Collector cars back on the auction block

The Okotoks Collector Car Auction is a 43-year-old tradition that rolls on at the Okotoks Recreation Centre this weekend.

Organizer Jeff Hill said the car auction is one of a kind in western Canada, just like when it began in 1974 and it continues to be popular.

“We get people from all over western Canada and into the U.S.,” said Hill.

Some sellers have been bringing their vehicles to the auction for as long as it has been running, he said.

“We have fellas coming to this auction since the first auction,” said Hill. “We look forward to seeing them every year.”

Typically there are several hundred bidders and up to 3,000 people who come to the two-day event, Hill said.

“As a car enthusiast you look forward to it,” he said. “It is a great way to see so many historical vehicles that have been loved and cherished. It’s really neat to be part of that process – finding those historical vehicles their new homes.”

This year there are some rare gems up for sale.

“We have a very rare 1968 Dodge Super Bee,” he said. “It is in care condition, it has a rare engine package and it’s a really sought after muscle car of that era.”

There is also a one-of-a kind Wingtank used for racing on the salt flats in Utah.

“It is made from the wing tanks of an old bomber,” said Hill.

Bidders will be able to bid in person and from their own homes online. This is the second year there will be online bidding.

“We had several dozen online bidders (last year),” Hill said. “We sold some at the fall show online.”

Someone monitors the online bidders and alerts the auctioneer as bids come, Hill explained.

The Okotoks auction is unique because it shares the results from past years.

Hill works with sellers to set their reserve bid and ensure sellers and bidders are getting a fair price.

“We have the luxury of researching what similar vehicles have sold for at auction,” he said.

The Okotoks Collector Car Auction starts Friday May 26 with a preview from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday May 27 and the auction starts at 10 a.m.

Tickets cost $20 and children 12 and under are free. People can view all the cars up for auction and register for online bidding at www.okotokscarauction.com