Iowa widow hosts Trans Am action with 55 cars, thousands of parts

May 18, 2023

Ask anyone about Bob Steely and they'll tell you he lived, ate and breathed Pontiac Trans Am.

Steely started collecting Trans Ams and parts at age 12, before he could even drive, said his wife, Shelia Steely.

Bob and Shelia lived in Waverly, but traveled the Midwest together, buying cars and parts.

"I guess that's my favorite part of it […] we got to work together, that's how I look at it," Shelia said.

The two even went up to Minnesota together and bought two rare NASCAR Trans Ams.

Bob had a garage where he stored and repaired all his parts and cars. He'd also made many friendships with fellow collectors, and the group would buy and trade cars.

After Bob had an unexpected heart attack and was declining in health, he told Shelia to call VanDerBrink Auctions.

After Bob's death in July 2020, his family learned how big his collection had gotten: 55 Trans Ams with 65 cars in total, along with thousands of parts. Now, the family will auction off his beloved collection.

"It's tough, but it's got to happen […] It's a lot to deal with," Shelia said.

Bob's equipment and tools will be sold along with his giant cars and parts collection.

The auction is a two-day event and begins on Friday, Aug. 4 at 1273 250th St., Waverly, with doors opening at 10 a.m.

Day one bidding will be only for tools and shop equipment, with selling starting at 4 p.m. The cars will also be available for viewing at this time.

The 65 cars will be available on day two, Aug. 5, and gates will open bright and early at 7:30 a.m. with selling starting at 9:30 a.m.

"Come and look," Shelia insisted. "You'll probably never see anything like it again."

More information, videos and the auction catalog can be found at vanderbrinkauctions.com.