An extreme garage for a dream collection
From the outside, the structure appears just like any other utilitarian two-car garage, similar to so many in the quiet, wooded community.
But the difference stops once the drab gray door lifts open, leaving Lincolnshire behind as you step inside.
The first thing you'll notice is just how deep the main corridor goes — so deep in fact, that it's hard to believe you're still on a residential lot. However, that feeling soon leaves as you take in the gleaming chrome and paint of the rolling beauties around you, and absorb the soft glow of the neon signs and the rock 'n' roll melodies pumping out of the massive jukebox.
While most wouldn't be able to experience something like this without an imaginary cinematic trip to Mel's Diner, this is the very real escape for John Petras, which he aptly calls his “martini at the end of the day.”
Naturally, while house shopping, you don't simply check a box to find an ultracool four-wheeled retreat of this caliber. This automotive sanctuary took time, careful planning and plenty of passion — all things Petras readily possesses.
“Originally it was a two-car garage that my family used for many years, storing our daily drivers. When my wife and I realized we were done raising the kids, I decided it just was the time to ‘raise' a car collection.”
As the vintage iron started to pour in, the two-count room quickly expanded to accommodate six and then grew again several years later to the final eight positions. With the expansions came the remodeling upgrades: wood paneling, a designated furnace, epoxy floor and additional light fixtures. The highlight of his additions is that ‘do-wah'-blaring jukebox stocked with all of Petras' favorite 45 rpm records, called up at the punch of a few buttons. All of these features serve to complement the true focal point of the room, those rolling American retros.
While the collection has included many other examples of classic Detroit iron (sold to make room for more), Petras has winnowed his fleet to what he calls “the keepers.” Having seen a wide variety of vehicles over a 40-year career of owning a chrome plating and restoration business, Classic Chrome, Petras is specific in his interests.
“The stuff I like and want to have is what I saw firsthand on the streets.” What caught his eye are such things as a 1956 Chevy Bel Air, painted in Onyx Black and Crocus Yellow, an exact replica of a childhood friend's new car. “I lusted every time he picked me up in it. When I finally had the down payment money, the dealer had stopped taking orders. Many years went by, but I got it!” Petras laughs.
He still keeps in touch with his pal and even lets him drive occasionally, reliving those fond cruising memories.
Another classic you'll find in this '50s-themed trove is a Jade Mist Metallic over Ice Green 1957 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight that shows an original 34,000-mile odometer reading. Ford is represented by a 1956 model packing the high-end 312 cubic-inch V-8 and continental kit, a '66 Candy Apple Red Thunderbird that took five years to persuade the previous owner to sell, and a 2005 Mustang GT that Petras purchased new in South Carolina.
“The best part of ownership so far was picking it up and blasting back home through the Smoky Mountains!”
All of the vintage pieces in the collection have undergone complete body-off restorations and are cosmetically and mechanically brand new, resulting in an impeccable factory-fresh look and feel. But they aren't merely static displays because once warm weather rolls around, Petras selects from his key ring, slides behind the steering wheel, fires the ignition and puts his right foot down, quickly finding an open highway.
Despite personally assembling such a well-preserved collection, Petras makes sure it's shared with others by throwing a spring open house, inviting neighbors, friends and other enthusiasts to reminisce and enjoy. He estimates last year's garage party had well over 150 enthusiasts pass through the doors, with dozens of their vintage machines parked out front and around the block.
“I'm very privileged to manage a small slice of American history,” he said.
“After seeing my garage some people will ask, ‘Isn't it too much trouble and hassle to maintain the cars and keep them clean and running right?' When I get that question, I always reply, ‘When it becomes work to you, you know its time to get out of the hobby.'”