No Panic
To question number one- No one really tries to find unique toys as gifts. With 10,000 on site, it's impossible to remember all of them and he doesn't mind duplicates. As for being able to play with them, the collection started shortly before his retirement and his children were grown and out of the house. It's the grandchildren that have to look and not touch (he does have a few duplicates and beater toys for the kids to play with)
Pieter,
I could easily become a collector of car related publications. I found several late 60's Car and Driver magazines at a flea market recently and have had a wonderful time reading about automotive technology of the day and reports from Indy, Sebring, Daytona, and Lemans. One artice mentions Police, fans, cattle prods (electric shock sticks) and Green Park all in the same article. Fun Stuff.
BobU,
There has been talk of a museum, but everyone agrees that would make the whole thing a job. He doesn't mind showing off, so if you're ever on I-95 in central North Carolina look me up and I'll let him know you're interested in a personal tour.
