Although Sanger resident Mike Phillips had major damage to his property in a recent tornado that ripped through the area last month, he was relieved that his classic collection of 1954 GMC pick-ups was spared.
Phillips, who was raised an Air Force brat, enjoyed a successful career in the military as an Air Force captain. He piloted missions all over the world flying fighter jets, was active in several conflicts and served as a test pilot at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
In 1990, Phillips retired from the military and sought out a new mission: to collect GMC pick-up trucks (with a few Chevrolet trucks thrown in).
“All of this started because I was going to revive vehicles to the movie industry,” Phillips said. “My game plan was to have all these in various stages of repair or disrepair. As a businessman, that plan didn’t work out, so now I have them sitting here.”
Phillips was particularly drawn to the old GMC vehicles because of their unique structure.
“GMC engines are known for their stoutness and longevity mainly because of their oiling system. The ‘54s were the first year with the one-piece windscreen and also a flat chassis,” Phillips said.
“GMC’s were just a little higher class in the 30’s and 40’s. They were known as a working man’s truck; Chevrolets were known as an urban truck. Anyone could have a Chevrolet, but GMC pick-ups were tougher and more of a challenge to find.”
Phillips has traveled all over the country to build his collection, which primarily consists of 1954 models of rare pick-ups with nine-foot boxes, five-window cab pick-ups, half-ton pick-ups, WWII trucks and more. Between raising longhorn cattle and working his ranch, Phillips was able to accumulate over 80 GMC pick-ups and trucks.
“I’d keep getting more, but my wife said enough is enough,” Phillips said with a laugh.
His trucks can be seen from FM 2450, just outside of Sanger, Texas, lined up on Phillips’ pasture. People have left notes on the gate, trying to catch Phillips while he was checking on his cattle, to see if he’d be willing to sell any of his vehicles. The answer was always no.
On May 26, the collection was nearly lost when a tornado came through the Sanger area. It destroyed many homes and businesses in Sanger, Valley View, Denton and surrounding areas. Phillips lost his barn, and a motorhome and cattle trailer were overturned, but the classic trucks avoided any serious damage.
Now, after experiencing some health problems, Phillips has decided to sell his collection. The vehicles are being sold in an online-only auction. The catalog is live and open for bids.
“My hope is that these vehicles will live on as restored trucks, customs and rod projects,” Phillips said.
For more information and photos, visit www.vanderbrinkauctions.com.
