We asked Al 10 questions about his love of cars!

1. What is the make & year of the car featured on the cover, and a little bit of its history?

It’s a 1951 Chev Coupe Deluxe. I purchased it in Chatham from a man who brought it back from the USA. We did an off-frame restoration, and made many modifications to make it unique and different:

• V8 350 Chev Engine, with automatic transmission
• Lincoln Versailles rear end
• Mustang II front end
• Roof Chopped 6″
• Engraved roses in the quarter panel glass windows
• Hot pink colour, stencil of Champagne Lady, back of the trunk
• Frenched in Headlights
• Custom grill
• All doors, hood, trunk modified
• Custom interior

2. Do you have a name for this car?

Champagne Lady, with Pink 51 on the licence plate.

3. Have you always lived in Chatham and how many family members do you have?

I have lived in Chatham all my life. I have five children (with in-laws), five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. A super cool dog named Chip (with a Mohawk) who comes to work every day at Holland Optical and a cat named Misty….she’s cool too.

4. Does your family share your interest in classic cars?

Yes, the boys are interested in the classic cars also. One works in an auto-mechanic atmosphere, and another is an auto body painter. They can take a car apart and put it back together.

5. When did working on (and owning) classic cars become a hobby of yours?

All my life I have enjoyed cars.

6. What were the very first classic cars you owned?

1966, 1967, and 1968 Chevelle’s were my first three cars.

7. If you could only drive in one car for the rest of your life, what would you pick?

I couldn’t pick just one car, I love them all.

8. What is your favourite classic car of all time?

The 51 Chev is my favourite.

9. What do you think are the sexiest cars ever built?

It would be the Camaro, Mustang, and Charger.

10. What’s your favourite car movie and/or car show?

Christine is my favourite movie, Count’s Kustoms is my favourite TV show.

Featured on the cover is Allen (Al) Holland, classic car lover and collector. Al is also the owner/operator of Holland Optical, located on King Street in downtown Chatham. Holland Optical is a family owned and operated full ophthalmic laboratory and dispensary specializing in digitally-surfaced high definition lenses. Al got his start in the optical industry in 1969 under the tutelage of Sam Bingham, a trusted name in the industry and owner of Bingham Optical which operated for over 50 years. Holland Optical opened in August 2006 and has been serving the community ever since.

Cover photography by:
Mark Requena Photography
www.markrequenaphotography.ca