In Steve Eglsaer’s back yard, half a dozen classic cars are parked in a semi-circle.
The Port Coquitlam father-of-two displays them proudly and enjoys talking about the hard work he’s put into restoring the vehicles: From stripping them and welding on new parts to customizing them with unique features.
Eglsaer has spent thousands of dollars and countless hours making them just right, even consulting with gear heads around the world on specifications.
Much of his advice comes from mechanics and auto body experts who have or now are working in the television and film industry.
That’s because Eglsaer’s cars aren’t just being retrofitted; they’re being overhauled to look just like they did on the T.V. programs and movies he watched as a child.
His first purchase four years ago — after he blew out his knee while on the job landscaping and decided to pursue his passion in his spare time, thus creating Iconic Carz — was a red 1974 Ford Gran Torino.
He spent $7,000 on it — then a few bucks more — to make it look just like the Starsky and Hutch version. Other replicas soon followed:
• the famous orange “General Lee” ’69 Dodge Charger used in the Dukes of Hazzard (complete with the “01” on the doors and a Confederate flag for plates);
• Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane’s patrol vehicle (a 1977 Plymouth Fury) from the same T.V. series;
• a brown ’77 Pontiac LeMans à la Sheriff Buford T. Justice’s car from Smokey and the Bandit;
• a black GMC ’83 van like the one on the A-Team;
• and a black ’82 Pontiac Trans Am to match KITT, the sports car used by the actor David Hasselhoff on Knight Rider.
Parked behind them, the Montreal native has got more on the go including:
• a ’63 Volkswagen Beetle, which he’ll trick out to look like Herbie the Love Bug;
• a ’77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am as per Smokey and the Bandit;
• and an ’81 GMC truck to replicate the Fall Guy vehicle, which Eglsaer has mounted on the Iconic Carz tow truck that’s pays tribute to Jerry Reed (the Snowman).
Eglsaer, 46, said many parts are more than 40 years old and are difficult to track down.
But when he takes the finished products out for a day spin or a car show, the reactions from passersby are always the same. “They reconnect people with fond memories,” he said, noting honks, waves and photos are common while travelling.
At show ’n shines, guests are eager to touch the past and relay their stories. “I don’t rope off the cars,” he said. “I want people to experience the same joy I have in seeing them.”
Eglsaer tells a story about how his KITT allowed a father rebuild a relationship with his estranged son; the pair had watched the show together and Eglsaer’s vehicle prompted the dad to bury the hatchet.
Besides charity fundraisers and special events, he publicly displays his replicas about four times a year — with the biggest draw being at the annual Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show, which takes place this Sunday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
There, he’ll exhibit six finished cars plus two more under construction; he’ll also be selling some Iconic Carz swag.
And, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., he'll have the 501st Legion’s Outer Rim Garrison characters dressed up to help raise money for the B.C. Children’s Hospital (donations are accepted for photos with the characters and cars).
Since 2013, Eglsaer and his volunteers have collected about $58,000 to help sick kids.
The cause opens up even more stories. “I hear from families who have had kids or know of kids who had to visit Children’s Hospital,” Eglsaer said. “The families thank me. Luckily, my kids are healthy but we need to help those who are not. The kids are our future.”
• Iconic Carz will be sited at Wilson Avenue and Shaughnessy Street during the Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show. Call 604-674-2899 or visit pococarshow.ca for more details.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
••••
CATCH THE CRUISE
Many vehicles featured in the 13th annual Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show will parade around the city on Saturday night, starting from Leigh Square Community Arts Village at 6 p.m. The cruise ends downtown at around 7:30 p.m.
Here’s the route:
Wilson Avenue
Mary Hill Road
Western Drive
Eastern Drive
Pitt River Road
Citadel Drive
Shaughnessy Street
Lincoln Avenue
Chelsea Avenue
Toronto Street
Adel Drive
Victoria Drive
Cedar Drive
Prairie Avenue
Fremont Street
Riverside Drive
Riverwood Gate
Coast Meridian Road
Kingsway Avenue
Wilson Avenue
Donald Street
Leigh Square
