MIke Torowus of Pitman spent more than 50 years collecting the cars and auto parts. He favored the Ford Model A.
UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP. -- Nearly 90 years ago these Model A Fords rolled along America's roadways.
Now, the vehicles mostly from the 1920s along with thousands of antique car parts collected over a half century by a South Jersey man are up for sale.
The extraordinary collection which belonged to Pitman resident Mike Torowus who died in September will be auctioned on Saturday in Salem County.
"Mike was known as the 'Model A guy'," said auctioneer Lee Fox.
Fox said he knew Torowus for probably four decades. And they became acquainted because of a common their love of Model A Fords.
"I love Model As. I've had them most of my life," Fox said. "If you needed a part, you went to Mike and he usually gave it to you."
The collection is unique and the interest is wide. Some are saying it's the kind of auto auction that comes along once in a lifetime.
Fox, who sells all types of goods, including surplus vehicles for the State of New Jersey, himself sees this auction as special.
The interest has been "unbelievable," he said. "There are people from all over the country."
Inquiries about the auction have come in from as far away as New Hampshire, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona, and even Germany, Fox said. He expects hundreds to show up for what is expected to be a day-long event.
"There are people from all over the country," said Fox.
Over the years Torowus amassed all the vehicles and parts in his garage, out buildings and attic and basement at his Pitman home, Fox said.
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Described lovingly as "an organized hoarder," Torowus knew where everything was, according to Fox. He was also a man who graciously shared his knowledge of automobiles with others.
He died in September at age 79. Torowus's obituary told of his love of the Model A Ford. It also said his viewing and funeral service were both to be held in his home garage where he had spent so many hours with his beloved hobby.
The vehicle and thousands of items have been moved from Pitman to the site of Saturday's auction, Wamsley's Texaco Garage.
Located at 52 Harding Highway (U.S. Route 40) in Upper Pittsgrove Township, the garage was restored over the past decade by Burry Timberman and his wife, Tanya, to something travelers in the 1930s or 1940s would be familiar with.
Timberman says having the auction at his garage is really a way of honoring Torowus and his love for autos of classic autos.
Every item that is up for sale seems to hold a story.
There's a 1943 Ford Army jeep with original parts, even a gas mask still under the front passenger seat and horse hair seat padding.
The Willys company had made the World War II vehicles for the U.S. military, but when they couldn't keep up with the demand, Ford stepped in, Fox explained.
There's a 1928 Model A green pickup truck that Fox says Torowus adorned with lights and a tree during the Christmas season. There are Ford panel delivery trucks and even a rusty 1928/1929 pickup that still runs.
Then there's the extraordinary restored 1932 Ford V-8 Sedan.
An oddity at the sale are the "Depression tractors." With money so scarce, those who needed a tractor ingeniously converted old Ford vehicles into them.
It's not a Ford, but the little 1953 Crosley convertible Torowus owned his expected to be a draw, Fox said.
Some of the vehicles could bring up to $35,000 or more, Fox estimated.
Many of them were driven by Torowus around Pitman and in parades over the years.
Want something a little more modern? There's a beautiful Ford Falcon convertible.
And then there are the auto parts. Thousands.
In fact, enough to build several cars, Fox said as it gave a tour of the auction site this week.
Lined up in rows in the open space behind the garage are multiples of wheels, engines, radiators, generators, starters, running boards, fenders, transmissions and springs. There are some 50 Model A headlights, horns, and even some tail lights with the word STOP in the center. Mostly Model A Ford material, there are some Model T and other make items mixed in.
In many cases there are stacks of the same item.
There are also automobile-related advertising items from clocks to oil jars. There's even a clock-face gas pump.
Helping him to prepare for the sale were Torowus's two sons, Steve and Mark.
The two grew up going with their dad to flea markets as he purchased parts for his vehicles and worked on restoring them.
"Growing up with it I had a great time and a lot of fond memories," Mark Torowus said. "Facing the reality of getting rid of everything, it's a little bittersweet."
"We not only were with him when be bought a lot of these, we were there when he restored them," Steve Torowus added.
Mark Torowus remembers when his dad purchased the 1932 Ford V-8 Sedan that is expected to be one of the stars of the auction.
"I was with him when he brought the car home and I have a picture of me standing next to the car before it was restored."
"We were both driven to and from where we were married in that car," Steve Torowus added.
There's a preview of the items for sale on Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the auction gets under way at 9 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.