Rust Valley Restorers star Mike Hall, known as the “Junkyard King,” shocked fans in 2021 by auctioning off over 500 of his classic cars — a move many thought signaled the end of his restoration journey.

 

Rust Valley Restorers' Mike Hall not quite ready to bid adieu to entire  500-plus car collection - Penticton Western News

 

In a remarkable tale of resilience and passion, Mike Hall, the beloved star of the hit series *Rust Valley Restorers*, has turned his life from a daunting car auction into a triumphant revival of his automotive dreams.

The story of Hall, known as the “Rasta Blasta,” is one of heartbreak, determination, and an unyielding love for forgotten vehicles.

In 2021, Hall’s massive car auction felt like the end of an era. After 40 years of collecting vintage cars, he watched as his beloved treasures were sold off in a single day. “It was surreal,” he recalled, his voice thick with emotion. “Forty years of my life vanished in an instant.”

The auction, which took place on October 2, 2021, saw over 500 cars, many of which had been with him for decades, sold to new owners. Hall kept only about 30 of his favorites, including classic muscle cars and a cherished Dodge convertible.

Yet, what seemed like a finale turned out to be just the beginning. Despite the heart-wrenching sale, new episodes of *Rust Valley Restorers* continued to air, leaving fans puzzled yet intrigued.

How could a man who had lost his empire still be on television, still fixing cars, still living his dream? The answer lies in Hall’s unwavering spirit and the unexpected twists of fate that followed.

Born on February 4, 1958, in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Hall’s journey began in the rolling hills of British Columbia. As a young boy, he developed a fascination for old, rusted cars, often sneaking into backyards and scouring country roads for forgotten vehicles.

“I didn’t see rust; I saw potential,” he said. While other kids saved up for records or bikes, Hall was dragging home junkers that no one else wanted.

 

Rust Valley Restorers star Mike Hall can't resist a car cadaver - The Globe  and Mail

 

By the late 1970s, Hall had amassed a collection of vintage cars without any formal training. “I taught myself everything,” he explained. “Every wreck was a lesson, every engine that wouldn’t start was a challenge.”

His passion for restoration grew alongside his collection, leading him to start a company called Chimera Springs Rock Works in the 1980s. Known for his daring blasting work, Hall earned the nickname “Rasta Blasta,” which would follow him throughout his life.

Despite his success, Hall’s true love remained with his cars. He spent nearly all his earnings on forgotten vehicles, amassing a staggering collection of over 400 cars by the 2010s.

“I wasn’t collecting cars; I was collecting rust,” he joked. His property transformed into a sprawling landscape of decaying metal, a testament to his obsession.

However, in 2016, Hall’s life took an unexpected turn when he appeared in a documentary about highway clean-up work.

The Discovery Channel crew spotted him in action and decided to include him in an episode of *Highway Through Hell*. This brief appearance introduced him to a wider audience, setting the stage for his future on television.

By 2018, Hall had transformed his passion into a full-fledged business with the launch of *Rust Valley Restorers*. With a crew that included his son Connor and best friend Avery Schae, the show highlighted their efforts to restore classic cars.

“This isn’t just a job for me; it’s my life,” Hall declared. The series quickly gained popularity, resonating with viewers who admired Hall’s infectious enthusiasm and heartfelt dedication to saving cars that others had given up on.

 

Mike Hall: Rust Brothers Garage Owner & Star of Rust Valley Restorers

 

As the show gained traction, Hall faced new challenges. By 2020, the financial strain of running a restoration business became overwhelming. “I never really had a business plan,” he admitted. “I was just trying to keep the dream alive.”

His love for cars often led him to overspend, much to the chagrin of Connor, who frequently found himself playing the role of the rational adult. “Dad, we need to make a profit here,” Connor would remind him, but Hall’s heart always led him to prioritize passion over profit.

In early 2021, the situation took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Hall’s property was zoned for farming, not for running a car restoration business. The local authorities intervened, and Hall was forced to apply for a special exemption to continue operating.

The stress of legal battles and financial burdens weighed heavily on him, and by mid-2021, he made the difficult decision to sell his beloved property.

The auction that followed was a bittersweet farewell. “I just wanted the cars to go to good homes,” Hall said, reflecting on the day. “It was hard to watch them leave, but I knew it was the right thing to do.”

While many cars sold for mere hundreds, others fetched over $10,000, as collectors from across Canada and the U.S. scrambled to claim a piece of automotive history.

 

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Yet, rather than fading into obscurity, Hall’s story took another unexpected turn. After the auction, offers for more cars began flooding in.

“It’s like they just find me,” he laughed. “I can’t say no to a rusty fender and a good story.” By 2023, Hall had collected nearly 200 cars once again, proving that his passion for restoration was far from extinguished.

In a surprising twist, *Rust Valley Restorers* continued filming new episodes, showcasing Hall’s journey as he adapted to life after the big sale.

The fifth season premiered in fall 2024, featuring Hall working on cherished projects like a 1968 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. “Restoring old cars is in my blood,” he declared. “I’m not giving up.”

Today, at nearly 70 years old, Mike Hall remains a beloved figure in the automotive community.

He has become a mentor to young mechanics, sharing his wealth of knowledge and inspiring others to pursue their passions. “I built something out of love, not profit,” he reflected. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”

As Hall continues to navigate the ups and downs of life, his legacy as the Junkyard King lives on, reminding us all that sometimes, the greatest treasures are found in the most unexpected places.

 

The Exciting Story Of Mike Hall And Rust Valley Restorers