Every now and then, a discovery comes along that stops the automotive world dead in its tracks, sparking a collective gasp of awe and a flurry of excited speculation. Friends, brace yourselves, because “what may be the largest hidden barn find in the United States is finally seeing the light of day” in rural Alabama. This isn’t just any collection; it’s Greg Rusk’s massive assortment of classic vehicles, which is now being sold through Hagerty Marketplace, marking “one of the most significant classic car liquidations in recent history.” Prepare to have your curiosity piqued, because this story is truly incredible.
This monumental treasure trove, “sprawled across several buildings,” is so vast that Rusk himself reportedly lost count of both the cars and the storage facilities. Estimates place the total at a mind-boggling “around 1,300 vehicles,” encompassing everything “ranging from rare muscle cars to luxury sedans and even microcars.” But what truly makes this find special isn’t just the sheer number of cars, it’s the fascinating backstory of Greg Rusk, a businessman whose “money comes from running a cardboard company, Rusken Packaging,” and whose “generous” moniker stems from his “willingness to buy cars he might not have particularly needed or wanted from folks at full asking price, to help them out in some way or another.”
The automotive world is now buzzing as “Hagerty Marketplace is handling the sale under the banner The Generous Collection, with every vehicle offered at no reserve.” The first wave, comprising “roughly 200 classics, began auctioning in October 2025, with additional rounds scheduled to move the remaining inventory.” This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a spectacular journey “from barn dust to bidding wars,” as “the largest known ‘barn find’ in the state is finally stepping into the spotlight.” Join us as we peel back the layers of this astonishing collection and unveil some of its most compelling American gems.
1. **The Immense Cadillac Collection**Every epic story has a beginning, and for Greg Rusk’s “Generous Collection,” that beginning was undeniably Cadillac. Rusk himself recounted, “he got started car-collecting with Cadillacs,” laying the foundation for what would become one of the most astonishing private automotive hoards ever discovered. It wasn’t just a passing fancy; it was the spark of a grand ambition that blossomed over decades.
Imagine a man with a dream, decades ago, to “collect Cadillacs, and then maybe build a museum one day.” While the museum remained a dream, the collection certainly blossomed into something extraordinary. Within the staggering number of vehicles Rusk accumulated, “105 Cadillacs” were found. That’s over a hundred testaments to American luxury and engineering, each a piece of design history.
What makes these Cadillacs particularly intriguing is their unusual history of use. Rusk “indicated to Cotter that many of the vehicles were driven for just a weekend or two before being mothballed.” This peculiar habit means these automotive titans were often barely broken in before being tucked away, preserving them in a unique, almost factory-fresh state for decades.
For discerning collectors, this presents an extraordinary opportunity. These Cadillacs, having seen minimal road time, offer a rare glimpse into the past, often retaining their original charm and pristine condition. Acquiring one of these time-capsule luxury machines from Rusk’s hoard is more than just buying a car; it’s owning a piece of a meticulously curated, largely untouched history.
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2. **American Muscle Car Icons (Chevelles, GTOs, Mopars)**Beyond the elegance of luxury cruisers, Rusk’s collection truly flexes its muscles with an incredible showing of American performance icons. The inventory alone reads like a roll call of legends, boasting a robust “259 Chevrolets,” a significant “96 Pontiacs,” and a powerful “55 Mopars.” These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent a serious commitment to the raw power that defined an era.
The sheer mention of “Chevelles” and “GTOs” sends a shiver down the spine of any true gearhead. These aren’t merely cars; they are emblems of a time when horsepower reigned supreme and aggressive styling captured the imaginations of a generation. To find these potent machines in such quantities within one man’s secret collection is nothing short of breathtaking.
And let’s not forget the “55 Mopars” – a treasure trove for fans of the Dodge and Plymouth performance divisions. This could mean anything from Charger R/Ts to Challenger T/A’s, Barracudas, or Super Bees, each carrying its own legend and fierce reputation. These vehicles embody a distinct flavor of American muscle, known for their bold colors and uncompromising performance.
Many of these automotive beasts have been “preserved indoors and remain surprisingly complete.” This isn’t just a collection of project cars; it’s a potential goldmine of incredibly solid foundations, or perhaps even low-mileage survivors, ready to return to their former glory. For enthusiasts, this sale is a rare chance to snatch a genuine piece of high-octane American history.
