Tappen, British Columbia — The valley around Tappen, B.C. is about to get a little less rusty now that Mike Hall announced that he will be auctioning off most of his 550-strong car collection next month, according to a report from Global News.
As one half of the History Channel’s “Rust Valley Restorers”, Hall has spent decades building his impression collection of vintage vehicles in southern B.C., but with thoughts of retirement on the horizon, Hall says that he is looking forward to shedding the load of caring for 550 cars at auction on Oct. 2.
“It’s going to be 40 years of my life that vanishes in one day. It’s like I’m Mother Hen and all the chicks take off at once,” Hall said.
Hall says it was a letter from the government, telling him that he had reached retirement age, that put things in perspective for him.
“Once you get that letter that says you can apply for your old age security benefits you realize, you’re not going to restore 550 cars,” he said. “Nobody lives forever and my wife and kids don’t want to live with 550 cars with me not there to deal with it. So I’m hoping 500-plus people step up and simplify my life.”
Hall couldn’t confirm whether this means the definite end of his TV show, but responded “I’m not getting any younger.”
There are a few treasures that Hall doesn’t plan on parting with, however, including the ‘68 Chevelle he’s had since childhood, and a Buick he’s had around the shop for 40 years.
Hall says that regardless of what happens with the auction or the TV show, nothing will change when it comes to his local Tappen, B.C. community.
“I am a local and I’m not going anywhere,” Hall said.
Rust Valley Restorers, season four is currently in production and will premiere on the History Channel in 2022. Viewers can catch up on previous seasons on STACKTV through Amazon Prime Video.
