01907_Summer_2019 WEB

SUMMER 2019 | 07
I
n an age when mechanics rely on
computer diagnostics to repair cars,
James Dawson applies a liberal
dose of common sense every time
he opens a hood in his Humphrey
Street shop.
Located in Swampscott since
1987, Dawson and his fellow
mechanics are familiar sights for
town residents and commuters
who drive by the shop and its little
lot full of sporty and exotic vehicles.
The site of a Packard car dealership
in the 1920s, Small Wheels is one part
labor of love, one part source of pride for
Dawson, a Salem resident and Newtown,
Connecticut native.
On a spring week day, Dawson and
his crew were working on a Saab in need
of an engine rebuild, a Jaguar XKR with
a balky convertible roof, and a BMW
with an oil hose leak. Working with a
measured pace and patience, Dawson
decoupled the faulty hose connection
and talked about a love for cars dating
back when he was 16 and built a car
with parts from 1959, 1960 and 1961
Renaults.
Dawson lived in Marblehead from
1970 to 1975 and ran his former Salem
shop from 1970 to 1987. Dubbed the
Everything has to be very precise
-James Dawson
From left, Dave Lantych, owner James Dawson, and Arber Theodhor wrestle with a SAAB engine as they
try to reconnect it to its transmission.
Powerhouse team produces
powerful results.
Powerhouse Duo, Team Toner & The Proper
Nest, joined forces in early 2019. Through April
they helped their clients buy/sell 40 properties.
Together, Team Leaders Melissa Weinand (The
Proper Nest) and Swampscott native Jude Toner
(Team Toner) are changing the way we promote
and market real estate....one video at a time!
For more information on
Team Toner & The Proper Nest visit:
thepropernest.raveis.com
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11 ATLANTIC AVENUE | MARBLEHEAD | MA 01945 | 781.631.1199