3. **Hidden Gems: C4 & C5 Corvettes**While Rusk clearly appreciated the vintage and the brutal muscle, his discerning eye also extended to more contemporary, yet undeniably collectible, American sports cars. The listing prominently features “C4 & C5 Corvettes” described as “low-mile time capsules.” This tantalizing detail immediately signals vehicles that have been carefully sheltered from the ravages of time and asphalt.
The C4 Corvette, a true icon of the 1980s and early ’90s, brought a sleek, modern aesthetic and improved performance to the legendary nameplate. Its successor, the C5, pushed the envelope further with its groundbreaking hydroformed chassis and transaxle. Discovering these particular generations in “low-mile” condition offers a unique opportunity to experience them as they were intended.
The magic of a “time capsule” car lies in its ability to transport you back to its original era. These Corvettes, having seen minimal road use before being mothballed, likely retain the tight feel, pristine interiors, and original finishes that are so often lost to time and wear. They’re not just cars; they’re preserved moments in automotive history, waiting to be rediscovered.
For both seasoned Corvette aficionados and those looking to enter the world of America’s sports car, these C4 and C5 models present an irresistible proposition. With the entire collection being sold at “no reserve,” there’s the exciting possibility of acquiring a remarkably well-preserved, low-mileage example of these beloved machines at an unexpected value.
Car Model Information: 2022 RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 6’4′ Box
Name: Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: October 1, 1996 – July 2, 2004
ModelYears: 1997–2004
Assembly: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Designer: John Cafaro (1993)
Predecessor: Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Successor: Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé,Convertible (car),hardtop
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout#FMR
Platform: GM Y platform
Engine: General Motors LS-based small-block engine#LS1,General Motors LS-based small-block engine#LS6
Transmission: Manual transmission,Automatic transmission
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: {{cvt,47.7,in,mm,0
Weight: {{cvt,1472,kg,lb,0
Related: Callaway C12
Categories: 2000s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2024, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2019
Summary: The Chevrolet Corvette (C5) is the fifth generation of the Corvette sports car, produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1997 through 2004 model years. Production variants include the high performance Z06. Racing variants include the C5-R, a 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans GTS/GT1 winner. The C5 Corvette was the first GM vehicle to feature the third generation small block “LS” engines. This was the last generation Corvette with Pop-up headlights.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: C4 & C5 Corvettes
Price: $52,249 Mileage: 69,095 mi.
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4. **Unique Trucks: C10 Short Beds**Greg Rusk’s passion for vehicles was wonderfully broad, stretching far beyond sedans and sports cars into the realm of robust, stylish trucks. His collection is noted to include a “bunch of sweet trucks,” and the specific mention of “C10 Short Beds” immediately tells us that Rusk possessed a keen understanding of what truly captures a collector’s heart in the truck world.
Chevrolet C10 pickups, particularly the short bed variants, have cemented their status as highly sought-after classics. Their timeless design, combined with a practical nature and a fantastic platform for customization, has made them a darling of the vintage truck scene. To imagine these iconic workhorses, stashed away for decades, is truly a fascinating thought.
The allure of a short bed C10 lies in its balanced proportions and athletic stance, making it equally at home cruising down a country road or proudly displayed at a car show. They embody a distinct blend of Americana—a vehicle designed for work, yet overflowing with character and style. Their presence in such a colossal collection speaks volumes about their enduring appeal.
Many of the vehicles in this incredible hoard were “preserved indoors and remain surprisingly complete.” This offers exciting prospects for the C10 Short Beds, suggesting that some could be remarkably solid, rust-free foundations. Whether destined for a meticulous factory restoration, a modern restomod, or simply a charming daily driver, these trucks are ready for their next chapter.
Car Model Information: 1968 Chevrolet C10/K10 Base
Name: Chevrolet and GMC C/K
Caption: 1986 GMC C-3500 Sierra Classic 3+3
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: GMC C/K,Chevrolet/GMC Full-Size Pickup,Chevrolet Silverado (1975–2002),GMC Sierra (1972–2002)
Production: 1959–2002 (United States),1959–2000 (Canada),1965–2002 (Mexico),1964–2001 (Brazil),1975–1982 (Chile), 1960–1991 (Argentina)
Class: Pickup truck,Medium-duty truck
Predecessor: Chevrolet Task Force
Successor: Chevrolet Silverado
ModelYears: 1960–2000 (C/K pickup trucks)
Categories: Articles with short description, CS1 Portuguese-language sources (pt), Cars introduced in 1959, Chevrolet trucks, Commons category link is on Wikidata
Summary: The Chevrolet C/K is a series of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 2002 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K series encompassed a wide range of vehicles. While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included chassis-cab trucks and medium-duty trucks and served as the basis for GM full-size SUVs. Through its entire production, the model line competed directly against the Ford F-Series and the Dodge D series (later the Dodge Ram pickup).
Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, “C” denoted two-wheel drive, while “K” denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation “Action Line” and third-generation “Rounded Line” vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks). For the fourth-generation (colloquially also known as OBS trucks), Chevrolet kept using the C/K designation while GMC revised its branding, changing to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate (C/K remained as an internal model code).
For South America, the model line was manufactured by General Motors de Argentina from 1960 to 1978, Sevel Argentina from 1986 to 1991, and General Motors Brazil, who produced versions of the model line for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from 1964 to 2001.
As GM entered the 1990s, the company revised its truck ranges, replacing the medium-duty C/K trucks with the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick for 1990. For 1999, GM replaced the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks with an all-new model line; in line with GMC, Chevrolet dropped the C/K nameplate (in favor of a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate). Initially marketed with its successor, the final C/K pickup trucks were produced for the 2000 model year. From 2001 to 2002, the final vehicles of the C/K model line were medium-duty chassis cab trucks.
Get more information about: Chevrolet C/K
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: C10
Price: $23,999 Mileage: 113,092 mi.
5. **Anniversary Camaros**Among the vast catalog of General Motors powerhouses Rusk lovingly gathered, a special subset of the legendary F-body car calls out to collectors: the “Anniversary Camaros.” These aren’t your everyday muscle machines; they represent specific milestones in the storied history of Chevrolet’s iconic pony car, often boasting unique features and limited production numbers.
The very concept of an “Anniversary Camaro” signifies a dedication to celebrating the model’s heritage and evolution. Such editions frequently come adorned with distinctive badging, special paint schemes, or unique interior treatments that set them apart from their standard counterparts, making them highly desirable artifacts for brand enthusiasts and historians alike.
Each Anniversary Camaro tells a unique story, marking a moment in time and showcasing the continuous innovation and enduring appeal of the Camaro nameplate. Their inclusion in “The Generous Collection” highlights Greg Rusk’s appreciation not only for raw performance but also for the historical and commemorative significance embedded within these special editions.
With the monumental “no reserve” auction just around the corner, the chance to acquire one of these rare Anniversary Camaros is a truly tantalizing prospect. Imagine finding a low-mileage example, preserved through decades, ready to be driven and cherished anew. These vehicles are more than just cars; they are tangible pieces of American automotive celebration, waiting for their next proud owner.
Car Model Information: 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Name: Chevrolet Camaro
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 1966–2002,2009–2023
ModelYears: 1967–2002,2010–2024
Class: Pony car
BodyStyle: coupe,convertible
Platform: GM F platform,GM Zeta platform,GM Alpha platform
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2+2 coupés, 2000s cars
Summary: The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors’ Pontiac division that was also introduced for the 1967 model year.
Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro; production started on March 16, 2009.
Production of the sixth generation of the Camaro ended in December 2023, for the 2024 model year.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Camaro
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Camaro
Price: $55,000 Mileage: 45,089 mi.
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6. **The Classic Ford and Lincoln Sedans**While Cadillacs marked the beginning of Greg Rusk’s collecting journey, his passion for American luxury and everyday utility certainly didn’t end there. The “Generous Collection” boasts a significant presence from other legendary marques, including a strong showing of “109 Fords,” “48 Lincolns,” “35 Buicks,” and “24 Oldsmobiles.” This expansive array speaks volumes about his appreciation for diverse American automotive history.
The sheer volume of Fords suggests a fascinating cross-section of the blue oval’s output, potentially including everything from elegant full-size sedans to practical wagons, each telling a piece of America’s story on wheels. Similarly, the “48 Lincolns” point to a substantial holding of Ford’s luxury division, offering stately alternatives to the Cadillacs, each with its own distinctive elegance.
Buick and Oldsmobile, two pillars of General Motors’ mid-to-high end offerings, also feature prominently. “35 Buicks” and “24 Oldsmobiles” indicate Rusk’s thoroughness in accumulating diverse examples of American engineering and styling, from comfortable family cruisers to stylish personal luxury coupes, each with its own distinctive character and appeal.
