The cause of a fire that destroyed dozens of vintage cars and a large building last month at Country Classic Cars near Staunton, Illinois, remains undetermined, but a new report reveals one possibility.
An insurance-industry publication called Claims Journal this week reported interesting facts about the blaze:
— The fire destroyed a total of 143 cars in a 530-foot-long warehouse, along with the office and gift shop. Another six cars near the warehouse sustained smoke damage.
— Country Classic Cars owner Russ Noel said he owned 95 percent of the destroyed cars; the rest were on consignment.
— Authorities traced the fire to one of five cars in the middle of the warehouse. Noel said when a car arrives to be sold at the business, the first step is to disconnect the battery. He acknowledged that may have been overlooked. That leaves open the possibility of an electrical malfunction starting the fire.
— The gutted cars and debris were removed within weeks. Noel plans to begin rebuilding the structure this month.
— Noel didn’t say reveal the total loss. His insurer declined to comment to the magazine. The loss was conservatively estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A total of 11 fire departments battled the blaze, which apparently began shortly before sundown after Country Classic Cars had closed for the day.
News reports stated Country Classic Cars had more than 600 vehicles before the fire. A count of its inventory Thursday totaled just under 500.
So, the possibility that ” one of five cars in the middle of the warehouse” burst into flames? Because disconnecting the battery “may have been overlooked”. And the fire “apparently began shortly before sundown after Country Classic Cars had closed for the day”. How long between the last employee leaving the premises and the fire being noticed? And by whom?
Such coincidences do happen: the Titanic and an iceberg being at exactly the same place in the vast Atlantic Ocean at the same time.
As for the destroyed (irreplaceable?) cars being worth “hundreds of thousands of dollars”, how much would a sprinkler system have cost? Perhaps along with reduced fire insurance premiums. A very sad day indeed. I do hope the replacement building will have automatic fire suppression.
I mentioned before a fire in the UK at a heritage railway, with irreplaceable rolling stock destroyed – in a new workshop just five months old, and not fitted with sprinklers. And the building had had National Lottery funding for its construction. So much for taking a chance.
I don’t honestly know whether a sprinkler system would have worked in that situation. Country Classic Cars sits in a rural area outside of any sort of municipal fire district with hydrants. CCC obviously uses well water for drinking, bathrooms, etc. But fire sprinkler systems must be hooked to high-capacity water systems. Hooking up a fire sprinkler system to several water wells can be done, but it’s difficult and sometimes not possible if the wells’ capacities for a site that large aren’t high enough.
In short, such a system in the rural area would be very expensive and might not even work.
As I believe I suggested before, Ron, have an emergency water storage tank at a height to provide the supply for the sprinklers. I did mention the Australian who dug a large pond and fitted a pump to spray the water onto his house in the case of a bush fire. That saved his home.
It’s very unlikely the water tank you referenced would be large enough for a 500-foot building, which CCC had.
In movies, sprinkler systems operate in a misleading way, leading many people to believe a fallacy that all the sprinklers in a system are tied together and when one is triggered by heat, they all activate.
If this was the case, putting out a fire would simply be trading fire damage for water damage, and it’s not how fire sprinklers work.
Fortunately, sprinkler heads function individually. Most of the time, fires can be completely extinguished after just one or two sprinklers activate. This allows water damage to be confined to the small area where the fire started. Plus, since fire sprinklers douse fires with about six times less water than a fire hose, their quick action is actually less damaging to your property than a visit from the fire department.
Russ Noel has been BURNING customers for years!
Country Classic Cars Consumer Complaints
bernard ahearn
Mon, Jan 13, 4:25 PM (21 hours ago)
I just received your E-mail today,but pictures can not be opened. This sounds like the exact thing these 2 did to me.I purchased a 1927 Chevrolet Capital Coupe that I was told ran great with no problems. I always wanted a car from the 1920’s because I am really interested in that era. The car was to be my sunny day driver and I did not want something that needed work. I paid around 8 thousand dollars for it way back in the eighties with the a guarantee from Russ as to its great condition. Much to my horror the inclosed auto transport showed up with my car and it couldn’t fit down my street. Know problem I told the transport driver, ill drive it down.He laughed and told me we are going to need help to push it all the way to my house because they couldn’t get it to start at country classic and it took 4 guys to push it onto the transport for its trip to N.H.Long story short and thousands of dollars later the car ran. Dye test done on engine was ok, Then went to the head, which was cracked,Vacum pump trash,Brakes junk,generator trash and multiple other mechanical problems. I ask for a refund and was told flat out NO. I called the district attorney that covered that area and he told me if someone stole 8 thousand dollars from me with this obvious fraud I would have them n a court room and I would be in their face. I did file with the local court house and was expecting to go to court only to get a notice that since it was classified an antique and something to do with how he has this business structured he could not be sued for this. So I ended up fixing the car and have never made another purchase on anything sight unseen. I will look for my paperwork on this and send it to you since it is of no value to me anymore. These 2 thieves have spent their lives ripping people off. I see they had a major fire in 2017 and lost 150 cars. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was arranged for insurance given these 2 and their corrupt business history.
