How One Arizona Collector Built the Ultimate Storage Building for 8 Classic Cars

When you’re responsible for preserving a collection of classic cars, storage is about more than just protecting the vehicles. It’s about protecting memories.

For one Flagstaff, Arizona, customer, Richard E., that mission led to the construction of a custom SteelMaster Quonset hut designed to withstand high-desert winds while protecting a collection of 13 classic cars.

Why Richard Chose a Quonset for Classic Car Storage

Living in northern Arizona meant one challenge couldn’t be ignored. Wind.

“We’ve clocked winds close to 70 miles an hour,” Richard said. “I was leery of a flat wall building.”

After researching several building styles, he ultimately chose a Quonset hut because of its design, durability, and strength.

What stood out:

• Aerodynamic arch design
• Strong steel construction
• Better performance in high winds
• An A-model with straight sidewalls to allow maximum car storage

Building Specs at a Glance

Building Size: 30’W x 40’L

Primary Use: Classic car storage

Vehicles Stored: Up to 8 at one time

Special Features:

• Ceramic-coated floor
• Two skylights
• Solar power system
• LED lighting
• Sealed environment for vehicle protection

The building was erected in approximately a day and a half.

It was phenomenal when [the building assembly] crew came in here, and they erected that building so quickly. Just straightforward, clean, no problems.

Protecting More Than Cars

Several of the cars inside Richard’s shop are family vehicles that have been restored and passed down through generations.

Before his steel Quonset hut, some of those vehicles were stored in a barn and under a fabric tent.

Unfortunately, that came with an unexpected problem…Field mice repeatedly found their way into the vehicles and damaged wiring. But today, that’s no longer a concern for Richard.

“No mouse is going to get into that SteelMaster building. It’s so tight all the way around the foundation and the seal going around the doors.”

The tightly sealed structure now provides a secure environment for preserving both vehicles and Richard’s family heirlooms.

Going Off-Grid with Solar Power

After construction was complete, Richard took the project a step further.

Instead of running traditional utilities to the building, he designed and installed a solar power system with:

• Four solar panels
• Deep-cycle battery storage
• Interior power outlets
• LED ceiling lighting
• Power for tools and equipment

“At night, I can walk out there and that building is lit up as bright as anyone’s home inside.”

Lessons Learned

After completing the project, he shared several pieces of advice for future building owners.

1. Size Up If You Can

“I don’t think you can ever have too big a building.”

While the 30′ x 40′ structure performs exactly as intended, Richard admits he could always use more space.

2. Don’t Skip Skylights

The two skylights provide plenty of natural light while helping protect the vehicles from direct sunlight exposure.

3. Think About Ventilation Early

In hindsight, Richard wishes he had added ventilation during the original design phase to help circulate air during Arizona’s hottest months.

From protecting family heirloom vehicles to creating a fully functional solar-powered workshop, this project became much more than a garage.

Today, the building continues to draw attention from fellow members of Flagstaff’s Route 66 Car Club and serves exactly the purpose it was built for.

“The quality of the SteelMaster materials is excellent. The galvanization, the coatings on the metal are holding up very well. I’m totally satisfied”

For this Arizona collector, the SteelMaster building isn’t just a place to store cars. It’s a place to preserve a family legacy.