dealership to look at cars and trucks. Dad would let the kids sit inside new cars or look under the hoods while he explained how things worked to them. The kids were delighted. In many cases they also became life-long customers when they became adults, remembering the special treatment Dad had given them at an early age.

Dad was so well known that he even sold vehicles to residents of other countries. I remember a man from Switzerland who ordered a new white 1969 Corvette from Dad and then had it shipped overseas. He called before flying out, and asked if Pierce, Nebraska was anywhere near Los Angeles. Dad told him to fly to a place called Omaha, and we picked him up from there. He was delighted with his new Corvette, and more than pleased with the price.

My Dad just loved to sell new cars and trucks, and he sold lots of them. Also, he felt very strongly about the issue of safety for families with young children. He would strive to put those families in new cars that were safe and reliable rather than selling them a used car. That was the genesis of my Dad’s car collection. He sold lots and lots of new cars and lots and lots of pickups. The trade-ins were parked on our farm outside of town. Their numbers gradually grew into a massive collection. New cars that were left unsold were also stored. There is a lot of history in that collection. Dad can look at any of those vehicles today and tell you the story behind it. He remembers each used car and the former owner, like the 1928 Durant owned by Mom’s uncle Louie.

I remember the 1953 white Corvette convertible we had when I was four years old and my little brother, Mark, was two. Mark spent his free time tooling around in a little Corvette replica pedal car that looked like the original. I, however, was more interested in getting inside the real thing. What I remember most is my frustration in not being able to open the doors. The 1953 Corvette had no outside door handle and I was pretty short. I remember jumping up to grab the top of the door and then struggling to reach inside to pull the door handle open. Sometimes I succeeded, and sometimes I didn’t. But it was a real joy sitting inside that beautiful Corvette. My love of new Chevrolets was in my DNA and starting to show. When attending gatherings of friends and family, Dad would often turn to me and loudly ask the question, “What is the finest car made?” I would shout, “Chevrolet!!!!”, and it would bring down the house. I didn’t really know what was so funny, but I was happy to play my part.

When I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, it was a very exciting day. My first car was a 1963 Chevy Corvair. It was black, with a red interior, 4-on-the-floor manual transmission, and an oversized shiny chrome gear-shift knob. It was a used car that someone had modified adding “dumps” to the exhaust system. What a wonderful loud purring sound the engine made as I drove that little car all over town, smiling all the way. The rear engine really helped with traction in the snow. And if I did get stuck, a couple of friends could just pick up the rear end, spin me around, and I would be on my way. I loved that car, and it sits in the dealership to this very day.

Growing up, I loved spending time at the dealership. Dad kept me away from the service area in the back for fear that I would get hurt. But my brother and I had the job of cleaning up the new cars for delivery. In the 60’s, all new Chevrolets would arrive with an opaque white covering of protective wax. It was a real job getting it off and polishing the paint up to a showroom shine. The windows were always the most difficult, and Dad invariably had to step in and finish polishing the windows with his strong arms.

I remember how excited my brother and I would be when the new cars would arrive on transports from Janesville, Wisconsin. Our home was right across the street from the dealership. We would hear the loud clang as the transport driver lowered the heavy metal tracks onto the brick street, and we would run out of the house in anticipation. It was so exciting to see the brand new models of Chevy cars and trucks being unloaded.

Announcement Day at Lambrecht Chevrolet Company was a huge event for the entire town. Unlike today, one special day in September of each year was the first opportunity for anyone to view the new car models for that year. New cars would be delivered in advance and then hidden away so that nobody could see them before Announcement Day. Early that morning, Dad would move one shiny new Chevrolet into the showroom. There would be balloons and banners, coffee and donuts, souvenirs, and lots of built-up excitement. Everyone in town would come to see the new car and truck models.

Lambrecht Chevrolet participated in all of the important local celebrations and events throughout the years. For its grand opening in 1946, there were real live elephants in front of the dealership wearing Chevrolet banners on their backs. During the Nebraska Centennial in 1954, Dad had the honor of driving the Governor of Nebraska in our 1953 Corvette down Main Street in the parade. Pioneer Days in June of 1959 was the 100th anniversary of Pierce County, Nebraska. Dad again drove dignitaries in a new 1959 Chevy in the parade. There were countless other functions and parades.

Throughout the years, Lambrecht Chevrolet Company remained a small business operated by Mom and Dad with one mechanic. Pierce, Nebraska remained a small community of about 1,200 people. In the 80’s, my parents made the transition from typewriter to computer for communications with General Motors. But Mom still used an adding machine for maintaining handwritten financial ledgers and paper files. The original cash register from 1946 still sat on the front counter and was used daily. Original MSO’s and titles were carefully stored. This was a small “mom and pop” operation, and it stayed that way throughout the decades in business.

In 1996 after 50 years as a Chevrolet dealership, Mom and Dad made the difficult decision to give up the franchise and continue limited operations as Lambrecht Auto Company. Now 17 years later, they have agreed to liquidate the dealership’s massive inventory. Dad is now 95 years old, and Mom is 92. Dad is still fiercely loyal to Chevrolet and General Motors. He actively follows trends in automobile design and manufacturing, and loves to see photos of all of the new models.

