Trio of amateur North Shore mechanics complete antique car restoration

PEABODY – Nearly five years in the making, a 1934 Chevrolet Sports Sedan is back on the road in showroom condition, courtesy of three North Shore auto buffs.With low mileage and an ownership history that includes the proverbial little ol’ lady, the stylish blue four-door is a true cream puff.The project was undertaken by self-described gear heads Rick McGarvey, Rich Barker and Dick Nichols.By last Thanksgiving, the task masters had rebuilt and reassembled just about everything except for the front and rear bumpers, Al Capone-style running boards and the interior upholstery. The 8-cylinder engine was shiny and chromed and the suicide doors – or rear-hinged doors – open and close with precision.McGarvey, of Lynn, a Sylvania company retiree who works part-time as the Daily Item’s elevator man, clarified that the little ol’ lady was actually Nichols’ grandmother, Edith, who drove it from 1934-58 and then stashed it in a garage. Nichols bought it from her for $1 in 1964 and it stayed in storage until the friends decided to restore it.Everything was returned to original condition except for the gas tank, which was increased in capacity from 10 to 20 gallons.According to McGarvey, the car doesn’t appear any different from the day it left the showroom amid the Great Depression.The men exhibit the car frequently at area shopping malls and participate in auto rallies.