restoration

The alluring and romantic 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak, distinctively and lovingly named "Pearl" is a stylish, classic sedan and nostalgic moving work of art. The restoration project for "Pearl" began in February 2011 and was a 2 1/2 year journey.  After being in storage for over 30 years, Pearl was transported and entrusted to the restoration care of Stephen Reinero, owner of Steve's Camaro Shop in Granite Bay, CA. The restoration was strategic utilizing the skills of several highly talented and experienced automotive craftsmen.  Every detail was approached and analyzed with professionalism and integrity.  Restored to brilliant as-new condition, the vehicle features vintage air-conditioning, Rolls Royce White exterior paint, vintage white wall tires, CD player, a plush interior in elegant shades of caramel, a custom wet bar and lots of shiny, polished chrome accents.

True restoration consists of as much authenticity as possible - though Pearl was not restored to her original mechanics, her mere presence will still take your breath away and transport you back in time to a decade rich in charm and character - perfect for any Sentimental Journey.

The Legacy and Dream Deferred

A SPECIAL Pearl sighting of my Dad (Bob Williams) & Pearl since it all started

with him. Almost every adventure with Pearl, EVERYONE asks how it came to be

that not only do I get to drive the car, but how is it that I actually own the business? 

I absolutely LOVE telling the story of Dad & My Old Friend - Pearl....it is a legacy

that was in the making long before any of us even were aware. 

Dad was an electrician by trade and over 40 + years ago, he worked an electrical job

for a guy and at the end, the guy asked if he would take $300 off the bill - he would

give him that old car. Being a vintage car enthusiast, Dad said yes and brought Pearl

home where she sat out on the ranch where we lived in Herald, CA. When my parents 

divorced and just before Dad move to Maryland, he brought me the car and said "I don't

know what I will ever do with it - but hang on to it, it will be worth something someday."

That I did - I had Pearl in the garage for several years; in an outdoor storage for a few

and finally moved it to a container, where she sat in storage for a total of 27 years.

A gentleman that I worked with at the time had his vintage camaro restored at a shop

in Granite Bay, CA (Steve's Camaro Shop) and suggested that I contact the owner.

Obviously, after 27 yrs...Dad wasn't coming back for her. So I thought what am I going

to do with this car? At the time, I decorated for weddings and special events and noticed

that there weren't any vintage car companies at weddings, so I decided that's what I

would do with it. It took about three and a half years to restore Pearl. Fortunately, we

had most of the parts and I was on the 'Pay As You Go' method, so it took a little bit of

time to get her fully restored. Throughout the process, Dad was able to visit the

restoration shop with me and assist in ordering some of the parts.

When the project was completed, we held a 'Debutante Ball' party to debut the company,

Sentimental Journey Vintage Transportation, with her on display to celebrate.

We invited a lot of vendors and influencers in the wedding/event industry. Dad was

the 'Honored Guest'. He was able to see the car fully restored, drive her and give the special toast to launch the company. He also was with me to scope out the wedding venue of our maiden transportation job and I even had the opportunity to chauffeur him in Pearl to church during his last visit here in California.  

I lost my Dad suddenly in August 2014, but somehow, I know that he's always with us.

I like to think of Pearl with all of our contacts, weddings and 'sightings' around town as

Dad's Living Legacy with his "Dream Deferred" as he didn't know what was going to become of 

Pearl when he got her, it certainly wasn't this, but I know for sure it superseded his

ideas and expectations. He was so proud! What a ride - from such meager beginnings to a

Touch of Grandeur and Elegance.....truly the 'Lap of Vintage Luxury'.

And that's the story of Pearl!

Thank you Dad for the gift of My Old Friend - Pearl! We make a good team! You left a legacy

and I'm honored to drive her, honored to participate in the lives of so many, and simply

honored to tell 'your' story.