Man buys junkyard full of classic cars in Houston; Plans to sell stash to pay loan

 

Go big or go home. Matt Valchar contacted me about a hoard of classic cars he bought in Houston, Texas. Maybe, hoard doesn’t do this massive amount of vintage iron justice. I’m talking about 194 cars! Mustang fastbacks, 1969 Camaros, Mopars, tri-five Chevys, and more. The Austin, Texas resident stumbled into a deal that he could not pass up. 
  Like most modern day car legends, this one started on Craigslist. Earlier this year, Valchar, 40, found a 1970 Dodge Super Bee project — a very rusty, rolling shell, and purchased it from a man who was flipping cars on Craigslist. While loading up the Dodge, the seller revealed that he bought the car from an older gentleman who was selling his stash of cars due to health reasons. The seller estimated that the man had more than 100 cars available. All classics and in similar shape to the Super Bee. But there was a catch. A big one.

  “He was looking for someone to buy the whole lot, so he wouldn't have to travel 4 hours each way to sell one car at a time,” said Valchar. “The Super Bee seller was kind enough to give me his number.”

 

1957 Chevy sits among 194 classic cars in Houston. A scrap yard owner left the cars on the property 1991.

Phone tag 

  Valchar was eager to contact the motivated seller but it wasn’t as simple as making one simple phone call. All of his calls went unanswered. Had his window of opportunity closed?  

   “I called the number many times and left just as many messages,” Valchar said. “It came to the point where I gave up hope.”

  Finally, his phone rang.

  “Turns out the man had been in the hospital having throat surgery and couldn't talk.”

  Plans were made to see the cars located on land north of Houston. 
  “I was excited to get there!,” said Valchar. “The seller told me there were Dodge Chargers, Mustang fastbacks with some being GTs, Cougars, tri-fives and lots more. After pulling into the gate and driving behind the house, the first car that came into view was a 1970 Charger R/T. I thought this was going to be an epic day!” 

This 1970 Dodge Charger R/T was pulled from a scrap yard and and saved from the crusher. It was the first car Matt Valchar saw.

How did they end up here?

  Victor, the older gentleman, owned a scrap yard in Houston in the 1980s and early 1990s. When a cool car came in to be sold for scrap, Victor had his guys take it around to the side of the shop. Later, he would move it to his property near Conroe, located just north of Houston. The cars would be stored for future resell. But, in 1991, the state bought out his scrap yard to expand the highway.  That marked the end of Victor’s car collecting. The cars he collected have been sitting in the same spot since 1991.    

A scrap yard savior rescued these cars from certain death decades ago.

Let’s make a deal

 The scrap yard owner had planned to use profits from selling his car collection as his retirement fund. Unfortunately, sitting outside that long did them no favors. When he parked them, there were no trees. Now it's a forest.

  “Pine needles were 4-to-6 inches deep on top of every car!” said Valchar. “Also, kids had busted out almost every piece of glass.”

 Thirty years of sitting close to the gulf coast in Houston under pine trees laid waste to close to 200 classic cars. The poor condition of the cars, combined with the Victor’s diminishing health made selling the entire lot a priority. He was hurt to see them in such a state of deterioration.

  “We made a deal, right then and there, and shook on it,” Valchar said. “I brought my trailer with me, because I figured maybe I could get just one while I was there.” 
 Victor allowed him to load up a 1967 Mustang fastback S code before any money changed hands.

1955 Chevy 210 2-door post

Quick, loan me some money

  Once back in Austin, Valchar scrambled to get a 90-day loan for the cars. That meant he would have to start selling cars immediately to repay the loan. Valchar photographed and numbered every car, and cross-referenced VINs with the stack of titles Victor provided.

  “I paid him his money and started right away, in February 2017. Rummaging around out there was at it's best!” said Valchar. “Inside a 1957 Chevy I found one 1969 Super Bee side scoop. A Muncie 4-speed main case in another car. Treasures were hidden everywhere!”  

Despite decay this Charger can still provide parts for a die hard Mopar fan.

Must sell

  Valchar posted his long list of newly acquired cars on Craigslist to get the cash flow moving. Obviously, the Mustang fastbacks were easy sellers, even in their rotted shape. Many of the cars have dream car project potential for entry-level, low-budget builders. Prices are negotiated on the fly. He’s willing to take offers on the cars. Valchar’s ad states that the cars start at $100 and go up. 

 “Two guys out of Ft. Worth ended up coming down and buying four cars,” Valchar said. “I also sold a red 1968 Charger which was a numbers matching 383 HP car, and a 1969 RS Camaro that was smacked hard in the rear. Another 1967 Mustang fastback sold to a California buyer.”

The wrecked ’69 Camaro still has plenty of useable parts. A determined builder could salvage the remains.

More than 60 classic Mustangs were collected on the Houston property. Most of them Fastback, 2+2 models.

Swamp stompin’ prep

  If you contact Valchar and setup an appointment, remember it's swampy down there. All cars are very rusty but most are complete with number matching motors. 
  “A 1970 Mach 1 in Grabber Blue Mustang is broken into two pieces but it still has it's 351-V8, 4-speed and 9 inch rear. Lots of Ford 9-inch rear ends still out there,” said Valchar. “I’m keeping one of the 1969 Camaros for myself, the rest will be sold.”

