Meet Bill and Nancy Bachmann, residents of Stonebridge. If you haven’t met them, you likely have seen them in one of their old Fords, the green 1952 or 1931 Model A sedan. Amazingly, they have owned both vehicles for over 50 years!
This column will focus on the 1931. They bought it less than a year after they married in 1972. It had been pulled from a field in May 1960 in very rough condition. The car was first treated for a limited restoration and, later, a more extensive one. It took 13 years to complete, and it was completed in 2014. This was just in time for them to move to On Top of the World from Erie, Pennsylvania, in August 2015.
Since arriving here, Bill and Nancy have thoroughly enjoyed their Model A and are actively involved in several classic car clubs. The car has provided many social opportunities, and Nancy has accumulated an extensive collection of 1930s fashions she proudly wears. Together with the car, they make a spectacular display. Bill took command of the sewing machine and transformed a pair of his pants into knickers for his period attire.
Bill is well known as a “fix-it” guy by his neighbors. They all know that if something doesn’t function correctly, they can turn to Bill, who can probably figure it out, even if it requires making parts on his 3D printer. I can speak from personal experience, as Bill was by my side every step of the way when we recently performed extensive engine repair on my Model A.
So, there you have it. The next time you see one of these distinctive vehicles on the road, you will know it is Bill and Nancy Bachmann’s.
If you are interested in unique vehicles, you should join the On Top of the Wheels Car Club. It doesn’t matter your interest since our mantra is “if it’s special to you, it’s special to us.” The group meets for breakfast on the second Friday of the month at 8 a.m. at Mama B’s Diner, just outside our gate. To join, email George Hill at ghilljr.500@gmail.com.
Author: Bill Bender
Photo Credit: Bob Lynch
