Check this, Dealership FROZEN IN TIME: Abandoned 40yrs Ago Collier Motors AMC Private Tour!
In the heart of Pikeville, North Carolina lies a hidden gem frozen in time – Collier Motors AMC. Abandoned over four decades ago, this dealership stands as a testament to a bygone era in automotive history. Recently, a fortunate few were granted a private tour, offering a rare glimpse into a world untouched since the 1970s.
The journey begins with the descendants of the dealership’s founders, Rob and Doug Ker, who graciously shared insights into their family’s legacy. Founded in 1955, Collier Motors AMC started by selling Nashes before transitioning to Willis Knights and Whippets in the ’20s. The Ker family moved to Pikeville in the early ’70s, and the dealership ceased selling new cars in the early ’80s, influenced by the changes wrought by the Renault investment in AMC.
As the tour unfolds, visitors are greeted by a mesmerizing array of vehicles, each with its own story to tell. With close to 200 cars scattered across the property, ranging from classic sedans to rugged off-roaders, it’s a journey through time unlike any other.
Among the notable finds is a Sienna Orange ’74 Javelin, lovingly preserved since its acquisition by Doug Ker at the tender age of 13. This iconic vehicle, with only 63,000 miles on the odometer, stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of the Ker family towards their automotive heritage.
Venturing deeper into the dealership’s grounds reveals even more treasures. From a ’68 Ambassador modified to adapt to changing market demands during the oil crisis to a rare Eagle X4 with its distinctive Pontiac Iron Duke engine, every vehicle holds a piece of history waiting to be rediscovered.
But it’s not just the cars themselves that captivate visitors; it’s the stories behind them. From the innovative design of the Nash Airflyte to the ingenuity of AMC’s unibody construction, each vehicle offers a glimpse into a different era of automotive engineering.
Yet, amidst the nostalgia and the allure of these vintage treasures, there’s a bittersweet realization. The passage of time has taken its toll, with some vehicles showing signs of neglect and decay. However, the Ker family’s commitment to preserving their legacy shines through, as they continue to offer these relics of the past for sale, ensuring that they find new homes where they can be restored to their former glory.
As the tour draws to a close, visitors are left with a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of automotive history woven within the walls of Collier Motors AMC. It’s a reminder that even as the world hurtles towards an uncertain future, there are still pockets of the past waiting to be rediscovered, one vintage car at a time.
