One Late Petrolhead’s Incredible Classic Car Collection Goes Up For Auction In Tampa

Leroy Gonzalez, a real estate developer from Florida, passed away early this year at the age of 84. The collection of classic cars he loved and left behind is about to go up for auction. Among them are a slew of Corvettes, a trio of pre-1951 Fords, a Dodge SRT-10 pickup, and a few motorcycles too.

Gonzalez grew up as a hardcore car fan but it wasn’t until he made a name for himself as a real estate developer that he could actually afford the rides he’d always lusted after. By the time he passed away in January, he had collected more than 24 classic cars along with motorcycles and other classic car memorabilia.

“He loved red Fords and Corvettes from the ‘60s,” said John Harris, the auctioneer and Gonzalez’s best friend to the Tampa Bay Times. “He knew what he liked, and he went after them… It wasn’t about getting them to brag. He just wanted to get them.” Among the long list of classic automobiles are some cars in near-perfect condition and others that need major restoration work.

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Gonzalez had Corvettes from 1958, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 2002. Each of them looks like it’s in excellent condition too. The collection also includes a 1940 Ford Coupe, a 1947 Ford Coupe Super Deluxe, and a 1950 Ford 2-door Convertible. A pair of 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark IIs are also available and each is in need of serious repair.

Two modern classics, a black-on-black 1999 Plymouth Prowler and a silver two-door 2004 Dodge SRT-10 pickup truck look a little dusty and dirty but will likely clean up nicely. Two Honda motorcycles, a 1997 F6 Valkyrie and a 2004 Valkyrie Rune, are also available.

The entire catalog of items up for auction, including many old motorsports signs, car parts, and other memorabilia is available for preview online. An in-person preview will take place on December 2nd and the auction takes place the next day on the 3rd. The buyer’s premium for the sale will be 8% for vehicles and 10% for collectibles, parts, and signs.