By Ron Pippen
Don Wenstrand’s passion for cars began on a farm in Denair, where he learned to drive a 1937 Chevy pick-up that his father had abandoned at the age of 13. With no previous mechanical experience and a few hand tools, Don was able to get the truck running to his father‘s surprise. After giving the truck a rattle can primer paint job and reupholstering the seats with some old drapes, Don would drive it around the farm for hours at a time. With the skills Wenstrand learned rebuilding the truck, he landed a job at Larry’s Texaco station in Turlock the next summer, where he pumped gas and made minor repairs. His experience expanded at Windels Pontiac, assisting mechanics and learning how to detail cars at the mere age of 15.
At 16, Don bought his first car, a 1931 Model A, and transformed it into a street rod, earning his father’s approval. He later acquired a 1951 Ford coupe, perfect for cruising and dates.
In 1965, Wenstrand, a student at MJC, acquired his dream car, a 1962 Corvette in Honduras Maroon with a sleek black interior. He was overjoyed. However, less than a year later, he was called to serve in Vietnam, and his cherished Corvette was carefully stored away, with his father starting it up monthly.
That year was one of the longest in Don’s life. After his tour, he was assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, so his Corvette had to be stored again. Two months into his assignment, he and his love, Allison, decided to marry. He returned home for the wedding, but amidst the happiness, he realized that the Corvette wouldn’t be practical in Georgia.
Regretfully, Don traded his dream car at the Modesto’s Deet Eichel VW Porsche dealership for a new 1967 VW, even adding extra money to finalize the deal. He often called it the worst deal of his life. However, Allison would remind him that marrying her was the best deal of his life, a sentiment he agreed with wholeheartedly. After their wedding, they packed everything into the VW and set off for their new life in Georgia.
After serving in Viet Nam, Don returned home, finished college, and became a part owner in Modesto Steel.
The off-road racing bug bit him in the mid-70s. He competed in Baja 500s, and even built his own dune buggy. He later fulfilled his dream of road racing, competing at Laguna Seca and Sears Point. However, an accident forced him to reconsider his racing pursuits, and he transitioned to sports racing instead.
After a hiatus, Don was reinvigorated in 1997 after attending a Good Guys car show. He decided to build a classic hot rod, pick-up, and car. His first project was a big-window 1956 Ford pick-up, followed by a three-window 1932 Ford coupe, and a 55 Chevy 210 two-door sedan. Each vehicle reflected his taste and creativity, and all have cruised on 10th St, a nod to his youth.
Don’s love for the car hobby extends beyond the vehicles; he cherishes the friendships he made along the way. His impeccable craftsmanship has earned him several awards, including the NSRAA merit award, Good Guys West Coast national Ford truck pick-up, and FAROS Choice at the American Graffiti Festival. His tale is a testament to a life-long passion for cars, a journey filled with grease, engines, and friendships. Don is known for having some of the highest quality street rods and period correct vehicles in our community.
