SHINNSON, W. Va. -

One man’s passion is set to turn into a phenomenal auction opportunity.

Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction Co. will auction Pennsylvania car enthusiast John L. Mansell’s unique collection of more than 1928-1982 models — mostly convertibles — over two days in August.

Mansell’s longtime love of antique cars blossomed after his purchase in 1960 of a 1931 Model A Ford Deluxe Roadster. Soon after that he bought a 1928 Ford Model A four-door Phaeton. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a passion for collecting one of the rarest collections of first- and last-year convertible editions, the highlight of which may well be a first-year 1953 Corvette convertible.

Mansell has kept meticulous records of ownership along with literature, parts listings, photos and more on each car. Each one has been kept company in his barn by the new-old stock parts that he acquired and were found stuffed full in the trunk of each vehicle. That’s not to mention the full body panels, engines, parts and accessories that were stacked in the upper room of the barn. One of the more interesting finds in the parts room was a rare Mopar in-dash tach/clock combo for the Road Runner convertible sitting downstairs.

Joe Pyle, owner of the auction company, is a lifelong car guy whose father began taking him to car shows in Hershey, Pa., and Carlisle, Pa., at the age of 10. Once Pyle laid his eyes on this outstanding compilation of convertibles, he immediately convinced the owners of this historic collection to conduct the auction right on the premises. The bidders will get to walk through the barn and inspect the vehicles just as many of the cars have set for more than 40 years.

A two-day auction will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 12 and Aug. 13 in a tent adjacent to Dr. Mansell’s barn, with a preview from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 11. Each day will feature more than 50 automobiles that will be sold to the highest bidder followed by the massive catalogued parts inventory as well as vast selection of automobile memorabilia and antique car literature.

Click here to view auction details.