Rusty Gold: How One Woman Revolutionized Car Auctions
About this episode
Yvette Vanderbrike shares her inspiring journey from a hospital worker to a pioneering auctioneer in the automotive world. With a background steeped in car culture, she discusses her unique approach to auctions, focusing on barn finds and family collections. Yvette highlights the challenges she faced, including being a woman in a male-dominated industry and managing logistics for large auctions. The conversation also touches on her upcoming auction featuring a diverse range of vehicles, showcasing her passion for connecting buyers with unique automotive treasures.
Labor Day Replay:
A divine prophecy, a kitchen cupboard full of auction school applications, and a career-defining first sale scheduled right after 9/11 – these unlikely elements converged to launch Yvette Vanderbrink into the world of automotive auctioneering, where she's spent 25 years specializing in barn finds and collector vehicles that others often don't know how to handle.
Vanderbrink takes us behind the scenes of her recent Montana auction featuring 604 vehicles from three generations of collecting, explaining the logistical nightmares of conducting sales in remote locations with no cell service or electricity. With refreshing candor, she shares stories of overcoming sexism in the industry, including the memorable response to a man who suggested she "make a sandwich and let the boys do it" – she simply took away his bidder number.
The psychology of car collecting emerges as a fascinating thread, with Yvette noting vehicles are "easier to come home than they are to leave," explaining how modest collections transform into hoarding situations. The thrill of the hunt often supersedes practical restoration plans, leading to expansive collections awaiting "someday" projects – something she witnessed firsthand with her father's 228-car collection.
Don Armstrong provides a thorough review of the 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid, highlighting its impressive 53 mpg city fuel economy, attractive styling with Volvo-esque taillights, and competitive $26,990 starting price. The "small station wagon" (according to government classification) earns praise for its unique design elements, simple interior controls, and outstanding efficiency, positioning it as an ideal urban commuter vehicle.
Whether you're fascinated by barn finds with stories to tell, considering an efficient hybrid for your daily commute, or simply enjoy authentic car talk from passionate enthusiasts, this episode delivers entertainment and insights that will have you looking at both forgotten classics and modern hybrids in a new light.
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Nordstrom's auto recycling
"...So he started selling rebuilders. And that was the start of Nordstrom's auto recycling, which is one of the biggest salvage yards in the United States. And it's a late model yard..."
It's a place where old cars are taken apart to sell their parts. They focus on newer cars, which means they have a lot of useful parts for repairs.
Nordstrom's auto recycling is one of the largest salvage yards in the United States, specializing in late model vehicles. They provide parts and services for car repairs and restorations.
Porsche 911
"So I actually went down to buy a D John deer for him. He's downstairs. And I wound up coming back with the auction instead of buying the tractor. And I told him you could buy it on the sale and you never got it. Well, you pulled the tractor right out from underneath it. But anyway, it was in Tyndall, South Dakota, and it was the Saturday after 9.11. Oh, wow. Yeah. A lot of people weren't flying. Right. And that was my first auction. And so we adapted. My seller said we're going and we had a huge crowd and it was big success."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for being fast and fun to drive. It has a unique shape and is loved by car enthusiasts for its power and style. People talk about it because it's one of the best sports cars ever made.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Renowned for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it is considered a benchmark in the sports car segment, combining luxury with exceptional driving dynamics. The 911 often comes up in discussions about performance and automotive engineering excellence.
Ford Mustangs
"...g from 58, Plymouth, Savoy, Christine type car to Mustangs, to Model A's. And they all run and drive a littl..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that is known for being powerful and stylish. It has been around since the 1960s and is popular among people who love fast cars. It's often mentioned because it's a symbol of American car culture.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car first introduced in 1964, symbolizing freedom and performance. It has a strong following due to its powerful engines, distinctive styling, and affordability compared to other sports cars. The Mustang is often discussed in the context of American automotive culture and history.
barn finds
"So I kind of got to be known for doing barn finds. So a lot of the auctioneers that are sellers that I knew were guys that hoarded or bought a lot of stuff. And a lot of auctioneers had no idea what to do with this stuff."
A barn find is when someone discovers an old car that has been hidden away for a long time, often in a barn. These cars can be special because they might be rare or need a lot of work to get back on the road.
Barn finds refer to classic or vintage vehicles that have been stored away in barns or garages for many years, often forgotten and left to deteriorate. These cars can be valuable to collectors and enthusiasts due to their rarity and potential for restoration.
Chevrolet 409
"...it's a 63-bellar post with 40924. Oh my God."
The Chevrolet 409 is a car from the 1960s that had a strong engine, making it popular for racing and among car enthusiasts. It's considered a classic car today.
