Corvair fanatic Kent always wanted a “real” garage. Not just a place to store a car, or fill with lawn care implements, but a real car lovers paradise; high ceiling, plenty of workbench area, heavy duty hoist, ample heat and lots of floor space. His 30’ X 60’ structure, built in 2004, provides 1,800 square feet that easily houses his six collector cars and leaves plenty of room for all of Kent’s garage tools; sandblasting cabinet, parts washer, air compressor system, a battalion of moveable tool chests and the ultimate car lover’s tool, a four column car lift.
“The lift is my favorite tool. It has paid for itself many times by allowing me to do repairs that I’d normally hire an outside shop to do.” It has also made him the most popular kid on the block.
Stored snuggly in the garage are several of Kent’s Corvairs.
“I’m very active in the Corvair community and have a standing offer to my fellow members of Corvairs Northwest that they can come by anytime to use my garage. They don’t even have to call first. It’s always interesting to come home from work and see who is working in the garage.” Club president David Bailey stated, “Kent’s generosity is unbelievable. He’s told the club that one of the key elements to enjoying his garage is knowing that it is used by other members of the club.” Member Christy Miller says, “Kent is revered by the members for his participation and support. The word “awesome” is totally appropriate for him and his garage.”
Kent’s love of Corvairs started long ago with an appreciation of how unique, plentiful and cheap they were. He admits to having “over restored” a few of the cars that are displayed proudly in the garage. Most of the space is used for serious wrenching, however; there is a wall separating a smaller “Showroom” from the rest of the garage. This portion of the garage protects his Canadian built 1966 Corvair Corsa convertible and also provides an area that can easily stay clean and orderly, despite what projects are underway on the other side of the wall. A major restoration of the convertible has resulted in it being a national awards winner and recognized as perhaps the best example in existence. While sitting in the showroom’s lounge area Kent commented, “My showroom allows me to sit back and admire the Corsa while enjoying some refreshments and the company of friends.” The room also houses an extensive library and automotive memorabilia collection.
Kent, a Microsoft wiz kid and also a residential builder, oversaw the construction of the homes in the surrounding development that he named Greenbrier. The neighbors think it’s a nice name for a wooded community and those in the know realize that it is the name that Chevrolet gave to the Corvair van.
Prior to the garage’s construction Kent consulted with his wife Julie about what she wanted, or didn’t want, to see taking up a large portion of the backyard.
“She requested that it match the house, which we consider a Northwest Contemporary style,” Kent said.
To this writer’s eyes the house resembles a houseboat that might be seen on a canal in Amsterdam. The garage carries the same appeal and features design elements that are aesthetically pleasing and also respectful of the neighborhood.
Kent, being a good neighbor, said, “I did not want to build something that appeared overbearing compared to the type of construction in the area. One feature is that the garage’s roof is curved and obscures the true size of it from the outside. I’m sure this makes the neighbors happy. There’s something about not being able to see the peak of the roof from the ground that makes the building seem shorter. It’s kind of an optical illusion.”
The impression from the exterior is that the construction is all wood, however; it is concrete block with natural wood siding. This siding also helps the garage seem less imposing. Many of the surrounding Douglas fir trees were left standing and they combine with the garage’s exterior to give visitors the impression that it is an exclusive resort in the mountains. The curved metal interior roof beams and 17-foot ceiling allows vehicles to be raised on the lift up to the ceiling.
“It sounds like a bomb going off every time a pinecone hits the metal roof,” Kent said. “I feel like I’m hearing special effects at a movie!”
Automobile access to the garage is through two double doors into the main section, and a single door access into the showroom. The interior of the structure seems more like an airplane hanger than a garage; open space with no posts, extensive lighting that beckons moths from several adjoining counties, stout iron angle edged workbenches and a geothermal heating system buried in the floor.
“It’s always the perfect temperature in the garage,” he said. “Cool in the summer and warm in the winter.”
The windows all feature blackout blinds that protect the cars from excessive UV rays. There is even an area taken up by another hobby; model railroading. Car guy and imaginary train engineer Kent stated, “My two boys love hanging out in the garage and my youngest thinks it’s a real honor to be able to sweep the floors.”
On the day of this interview Kent was hosting a Corvairs Northwest function that was being filmed for an upcoming episode of TV’s Vintage Vehicle Show.
“I’m really honored that my garage and car collection have been chosen for so much attention,” Kent said about the day’s activity. “All I originally wanted was a place where my friends and I can work on our cars together.”
Perhaps Greenbrier has a “Good Neighbor” award?
The article’s author is a close friend of my wife and she says he wrote the article just to try to influence her to buy a Corvair.
Another Great Article by Lance!