Whether you’re an enthusiast, collector, or business owner, finding hidden gems at government auctions can be an exhilarating experience. In this story, those gems came in the form of a 1969 Brush Truck and the recipient was none other than Chesaning, Michigan resident, Tony Powell. His journey of acquiring this truck provides insights into the world of government auctions and the value of classic vehicles.
The Allure of the Unique: Why Go for a Fire Truck?
Naturally, people who hear about Tony’s story ask, why a fire truck? His interest in bidding on classic rides first began on social media. He saw a story airing from a local news station about a nearby fire department that was selling off a fire truck through Municibid. Curiosity got the better of Tony. He did some research, then some more research, before finally placing what would become his winning bid.
“I like the old cars, and that one came up. This is how I heard of Municibid. ABC 12 is the local news station around here, and the Burton Fire Department which is local. I seen a little story on the news about it. And I'm like, ‘Wow, that's pretty nice.’”
“The next day, I looked at it a little bit more and stuff and the next day I started bidding on it. I was at work, and I started bidding on it. And of course anything I bid on, I'm going to win. I don't know if I ‘won’ but probably overpaid for it a little bit, but probably within 30 minutes after that the Burton Fire Department called me, said I won it and you know, the details and everything.” - Tony Powell
Tony is not a volunteer or firefighter of any kind. When his family and friends asked what he would do next with his win, the truth was that he didn’t know. He didn’t know he was going to bid, and therefore, didn’t know what would come afterwards.
Government Auctions: A Safe Bet for Enthusiasts
Government auctions are often overlooked treasure troves for useful vehicles and equipment. There are options for police cars, dump trucks, landscaping equipment, and of course, various vehicles for classic car enthusiasts. Tony’s experience highlights how these auctions provide opportunities to acquire well-maintained vehicles with rich backgrounds.
Government vehicles, especially those that provide emergency services, are thoroughly looked after because of the services they provide. They have to be kept in good shape in order to be effective. Bidders can rest easy knowing that their potential win has been maintained and potentially has a rich history of community service.
Tony’s brush truck was from the late sixties and still quite functional. He wouldn’t be using it as a commuter, but definitely had other options for the classic vehicle.
“It was more of a classic vehicle. It was 1969, and it had 32,000 miles. So, it was very low miles and it's just parked in a barn. You know, don't drive in the rain, anything like that. Just like a classic vehicle. It was more of a drive it up town, get some ice cream or just drive around the block, drive it to a friend's house or something like that. We took it to the Frankenmuth Car Show which is a really big car show. My wife's boss puts it on and I don't know how many thousands of vehicles are there.” - Tony Powell
Sentimental Value vs. Practical Ownership
Tony faced a conundrum with the fire truck—whether to modify it or preserve its history—a relatable dilemma for many classic vehicle owners. Aside from the practical usefulness of the vehicle, there was sentimental value in the truck’s service history.
“Drove it around for probably a year. And I had my fun with it. I was gonna redo it. And you know, keep it, but the value in the history is the fire department and everything and I didn't really want to pull that off and devalue it. I didn't know what I was going to do with it.” - Tony Powell
Ultimately, Tony chose not to disturb its storied exterior for fear of devaluing the vehicle. Instead, he found ways to bring his community together by participating in several car shows before. The fire department that sold him the vehicle rebuilt the engine, repainted it, and even added some custom flames for a nice design. The truck was a cherished site for a while before Tony finally sold the brush truck to another classic car enthusiast.
Legacy of a Brush Truck: The Journey Continues
In reflection, Tony Powell’s story reveals that the appeal of a classic vehicle lies not in its utility, but in the connections fostered and the history it carries. Government auctions are a sure way for anyone considering a foray into the classic vehicle market. These cars and trucks are often well-kept and affordable. From there, you can appreciate and make use of the old history as you start to do something new.
