Unique Muskoka August

There is a bit of an emotional
bond with Smith and each of his
vehicles.
“Each car has a story,” he says
with a grin.
Much like Smith, collector John
Rennie, who is located just outside
Bracebridge, selected the cars in his
garage based on his teenage years.
The first thing you’ll notice when
you step into Rennie’s garage is his
collection of antique gas pumps
from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Each
pump has been lovingly restored by
Rennie and his son John Rennie Jr.,
complete with pristine paint jobs,
new glass and working lights.
“When we first get them, they
don’t look anything close to this,”
explains John Jr. “They’ve rotted
out; they’re all beat up.”
Behind the pumps are a 1954
Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1954 Meteor
Special Niagara, and a red 1953
Ford pickup. Rennie started his
collection with the Meteor and restored it, as
he also did with the other two vehicles. He
grew up around the time of these classics and
the ’54 Chevy was his first car.
“There’s something about the old nostalgia
of the ‘50s stuff that is of interest to me,” says
Rennie.
Antique gas company signs hang on the
walls and from the ceiling. Rennie’s collection
also includes antique gas pumps, old gum
machines, framed calendars
from garages, and restored
Coke and Pepsi coolers.
John Jr. says the search for
the next treasure is all part of
collecting.
“The hunt is half the fun,”
he says. “When you get
something you really like,
you’re holding on to it tight.”
Lloyd Quinton of Port
Sydney also enjoys the search
and has been collecting and
restoring antique tractors for
25 years. He was born and
raised on a farm, and has
restored about a dozen tractors,
so far.
Coming across his next
Lloyd Quinton will be showcasing his 1928 Worthington tractor, the oldest tractor he has ever restored.
project can happen at any time. “Sometimes
they’re on the side of the road, sometimes
people call me through word of mouth,” he
says. “If something catches my eye and I can
see it finished, then the challenge begins.”
Quinton says each tractor is unique and
can be a challenge to work on in its own way.
“It’s always kind of interesting to think
about how a farmer, who previously had the
tractor, tried to maintain it and get by on it
Mel Smith poses with his collection of classic vehicles, which will be on display
for the Muskoka Road Show.
without spending a lot of money,” he says.
Quinton is not partial to any brand, in
particular, and he often sells his projects once
the restoration is complete.
“You can only drive them to the general
store for ice cream so many times,” he laughs.
On the tour he’ll be displaying his 1961
Oliver tractor as well as his 1928 Worthington
tractor, the oldest tractor he’s restored so far.
He first spotted it at an auction and it was
originally used at a hunt camp
before the days of ATVs. “It was
total scrap but I could see
something in it,” he says.
In addition to Quinton’s
tractors, about 30 to 40 antique
cars and trucks, muscle cars,
and antique boats from the
community will be on display.
Paul Hammond of
Bracebridge has been collecting
antique vehicles and memorabilia
for 30 years. His
friendships with other local area
collectors, and his role as the
chair of the South Muskoka
Hospital Foundation, inspired
him to suggest the tour as a
fundraiser.
August 2016 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 41