  Some of the prized picks are gone. But keep in mind, there are plenty left. Valchar started with more than 60 Mustangs and 12 Cougars in the stash. Around 38 cars have been sold, as of August 2017. It will take some time to sell the remainder of the 194 cars and miscellaneous parts.

Details from the Craigslist post
  Valchar’s ad states: “Prices start at $100 and up. All have been sitting in one spot since at least 1991. All cars have rust and rot. Most have LOTS of ROT! Most are only good as parts cars. I hope to have a SkyTrac on hand soon to help with moving the cars around and loading. Taking offers on the car you want. Cash only, no checks or BS. No scams. Some cars have titles, most do not. Most are only good for use as a parts car, which is why I listed this ad under parts. Very few are builders.”
  Good luck if you’re willing to make a trip to Houston. I hope you can harvest your dream car, or at least a few parts.

Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life 

*Complete list of cars included at bottom of post

1947 Chevrolet truck

1954 Chevrolet truck

1957 Chevy, 2-door hardtop

1955 Ford Ranch Wagon 2-door

A blue 1965 Mustang, found resting on top of a Mercury Comet, ended up being a real GT.

1967 Chevy Camaro

1967 Ford Mustang fastback

Houston is not the most ideal place to store cars for decades outside. Moist, salty air from the Gulf of Mexico and placed in a low lying, marshy area contributed to major oxidation on the cars.

1968 Chevy Camaro

1968 Mercury Cougar

1968 Pontiac Firebird sits on top of a 1968 Ford Mustang coupe.

1967 Pontiac Firebird rests on top of a 1972 Ford Mustang coupe.

1969 Camaro

1969 Camaro RS Rally Spor

1969 Pontiac Firebird

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Another 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1970 Ford Mustang coupe

1970 Ford Mustang Sportsroof in faded Grabber Blue?

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring

1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Here is a very long list of all cars that were in Houston collection.

See Valchar’s ad for what is still available. I simplified list below for scanability.

** Listed the way the cars are numbered, not numerical order **

1 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code

2 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, S code

3 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, C code

4 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, J code

5 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback, Mach 1, H code

6 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback, F code

7 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback, C code

8 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback, F code

9 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback, Mach 1, H code

10 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, GT, A code

11 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback, Mach 1, 63C, H code

