By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent FRANKLIN, Ohio — At most auctions one will find something for anyone’s wish list. At the Kemper Automotive Warehouse closing auction in Franklin, Ohio last week, it was a dream day for the automotive buff and farmer alike.
As one might expect, autos and auto parts took center stage at this one-day event in Warren County, but there were an equal number of farming implements to satisfy the rural resident as well.
“Normally we get people from all walks of life at these auctions. And in many cases there’s something for everyone on your shopping list, but at this particular auction it was heaven for those interested in farm equipment or automotive equipment,” said auctioneer Kirby Lyons.
The top-selling item of the day was a 1978 Chevrolet K-5 Blazer which sold for $5,900. Close behind in the bidding war was a box truck which sold for $5,400. A car trailer then sold for $2,800.
A 1950s International panel truck was coveted by many, as was a 2009 Interstate 18-foot car trailer. The latter item sold for $2,800.
The newer four-wheel items weren’t the only items sought after. Bidding went back and forth for an early Orbit gas sickle bar mower brush hog. The item was covered with rust and was in need of repair, but that didn’t stop three men from bidding furiously.
Don Landers of Covington, Ohio had purchased two antique farm implements and had hopes of landing the Orbit bar mower, but the final price of $400 was just too high. Landers stopped bidding at $300.
“My dad and I restore antique machinery, and we have more than 75 pieces of antique farm equipment in storage. I would love to have gotten that Orbit mower,” Landers said.
“You just don’t see those models ever, and when you do they’re really in need of repair. Still I would love to have gotten my hands on it.”
A few items went uncontested. John Lawson of Franklin, Ohio had his eyes fixed on four working traffic lights.
Lawson got his wish with a bid of $75 for each set of lights.
Perhaps the item in need of most repair was a Jewel Ice Tea truck, which was eventually turned into an ice cream truck in the late 1960s.
“A lot of people won’t care what it was used for, nor will they care about its origin,” Lyons said. “When you see someone put down good money for something that looks like a rusted relic you know they’re going to restore that item.”
Shop equipment and tools were the first items up for bids. Engine analyzers, hydraulic lifts, volt and amp testers, rechargers and reclaimers were hotly contested. Other items in this category included transmission jacks, strut compressors, exhaust hoses, battery booster boxes, fuses, air chisels, shop fans, drills, carbon testers, key machines, lathe machines, banding machines, floor scrubbers and pressure washers.
Stunning to most in attendance was the lure of more than 1,000 General Motors shop manuals.
The manuals were sold in separate units, but when all was totaled they sold for $7,000.
“Some people would ask why anyone would want these shop manuals, but if you’re into repairing cars at your business or at home these manuals are priceless,” Lyons said.
Lawn tractors and related items were coveted by the locals of this small city south of Dayton. Snow blowers and blades, gas chain saws, trimmers and garden tools of all kinds filled one entire barn.
And what would any auction be without the lure of antiques. Such items included early Huffy bicycles, antique Pepsi 50 cent machines, Waterfall dressers and chests and early China. Baseball, football and hockey collectible cards found their way into this auction.
“Lots of people spend their time at yard and garage sales, and I’m not knocking them,” said Danny Osborne of Waynesville, Ohio, “but at most auctions you’re able to find many of the same things, even more of it.”
Osborne filled the back of his father-in-law’s pickup truck with aluminum wheels, a service writer counter, spoke wheels, late model truck wheels, five rakes, a ladder, power flush machine and an electric balloon air filler. Total cost of these items was just $150. |
