A savvy bidder turns a $6,000 storage unit gamble into a $25,000 jackpot with a classic 1979 Buick Regal lowrider.
In a story straight out of Storage Wars, YouTuber and car enthusiast Westen Champlin struck gold after winning a storage unit auction for $6,040. Inside the Buffalo, New York, unit was a gem from the past—a fully functional 1979 Buick Regal lowrider valued at $25,000 to $30,000.
Champlin, known for his wild automotive projects like turning Dodge Hellcats into off-road beasts, ventured into the storage unit auction scene on a whim. Despite a modest $3,000 budget, he couldn’t resist bidding on the intriguing unit housing the lowrider. After a heated bidding war, he emerged victorious, albeit over budget, with just 48 hours to retrieve his prize.
The journey to Buffalo involved a RAM 3500 for towing and a lot of anticipation. Upon opening the unit, Champlin found an array of tools, car jacks, and other items that could fetch additional value. But the real treasure was the Regal—a two-door lowrider complete with a working hydraulic suspension system.
Under the hood, Champlin and his team discovered a pristine 4.3-liter V6 engine, capable of 120 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Despite flat tires and missing keys, the car needed minimal work to run. A screwdriver, wrench, and hammer brought the engine back to life, and the hydraulic system worked perfectly, confirming the Regal’s status as a true hopper.
The car, a symbol of 1970s luxury, had a few minor flaws, like a rusty interior roof, but nothing that overshadowed its immaculate condition. Experts estimated its value between $25,000 and $30,000, with potential for more considering the other finds in the unit.
Champlin capped off the adventure with a celebratory drive around the block before enjoying Buffalo wings—a fitting end to a thrilling treasure hunt. This unlikely investment proves that sometimes, taking a gamble can lead to incredible rewards.
