amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

Despite the American Motors Corporation being dead for more than 35 years, the remains of its last dealership, Collier Motors AMC, still stand in North Carolina, with hundreds of cars left on the lot. They sat almost forgotten until last year, when people began flocking across the country to buy its restorable classics and parts cars, which visitors say are in better shape than pictures let on. Of course, decades of sitting still have allowed nature to begin reclaiming some cars, many of which the family that owns the property has had to haul out of the underbrush. Or, in the case of more than a few cars lately, literally saw them out of trees.

One of the first big extractions was posted to Collier Motors AMC’s Facebook page, outlining the removal of a 1970 AMC Javelin whose rear fender had begun to be assimilated by a tree. It had sat for more than two decades when a father-son team from Florida showed up to buy it, and they went through hell and high water to claim their prize.

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

A tree’s failed takeover of a 1970 AMC Javelin at Collier Motors AMC Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

A tree’s failed takeover of a 1970 AMC Javelin at Collier Motors AMC Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

A tree’s failed takeover of a 1970 AMC Javelin at Collier Motors AMC Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

A tree’s failed takeover of a 1970 AMC Javelin at Collier Motors AMC Robbie Collier

“This car has been sitting twenty-plus years and a tree grew up through the wheel well,” explained Robbie Collier, who’s selling off his departed father’s former stock as part of his estate. “The tree grew from under the car between the tire and the front wheel well. They—father and son from Florida—supported the car and sawed and pulled the rear wheel off. Then there was much more sawing. They went through two chainsaw chains and bars because of contacting metal. The tree actually became a part of the lip of the fender.”

Robbie said similar had happened with a white AMC Pacer a couple months back, and that separating it from the tree ended up requiring uprooting the tree with a wrecker.

“The problem was the tree had entwined through the leaf spring of the Pacer,” Robbie continued. “As they lifted, there was so much resistance that it was lifting the front tires of the crew-cab wrecker completely off the ground. After a while, the tree uprooted and a large root structure appeared. They cut that off with a chainsaw.”

“We’ve also had them grow up through the engine bay on cars without an engine, and at least three grow up between the bumper and the car,” he laughed. “One of the most unusual ones was [when] a tree grew through the hole in a trailer hitch on a Jeep Grand Cherokee.”

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

Jeeps have been particularly popular as of late, and not just with the creeping blackberry vines that nearly absorbed a pair of Wagoneers along the property’s edge. Though more than a dozen vintage Jeeps (largely Cherokees, though there are a couple Commandoes) remain onsite, they’re going fast, with five selling as of late. One Wagoneer disappeared to Virginia to be used as a parts truck, while a rare ’70s-era Jeep wrecker found a home in New York.

Such is the theme with non-Jeeps as well, with Robbie recounting multiple recent sales—some to people as far as New Mexico—but emphasizing that there are still plenty of worthwhile cars left. There aren’t as many Javelins any more, but a fair number of (rougher) Pacers are left, as are some V8 donor cars, not to mention hundreds of other vehicles. While there has been some threat of a time crunch for several months now, with the estate set to expire this Spring, Robbie confirmed to me that he received word just today that the estate has been extended a year. Now, it won’t wrap up until at least Spring 2023.

Still, if you need a complete, well-kept AMC parts car (or Jeep), it’s best not to wait, and let another buyer claim it first. Or for that matter, those blackberries.

Those interested in contacting the Collier family to buy a car can do so through Collier Motors AMC’s Facebook page.

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier

amc, autos, cars, america's last amc dealer is literally cutting cars out of trees

Robbie Collier poses with the buyer of a Jeep Wagoneer Robbie Collier

Keyword: America's Last AMC Dealer Is Literally Cutting Cars Out of Trees

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

The technology crucial to Aramco’s vision for future fuels

Formula 1 partner Aramco has drop-in technology at the heart of its vision for the future of fuels in motor racing and the wider road transport sector. From its display of advanced fuel formation at Goodwood Revival to the start of its multi-step switch to 100% synthetic fuel in Formula ...

View more: The technology crucial to Aramco’s vision for future fuels

Honda to participate in FIA Formula One® World Championship from 2026 season as power unit supplier for Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team

As 2026 F1 regulations will boost electrical power by three times, Honda enters F1 with a new partner

View more: Honda to participate in FIA Formula One® World Championship from 2026 season as power unit supplier for Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team

At $6,500, Would You Land This 1983 AMC Eagle?

Photo: Craigslist The seller of today’s Nice Price or No Dice AMC Eagle makes the claim that the model is “The original crossover.” Let’s see if the price makes it worth jumping into this Eagle’s nest. One of the most important things the experts warn about when viewing a ...

View more: At $6,500, Would You Land This 1983 AMC Eagle?

Aramco to buy minority stake in Renault-Geely ICEs JV

Saudi energy company signs letter of intent to join with Geely and Renault on developing low emission tech based initially on ICEs

View more: Aramco to buy minority stake in Renault-Geely ICEs JV

Aramco signs letter of intent with Geely and Renault Group for new powertrain company to focus on lower emission technologies

Planned Aramco investment would support development of synthetic fuel solutions, and next-gen hydrogen technologies

View more: Aramco signs letter of intent with Geely and Renault Group for new powertrain company to focus on lower emission technologies

Renault, Geely ink pact with Aramco for engine venture

March 2 (Reuters) – French car maker Renault SA (RENA.PA) signed a deal with Aramco (2222.SE) and China's Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd (0175.HK) in which the Saudi oil producer would become a potential minority stakeholder in a new powertrain technology company, the companies said in a joint statement on ...

View more: Renault, Geely ink pact with Aramco for engine venture

This 1,036 HP Hellcat-Powered AMC Javelin AMX is the Coolest Thing You Never Knew You Needed !

It is our obsession to take a look at ridiculously awesome and rare cars, at least which is the only thing we can do when we are not able to own one. Recently, there have been some absolutely wonderful creations and restored vehicles, but it seems that nothing can ...

View more: This 1,036 HP Hellcat-Powered AMC Javelin AMX is the Coolest Thing You Never Knew You Needed !

Toyota Corolla GTS, AMC Eagle, Kawasaki ZRX: The Dopest Cars I Found for Sale Online

Photo: Craigslist Dear reader, as I pen this missive from a gloomy midtown office, it’s dreary outside — raining, gray, and unpleasant. It’s also like 50 degrees out, which is kind of terrifying in the middle of a February without snow. But, why focus on the ever-quickening decay of ...

View more: Toyota Corolla GTS, AMC Eagle, Kawasaki ZRX: The Dopest Cars I Found for Sale Online

Return of the Ramcharger: Could Dodge Build a Retro 4x4 SUV Fight the Ford Bronco?

1982 AMC Spirit GT Hatchback

1971 AMC AMX III

This Petty Blue AMC Matador Is Selling At The Raleigh Classic

Everyone Said the AMC Gremlin Was a Joke: Ford and Chevrolet Weren’t Laughing

Tesla Could Be Worth More Than Apple, Saudi Aramco Combined: Musk

GM in talks to occupy former AMC HQ site in Detroit

1975 AMC Pacer

1969 AMC AMX California 500 Special

1970 AMC Javelin SST Mark Donohue Edition

Valvoline to sell oil products business to Saudi Arabia's Aramco

1st Dealer Drag Super Stocker 1967 AMC Topel Rambler Rebel

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel