It’s gut-wrenching to see the carnage spread out in broad daylight, but at some point it has to be dealt with. On Tuesday, August 8th, 2017, Country Classic Cars in Staunton, Illinois went up in flames, taking out not only a hoard of collector cars that spread out over several decades, but much of the business that 73-year-old Russ Noel had built up since 1999. In a blaze so large that up to fifteen fire units from three counties had to be called in, cars that ranged from the 1920s to late-model machines burned, fuel tanks exploding, with onlookers simply watching from Interstate 55.
Noel started the business after years as a successful hay farmer and had room for over six hundred vehicles on the property, but when the fire started in the main building about one hundred and fifty vehicles wound up being burned to the ground before the roof structure collapsed in. The fire is under investigation, but for now, Noel will return to work, sifting through what’s left from the main building and working with the vehicles that remain.
Anyone know if these were his cars or were they on consignment? Bad deal either way.
I saw another article that said about 5% were consignment/other peoples cars.
I was there years ago. I was thought most of the cars and trucks were on consignmentThere were at least 500 vehicles there some outside most in 3 or 4 big barns. I saw a few cars that I had seen in magazines. It sat right aong I-55 . This sucks,almost as bad as seeing a bone yard crushing old metal/
So sorry about this loss of these Classic Cars and I feel bad for the owner. I am very happy to see that he is going to keep things going. Old iron was the best of cars, built back when quality was important and people took pride in what they built. Such a shame to see so many beautiful vehicles destroyed. You and your employees are in my prayers.
Wood buildings and high value anything is a no-no. I’ll be interested in reading what casued the fire…
No mandatory sprinkler system?