Horrible
I was selling an old 79 firebird just restored, so I thought these were reputable place to sell my car, so you sign a 3 month contract and a waiver saying if any damage is made to the vehicle they are not responsible, so wouldn’t you know it not only did they stick my car way in the back where nobody even goes but when I went to pull my car out of there the whole back bumper had been damaged to the point I had to buy a whole new rear bumper and repaint it to match the vehicle before I could sell it and when it was brought to their attention while they were pulling it out, they said read your waiver were are not responsible for your vehicle while it’s here. So It’s no wonder they don’t post their vehicles on their site because they are probably going out of business.
Buyer Beware Jonathan Jones 12/05/2012Imagine your childhood dream car just waiting for you at a classic car shop, owned by some small town car guys on old Route 66, in the middle of the cornfields of Illinois, that just love the hobby and are able to make an honest living doing what they love. Kind of clouds your judgement doesn’t it. Well it did for me, and probably more than a handful of other guys that are to embarrassed to admit they put a little too much faith in their imagination and gave their prudence the slip.I bought an ’87 Chevy Silverado 4×4 from those clowns last year. I really wanted a low mileage, older pickup and had come to believe that Country Classics was reputable. I emailed and talked on the phone with them about the truck that was advertised as a solid, apparently original 51,000 mile truck, with original paint and interior. I had them send pictures, and I faxed them an Intent To Purchase figuring if it was in as good a shape as they said I would pay them $8,000 for it, and would fly out and drive it back to NH. When I arrived in Staunton, I found out that the truck had obviously been resprayed, with overspray on the moldings. It had a cheap undercoating that was flaking off of the frame. The cab corners had been bondoed. One inner rocker panel had been replaced with a crappy rivet on replacement. The dashboard had been recovered. I told them that this truck was in a lot worse shape than I was led to believe, and they offered to drop $500. Maybe I cared too much about my pride to catch a flight home. Big mistake. I decided to buy it anyways, thinking all these items were more or less cosmetic problems that I could iron out, and still walk away with a low mileage truck. Shortly after leaving the dealer in my new old truck, the gas tanks began leaking. When I was about to reach NJ the transmission totally went out. I needed a full rebuild and had to catch a series of buses and trains to NH. One month and $3,300 later, I went to NJ to pick up my truck and complete my trip. When is the last time you heard of a 51,000 mile truck blowing its transmission? I emailed the guys at Country Classics, and told them that I know they are not obligated to provide me a rebate, but that if they did not offer me any compensation, I would sure as heck do my best to tell everyone my story. They said they were sorry to hear about my luck but would not refund me any of my money. They told me while I was there that most of their business, comes from people that never see the car and have them shipped to them. Take it from me, do not trust these weasels. Not only did they cheat me, they also cheated themselves. If I had been given an honest description of the truck, and been dealt with fairly, I would have been back several times in the future spending thousands of dollars with them. And because there are more old car guys here in NH than there are rust free old cars, there’s a good chance several of my friends would have made the trip to Staunton. And now I’m telling everybody online, what snakes these guys are, so, hopefully, they’ve cheated themselves out of your money, too. By the way, I hardly ever rant online, but I really can’t stand these guys taking advantage of car guys. Let’s put the sharks out of business and give the real car guys our hard-earned dollars.
Robb Eckert reviewed Country Classic Cars — 1 star
April 25, 2017 ·
Salesman straight up lied to me and the owner did nothing about it. Had emails proving he lied and still did nothing. Had to get lawyers involved. Unless you see the vehicle personally, I would never buy from them. Giant waste of money. Sad this company is still able to sell vehicles
Jason Lake Total agreement Robb, disgusting lies.
Robert Kotel doesn’t recommend Country Classic Cars.
