The Vintage Garage -- A History In the early 1950's, a small group of dedicated enthusiasts came
together to restore and enjoy their early Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles. One of these hobbyists was Frank Cooke,
whose mechanical ingenuity and dedication to quality would become legendary within the vintage car hobby worldwide.
It
was not long before Frank Cooke's reputation led him to establish The Vintage Garage.
For nearly 50 years enthusiasts who were looking for the finest in engine rebuilding, mechanical restorations and service
made the pilgrimage to North Brookfield.
At The Vintage Garage, generations of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Brass and Steam cars have received a new
lease on life. During these years, Frank Cooke and his team
at The Vintage Garage pioneered many of the techniques that are today considered
standard practice in restoring Rolls-Royce, Bentley and other fine cars.
The Vintage Garage also became well-known for reproducing obsolete parts ranging from hose clamps
to cylinder blocks. In fact, Frank Cooke was first person outside of Rolls-Royce Motors to perfect the methodologies
for casting new cylinder heads and cylinder blocks, saving many early cars from destruction or dismantling.
Frank Cooke also shared his knowledge widely. His articles, educational
engine and mechanical cutaways and technical seminars helped educate many of todays top restorers and engine builders.
Even today, when knowledgable enthusiasts refer to a car with
a "Frank Cooke Engine," they know they have a powerplant that is ready for decades of reliable, silent enjoyable
touring.
By
the 1980's, Billings Cooke had earned the position as The Vintage Garage's master mechanical
engineer and engine builder. For more than 30 years, Bill has carried on The
Vintage Garage tradition of quality and excellence in mechanical restorations and engine rebuilding.
With Frank Cooke's passing in 2006 the original garage in North Brookfield closed down. Bill carried on The Vintage Garage name to a new company and a new 6000 square foot facility in Stowe,
Vermont. There, he and business partner Pierce Reid are carrying on the traditions of The Vintage Garage. Today, they not only focus on mechanical restorations, engine rebuilding
and service but offer rapid-turnaround component rebuilding, parts and management of complete restorations.
We look forward to working with you on your
project or seeing you at an upcoming seminar!
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