Since retiring in 2003 this Californian fire chief has become obsessed with collecting classic cars

This retired Californian fire chief has taken to collecting classic cars.

Not only does he enjoy owning almost 40 normal classic cars, but he also has three fire trucks.

He doesn’t share his collection with the public often, due to gawkers stopping to look at his vehicles on the streets.

He says people call him crazy for his car obsession but believes ‘insanity is measured in a whole lot of different ways, and being crazy is not wrong’.

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This retired fire chief is obsessed with collecting classic cars

Meet Pat Austin, a retired Redondo Beach fire chief who’s obsessed with collecting classic cars.

In his collection he not only has a 1948 Pontiac Woody and a 1967 Chevy Corvette Stingray in the most pristine condition, but he also has three vintage fire trucks, a throwback to his previous career.

Pat says his biggest fear is causing an accident because gawkers are too busy admiring his vehicles, rather than keeping their eyes on the road, so he rarely takes them out and about.

Instead, he keeps his 37-vehicle collection indoors.

Not only does he own firetrucks, but he also owns all sorts of firefighter memorabilia from his time in the force, saying he believes people like firefighters more than other first responders, like police officers.

He’s crazy for classic cars

Pat shared that a lot of people think his obsession with collecting and maintaining his classic cars and fire trucks is ‘crazy’, but the retired fire chief says being crazy is subjective.

“Insanity is measured in a whole lot of different ways, and being crazy is not wrong,” he said.

If you’re asking us here at Supercar Blondie we would agree with Pat, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being obsessed with cars, all the best people are.