The Chevrolet 409 is a classic car model produced in the early 1960s, known for its powerful V8 engine. It gained fame in the automotive world for its performance and was popular in drag racing and car culture.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"And I told him he's got Corvettes. I don't know why. New ones."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car from America. It's known for being fast and having a unique look, and it has been around for many years with different versions.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. It has been in production since 1953 and has gone through multiple generations, each offering various performance enhancements and styling updates.
running condition
"And now we have it home. And my husband got it running. It hadn't ran for about 15 years."
Running condition means if a car is working and can be driven. If a car hasn't been used for a long time, it might need some fixing to get it running again.
Running condition refers to whether a vehicle is operational and can be driven. A car that hasn't run for a long time may require maintenance or repairs to return to a functional state.
Kia Neural Hybrid
"Just ahead a review of the 2025 Kia Neural Hybrid"
The Kia Neural Hybrid is a new car that uses both gas and electricity to run, making it better for the environment and more efficient on fuel.
The Kia Neural Hybrid is a hybrid vehicle from Kia set to be released in 2025, combining traditional gasoline engines with electric power to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
VIN number
"...the same VIN number. That's what happened to a Florida resident who found out there's another 1962 Chevrolet Corvette wearing the same VIN as he is."
A VIN number is a special code that is like a fingerprint for cars. It helps to identify each car uniquely, so no two cars have the same VIN.
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It includes information about the car's manufacturer, model, and year of production.
Kia Niro
"I had a pleasant opportunity to drive a 2025 Kia Nero. N-I-R-O, not an ERO. And I was quite surprised and taken back."
The Kia Niro is a small SUV that is designed to save gas and be good for the environment. It comes in different versions, including one that runs on electricity. People mention it because it's a smart choice for those looking to drive a car that is both practical and eco-friendly.
The Kia Niro is a compact crossover SUV that emphasizes fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions. Launched in 2016, it has gained popularity for its practicality, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. The Niro is often discussed in the context of the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
tariff
"But you know, we've just done a big deal with them, with a 15% tariff."
A tariff is a fee that the government charges on products coming from other countries, which can make those products more expensive.
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods, which can affect the price and availability of those goods in the domestic market.
daytime running lights
"Unique, attractive front fascia and daytime running lights on this vehicle."
Daytime running lights are lights on cars that turn on automatically when you drive during the day. They help other drivers see your car better.
Daytime running lights (DRLs) are lights on a vehicle that are automatically activated when the vehicle is in operation, improving visibility to other drivers during the day. They enhance safety by making vehicles more noticeable.
rotary gear selector
"Rotary gear selector on the center console, near the starter button. I saw a picture of one that actually had a shift knob on it."
A rotary gear selector is a round dial that you turn to change gears in a car, instead of using a stick shift. It's a more modern way to shift gears and can look stylish in the car.
A rotary gear selector is a type of gear shift that allows the driver to change gears by turning a dial instead of using a traditional lever. This design can save space and provide a modern aesthetic in the vehicle's interior.
infotainment screen
"Easy to use and understand infotainment screen. Difficult to find lane keeping controls."
An infotainment screen is the touchscreen in a car that lets you control music, maps, and phone calls. It's like a mini computer for your car's entertainment and navigation.
An infotainment screen is a display in a vehicle that integrates entertainment, navigation, and communication functions. It allows drivers and passengers to access various features like music, GPS, and phone connectivity.
lane keeping controls
"Difficult to find lane keeping controls. You got to drill down."
Lane keeping controls are safety features in cars that help you stay in your lane while driving. They can warn you if you're drifting out of your lane or even help steer the car back in.
Lane keeping controls are features in modern vehicles that help the driver stay within their lane. These systems can provide alerts or even steer the car back into the lane if it begins to drift.
infotainment system
"But I like its simplicity in the use of the infotainment system and the knobs and buttons that were in it."
An infotainment system is the technology in cars that provides music, navigation, and other information to the driver and passengers.
An infotainment system combines entertainment and information delivery in vehicles, typically integrating navigation, audio, and connectivity features.
1.6 liter gasoline engine
"Oh, how it's powered. This is a 1.6 liter gasoline engine."
A 1.6 liter gasoline engine is a type of engine that uses gasoline and has a total cylinder volume of 1.6 liters. It's often found in smaller cars and is known for being fuel-efficient.
A 1.6 liter gasoline engine refers to the engine's displacement, indicating the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. This size typically provides a balance of efficiency and performance for compact cars.
hybrid
"But it is a hybrid. So it does have a battery and a charger in it."