For collectors focused on the broader spectrum of American automotive history, these often-overlooked segments of the collection represent a fantastic opportunity. Many of these vehicles, having been quietly stored, could offer remarkably complete and original examples of classic American sedans and coupes, ready for a new lease on life without the intense competition often seen for more overt performance cars.
Alright, gearheads and history buffs, if you thought the American classics we just unveiled were impressive, prepare for even more surprises! Greg Rusk’s “Generous Collection” isn’t just a shrine to Detroit’s finest; it’s a wonderfully eclectic mix that truly challenges what we think of as a “barn find.” Now, we’re diving deeper into the collection’s unexpected corners, unearthing some truly rare European beauties, specialized American performance legends, and even a few wonderfully quirky custom creations that will make your jaw drop. Get ready to discover the truly mind-boggling breadth of this incredible automotive treasure trove, all headed to a no-reserve auction where anything can happen.
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7. **The 1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster**Stepping away from the rows of American iron, Rusk’s collection truly opens up to a world of international flair with the presence of a stunning 1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster. This isn’t just any classic car; it’s a prime example of post-war British automotive artistry, a sleek, powerful machine that once held the title of the world’s fastest production car. Its inclusion here perfectly encapsulates the unexpected depth of “The Generous Collection.”
Imagine stumbling upon this magnificent piece of engineering, likely tucked away from public view for decades. The XK120, with its graceful curves and legendary performance, was a dream car for many when new, and it remains highly coveted by collectors today. To find one among Rusk’s vast hoard speaks volumes about his broad appreciation for significant automotive history, regardless of its country of origin.
The context reveals that this particular 1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster was “previously valued at $165,000,” which immediately signals its caliber and rarity. Such a valuation highlights that amidst the hundreds of American workhorses and muscle machines, Rusk also meticulously acquired vehicles of significant prestige and investment potential. It’s a true jewel in the crown of his remarkable private museum.
For a collector, the chance to acquire a car like this, emerging from a decades-long hibernation, is an absolutely electrifying prospect. It promises not just a beautiful classic but a potential story of rediscovery and restoration, bringing a forgotten icon back to its rightful place on the road or in a curated display. This Jaguar is truly one of the gleaming stars of the entire “barn find.”
Car Model Information: 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Caption: Jaguar XK120 open 2-seater
Name: Jaguar XK120
Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars
Production: 1948–1954,12,055 made
Class: Sports car
Predecessor: SS Jaguar 100
Successor: Jaguar XK140
Assembly: Coventry,England
Related: Jaguar C-Type
Layout: FR layout
BodyStyle: hardtop coupe
Engine: Jaguar XK engine,Straight-6
Wheelbase: 102 in
Abbr: on
Length: 173 in
Width: 61.5 in
Height: 52.5 in
Categories: 1950s cars, 24 Hours of Le Mans race cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description
Summary: The Jaguar XK120 is a sports car manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954. It was Jaguar’s first sports car since SS 100 production ended in 1939. The XK120 was launched in open two-seater or (US) roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a testbed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine designed by Jaguar Chief Engineer William Heynes. The sports car caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and Chairman William Lyons to put it into production.
The fastest production car in the world in its time, it would go on to be developed into the XK140 and XK150 models.
Get more information about: Jaguar XK120
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Brand: Jaguar Model: XK120 Roadster
Price: $25,958 Mileage: 26,006 mi.
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8. **Other European Treasures: Porsches and Alfa Romeos**While the Jaguar XK120 takes a prominent spot, the European contingent of Rusk’s collection doesn’t stop there. Delving deeper into the listings, you’ll uncover tantalizing mentions of “imported models from Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and other European brands,” along with a distinct note of “a handful of European exotics including Alfa Romeos and Porsches.” This means the hunt for hidden gems extends far beyond the familiar American marques.
The presence of Porsches, in particular, is an exciting revelation. Synonymous with precision engineering, iconic design, and thrilling performance, Porsches are a staple of any serious car collection. To think that multiple examples of these Stuttgart legends and spirited Italian Alfas have been quietly residing in rural Alabama adds another layer of intrigue to this already incredible tale of discovery.
The fact that these European exotics are part of a “no reserve” auction makes the potential for incredible deals even more thrilling. It’s a rare chance for enthusiasts to snag a piece of coveted European motoring history that might otherwise be out of reach, all while participating in what’s arguably “one of the most significant classic car liquidations in recent history.” Prepare for some serious bidding!
