THE MAN with ALL THE TOYS
There’s an old adage, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Russell Schacter has no plans to leave just yet, but he’s amassed a nice collection. They’re all working vehicles too. Alongside friend and fellow American car nut Colin Summerbell he runs American Dreams, hiring out his and other enthusiasts’ American vehicles for TV and film, promotional work, weddings - and even funerals. Russell is quick to point out each car or truck was purchased because he fell in love with it - the business provides the means to afford to keep them. “I love buying and owning cars,” laughs Russell, “but rarely sell them.” We hot-footed it across to Essex for a tour around the collection.
1953 Cadillac convertible
“I’ve owned this since 1990,” says Russell. “A ’53 convertible is my all-time favourite – I just love the shape; they got the bumpers, grille and trim absolutely right. In 1988 I went to a car show and the first car I saw was this baby-blue 1953 Cadillac convertible. It needed TLC, but the owner didn’t want to sell. A couple of years later I traded it for my MGB and some money. The engine was worn and it smelt and left a smoke screen wherever it went, but I loved every second I spent driving or fixing it.
“I restored it in 1995 and it’s been great, only needing routine servicing and a bit of remedial work now and then. I use all of my cars and don’t baby them, so it’s getting a bit ‘edgy’ here and there. I’d do a full restoration, but the car would end up being off the road for years, so I’ll accept the imperfections. Plus, my coupe has set the bar high and I doubt I’d have the patience or time to do a job anywhere near as good.
“All my cars have special meaning, but I can’t ever sell this one. My kids and
