In Grants Pass we have had a couple of celebrities over the past few decades, Steve Raines of Raw Hide, Ty Burrell of Modern Family, Bob Christie Formula 1 Driver, Ralph Wright who wrote for Disney Entertainment, Ken Williams of the Cincinnati Reds, Dick Wheeless, past candidate for sheriff, Dutch Brother’s Boersma Family and of course the buyers of a $5,200,000 winning lottery ticket at the Circle K in 2007. Of note about the winners, they were interviewed by Oprah Winfried after the win which led to the entire world, made up of mostly strangers, asking for mortgages to be paid off, tuitions to be paid and vacations to exotic destinations.

As soon as the check’s had ink dried, retirement was instantaneous from decades of school teaching and the restoration of their 1953 Ford, a car they had been working on for over ten years was thrown into high gear. An incredibly detailed receipt and photo binder was kept from day one detailing every repair and part that went into Sunliner. Detailed photos were kept of the work including the Pendleton shop and later work in Grants Pass which accompanies the Sunliner.

The car had been purchased in 1995 while living in Pendleton, Oregon and it was love at first sight. A well known local restoration shop was found and the work begun resurrecting their dream cruiser. Over a period of ten years work progressed and was paid for until a move to Grants Pass in 2004 which included bringing the finished Ford. A series of mechanical issues ensued which led them to local body shop legend John Grove for inspection. John looked at the previously completed work and reported back the work had been terrible. Rusted panels had not been replaced or repaired but instead had been filled with bondo and painted over. He recommended a start over down to the frame. The damage was so extensive, a separate parts car donor was needed. A local Ford V8 Flat Head specialist was enlisted to do rebuild the engine and the 3-Speed transmission rebuilt along with almost every mechanical system in the car which included converting from 6 Volt to 12 Volt.

Finally finished by 2012 the Sunliner was driven to Sun River and entered into the Western Meet Early V8 event where it won a first place trophy in 1949-1953 Open Class. The past twelve years the ’53 has been a constant in Grants Pass at every Community Event including Back to the 50’s, Boatnik Parade and almost every car show meet in Southern Oregon. Always a fixture in the back was a massive stuffed Bear which traveled with the car and it has become one of the most recognized 50’s cars in Southern Oregon.

Unlike rusted door panels, Alzheimer can strike and has no known remedy or repair. Thirty years after purchasing the ’53 a terrible choice has had to be made about the continued driving and constant reminder brought about seeing the car in the garage. Tom is still incredibly positive about life and the people he encounters but memories and time have become too difficult to navigate. I had a great time talking with Tom and Kathy about the Sunliner, their hope now is that a new owner will learn to love their Ford and continue making folks smile when ever the car drives by. It is the inevitable for all of us, passing it forward is our final gift.

The selling price is $ 32,995. Miles are 65,734 and the VIN 83RG120487. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest