Collector to auction 27 cars, including Intimidator Camaro

When one thinks of the Greater Hickory area and cars, the first thought to come to mind is the area’s roots to NASCAR.

But in the last week, a local car enthusiast took the national stage at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction.

Jimmy Richardson, owner of Big Pop’s Garage Museum, sent 27 of his 32 cars to Scottsdale, Ariz., for auction.

The auction has been airing live on the SPEED Channel since Sunday. Richardson’s cars can be seen Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9 p.m.

Barrett-Jackson is one of the biggest and most prestigious auto auctions in the world, and has become known for offering hot rods, muscle cars and vintage models.

Over the years, Richardson has bought cars from Barrett-Jackson, but this is the second time he has sent cars to be sold.

“I sold three cars at Barrett-Jackson in Vegas this year, but that was the first time I have ever sold any,” said Richardson. “There have been several times I have bought cars over the years, but this is my real first experience in selling numerous cars. As I was building my collection over the years, I said that one day I was going to load cars up and take them to Barrett-Jackson and see how I do,”

Richardson’s cars at the auction range from two 1928 models to 2008 models.

“I have three that I consider special cars,” said Richardson. “As I bought cars and restored them, my standard was I wanted them to be able to go across the auction block at prime time, which is generally when they bring the most money. I like cars where there is just one or a very low number, that’s what collecting is about.”

The three biggest are a 1967 Mustang custom fastback, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro custom convertible and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RCR Series Coupe 3 — one of five built.

The Mustang custom fastback is powered by a supercharged 763 horsepower V8 with five-speed transmissions with custom leather interior.

The 1969 Camaro custom convertible (The Crate Camaro) was built by Hot Rod magazine to showcase the new Dynacom all-steel bodies, with power provided by GM Performance ZL1 454/518hp V8.

The prize of the collection according to Richardson is the RCR Series 3 Camaro couple.

“My most famous car is The Intimidator 60 Camaro with the No. 3 on it,” said Richardson. “We sponsored Dale Earnhardt Sr. when I was with Western Steer Mom & Pops. Richard (Childress) has these ’69 Camaros built. It’s the only time Richard allowed the No. 3 and The Intimidator to be used on anything. It’s all about Earnhardt.”

The RCR Series 3 has the engine that Earnhardt had in his car that he drove in the Bud Shootout the Saturday before his fatal accident and was also used at Talladega.

It’s also the only Earnhardt engine not in the RCR Museum.

The proceeds from the sale of the RCR Series 3 will go to the Camp Debbie Loui Foundation.

It’s a foundation to help fund medical assistance for children with cancer.

Richardson, 62, has lived in Catawba County for 25 years, though he was born and raised in Columbia, S.C. He said one reason for taking 27 cars to the auction is that his children don’t have the interest in collecting cars as he does.

“The one’s that I am selling now they were in the museum but when you have 30-plus cars, it’s a lot of work to keep them up,” said Richardson. “I have three sons, and they don’t have the car passion I do and they said they didn’t want responsibility for all of those cars.

“And my wife has told me from Day 1 that if you pass before I do, the first thing going is the cars. It takes a lot of time and money and I just want to keep a few cars around. I have grown past that stage (car collecting) in my life.”

Richardson’s interest in cars started in his mid-teens and grew each year.

“When I was growing up, muscle cars were hot and I grew up as a muscle car fan and I started collecting and messing with them,” said Richardson. “As you collect cars, work hard and get a little money you buy nicer and keep going up and up. I love speed, big-block engines and it was a hobby that turned into a passion. I have always liked power and speed.”