FONDA — Car enthusiasts could rejoice at the fairgrounds Saturday as a pavilion filled with classic cars showed their engines and begged for new owners.
The first Classic and Collectible Car, Truck and Motorcycle Auction allowed car collectors to indulge in their addiction by purchasing cars from the 1920s to the late ’80s.
More than 30 cars, trucks and motorcycles were up for sale at the event. Muscle cars, classic cruisers, an Indy 500 Pace car and even a 1976 electric Citicar were up for bid.
More than 100 people came out to watch the cars parade into the ring and to have a chance to look at the classic beauties in their full glory as they were displayed for bidders.
“I’m really amazed by the quality of these car. They’re like ones you would see on TV,” said Auctioneer Jack Belknap.
Workers popped the hoods to let potential buyers inspect the inner workings of the vehicles.
The cars were put up for auction, then taken out the back to either go to their new owners or head home with their previous ones.
Belknap, who owns County Line Auctions, put together the event. He spent six months promoting it and securing sellers from around the region.
Belknap said his company regularly puts on auctions in Fulton County and decided to conduct what he called a major event at the Fonda Fairgrounds because the general manager offered up a pavilion
Set reserves for every car meant sellers didn’t have to worry about their prize vehicles going for less than they were worth. Belknap couldn’t give the reserves of certain cars, but did say they ranged from $5,000 to $50,000. If bids didn’t meet the reserve, the cars went back with the sellers.
Doug Chovit said he was selling his 1978 Chevy Malibu at the event. He has worked with Belknap at other auctions and wanted to get involved with this one.
When asked why he was selling his car, he joked he needed room in his garage.
Chuck Wilson came to the event with five vehicles. He brought two trucks, two cars and a motorcycle.
Wilson also came to find some new rides for himself.
“I’ve got my eye on the black Comet I saw earlier,” Wilson said with a smile.
He said he’s been fixing and selling classic cars for a long time and enjoys doing it. He said he doesn’t miss them once they’re sold because another is waiting in the wings.
Some late entries were surprises to the crowd, including a 1986 Porsche and a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner.
Cars ranged from a 1926 Ford Model T to a 1989 Daytona Pro street with almost every decade in between represented.
“This is the first one and we’ve had a lot of nice cars here,” said fair general manager Jake Sammons. “There are a lot of nice cars here and I hope it will grow into something nice.”
Organizers said they hope the event will continue to grow every year. Belknap said depending on what happens this year, the next event could be a big one.
“Maybe next year we can have up to 150 cars,” said Belknap.
Kerry McAvoy covers Montgomery County. She can be reached at montco@leaderherald.com
