05/11/2026
More collectables coming to market soon.... except the Corvette.... https://www.facebook.com/ClassicCarFans/posts/pfbid02uKqetBT2TQq7pBSjyk1P8rtrqSzYEUfNNtpBNE8peGNGXVBc5yq9cuQnqY3htV5il
Midland Couple Donates $2 Million Car Collection to Northwood University
Michael and Dianne Morey, a Mount Pleasant couple whose success grew from building a better wood chipper, have made an unusual and meaningful gift to Northwood University in Midland: nearly their entire $2 million classic car collection.
The Moreys donated 35 vehicles to the private university, located about 30 minutes from their home, with the hope that the proceeds would help inspire the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
“The cars have been a large part of our lives, and each one tells a story,” the couple said in a joint statement. “Now it’s time for them to begin a new chapter supporting young men and women who want to work hard, build something of their own, and positively impact their communities.”
While not the largest gift in Northwood’s history, the donation is among its most substantial. Unlike traditional noncash gifts displayed on campus, the university plans to sell all but one of the vehicles and use the proceeds to support its mission.
Thirty-four of the cars have been placed in a no-reserve auction at Mecum’s Kissimmee event in Florida, with bidding available in person, online, and by phone. The funds raised will be divided evenly between campus improvements, such as enhanced courtyards, and student scholarships, according to Northwood President Kent MacDonald.
The collection features street rods, pickups, coupes, and convertibles, nearly all American-made. Highlights include a 1932 Ford Hi-Boy once owned by Sylvester Stallone, as well as a 1967 Shelby GT500 fastback and a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda, each valued at more than $200,000. Even a well-loved 1990 Mazda Miata was included, despite being an outlier among the classics.
The Moreys are keeping three cars with deep personal significance, including the first vehicle Michael ever restored.
The couple’s business journey began in 1983 with a belief that they could build a superior wood chipper. That vision led to the creation of the Model 100 Brush Bandit and, later, Bandit Industries. After decades of growth, the Moreys chose to sell the company to their employees through an employee stock ownership plan, a move reflecting their commitment to shared success.
Northwood officials say the donation was inspired in part by the Moreys’ cousin, Lon Morey, another successful entrepreneur and university supporter, who helped connect the couple with the school.
The university will retain one vehicle from the collection: a silver-and-black 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. The car was selected for its symbolism as a global icon of American innovation, an ideal match for Northwood’s values, and because its model year closely aligns with the university’s founding in 1959.
The Corvette will be featured at campus events, including homecoming parades and the university’s annual student-run car show, which attracts hundreds of vehicles each fall.
For the Moreys, the decision to give back was simple.
“Northwood is a special place,” they said. “It’s filled with wonderful students, and we’re proud to support their future.”
