Small cogs in the big machine of life

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My name’s Bill Lauder. I am a mechanic who specializes in the restoration of vintage cars. It’s an amusing job especially for the type of person I am who fancies being with these machines. I get energized whenever a new car is brought to the shop for restoration. The more damaged it is, the more thrilling it gets; even though it means more work.

My collaborators and I first examine the car. A grin of excitement for every original part found to be preserved and functioning; a little frown for corroding parts which oft times are nothing but junk. It’s entertaining but very demanding, and that mix is what keeps me attracted to it. The task demands precision and an attention to detail of the highest standards. It gets stressful as most of our projects have deadlines--a timed-puzzle that gets you scratching your head in confusion but still entertaining enough to keep you going.

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After the rigorous task, I always look forward to my prize—driving the car. I developed the habit of driving my 1953 Triumph T100. It’s not a car but a bike I restored all by myself. I feel that driving it is the machine’s way of giving back what was given it. The intricacy and sophistication of my straining projects are drowned in the sweet sound of the restored engine buzzing perfectly with its reconstructed frame keeping me comfortable and safe through the roughroad.

I love these machines. We keep each other alive and going.

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