9. **The 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe**Moving back to American soil, but still very much in the realm of specialized performance, Greg Rusk’s collection includes a genuine slice of NASCAR history: the 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. This isn’t just another Monte Carlo; it’s a distinctive, limited-production machine directly born from the crucible of stock car racing, designed to dominate the high-banked ovals of America.
In the mid-1980s, NASCAR aero-dynamics became paramount, leading manufacturers to homologate specific, sleeker body styles for their race cars. The Aerocoupe was Chevrolet’s answer, featuring a radically sloped rear window and a shorter trunk lid to reduce drag and gain an edge on the track. Only 6,052 examples were produced in 1987, making it an instant collectible for those in the know.
The context explicitly calls it “one of the most collectible NASCAR-inspired models,” underscoring its significance. For fans of American motorsport and unique homologation specials, finding one of these tucked away is akin to unearthing a piece of racing lore. It’s a tangible link to a golden era of stock car racing, where “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” was the mantra.
This Aerocoupe, emerging from Rusk’s meticulously accumulated “Generous Collection,” offers a fascinating opportunity. Its presence demonstrates Rusk’s appreciation for cars that weren’t just fast, but historically significant and deeply connected to American popular culture and competition. It’s a true performance icon that’s ready to turn heads once again.
Car Model Information: 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Name: Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 1969–1987,1994–2007
ModelYears: 1970–1988,1995–2007
Class: Personal luxury car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: FR layout
Caption: 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles needing additional references
Summary: The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a two-door coupe that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Deriving its name from the city in Monaco, the Monte Carlo was marketed as the first personal luxury car of the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1970 model year, the model line was produced across six generations through the 2007 model year, with a hiatus from 1989 until 1994. The Monte Carlo was a variant of the Pontiac Grand Prix throughout its production.
From 1970 until 1972, the Monte Carlo rode on the unique “A-Special” platform with the Grand Prix, shifting to the standard A-body intermediate chassis from the 1973 through 1977 model years. For 1978, the Monte Carlo line underwent downsizing, but was still considered a midsized coupe. The rear-wheel drive A-body platform of this generation of Monte Carlo was redesignated as the G-body when GM’s front-wheel drive A-body cars were introduced for the 1982 model year. After an abbreviated 1988 model year, the Monte Carlo was replaced by the two-door Chevrolet Lumina.
For the 1995 model year, the Monte Carlo was revived, replacing the two-door Lumina. It shared the front-wheel drive W-platform with the two-door Grand Prix, and was the largest coupe in the Chevrolet lineup. After the 2002 model year, the Grand Prix coupe was discontinued, the Monte Carlo became the largest two-door model produced by an American auto manufacturer.
In response to declining sales of the model line, Chevrolet discontinued the Monte Carlo after the 2007 model year. During much of its production, the Monte Carlo represented the Chevrolet brand in stock car racing. During the 1980s, the Monte Carlo SS was introduced, featuring aerodynamically enhanced styling; as part of its revival, the Monte Carlo again represented Chevrolet in stock car racing from 1995 through its discontinuation.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Monte Carlo
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Monte Carlo
Price: $25,958 Mileage: 26,006 mi.
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10. **The 1995 Pontiac Firebird SLP Firehawk**If the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe offered a glimpse into NASCAR’s influence, the 1995 Pontiac Firebird SLP Firehawk plunges us headfirst into the world of specialist-tuned American performance. This isn’t your average Firebird; it’s a beast meticulously enhanced by Street Legal Performance (SLP), an aftermarket company renowned for extracting even more power and prowess from already potent machines.
The Firehawk program took the already aggressive Trans Am and pushed it to new limits, with SLP adding performance upgrades like a ram-air hood, a higher-flowing exhaust, and suspension tweaks. The result was a Firebird that was quicker, louder, and undeniably more exclusive than its factory counterpart, appealing to enthusiasts who craved something truly special and a cut above the rest.
What makes this particular find incredibly rare is its production numbers: the context states it’s “one of just 671 built.” That’s an astonishingly low figure, immediately elevating its status from a cool performance car to a bona fide collector’s item. To unearth such a limited-edition powerhouse from a multi-decade “barn find” is a testament to the unforeseen treasures lurking within Rusk’s warehouses.
For those who appreciate the raw power and distinctive style of 1990s American muscle, especially with a touch of aftermarket wizardry, this SLP Firehawk is a thrilling prospect. It represents the pinnacle of factory-sanctioned performance customization of its era, now poised to roar back to life for a new owner through the unprecedented “no reserve” auction.
