By Claire Sachse
An auction will be held Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at John Shytle’s used car lot in Green Creek to liquidate all inventory. The auction is open to dealers and the public. Approximately 100 cars will be available to buy.
In the used car business for nearly 60 years, Shytle is retiring because of health issues. He has owned and run the grassy car lot at the intersection of Hwy. 9 and Chesnee Hwy. for eight years, and other lots in Forest City prior to that.
“I’ve enjoyed this life,” said Shytle, 78. “It [retirement] is not something I want to do, it’s not going to be easy.”
In the late 1940s at age 13, Shytle bought his first car for $15. He turned around and sold it for $35, thus beginning a long career as a car wholesaler.
“It’s an interesting business,” said Shytle. “It’s a challenge. You never know what the car carrier is going to bring you every day.”
His day often starts before dawn. He stays in touch by phone with dealers up and down the eastern seaboard and travels to auto auctions across the state and out of state. Self-described as “old fashioned,” Shytle does not use a computer for his business, have a website or advertise.
He also has never owned or used a “blue book” to reference a car’s value.
“If there’s no two cars alike, how am I going to use that book?” Shytle said. Pointing to his head he added, “It’s all up here.”