'Barn find' collection headed to auction

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. _ Whether you are high level automobile collector or maybe just a hobbyist, all car guys look for that one “BARN FIND!” Most dream of finding one, or if you’re lucky, two rare pieces in a lifetime. The Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction Company rolled back the barn doors this spring to find the unique life- long collection of Dr. John L. Mansell of New Wilmington, Pa. More than 100 vehicles from 1928 to 1982 models have been laying in wait. Most of these barn jewels are convertibles.

The collection will be offered for sale Aug. 12-13.

Mansell began collecting old cars with his first purchase in 1960 of a 1931 Model A Ford Deluxe roadster, then acquiring a 1928 Ford Model A four-door phaeton. As Dr. Mansell’s hobby quickly turned into a passion for amassing one of the most rare anthologies of first and last year convertible editions. One of the highlights of the collection is was a first-year 1953 Corvette convertible.

Mansell meticulously compiled detailed records of ownership, literature, parts listings, photos, and more of each individual car. Every car has been kept company in the barn by the new-old stock parts that Mansell acquired and were found stuffed full in the trunk of each vehicle. Full body panels, engines, parts, and accessories were stacked in the upper room of the barn.

The auction will be staged in a tent right next to the barn. Each day will feature over 50 automobiles that will be sold to the highest bidder followed by the massive catalogued parts inventory as well as vast selection of automobile memorabilia and antique car literature.

Vsit www.joerpyleauctions.com for a complete listing of all vehicles being offered for sale as well as the catalogue of NOS parts and antique car literature.