Auto wrecker retired to build classic collection, now selling it all

Al Webster wants to set the record straight – he is not dying.

His farm and all the property he owns is keeping him busy. But add in the work it takes to keep his car collection in top form and he admits it's getting to be too much.

So on Oct. 17, Al Webster's car collection is up for auction at Dan Spendicks' Collector Car Production Auction in Bradford. "I've always loved cars. My collection has something for everyone: sports, racing, classics, etc. I use to race stock cars (supermodified) back in the late '50s and '60s and sponsored a few teams as well.

"I got out of the racing business and began collecting classics around 1971. My first car in the collection was a 1957 Ford T-Bird, which I still own today."

As he added cars to his collection, he was busy wrecking others.

In 1967, he became a partner in 400 Autos, an auto wrecking yard off Hwy. 400, and he recently retired from that business.

For sale are: a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, one of only 525 built; a 1934 Ford Supercharged Roadster with a restored original V8 with a McCullough supercharger; and a 1956 Ford Thunderbird with only 12,500 miles (20,000 km) on it.

"If someone were shopping for a classic, I would recommend buying a convertible, or a coupe, as they are usually worth more than sedans," says Webster,

"Buy a restored car instead of a project. You could easily drop $100,000 on a restoration today, but could get a car already finished for much less.

"Woodies are a good investment today, too," he says confidently.

For now he'll focus on his retirement. "My hobby keeps me busy. I have a few projects in the shop, like an Auburn I'm restoring."

See Auto Date on page W8.