RESTORATION of vintage cars is slowly getting popular in Cagayan de Oro after a few car enthusiasts grouped together and formed a club that would preserve, protect and promote it both as a business and a hobby.

Marcelino Garcia Jr., who owns a car restoration shop in Sitio Balongis, Barangay Balulang, said the business of restoring vintage cars is still in its infancy in Cagayan de Oro, though, it is slowly becoming popular with the existence of the Golden Vintage Car Club, which he heads as president.

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As of present, the club has 15 members from Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, and other areas, some of whom own cars as old as 60 years.

"As a business, car restoration is not yet profitable considering it is still new here, unlike in Manila, where it has been in existence for about 20 years.

But as a hobby, preserving vintage cars is priceless," Garcia said.

Vintage cars are those vehicles that are 30 years or older.

Garcia said for two years now, his shop has been accepting vintage cars for restoration. At present, he is in the process of modifying his own Ford Mustang 1965 model, which he bought for P20,000 without engine, and a Skylark 1968 model, which he bought for P100,000.

Garcia said he would need P200,000 for the complete restoration and modification of his Ford Mustang.

"In restoring vintage cars, you need patience because if you want to have it as a business, it is not profitable yet, and if you want to pursue it as a hobby, it is very expensive. It's good if you have money to spend for the restoration and modification. But even with this, we are happy when we see our prized cars," Garcia said.

His wife, Grace, said sometimes she would feel jealous because he would rather spend his time in his shop tending his vintage cars than going out with her.

They have been married for seven years and don't have a child yet.

Jefferson Javier, an architect who is a member of the club, said the joy he feels when looking at vintage cars couldn't be exchanged, even for a wife.

Javier is still single and owns a Chevrolet Styline De Luxe which his grandfather, the late Dr. Alfredo Reyes, bought after the war, between the years 1949 and 1950. The engine, car interior, and paint of the Chevrolet are still original. It is the only surviving car of its kind and model in Cagayan de Oro.

Javier's 60-year-old black Chevrolet was on display at A & G Arcade in Barangay Lapasan during the 2nd Invitational Vintage Car Show on August 22 and 23.

Other vintage vehicles shown at the annual car show were a 1974 black Volkswagen Hot Rod owned by Armando Salada, a yellow Austin Mini Copper owned by Pacs Pizarro, and a Roadmaster bicycle owned by Dave Agudo, which he bought in the 1950s, among other preserved cars.

Garcia said the club held the car show to educate and impart awareness to the people on the value of restoring and preserving vintage cars.

"We want the people to see the different kinds and models of cars some only get to see in magazines or books. Honestly, a lot still needs to be done in terms of promotion," Garcia said.

In December, he said, the club plans to hold a transport show in Cagayan de Oro for vehicles regardless of models -- vintage or modern - to further promote the value of car restoration.

Garcia said the club is accepting enthusiasts who want to become members, even if they have no vintage cars as long as they are interested. The club's office is located at A & G Arcade in Lapasan.

Additional information about the club can be browsed at http://goldenvintagecarclub.webs.com.