Watch CBS News

Vintage Vehicle Stockpile Found At Deceased Man's SoCal Home

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A Southern California man who died without an original will or legally recognized next of kin has left behind a unique estate - 69 vintage cars that will soon be auctioned off by Orange County.

Gerald Willits died last year at age 76 in Buena Park, Calif. Little is known about him, though the Orange County Register reports he likely worked in the plumbing business. Some of his trucks had advertisements printed on the sides.

Willits has a daughter in another state but under California law, an original will is needed to transfer assets to a rightful heir. Orange County official Elizabeth Henderson says Willits only kept a copy.

A county investigator visited Willits' half-acre property and found the stockpile of vehicles, including Ford Model Ts and Volkswagen buses.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.