Maury had a chance to meet with Doc James the other day, a many who started Ironman Restorations in Pickens, South Carolina, (On Facebook) by buying out the world’s most successful jeep dealer. Maury explains:

“I had the pleasure of visiting Ironman’s shop a couple of weeks ago, which is located a little over an an hour from my house. Having talked with David on the phone several times, I’d hoped to get to meet him, but he had to be away that particular day.

David’s dad Doc, who started Ironman around 40 years ago, was there and showed me around a bit. He also told me the story of how they got started. In the 1970’s, Doc customized jeeps for Larry Hinkle, who owned Hinkle’s Jeep Inc. in Pickens, SC, which at that time was the largest jeep dealership in the entire country.

http://archive.independentmail.com/business/when-mega-dealerships-ruled-pickens-man-was-king-ep-414322179-349805391.html/ (Ed Note: the article is an interesting read)

When Hinkle’s went out of business in the early ’80’s, Doc bought Mr. Hinkle’s entire parts yard. This formed the basis of what is today Ironman’s extensive collection of vintage parts jeeps, which over time was further expanded into what it is today.

A few photos are below showing some of the collection, which winds its way far back into the woods around the James’ shop. They and their staff are very friendly people who go out of their way to help their customers find the parts they need.”