It all started many years ago. I was just a young boy about 3 or 4 years old. My big brother was a muscle car enthusiast as was all his friends. It was at that time as a kid I spent Tuesday nights getting ice cream at Eskimo King in Swansea in the back of his tri-power Dodge Coronet and learned how to say “Sumbitchbastard”. We still laugh at that today. I can remember the vinyl seats sticking to the back of my legs on a warm summer night as I played with his girlfriend’s long hair as it flowed through the headrest on the front seat. The pungent aroma of burning tires and gasoline left quite an impression on me, the passion for cars ran deep in my family. My dad owned Bruneau’s Auto Sales, a Sunoco gas station, variety store, and gift shop in the heart of Swansea on Rt. 6. At all times there were thirty plus great 1950’s though early 70’s cars for sale. His gas station was headquarters for the group of motorheads that teared up the streets during the muscle car time of the late sixties to early 70’s. The heads spent all day tuning their machines in the back bay reserved for the boys, and later disappearing leaving layers of burned rubber on exits from the station. I remember the billows of smoke and the squeal or tires as the rear-end swayed back and forth leaving a signature of sorts on the pavement for all to see. Collecting cars and what drives people’s passion to own vehicles are as vast as you can imagine. I personally don’t set out for specific vehicle. I never know if today is going to be the next big find. The right vehicles just speak to me, they bring me back to a time in my life that makes me smile, think, imagine, and appreciate. It’s really no different than a person who collects hand painted vases, Star Wars figures or Picasso paintings.
The history of the auto goes back to the mid-19th Century, and whether it be a 1929 Model A, or a vintage 1979 front wheel drive Plymouth Horizon TC3 there is something for everyone no matter what your taste and budget. It is the shapes of the body panels, the fitted interiors and unlimited engines, and shining exteriors dripping in layers of chrome that make those little hairs on your arm stand on end saying I gotta have that. Classics can be found for a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars for those looking to put pristine rare examples in their collection. I try to by a car that needs a little something, some work to bring them back to life and give it my personal touch. Each one takes on its own persona, each has its specific needs, each responds differently when driven. Sleek and fast to boxey and safe, they all had a purpose and for many they all still have that amazing flair they had as new. Car collecting is one of America’s greatest pastimes and an enjoyable way to bring family and friends together.