The decision to auction the inventory of Lambrecht Chevrolet Company was a difficult and painful one. The collection of over 500 true survivor vehicles comprise a lifetime of hard work, tears, and joy for both of my parents. The dealership today is a virtual time capsule that will be opened and all contents will be sold at auction. The inventory of the dealership’s vehicles includes many new cars with original MSO’s as well as hundreds of rare 50’s and 60’s Chevys ideal for restoration projects. Looking back at the history of Lambrecht Chevrolet, my parents have no regrets, and are proud of the thousands of new cars and trucks they sold to many generations of happy customers. They hope that these rare collectible vehicles will now be the source of joy and inspiration for car enthusiasts everywhere.

VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC is honored to offer this Time Capsule of Chevrolets. It's amazing. A 1956 Chevrolet Cameo PIckup with less than 10 miles on MSO, a 1963 Chevrolet IMpala with less than 10 miles on MSO, and the list goes on including many from the 1950's, 60's including TRi-Fives, Chevelles, IMpalas, and more. There is also an assortment of cars that were Trades and were parked away and not sold. There is also an assortment of NOS parts, tools, some advertising, and more. Plan now to come to Piercve, NE on the weekend of September 28th & 29th, 2013 at 9:30 Am. This is a once in a lifetime auction that collectors only dream about- finding a "new" old Car in a barn- a True Survivor- The True Barn Find. This collection has been talked about and Urban Legand for years. BUt now the Time Capsule will be opened and auctioned to the Highest bidder. For more information www.vanderbrinkauctions.com or call VanDerBrink Auctions, LLC at 605-201-7005. Preview will be before the auction and a video will be posted prior to the auction. You won't want to miss this auction!

[GTP534]

Originally Posted by Neale

They are good fun to drive, in their day they would have been something else. Whey you compare them to how a base model Cortina drives the Lotus is a completely different car.

image

My first car was a 66 Cortina 440, bench seat, column shift. My parent s bought it for $400 back in 1973 when my grandparents came to Australia for a holiday. British Racing Green, it was a great little car. Made way for a TC Cortina 2000 station wagon; that was a pile of junk!

[gcg2503]

Remarkable story DJR-351

Good to hear both Lambrechts are still alive.

[Pepscobra]

A remarkable story for sure!
But how does someone keep 500+ cars 'hidden' away for so long? Must have been a huge shed.
That collection no doubt will bring in US$12M+ at Auction. I hope the old couple get to enjoy it.

[302 XC]

Its great that the odd long time collection comes to the light
But the fact is persons whom collect and keep for so long must be cash friendly to be able to either afford or keep without ever needing to sell of to help ends meet...
Most of us cant afford more than either a clunker to slave over for years or a newie that's replaced every few years
Noone has a crystal ball to see that far in the future,if it wasn't for recent collectability of oldies , or the muscle boom ,they wouldn't be worth much more than scrap ....
Theres no way id buy a new car and pray like hell itll be viable to park up for 50 years and return a nice little nest egg
Very risky ,no doubt considering they dropped value once left the lot

Should have been unearthed few years ago when people were paying better money...

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by 302 XC

Its great that the odd long time collection comes to the light
But the fact is persons whom collect and keep for so long must be cash friendly to be able to either afford or keep without ever needing to sell of to help ends meet...
Most of us cant afford more than either a clunker to slave over for years or a newie that's replaced every few years
Noone has a crystal ball to see that far in the future,if it wasn't for recent collectability of oldies , or the muscle boom ,they wouldn't be worth much more than scrap ....
Theres no way id buy a new car and pray like hell itll be viable to park up for 50 years and return a nice little nest egg
Very risky ,no doubt considering they dropped value once left the lot

Should have been unearthed few years ago when people were paying better money...

Its amazing how much money you can save when you dont have/need to buy internet, phones, tvs, music, dvds, alcohol, take away etc etc...

[TC200six]

Seen this Facebook group? I see a few abandoned Falcon hardtops there.

https://www.facebook.com/SavingOldCars

[79FordEsky]

I am picking up a HD Ute, that has been sitting for 20 years, runs and drives this saturday

[Nikked]

If only there was a Aussie Ford dealer with some delivery K's only GT's and Hardtops.

[madwag]

I dragged a VW 1500 notchback out of the bush a few weeks ago. Sitting for 25 years. got it running in under 10 min and now going to be shipped to America as VW never sold notchback type 3's there.

[79FordEsky]

Nice work to hear about the notchback, hope you got a good price for it.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by gcg2503

Only in America!

And only in America could you find a woman who could make you cringe that much during a pretty cool video.

[nstg8a]

That big block impala with no options would do me nicely....

[madwag]

Originally Posted by 79FordEsky

Nice work to hear about the notchback, hope you got a good price for it.

well not officially sold just yet, but as good as, organising freight etc, customs where very surprised to have a car going from aus to the us. haha

The notch was free, $120 for a tow, a bit of juice going to pull the car out, and $3k is the price. And had fun along the way.

[79FordEsky]

Thats good, nothing like profit

[buggerlugs]

[lilmattie]

Steel blue fairmont?

[FERG_51]

That GXL needs to be saved.

[nstg8a]

Is that an old Anglia over behind it?

[buggerlugs]

No, Fiat.........