Other diminutive rides have come his way, too. Amid his shop tools and classic auto posters have passed a 60s King Midget, a '67 Lotus Elan, and one of the smallest and most unusual projects, a 50s-era Berkeley roadster. The tiny front wheel drive British open top is fitted with a three-cylinder Excelsior motorcycle engine. "There are not too many parts available for that, but that car was at least complete, so we have a lot to work with."
One auto collector has entrusted Jackson with an incredibly rare 1968 Gurney Eagle Formula One race car, named for the famed American race car driver, team owner and constructor. Jackson will make all the panels for the auto from scratch, working from a wooden buck and pictures he has found through research.
Jackson collects, too. An avid VW fan with numerous Beetles, he wanted an interesting shop truck. He found such a vehicle in the possession of scooter enthusiast and Ohio City Pasta owner Gary Thomas, who had two Italian-made 1957 Lambretta LD three-wheeled trucks, powered by 175cc engines on 8-inch wheels - specs similar to those found on vintage Lambretta scooters. When Jackson purchased the "flatbed" version, Thomas, in turn, hired Jackson to complete the cab version of his '57 Lambretta truck. "I saw how meticulous he was," says Thomas. "There aren't many people doing work like that - he can make any part for you, and everything he does is really nice."
Thomas hopes to have the fully restored vehicle by next spring, when he'll use it as a delivery vehicle for Ohio City Pasta, bringing his pasta to markets and selling it directly out of the Lambretta. Although his truck was last in service as a New Jersey ticket patrol vehicle in the 1950s, he relishes the thought of using a 50s Italian delivery vehicle to deliver his pasta in Cleveland more than 50 years later. "It's really bringing everything full circle," says Thomas.
As a specialist shop of the highest order, Pete's Custom Coachbuilding is restoring more than vehicles. It's restoring tradition. From custom metal fabrication to expert body work and paint, Jackson and his small team can tackle any job, though they leave engine rebuilds to a trusted network of specialists. "I try to keep everything in house, but you got to draw the line somewhere."
On September 21st, 2010 @ 11:55:pm, Anonymous observed:
The fast and sporty British cars began to really take off when the Triumph came out with the TR2 in 1953. At the time Triumph produced some of the most sought after cars in the world. The United States fell in love with it and soon began seeking other British sports cars.