Captivating cars

David Grainger has seen and driven some of the most amazing vehicles on the planet

Barrelling down the highway in a powerful, 1929 Bentley Le Mans at 85 miles per hour – well over the speed limit – David Grainger used to secretly hope the police would give him a ticket.

He wanted evidence his Bentley, with its jaw-dropping 4.5-litre engine had really moved that fast. Bragging rights.

“I can remember driving my Bentley … at over 100 miles per hour,” said Grainger, president of The Guild of Automotive Restorers, in an interview. “They were immense, a heavy car, but they had a massive engine.”

When Grainger finally sold that car, he got roughly $250,000 for it. Today, it would be worth about $1.4 million. Supercharged Bentleys go for even more.

Over the years, Grainger has had the pleasure to see and drive some of the most amazing and expensive cars on the planet. He once passed on the opportunity to pick up an Alfa Romeo Montreal, so named because it was made in 1967 when Canada’s centennial celebration was held in that city, for US$25,000.

A while later, a similar car sold at auction for $85,000.

“Now, if you want a good one, it could cost you $160,000,” he said.

At 65 years of age, the automobile expert has seen a lot of cars come and go. At home, he’s got an old Jeep. There’s also a Land Rover.

And an Alfa Romeo 4 C.

“It’s a stunningly beautiful piece of artwork,” says Grainger.

His favourite car, though, isn’t an antique or even a luxury car. It’s the Volt, Chevy’s hybrid electric-gasoline car. Although his business restores antique cars, Grainger has a deep appreciation for newer automotive technology. He's under no illusions about the technological improvements made to cars in the past few decades.

Caddy lovers and Camaro enthusiasts, brace yourself. This is what Grainger has to say about your cherished cars.

“A Chevy Spark is going to outperform and be a better ride than a ’57 Cadillac because of new technology,” he says. “And anyone who thinks a big-block Camaro is the fastest thing on the road needs to sit inside a modern sports car.” Maybe. Maybe not.

But, then again, the Chevy Spark doesn’t have wings that go on forever or a rear bumper with way cool, rocket-inspired tail-lights. And for many classic car enthusiasts there’s just no substitute for the deep rumble and power of a bigblock engine.

Not at any price. Not now. Not ever.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!