Sons inherit their father's love for classic cars
Sean and Bryan Bransky inherited a deep love of classic motoring from their father, Ron.
Ron was a lifelong mechanic who worked professionally in the automotive industry. In 1958 he purchased and managed a Standard service station at 112th and Halsted streets in Chicago. Soon thereafter, he acquired an additional building nearby and began buying and selling collector cars.
In 1966 Ron Bransky turned his attention to Barrington, purchasing a failing car dealership called Someday Motors. With some hard work and elbow grease, he turned the place around, opening a Jeep and Datsun dealership. Throughout his life, the boys' father acquired a large personal collection of vintage vehicles. His favorite cars were classy Lincoln Continentals.
“Even as a young man Dad had an eye for them,” Sean said. “He owned nearly 30 of them.”
Ron's boys have fond memories of motoring with their parents to auto events. “Every Sunday my brother and I were riding in the back of a rumble seat going to a car show,” Bryan said.
The brothers also became involved in the family business, helping at the dealership.
“Every day after high school I would wash vehicles, install the tops and AM radios on the Jeeps, rust proof the Datsuns and other odd jobs. I loved every minute of it,” Bryan said.
Sadly, Ron Bransky passed away suddenly in 2008. He owned 10 collector cars at the time and the family decided to sell all but two — one for each of brothers. “Mom let us pick what car we wanted. It was her gift to us,” Sean said.
While the fleet contained other makes and models, the boys wanted Lincolns. “They were Dad's prized possessions,” Sean said.
Bryan, being older and having first pick, settled on a 1941 Continental Cabriolet. The vehicle had been sold new in Dearborn, Michigan, and was fully restored in 1966. Their father purchased it in 1978 and was its third owner.
“I remember going with him to shows in the car,” Bryan said. “He always walked away with a trophy. He was so proud of the car.”
In 2011, Bryan received a special invitation. His vehicle had been selected to participate in the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. He was given the chance to take it on the track for a parade lap. “It was quite a treat and just what the car needed,” he said.
When it came time for Sean to select from his father's collection, he opted for a 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet. The vehicle is one of 452 made. His father purchased it in 2002 from a friend in the Classic Car Club of America. It was restored in the late 1990s.
Since taking over ownership, both brothers have fallen to the allure of the Continental that held their father's heart captive for so many years. It is the regal styling and the driving experience.
“You look out from behind the steering wheel and the hood looks a mile long,” Bryan said. “It's truly a sight to see.”