12 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

13 1970 Dodge Charger R/T, XS code

14 1968 Dodge Charger, 383 HP

15 1957 Chevy 4 dr Wagon

16 1965 Chevy Impala 2 dr HT

17 19?? Karmann Ghia

18 19?? VW Beetle

19 19?? Chevy Corvair 500

20 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code

21 1965 Mercury 4dr Sedan, H code, 390

22 19?? Karmann Ghia

23 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code

24 19?? Ford Falcon, 2 door post, I-6

25 19?? Mercury Comet, 4 dr sedan

26 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring, 2 door, G code 318

27 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code

28 1973 Plymouth Road Runner, G code 318

29 1963 Chevy Impala 2dr HT

30 1960 Ford Ranch Wagon, 4 door

31 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code

32 196? Ford Falcon, 2dr post, Purple, I-6

33 1957 Chevy 4dr Sedan, White

34 1965 Chevy Impala SS, 2dr HT

35 1965 or 66 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code

36 1967 Chevy Camaro

37 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, H code

38 1964 Dodge Polara 2dr HT, White, Was 383 4V

39 19?? VW Bettle

40 1970 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code, Dark Green,

41 1970 Ford Mustang Coupe Grande, H code

42 1963 Chevy Impala Convertible

43 19?? VW Beetle, Yellow

44 19?? VW Beetle, Dark blue

45 19?? VW Bettle, Light blue

46 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Blue

47 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code

48 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code

49 1969 Pontiac Firebird, V8, White,

50 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, Gold

51 1969 Chevy Camaro RS, Blue

52 1959 Ford Galaxie 500, 2dr HT

53 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Blue

54 1959 Buick Electra, 4dr sedan, Silver

55 1972 Gran Torino Sport, Green, Q code

56 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Black

57 1954 Chevy Truck, 5 window

58 1968 Chevy Camaro, Red on red, Straight 6,

59 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Red & White

60 1968 Ford Ranchero, possible GT, F code

61 1975 Mercedes 4dr sedan

62 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Maroon

63 1959 Ford Edsel 4dr sedan

64 1969 Chevy LWB Truck

65 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Black over red

66 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Yellow

67 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, S code

68 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, White

69 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Yellow

70 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Maroon

71 1970 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code

72 19?? Ford Truck

73 1968 Ford mustang Coupe, C code, Green

74 1967 Mercury Cougar, C code, Light Blue

75 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Black

76 1963 or 64 Chevy II Nova 4 door sedan, Blue

77 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Light Green

78 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Light Green

79 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Red

80 1977? Chevy Wagon, 4 door, White

81 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, F Code, Red

82 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, C Code, Yellow

83 1970 Mercury Cougar, H code, Red

84 19?? VW Beetle, Yellow

85 19?? Chevy Corvair, Gold

86 1962 Ford Falcon, Blue

87 1957 Karmann Ghia

88 1964? Pontiac Tempest 4 door sedan

89 1968 Mercury Cougar, C code, Yellow

90 1967 Chevy Chevelle 4 door sedan

91 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible, F code

92 1969 Chevy Camaro, Blue

93 1964½ Ford Mustang Coupe, D code

94 1968 Mercury Cougar, F code

95 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code

96 1967 Mercury Cougar, A code, White

97 1969 Chevy Camaro, I-6, Red

98 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Green

99 196? Chevy Corvair Monza, Brown

100 196? Chevy Corvair Convertible, Blue

101 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, J code, Blue

102 1963 Chevy Impala 4 door sedan

103 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible, A code, Black

104 1967 Mercury Cougar, S code

105 1952 Chevy 4 door

106 1963 Chevy II Nova 300 4 door

107 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Green

108 1969 Pontiac Firebird, Blue

109 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, White

110 1965? Chevy II Nova 4 door, White

111 1973 Mercury Cougar, H code, Gold

112 1955 Ford Customline Ranch Wagon

113 1957 Pontiac Chieftain 4dr HT

114 1955 Chevy 210 2dr sedan

115 1947 Ford Pickup - Cab

116 1964 or 65 Chevy Chevelle,

117 1965 Chevy Bel-Air 4 door sedan

118 195? Dodge Coronet 4 door

119 195? Desoto 2 door sedan

120 1958 or 59 Ford Fairlane 500 4 door, Yellow

121 1965 Ford Fairlane 2 door post, Yellow

122 1972 Ford LTD Convertible, H code, Red

123 1964 VW Beetle, Pink

124 1968 Mercury Cougar, F code

125 1976 Triumph TR6 Convertible

126 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Green

127 1968 Mercury Cougar, F code, Aqua/Teal

128 1965 Mercury Comet 2 door post, Gold, T code

129 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Red

130 1970 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code, Blue

131 1972 Ford Mustang Coupe Grande, H code, Green

132 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Red

133 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Blue

134 1966 Mercury Caliente 2 door

135 1972 Mercury Cougar XR7, H code, Light Blue

136 1951 Chevy 2 door post

137 1972 Ford Mustang Coupe

138 1967 Pontiac Firebird

139 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

140 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, White

141 1968 Pontiac Firebird, Black

142 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, Pink

143 1970 Mercury Cougar, H code,Gold,

144 1964? Buick Riviera 2 door, Light Blue

145 1971 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code, Yellow

146 1968 Ford LTD XL Convertible, Z code 390 4v

147 1970 Ford Mustang Coupe, L code, Light Green,

148 1969 Chevy Camaro

149 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, A code

150 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Blue

151 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Light Blue

152 1964? Volvo Amazon? 2 door post

153 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, F code, White

154 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Aqua

155 1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 4 door sedan

156 1955 Buick Century 4 door hardtop

157 1950? Hudson 2 door post fastback

158 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Red

159 1957 Chevy 4 door HT

160 1957 Chevy Bel-Air 4 dr Sedan

161 1956 Chevy Bel-Air 4 door sedan

162 1950 -53 Chevy Truck, Blue

163 1957 Chevy Bel-Air 4 door HT, Black, falling apart

164 1969 International Truck Bed made into Trailer

165 19?? Ford Box Truck

166 1968 Chevy Impala Convertible

167 1967 Chevy El Camino

168 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 XL, C code

169 1956 Ford Truck, Yellow, I-6

170 1967-72 Chevy Truck, LWB Fleetside, V8

171 Black Stake Bed

172 1941 Chevy Truck with Utility bed

173 1957 Chevy 210 2 door post, I-6, trans, rear

174 1957 Chevy Bel-Air 4 door sedan, I-6, trans, housing only, No hubs

175 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe, T code, Yellow

176 1969 Camaro RS

177 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint 2dr HT, F code, Blue

178 1965 or 66 Ford Mustang Coupe

179 1972 Ford Mustang Fastback, F code, Grabber Blue

180 19?? Volvo P1800

181 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7, C code, Green

182 1968 Ford Galaxie XL 2 door HT, F code, Light Green

183 194? Plymouth 4 door, Black

184 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe, C code, Dark Green

185 1968 Mercury Cougar, F code, Blue

186 1965 Plymouth Barracuda, Black on black

187 1957 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr Hardtop

188 1982 Ford Truck F-150

189 1969 Ford Fairlane 500 Wagon, F code, Black

190 197? Box Truck, Metro Aluminum, White, Looks like Ice Cream or Food truck

191 1973-87 Chevy Truck Bed, LWB, Tan and White

192 197? Cadillac, tan

193 198? Pontiac Fiero, Red

194 1991 Red 4 Car Trailer


Do you have a classic or muscle car barn find? Got a cool car story about buying a hoard of cars? Send us details and we’re on the way!  Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com.