March 9 ·
Don t sell cars that r not street ready. Bought a 72 Oldsmobile cutlass convertible the car is a death trap. Brake cylinder was no good mechanic said I was lucky I got it to him without the brakes failing the top dozen t close right the belts on the engine only had 1 supposed to have three the AC u said worked kind of hard when the line is broken and pinched off. People Beware of what you buy from these people they r not a good dealer!!!!!!
Wilson Dowdy reviewed Country Classic Cars
October 24, 2016 ·
If you do not know about automobiles, do not come here. These cars are misrepresented and are heavily flawed. Came a far ways away to be disappointed. I warn you…do not waste your time or your hard earned money. Buyer Beware 🙁 Wilson Dowdy I was expecting to buy a nice car in drivable condition. The one I looked at online and travelled to see was flawed and poorly represented online. The car had paint scratches all around, a rusted out exhaust, rusty fenders, faded trim, an oil leak, a transmission leak, gauges out of calibration, a battery being held in to its tray with only a single bungee cord, they apparently also had some fool attempt to wax it, although they left huge tornado shaped white swirling marks all over the body, the radio was aftermarket and I couldn’t even differentiate the buttons, let alone even figure out what I was pressing, all of these problems were repairable, but I wasn’t about to spend my life savings on a car that needed this much work. The only thing I would suggest is if someone like me comes for a test drive, umm I don’t know let them go on a further commute??? They let me test drive this car for all but one mile and I had to drive it from Illinois to Virginia in two days and I couldn’t determine its capability just going up their side street
Steve Adams doesn’t recommend Country Classic Cars.
September 8, 2018 ·
Drove 200 miles after talking with salesman that told me the car I wanted was solid California car and good paint and interior and tires. Told me I could drive it home. When arrived it was a solid car, but the interior was far from good, the paint was like chalk and flaking, and tires were flat. Doesn’t seem like this car has run in years. After looking at some of the other cars I came to a conclusion that 75% of the cars are overpriced by about $4000 to $5000. I spent over 6 hours of my day driving to see this car plus over $100 between gas & food I won’t get back. Sadly disappointed by the dealer & salesman. Don’t waste your time on this place.
Greg Klein doesn’t recommend Country Classic Cars.
September 8, 2018 ·
Wow. Drove past this business many times over the years and decided to stop in to look around. It is the place for cars that nobody wants to go and die. Buyer beware!!! If you don’t know cars and are looking for a classic this is not the place.
CM Gale
August 9, 2017 ·
Was not impressed when we stopped. Lots of junk, cars no one would ever deem stuff you’d want to resto. All stuff there when we were there needed resto. Considering quality all way over priced. Wasn’t worth the stop unless a junk collector.
Mark Gooding
September 26, 2015 ·
Went here looking to buy an old truck – a Chevrolet or a Ford. Pictures on the web look good but disappointed in the stock on offer. Lots of rust and high prices. Best to look else where unless there is something you really like here. Also visit in person don’t buy sight unseen.
Svein Sjøblom
October 27, 2017 ·
VERY BAD.I was scammed of them for around USD 5.000.NOT the car I bought.
“On June 30, 2014 we purchased a 1946 Olds from Country Classic cars after seeing it on their online website. It was advertised as good glass, (was full of water when delivered) seals on windows bad. dependable, runs and drives strong. The Friday after it was delivered to our door we overheated and broke down 20 miles out of town. Had to be towed. also would not start and was full of water when delivered. Was towed for 200.00 to a shop in Borger,Texas and has been there since. Fuel line replaced, carburetor replaced. Leak in radiator and radiator too small for this cadillac engine. Radiator needs replaced. Welding on motor mounts is poor, needs redone. Transmission leaking at seal. Now this is from a car that was clearly advertised as DEPENDABLE, RUNS AND DRIVES STRONG. 11,000.00 FOR 20 MILES. With the towing and the carburetor and the fuel line, we have almost 800.00 additional dollars in the car and still not driveable. This was sold to us under failure to disclose facts and false advertisement. This was part of our life savings and we were scammed. The salesman, Doug, at Country Classic told us the calipers needed cleaning and the gas tank cleaned. That was all that was wrong. The car does not even have calipers. Jim Newman PS we also paid 825.00 to get it delivered.”
M M.
