DOZENS FLOCK TO "PARKING LOT FIND" CLASSIC CAR AUCTION

Discovering a "barn find" vehicle is every auto enthusiast's dream.   But, there are significantly more parking lots than old barns, and  Hazy Butte-based Fagalde Auctions has become the leading seller of "Parking Lot Finds."  Here are some of the vehicles that were on the auction block last Saturday:

Rare Police Package Nissan Altima Coupe
Sold for $5,002
Black over black over black over black over black.  Said to have 141,000 original miles, plus approximately 17,000 hours of idling time.

Details:  Police package two-door Altimas are much more difficult to find than Ford Crown Victorias or Chevrolet Impalas.  Most police agencies prefer four-door vehicles so suspects don't have to be shoehorned into the back seat horizontally through the side window.  Minor urine stains on rubber floor mats, otherwise in good condition.  New owner can enjoy impersonating Japanese government agent.

 1996 Dodge Caravan 
God Bless America Edition
Sold for $1,000
Red over white over blue over red, white, and blue vinyl interior.  Only 57 God Bless America edition Caravans were built in the 1996 model year and this is one of only 55 remaining.  Paint is faded and tends to blow off while vehicle is being driven.  2.4 liter four-cylinder engine runs but makes intermittent sound like a chicken sneezing.  Likeness of either Ted Nugent or Kevin Bacon embossed in front headrests.  Well bought, the value of this Caravan will only increase.

2000 FORD E-450 Shuttle Bus
Sold for $3,500
White over yellowish spray-over paint blobs over blue interior.  Original owner said to have run an unlicensed mobile crematorium business out of vehicle.  Some scorch marks on floor and ceiling.
Auction company parked vehicle behind hedge so prospective buyers wouldn't notice wheels and tires were missing.  V-10 engine looks nice with polished dual-snorkel air cleaner.  Oil dipstick is longer than the vehicle.