Local car collector brings together decades of Ford models
Local classic car collector, Dave Cator, is a Ford fanatic.
Beginning with the purchasing of his 1977 Ford Thunderbird, his model of choice, the purchasing of five immaculate and exquisite Ford models from various decades then ensued.
Mr. Cator, who lives just north of Newmarket, picked up his ’77 T-bird brand new.
“I just wanted a Thunderbird. I’ve always liked Thunderbirds, so when Thunderbird came out with the tail light right across the back in ’77, I bought one. I just happened to have that much money in my pocket,” said Mr. Cator. “It’s got 62,000 miles on it. It’s all original. I think the only things that are different are the wheels and tires.”
His 1956 Ford F-100 pickup truck is next
in line. Bought for $700, Mr. Cator completely re-built it.
“I think the only thing I used was the two side pieces of the box and the ownership. The rest I purchased and built myself. It has a 351 Windsor engine, automatic, power brakes and the rest is pretty much original.”
What collection of Ford vehicles is complete without a Mustang?
“I have a 1966 Mustang,” said Mr. Cator. “It has 68,000 original miles on it. I stripped it all down, rebuilt it. There wasn’t much that it needed, just a new interior, new brakes and a paint job.”
As T-birds are his favourite, another of this sporty yet luxurious model was added to Mr. Cator’s collection, yet was from a decade that he always wanted one from.
“I have a 1956 Thunderbird. I bought it about two or three years ago after my last heart attack. I bought this one because I’ve always wanted one.”
Mr. Cator then made an odd move and purchased a non-Ford model, yet possessed something that intrigued him.
“I have a 1975 Bricklin. It has 28,000 original miles on it. It has a 351 Ford engine – that’s why I bought it.”
Lastly, to complete the collection, Mr. Cator just recently purchased yet another T-bird, yet this one is from the swingin’ yet sporty ‘60s.
“I have a 1965 Thunderbird convertible. This one I bought about a month ago. It has about 89,900 miles [on it]. It’s a 390 automatic. The top works. Everything works on the car.
Written by Jordan Nunziato
