TV personality and renovation extraordinaire Cherie Barber has brought to Australia and restored one of the incredible Chevrolets from the 2013 ‘Lambrecht Chevrolet Auction’
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Following her passion for remodelling, Australia’s very own renovation power house Cherie Barber has brought to Australia one of the incredible Chevrolets from the 2013 ‘Lambrecht Chevrolet Auction’
Much like the ’56 Chevy resto from issue 386, Barbers American muscle is once again in good condition after a lengthy restoration, finishing in September of last year.
The auction, as we covered back in 2013, was famous across the globe for the sheer number of classic Chevys from the unsold inventory of the Lambrecht Chevrolet dealership, which closed in 1996 and had amassed over 500 cars over the last 50 years.
With some big ticket items, such as the 1958 Chevrolet Cameo pickup with only 1.3 miles on its speedometer selling for $140,000 USD, it’s clear that people from all over the world wanted a chance to nab one of these unique treasures.
From Brazil to China, people travelled and participated online with the over-500 car lot, including Barber, who at the news of a “Chevy Graveyard” became entranced with the idea.
Talking to the Sydney Daily Telegraph, Cherie said, “I’ve always had an appreciation for beautiful old classic cars… Then in September of 2013, I received a link about a classic-car auction in America.”
Flying to Nebraska to find the 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air she fell in love with, Cherie ended up paying $38,500 USD for the car, which she named Mildred. As for the auction itself, Barber described it as a harrowing experience.
“The auction was sheer hysteria. Three men actually had heart attacks and one died. I ended up getting the car I wanted.”
Known to many Australians as the enigmatic head of Renovating for Profit and self-made millionaire, Cherie Barber has been a success since her first low budget renovation at 22.
Since then she has been busy expanding her business as well as exploring her many passions.
Now the only Lambrecht Chevy in Australia and Cherie Barber’s pride and joy has finally been restored to its original glory
Costing around $90,000, Mildred for those who have seen her has become quite iconic and remains a testament to Barber’s love for the classic car and never say die attitude.
Being very proud of the car, Barber plans to keep it in the family for many years to come.
“They’d never seen such an old Chev in such good condition. I wanted her to remain as original as possible … I don’t intend to sell her. It’s something I’ll probably pass down to my daughter.”