Ray Fairfield, an avid antique car collector is a sucker for nostalgia. The proof is in the high expense and many hours he devotes to his hobby, not to mention the garage space.
“I’m afraid it’s a disease,” Fairfield said. And as the proud owner of a 1930 Packard, ‘34 Ford pickup, ’66 Mustang convertible and a ’71 Honda 750 - he should know. He’s the chairman of the National Spring Meet of the Antique Automobile Club of America being hosted Saturday at the Golden Oak Restaurant, 16695 Condit Road.
He does all the labor himself from a workshop/basement including carpeting, painting and upholstery to engine overhauls and wiring.
“Do it all yourself and get only about a dollar an hour. But at least you’ll know everything was done right,” he said. “I’m self-taught which means I do it the hard way.”
Fairfield added that although he’s always loved antique cars, it wasn’t until a friend sold him a Ford pickup in 1979 that the disease really infected him.
“I was blown away. I had to have it,” he said. “That truck took four times longer than it should have and I made very mistake possible, but there’s a certain satisfaction when a job is done.”
The bug that bit Fairfield 18 years ago also spread to his family.
“My daughter, Sara, really prefers the newer cars," he laughed. “She’d like to drive the Mustang. But I won’t let her.”
Fairfield and his wife enjoy dressing in period costumes and adding atmosphere to charities and promotional events.
“Next weekend, I’ll make a widow out of her,” he said.
That’s when he will motor up to Hillsborough to serve as judge in the Concord Elegance. In June the couple plans a weeklong tour through Napa, Tahoe.
“We hope to do okay,” he confessed. “You can ‘t just walk up to the nearest gas station for help with cars like these. You need to have a supply of spare tires.”
Even Grandma gets into the act.
“My mother-in-law crocheted an antimacassar (doily) for the back seat of the Packard. It’s in a rectangular shape and too her 40 hours to make.”
Historically, antimacassars would have been placed on headrests to protect them from oily hair tonics so popular in days gone by.
As past president of the Northern California Classic Car Club, Fairfield is no stranger to volunteerisms. Today he is the legislative analyst for the club, representing members’ interests in Sacramento.
Although he insists he is too busy for more than one major event per year - 2/3 of his three-car garage is still devoted to his collection. His talent for handiwork is evidenced by the fact that he built both the garage and the house. So it isn’t any wonder that the GE nuclear employee, “prefers not to work.” No problem filling the hours of a day for this guy.
“I also refinish old furniture, like player pianos,” Fairfield said. “Last summer I refinished a roll top desk.”
What does he see for the future of antique car enthusiasts?
“Well value is determined by what people are willing to pay. And as far as what makes models will be big - who knows? Everybody has their own set of memories.”
The Antique Automobile Club cars will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Golden Oak Restaurant, 166695 Conduit Road.
