During the past two dozen years, David Grainger and his Bradford, Ontario-based Guild of Automotive Restorers – commonly referred to as ‘The Guild’ – have built a reputation for providing concours-quality restorative workmanship. Their work is recognized around the world at elite industry events like Pebble Beach, Italy’s Lake Como, Kuwait and others.
That acknowledgment of artistic and technical excellence makes Grainger, the star of History Television’s Restoration Garage, a logical choice to participate on one of the Hot Rod discussion panels that will take place during the upcoming Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo.
The show takes place March 13, 14 & 15 at Toronto’s International Centre, across from Pearson Airport. Grainger will take to The Johnsonville Stage on Saturday (March 14) at 5:15 p.m. to discuss classic and antique cars, alongside several other well-known members of the auto enthusiast industry.
In addition, Grainger has commissioned – and The Guild has created – a very special award for the show. He will judge the cars in attendance and determine the winner. The one-of-a-kind trophy will be presented on The Johnsonville Stage during the ‘Special Awards’ ceremony that will take place on Sunday, March 15 between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.
“I’ve looked at an awful lot of custom cars over the years, so I’m always looking for something a little different, something that shows a little bit of innovation and reflects the personality of the builder,” said Grainger. “I grew up influenced by guys like ‘Big Daddy’ Roth and George Barris; I like things that are not run of the mill.”
With his experienced eye for original creation and precise craftsmanship, Grainger will be examining the cars at Motorama and rating the vehicles in order to present the Guild Award of Excellence for Outstanding Workmanship and Design.
“Anybody can take an old car and bolt on a lot of pieces, but it takes a true craftsman to make a custom job look great,” explained Grainger. “Some of these cars are really works of art; that’s what ‘Hot Rodders’ do. I’ll be looking for ‘fit and finish’ in a project, but also watching for a healthy dose of creativity.”
ABOUT THE GUILD OF AUTOMOTIVE RESTORERS: Established in 1991, The Guild of Automotive Restorers specializes in the repair, restoration and sale of classic and antique cars. It’s also the home of the television series Restoration Garage. For more information about The Guild of Automotive Restorers, which is located in Bradford, Ontario, visit them online at www.GuildAutoRestore.com or email info@guildclassiccars.com.