Paso Robles, CA
11/9/2018
I bought a car from this company after many many back and forth communications and a generous number of photos. I will admit I did not travel to see the car before its being shipped. Buyer must beware. I truly do not believe these people have any idea how reliable the mechanics are for the cars. I get the impression that cars sit there in a warehouse situation until someone expresses interest. My questions were answered to a degree. I am convinced that issues about the car were glossed over. I fully realize that any older car will need things done to it, but this car is needing much more than expected. I truly like the car and believe it will eventually work out well. But it is certainly not what I had expected. For the price paid, one would expect much more. I cannot recommend Country Classic Cars. Or if a buyer selects this company, make a visit before purchase.
Rusty H.
Aurora, CO
10/29/2015
Country Classic cars is a nightmare waiting to happen to you. I bought a 1983 Jeep Cherokee from this JUNK YARD thinking it was a dealership. The salesman totally misrepresented the Jeep and it’s condition. I was told it would pass inspection and emissions and I would be able to drive it when it arrived at my house. That was a joke.This jeep didn’t look bad from the outside but everything else is crap. I did not want a project, told them that, and then the lies from the salesman started. Just to be safe to drive it needed a new exhaust system, brakes, fuel sending unit, engine rebuilt-2 dead cylinders (5600.00), brake booster, spare tire hanger, spare tire, Rat feces piled up in the back, gas gauge, transfer case, transmission and the list goes on and on. All this JUST to be safe to drive. RUN, RUN like Hell if you come in contact with this company. I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General of the State of IL.. If you have had a similar experience with Country Classic Cars PLEASE contact the State Attorney General of Illinois and let’s hold these guys accountable in every way possible. These guys are experts at what they do so watch your rear and steer clear.
Paul D. Erie, IL
10/12/2015
I brought my 73 dodge charger to trade for a car for my wife. The cars that we were interested in were not in the condition that was claimed on the web sight. Lots of flat tires, dead batteries, musty and moldy interiors. In one building all the cars were covered in bird manure. No one asked if we wanted to test drive any of the cars. The fiberglass replica T-bird that I was interested in was much worse in all respects than what was claimed. And at no time was I approached about my car that was on the trailer in the middle of their parking lot. Not one employee asked about my car, if I wanted to consign it, or trade for one of their cars. They could not have cared less
May 08, 2018 Tony F of Iowa City, IA
Do not do business with Country Classic Cars
Bought a 67 Ford Thunderbird during the summer of 2017. I asked do all lights and electric windows work as they should. Also, was It road worthy. They stated everything worked as it should. When we got it, it was unsafe to drive and some windows and taillights had problems. They out right lied about the car.
Mar 13, 2017 PissedConsumer1020281
BE CAREFUL DEALING WITH COUNTRY CLASSIC CARS !!
You can believe this review. I bought a truck from them for $17,000. I made the HUGE mistake of not having someone I trust look at it and report back to me. Their photos on line make the cars they have look great, they may even be touched up (?). When I got the truck, and having built many hot rods, … it was a wreck!! Had I looked it over I would have offered them $8,000 for it, but as I said, it was my mistake. One other thing … they did not charge any sales tax. If you buy from they, expect to pay a 10% sales tax, no matter which state you are in, when you try to register the car. Yes, BE CAREFUL !!
Nov 03, 2015 PissedConsumer728614
Country Classic Cars, buyers run like *** from this company!Thinking Country Classic cars was a legitimate dealership I found out the hard way they are really just a junk yard. Don’t believe anything the salesman or owner tells you over the phone. If you are not there to inspect the car WITH A MECHANIC then be prepared to be very disappointed. These people will tell you what ever you need to hear to sell you one of their classic pieces of unsafe *** Run like *** from this company and don’t look back, ever!!! 8000.00 for a vehicle that would pass inspection and emissions, their wasn’t even a muffler when it arrived, 10,000 later it still needs work just to be safe to drive. I’m telling ya, RUN, RUN LIKE ***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Larry. I did know that sprinkler heads should operate individually – opening when a certain temperature is reached, or if smoke is detected in the area. As you say, sprinklers use much less water than hoses – unless the hoses are putting out foam. Having read through Scott A Stout’s post, there does not appear to be much to add to the topic! If it quacks like a duck……
Country Classic Cars has a long history of Burning Consumers. Several people have sued or filed complaints with Attorney General. They have recently deleted their social media profile in attempts to hide the evidence against them posted by customers who have been scammed. I Have contacted the Illinois Attorney General, NY Attorney General and will be opening a case with FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center