Menard car collection finally going up for auction

If you live in the Midwest, you most likely know Menards as a store that sells lumber, tools, doors and windows, roofing, flooring, paint, appliances, and a lot more.

Even if you don’t live in the Midwest, you may recognize the Menard family name for its involvement in auto racing, both Indy and stock car competition.

The company was founded by John Menard Jr., the oldest of eight siblings who put himself through college by selling surplus lumber on a railroad siding. He opened his first hardware store in 1964. 

His younger brother, Larry, was a key part of the store expanding program and while John liked cars that raced, Larry became a car collector. Larry died in 2019 but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the auction of his car collection, officially the Larry and Dawn Menard Collection. 

The latest revised date is October 2, VanDerBrink Auctions has announced.

The auction also will be held at a new location. Instead of the Menard Collection venue, the sale will take place at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds Expo Building in Chippewa Falls.

“This amazing collection of amazing collector cars, signs and Petroliana was acquired over years of searching for just that car and just that piece of memorabilia,” writes Yvette VanDerBrink. “Larry and Dawn together enjoyed going to shows, auctions, and searching antique stores for items to add to their collection. Larry and Dawn Menard had their collection at their residence and enjoyed showing the collection to other collectors. 

“Larry Menard was often the face of Menards and spent many hours setting up and checking on Menard stores across the Midwest,” she continues. “This gave him a lot of time to look for the next addition to their collection.”

More than 30 cars are on the docket, including Fords from the 1930s and mid-century models from various manufacturers, featuring Chevrolets and including Corvettes. Also on the docket are motorcycles, antique tractors, scooters, gas pumps, and signs.