We all like to wax nostalgic. Remembering the “good ole’ days” is a favorite pastime probably accounting for part of the reason we like these old cars. How about going back in time? Not an available option, but the next best thing is a visit to Bob Perkin’s Restoration business.

I first had dealings with Bob over twenty-five years ago. I had bought a 1970 Cougar Eliminator out of a junkyard. While putting it back together, I was very happy that it had the original Hurst shifter, but was very disappointed that the shifter boot was torn. I asked my parts guy at Ford, Gary Inch, about getting the part. “Discontinued,” was the reply (something I got used to hearing a lot of – and this was in the late 70’s.

As a subscriber to Hemmings Motor News, I went through the Ford and Mercury sections each month, looking for this part, along with a big list of others I needed for my cars.  One month, someone from Wisconsin advertised that he was selling the very shift boot I needed. To me, it was like Christmas! I talked to some voice on the other end, not realizing this was BOB PERKINS. Of course, at that time, I don’t think very many other people were thinking that way either.

Bob was quietly taking his passion and turning it into something magnificent.

While most people were content to go down to their local parts store for a distributor vacuum advance or a set of battery cables, two guys, at opposite ends of the country (well, sorta) were scrounging around trying to find original parts. I went to wrecking yards; Bob went to Ford dealers. I collected old original parts that would soon become the patterns for an as yet unrealized business. Bob would talk dealers into letting him into the back rooms to see their junk, which would become his treasure.

When I asked Bob how he happened to come up with this Hurst shifter boot, still in the Ford box, he told me what he did. I tried visiting dealerships myself, but I was already too late. Most of the stuff had now been pitched – or someone like Bob had come by to buy it already. When opportunity knocks, the window of time is often pretty small!

As I have grown to know Bob over the years, I have been filled with admiration for his passion, dedication, and desire to be helpful. It is no accident that he was the first Head Judge of the Mustang Club of America or that his 70 Boss 302 is the only car to ever get a perfect score at an MCA show. His expertise is known worldwide.

Recently, I visited his place again. This time, I had a video camera, and I did a little cub reporting of his place. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

. . . and if you ever want a car restored to the highest standards possible, visit his website at www.perkinsrestoration.com