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The partners' inspiration to combine talents and dedicated efforts has certainly paid off. They established their business in an ideal location: close to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and other Arizona centers as well as being near New Mexico and Nevada. That means Thompson, who refuses to retire, spends less time in his beloved Montana, where, for more than a decade, he's been a mechanic on "The Great Race;" but since teaming up with Coker Tire Company, Inc. he feels the results are well worthwhile. A press release last April described Coker, founded in 1958 and centered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as "the world's largest supplier of collector vehicle tires and wheels with distributors in more than 30 countries." They offer vintage bias-ply and nostalgia-style radial tires for vehicles dating from as early as the 1890s. Thompson has stated, "We feel the Southwest is the ideal location for Coker dealers based on the strong collector car culture. More and more enthusiasts are migrating to the area due to great driving roads, sunny days, a rust-free environment and great events." His nephew adds, "Previously, car owners needed to purchase Coker Tires from one source, wait for delivery, then have the tires mounted and balanced at another location. Only Oldies Classic Auto offers on site tire sales, mounting, balancing, optional road hazard program and guarantees all work." In addition to being a mechanic since age 15, Stockman studied commercial real estate at Arizona State University and earned his BS from the college of business, "but always comes back to cars". Some customers ship their cars to Tempe and are willing to wait, sometimes for several weeks. "They know," emphasize the partners, "that we specialize in excellent service, but not restoration. "Nor are we a gas station and we do not paint, do body or upholstery work, oil changes or electrical work." Stockman offers these optimistic words: "In the state of the present down-turned economy, we've found the classic car market is somewhat recession resistant due to the caliber of people who are in the hobby. True collectors will never let their investments deteriorate. Even if the vehicles are not driven, often a car needs to be attended to on a regular basis so to let it deteriorate is to let your investment lose money." The partners and Amanda Lee (their "pin-up girl" who resembles vintage calendar models prominent in the '40s and '50s) regularly attend area car and trade shows such as last month's Barrett-Jackson collector car auction and the Russo and Steele auction. For information call (480) 966-9877; email sam@onlyoldiesgarage.com; or go to www.onlyoldiesgarage.com.  Little redhead Sidney Stockman, 4 1/2, is the apple of her father's eye and he hopes this photo of her behind the wheel of a '55 Bel Air Chevy is a sign of things to come. |
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