Historic Car Collection Set for Auction in Greenfield
In a remarkable testament to automotive history, a collection featuring over 30 vintage cars is poised to capture the attention of car enthusiasts at an upcoming auction in Greenfield. The Schildberg family’s treasured assortment, which has been meticulously preserved over the years, includes rare models like early Corvettes that have escaped the clutches of time and natural disasters.
The auction, scheduled for June 13, will showcase vehicles ranging from a 1902 Oldsmobile Runabout to a 2000 Corvette roadster. The collection, owned by the Schildberg family, is notable not only for its rare vehicles but also for its association with the Schildberg Construction company, a longstanding supplier of aggregate materials in southeast Iowa and northwest Missouri. Learn more about the auction here.
The highlight of this collection includes six Chevrolet Corvettes, with models from 1953, 1954, and 1955, as well as the iconic 1963 split-window coupe. Deborah Boyer, a family member, expressed mixed emotions about parting with the cherished collection, which her parents, Dennis and Marlene Schildberg, initiated. The collection has been stored in a former Ford dealership, having previously been available for public viewing by appointment.
“It’s one of those decisions that every day I’m like, ‘Oh shoot, am I doing the right thing?’” Boyer expressed. She continued, asserting that the cars “need to get out there and be shared and enjoyed with the population of people who really appreciate this kind of a collection.”
The decision comes after a close call in May 2024 when a tornado devastated parts of Greenfield. The EF-4 tornado caused significant damage, but remarkably, the building housing the car collection remained unscathed. Boyer remarked on the fortuitous escape, noting that while destruction occurred nearby, the collection was preserved without any damage.
The Auction: A Gathering of Enthusiasts
The June auction will feature both in-person and online bidding, as well as a simulcast, according to Yvette VanDerBrink of VanDerBrink Auctions LLC. Interest in the auction has already spread across the nation and even overseas. While the pandemic popularized online auctions, VanDerBrink noted a resurgence in the desire for live auctions, especially for collectors who wish to inspect cars closely.
VanDerBrink highlighted the significance of having Corvettes from 1953, 1954, and 1955 together in one collection. She also mentioned the concept of vintage cars “aging out,” where interest can wane as original enthusiasts retire or pass away. However, vehicles from the 1950s to 1970s remain popular, driven by nostalgic memories.
“You know, the car hobby is generated from memories and that’s what drives what people collect,” VanDerBrink explained. She noted the growing popularity of once-overlooked models like 1980s cars, which have gained a following among collectors of Streeter Classics.
For Boyer, the collection holds a lifetime of memories, making the decision to sell particularly challenging. Recollections of her wedding day, when she used a 1918 Detroit Electric as a carriage, highlight the personal history intertwined with these cars. Despite the sale, some vehicles, like a vintage Chevrolet fire truck, will remain family heirlooms.
“All of the generations of grandkids and now the next generation of great-grandkids of my parents have ridden on it in parades,” Boyer shared.
This auction not only presents a unique opportunity for collectors but also marks a poignant moment for the Schildberg family as they share a significant chapter of their history with the world.
Original Story at www.desmoinesregister.com