RDU International To Auction Unclaimed Items, Vehicles Saturday

Lots of those items await the highest bidder Saturday as the RDU Airport Authority auctions surplus property and vehicles.

"There's going to be some bargains out here Saturday," auctioneer Randy Wester said.

Wester said some people will come for trinkets, while others will have a bigger prize in mind.

"We have 16 vehicles that were abandoned at the airport. Somebody drove it out here, got on an airplane and never came back for whatever reason." "Each car has an engine. Each car has four wheels. Beyond that there are no guarantees," Wester said.

The vehicles are sold "as is."

"We know nothing about them. We're trying to get keys for them and batteries put in them so they at least hear the motor run," Wester said.

There are also 24 taxicabs from a retired airport fleet.

Many people who come to the annual auction are willing to look beyond the flat tires and chipped paint. However, some vehicles -- like a 2001 Ford van with leather interior and VHS player -- look good as new.

After the airport recovers money from unpaid parking fines and the auction company gets their take, the rest of the money goes to the state.

All buyers must pay for auction items with cash or certified funds.

Items can be previewed at the auction site Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and

online

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The auction begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at the N.C. National Guard Maintenance Armory.Follow the signs on National Guard Drive off Aviation Parkway.