Why Only Oldies? It started when two car nuts shared a longing for the good old days, before "stock" meant a car was equipped with computer chips and catalytic converters. They identified a need in Arizona for a mechanic shop that offers great customer service and isn't afraid to tackle the cars of yesteryear. They also wanted to offer a hands-on experience in the Southwest where Coker Tires could be purchased, mounted, balanced and guaranteed.

Partner and Chief Mechanic Ward Thompson has been wrenching on cars for decades. Participants of The Great Race found him on the side of the road in Helena, Montana when their 1916 Hudson was in dire straits. They were so impressed with his mechanical skills they decided to bring him along on the race. He has been a mechanic on the The Great Race for more than a decade now and also participates as a mechanic in the La Carrera Panamerican race. For years he was shop foreman for the Ford Factory Garage in Montana, supervising a 20-man team. While he has a passion for all cars, he truly loves the classics, especially Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs and personally owns a 1935 Auburn. A few of his hobbies include building dune buggies and collecting out-of-print vintage automotive manuals which he proudly displays at the shop and references on a regular basis.

Partner Sam Stockham brings to the duo a business degree from ASU and a background in commercial real estate. He understands how a great business should operate and what it takes to develop a loyal customer base. He has been ASE certified in engine repair, manual drivetrain and axles, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical, heating and A/C. Having grown up in Connecticut, Sam has spent the majority of his life in Arizona and appreciates the warmer climates and the strong collector car enthusiasm in the area. He has a serious fetish for Ford Mustangs and has always had at least one around since the day he got his driver's license. He has worked for Bondurant School of High Performance Driving where he was the lead mechanic for the Advanced Road Racing Program and was responsible for the track performance of over 40 Mustang Cobras. A perk was being able to satisfy his urge to drive "fast" on a regular basis as he spent many hours per day on track tuning these vehicles. Sam doesn't mind being called a purist. He likes cars with originality, particularly muscle and PreWar cars.