"Hey Jace, what're you up to tomorrow?" crackled Joey's friendly voice over the phone line.
"Going to the Concours. What else is there?" Jason replied with a laugh, not surprised at hearing from his best old car buddy.
"I figured that and have a little proposition for you to consider."
"Shoot."
"You know that we're taking four cars there tomorrow."
"Yeah. You were saying so the other day," Jason commented remembering their phone conversation from a few days earlier.
"Well, Little John's mother-in-law passed away and he can't make it. I was wondering if you would want to come along with the crew in his place."
It took Jason all of a split second to make up his mind.
"I'll be there. What time?"
"Can you be at The Shop by 6? We have to be on the road by 6:30. The Old Man gets pissed if we're late."
"That's pretty early, but I can do it."
"Great! It should be a terrific show."
"Always is."
The two old friends went on to talk over the cars they would be in charge of showing and a few other details. Jason had to admit that Joey had a great job working for one of the area's wealthiest real estate entrepreneurs who just so happened to have the area's finest collection of antique and classic automobiles. We're not just talking some really neat old Fords and Chevy's, of which he did happen to have several, but full blown classics from the golden age of motoring, Packards, Cadillacs, Pierce Arrows, Mercedes, Rolls Royces, Cords, Auburns, and of course three or four Duesenbergs.
The Concours d'Elegance is one of the top three or four shows of its kind in the world. Over three hundred of the world's most collectible cars would be displayed on the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall, the former estate of one of the areas automotive pioneers. The beautiful Tudor styled mansion and the lush rolling grounds made a perfect backdrop for the jewels of automotive styling and performance.
This year The Old Man had been invited to bring four cars: a big old green Locomobile from the teens, a dark blue 1941 Cadillac convertible sedan that had been used as a parade vehicle by Eisenhower after the war, a sharp red and white Mercury convertible from the fifties, and a long dark green Duesenberg Town Car. Joey had recruited Jason in the past to help transport the cars to this and other shows, unload them from the hauler, drive them onto the show field, give them a final shine, and see how the judging went. It was a great experience to become a part of such a prestigious event, and Jason hoped that one day the old Cadillac that he was currently restoring would be invited onto the field at Meadow Brook.
"Thanks for helping out, Jace," Joey said gratefully.
"Thanks for inviting me," Jason replied. "See you in the morning."
The rest of his Saturday flew by. Inspired by the prospect of taking part in the big show, Jason spent a little time putzing around in his garage working on his restoration project. Since his divorce it was about the only fun thing going on in his life. He had his work and a few good friends, but there was something missing from his life and spending a few hours each week painstakingly restoring his grand old Cadillac seemed to fill the void.
Even though he got to bed at a decent hour, the alarm shooting off at o-dark thirty the next morning caught Jason by surprise. With a sleepy excitement he tumbled out of bed and headed to the shower. Toweling off afterwards, he appraised his naked body in the mirror. Not bad for an old man, he chuckled to himself. Tall, trimly muscular, a nice healthy tan, sandy brown hair bleached blond by the sun, and green eyes, Jason was okay with his looks. Not wickedly handsome, but none too shabby either. Although nearing his mid fifties, people often remarked that he looked thirty-five. Good genes, a healthy diet, some regular exercise, and an upbeat outlook on life had helped him maintain his youthfulness. Now if he could only find a woman who appreciated his finer qualities, his life would be complete.
Noting the time, Jason quickly shaved and dressed, opting for a light colored golf shirt and a comfortable pair of slacks. He tossed a pair of shorts into his camera bag just in case it got really hot and headed off to The Old Man's shop.
Just a few miles from his house, The Shop was in a nondescript brick building with a small office in front. Driving past you might think it was a modest tool and die operation. But once inside that first impression was quickly proven wrong. There were a dozen bays where cars could be stored and serviced. There was a machine shop, a paint booth, a woodworking shop, a metal working shop, everything you would need to completely disassemble and restore an automobile. Jason always felt a twinge of garage envy when he walked inside. If he had a place like this to work, his own project would be quickly finished.
"Hey, Jace! What's up?" Joey said greeting his old buddy. He turned toward Billie Sue and Dave Bob, his co-workers "You remember my friend, Jason, don't you?"
"Sure do," said Billie Sue, a short skinny gal who was the designated detailer. She was legendary for being able to coax a trophy winning shine from even the most weather-beaten old heap.
"Hey, Jace. How you doing?" said Dave Bob, shaking Jason's hand. Dave Bob was a wiry dark-haired guy who was in charge of the shop. He was a fine all around mechanic but his forte was paint and finish. Several cars that he had painted had taken top honors in the car show circuit.
"I'm doing great," Jason replied. "Looks like we have a great day in store."
"Should be. Supposed to be warm and sunny. No chance of rain," remarked Billie Sue.
"So what's the plan?" Jason asked.
"We've got the Duesenberg and Locomobile already loaded in the trailer," Dave Bob said pointing toward the long two-car trailer parked outside. "Skippy here is going to drive the Caddy. Are you up to driving the Merc?"
Jason had figured that he would ride along with the others. He hadn't planned on driving something, but jumped at the chance.
"I sure am," Jason said.
"Great. Then let's do it!"
