Several hundred people from across the nation were in Columbiana, Alabama last week searching for their dream machines - Ford Blue Bird School Buses.
The Shelby County Schools transportation department auctioned 60 retired buses, most from the mid-90’s.
Other items included a few cars, mowers and televisions but the big draw was the so called "cheese wagon" school buses.
The market is surprisingly hot for the 72 passenger diesel buses boasting 8 miles per gallon and more than 100,000 miles each.
"I’ve been doing the board of educations auction for many years, and this is by far the largest bus auction the’ve had" said auctioneer Chip Pearce of Alabaster. "Most of these buses will end up in Central or South America."
Auctioneer Pearce sang with machine gun rhythm and ferrari speed. He also tossed in a little "Hee Haw" style humor to engage the crowd. WIth three "ringmen" keeping tabs on the bidders, each item moved within a minute.
Earlier this year, Shelby County Schools added 92 new buses to its fleet. The auction proceeds go back to the school system general fund.
(article by The Birmingham News)