A hybrid car uses both gasoline and electricity to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment compared to regular cars that only use gasoline.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It can operate on either the engine, the electric motor, or both simultaneously.
electric vehicle (EV)
"And they have a full EV as well."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs only on electricity, so it doesn't use gasoline at all. This means it doesn't produce any exhaust emissions.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that runs entirely on electricity, using batteries to power an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. This results in zero tailpipe emissions.
horsepower
"139 horsepower, which is not much."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the more work the engine can do, like going faster or carrying heavier loads.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
torque
"195 pound feet of torque."
Torque measures how strong an engine is at turning things, like getting a car moving or pulling heavy loads. More torque means better acceleration and towing power.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is important for acceleration and towing capacity in vehicles. It indicates how much twisting force the engine can produce.
six-speed automated manual
"The six speed automated manual, it's called."
A six-speed automated manual is a type of transmission that can change gears automatically, like an automatic car, but also lets you shift gears yourself if you want, like a manual car.
A six-speed automated manual transmission combines features of both manual and automatic transmissions, allowing for quicker gear changes and improved fuel efficiency. It can shift gears automatically or allow the driver to shift manually.
miles per gallon
"Miles per gallon, this is where it shines. 53 city. 45 highway for a combined of 49."
Miles per gallon tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas you need to use, which saves money.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles, indicating how many miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values mean better fuel efficiency, which is often a key consideration for buyers.
pricing
"But this is not a corner car. Pricing. Bass trim price, $35.390."
Pricing is how much a car costs. Different versions of the same car can have different prices depending on features.
Pricing refers to the cost of a vehicle, which can vary based on trim levels and options. Understanding pricing helps consumers make informed decisions when purchasing a car.
EV
"Also available as an EV or plug-in hybrid, as I mentioned."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they don’t produce exhaust fumes.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline. EVs are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Toyota Corolla Cross
"Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $28.495."
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a small SUV that uses both gas and electric power to save on fuel. It's great for city driving.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a compact SUV that combines the practicality of the Corolla with hybrid efficiency, making it a popular choice for urban drivers.
Toyota Prius
"Now remember, this one starts at $26.990. Then the Toyota Prius starts at $28.350."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electric power to get great gas mileage. It's very popular among people who want to save on fuel.
The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid vehicle that has set the standard for fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness in the automotive market.
Kia Sportage
"And then throw in the Kia Sportage Hybrid for $28.790."
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a small SUV that uses both gas and electric power to help save on fuel costs. It's a good choice for families.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, technology, and hybrid efficiency, appealing to those looking for a versatile vehicle.
Chevrolet Impala
"They could redesign it. You're telling me an Impala wagons door is less heavy? Yeah, but you're not l..."
The Chevrolet Impala is a large car that many families use because it has a lot of space inside. It has been around for a long time and is known for being comfortable to drive. People talk about it when discussing family cars and how they have changed over the years.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been a staple in the American automotive market since 1958. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it has evolved through various generations, often being associated with family transportation and comfort. Discussions about the Impala often revolve around its legacy and recent redesigns.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
"You own a car you love. But why not let Gulf Coast Auto Shield protect it? Houstonian John Gray invites you to his state-of-the-art facility to introduce you to his specialist team of auto enthusiasts."
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a business that helps keep your car looking new by protecting its paint and applying special coatings.
Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a company that specializes in automotive protection services, including paint correction and ceramic coatings. They focus on enhancing and preserving the appearance of vehicles.
ceramic coating
"...massage your original paint to a like-new appearance, apply a ceramic coating."
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that is put on a car's surface to protect it and make it shiny. It helps keep the car clean and safe from things like dirt and water.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle, providing a protective layer that enhances shine and repels dirt and water. It helps to maintain the car's appearance and protects against environmental damage.
paint protection film
"install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tent, or a new windshield protection called exo-shield."
Paint protection film is a clear covering that you put on your car's paint to keep it safe from scratches and damage.
Paint protection film is a transparent layer applied to a vehicle's exterior to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and environmental damage.
nano ceramic window tint
"install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tent, or a new windshield protection called exo-shield."
Nano ceramic window tint is a special film for car windows that helps keep the inside cool and protects against harmful sunlight.
Nano ceramic window tint is a high-performance film that provides heat rejection and UV protection while maintaining visibility, often used in automotive applications.
radar detector
"How about a professionally installed radar detector? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that, too."
A radar detector is a gadget that helps drivers know if police are using radar to check their speed, so they can avoid getting tickets.
A radar detector is a device used in vehicles to detect if the speed of the vehicle is being monitored by law enforcement using radar guns.
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