NEW SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Often times in vehicle restoration projects, builders will come across a particular part that is no longer produced or available on the market. It’s here where Don Snyder and his father found a niche that brought together their hobby and a business venture. Together they shared a passion for the 1909-1931 Ford Model T and the process of bringing them back to life. Since the vehicles were more than 50 years old, most of the needed replacement parts were no longer available. So the Snyders began to re-create many of the  parts needed to restore Model T’s. In 1959, the father-and-son duo began Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts, which has since grown into one of the largest “Alphabet Car” restoration parts suppliers anywhere.

Given that the Snyders were avid enthusiasts and active in the automotive hobby, their interests expanded to include many later model-year Ford vehicles as well as the Model T’s. They now have a collection of more than 100 vehicles, including factory lightweight drag cars, muscle cars, high performance cars, antiques, classics, hot rods and customs. A few noteworthy Fords  that stand out include the first and last 1964 Ford Thunderbolt factory race cars built, an unrestored 1964 Galaxie 500 Convertible and a 2005 Ford GT. The collection is labeled as private, but if you happen to be a member of an enthusiast club, you just may gain entry.

Ford Marketing retiree-turned-Ford Performance Car show and event correspondent Bill Cook tagged along with the Shelby American Automobile Club to tour the Snyder Specialty Car Collection while attending last year’s Team Shelby Convention near Pittsburg, and captured the exclusive photo gallery that he shares with us below:

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY BILL COOK