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The Louisville, Kentucky caravan to Chattanooga included the Stolowich's '57 Firesweep and our '55 Firedome. We took the non-interstate route through central KY and TN. On our way south both our heads snapped around in northern TN when we saw a yard full of old '40's and '50's cars behind a chain link fence. I noted a landmark south of the yard and discussed stopping at the yard on the way home with the Stolowich's. So, on the way home we stopped and started snooping despite the unwelcoming "No Trespassing" signs. After a little walking around and some picture taking, we noticed a couple old timers sitting under a nearby tree next to a country store. Turned out one of the old timers was the owner of the cars. Best as we could determine, he ran a towing company way back when and most of these cars were from that venture. He was the typical cagey, suspicious, somewhat eccentric yard owner many of us have met over the years, however, Rosemary turned on the charm and he warmed up...somewhat. He might let us roam around escorted, but not until the colder weather has scattered the snakes and insects. We had a nice conversation, walked around a bit more then headed for home with plans to return during the winter or early spring. Hope you enjoy the photos. By the way, he claims to have a couple DeSotos somewhere under the brush beyond the chain link fence.
What a find for just about any car club. There seems to be a little of everything. I wonder what these guys plan to do with them - just sit there and look at them?
You said it, Mark! That car lot was Old Car Nirvana! And it seemed to never end. Through the clearings, we could see car-lined trails going off in all directions, deep into the woods. The cars looked as though they had been there for years and years. The main, fenced-in area was kept neat and well mowed, but the cars looked very permanently placed indeed. This area was right beside the road, and meant to be very much on display. It really did look like a car grave yard. There were a few small buildings near the main house and ya just know that they were stuffed with goodies. 
And yet our attempt at our own version of "American Pickers - Old Car Edition" proved to be fruitless. Do any of us know why so many of these "car collectors" gather these great, old cars only to have them sit out in the elements; they sure don't seem to want to part with so much as a lug nut. It's a shame to see so many wonderful cars, not to mention some great, rare parts, rusting away until they are of no use to anyone. It's enough to make ya weep.
I think that it would have been obvious to the owner that we were not unsavory characters out to make trouble (well...most of the time ). We had our well cared for DeSotos there serving as testimonial to our earnest love for cars, as well as our willingness to make an investment or two as need be. I know that you can never really tell for sure, but by the look of this fellow and his property, I would assume that he could have used a buck or two. Yet the owner was very clear that he was in no mood to give an inch, or to even crack a smile for that matter. He also showed no interest in our cars at all. His friend asked a question or two about our cars, but that was it. Neither strayed from their respective lawn chair. Personally, I'm just glad that we got out of there without the proverbial buckshot in our rumps. Mrs. Kubancik was the only one among us with the good sense to stay in her car. 
We car enthusiasts seem to run across this type of thing all the time when it comes to non-professional "junk yard" owners. I really think this old fellow's behaviour qualifies as some sort of hoarding.
Gives me an idea for another TV show.
We could get no closer...