Car Model Information: 1985 Pontiac Firebird
Name: Pontiac Firebird
Caption: The second, third, and fourth generations of,the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Manufacturer: Pontiac (automobile)
Production: February 23, 1967 – August 30, 2002
ModelYears: 1967 – 2002
Class: Pony car,Muscle car
Platform: GM F platform
Related: Chevrolet Camaro
Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM’s Chevrolet division’s platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang.
The name “Firebird” was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.
Get more information about: Pontiac Firebird
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Brand: Pontiac Model: Firebird
Price: $26,000 Mileage: 12,209 mi.
11. **The King Midget Model III**Now, for something completely different, and truly indicative of the eclectic nature of “The Generous Collection,” we turn our attention to one of the most charmingly peculiar finds: the King Midget Model III. This isn’t a muscle car, nor a European exotic; it’s a microcar, a delightful relic from an era when small, economical vehicles offered a unique solution to personal transportation.
The King Midget, produced by the Midget Motors Corporation in Athens, Ohio, was often sold in kit form. These pint-sized vehicles offered rudimentary transportation with a single-cylinder engine and an undeniably quirky charm, making them incredibly simple, light, and memorable. Its inclusion here perfectly showcases Rusk’s broad, unpretentious collecting philosophy.
For collectors of the unusual, the King Midget Model III represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive Americana that stands apart from the crowd. Its rarity and historical significance, combined with its sheer adorableness, make it a true hidden gem. Who knew such a tiny titan of quirky history was tucked away in an Alabama barn?
Car Model Information: 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Name: King Midget (Model III)
Manufacturer: Midget Motors Corporation
Production: 1946–1970
Class: microcar
BodyStyle: convertible (car)
Transmission: automatic transmission
Engine: 1-cylinder air-cooled
Categories: 1950s cars, 1960s cars, Articles with short description, Athens, Ohio, CS1 errors: generic name
Summary: The King Midget was a micro car produced between 1946 and 1970 by the Midget Motors Corporation. The King Midget company started out by offering a kit to build a car, but soon added completely assembled cars and later only offered completed cars.
Get more information about: King Midget
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Brand: King Midget Model: Model III
Price: $25,958 Mileage: 26,006 mi.
Read more about: 12 Automotive Disasters: The Most Infamous Cars
12. **The LS1-Swapped 1986 Mazda RX-7**Finally, let’s explore one of the more audacious and truly custom finds within Greg Rusk’s staggering hoard: an “LS1-swapped 1986 Mazda RX-7.” This isn’t a factory original, nor a limited edition; it’s a brilliant fusion of Japanese sports car agility with raw American V8 power, a testament to the endless possibilities of automotive customization and a true enthusiast’s vision.
The Mazda RX-7, particularly the FC generation from the mid-80s, is celebrated for its lightweight chassis, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and high-revving rotary engine. However, the allure of an LS1 swap – dropping a powerful, reliable General Motors V8 engine into such a nimble platform – is a well-known phenomenon in the performance world, creating a machine with brutal straight-line speed and a thunderous soundtrack.
This unexpected custom build perfectly embodies the “unexpected custom builds” mentioned in the outline and highlights a different facet of Rusk’s collecting—perhaps not just buying to help people, but also appreciating interesting and powerful modifications. It showcases a vehicle that someone poured passion and ingenuity into, creating something truly unique and formidable.
The prospect of an “LS1-swapped Mazda RX-7” emerging from a long slumber is thrilling for any performance enthusiast. It’s a car that promises a driving experience like no other, combining the best attributes of two different automotive philosophies. As this customized marvel heads to the “no reserve” auction block, it’s bound to attract attention from those looking for a truly one-of-a-kind beast.
And there you have it, folks! From majestic Cadillacs to roaring muscle cars, sleek European exotics, rare performance legends, and even quirky custom builds, Greg Rusk’s “Generous Collection” is nothing short of an automotive wonderland. This incredible “barn find” has proven to be far more than just a massive quantity of vehicles; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from decades of passion, generosity, and an unmistakable love for all things on wheels. As these forgotten treasures transition “from barn dust to bidding wars” on Hagerty Marketplace, the next chapter in their storied lives begins. Who knows, perhaps your own incredible car find awaits, ready to spark a new adventure and continue the legacy of these truly remarkable machines!
