Roadmasters: A new vision for classics

WAYNE--"Necessity is the mother of invention," or in this case, the saying could be that necessity creates business opportunity. Vintage cars and motorcycles require more upkeep than their modern counterparts and safe storage is always a priority for owners. A new business hopes to make it easier to keep the classics road ready.
Those who have traveled on State Route 230 or Old Bath Road through Wayne have seen the beginnings of a new business as the building on the corner of those streets is being transformed. The former Mercury Aircraft property, and then boat storage facility, has changed hands and plans are underway to completely renovate the space. The final vision includes a car and motorcycle storage/museum area, garage and mechanic space as well as a member lounge and a pool table. A fitting name of "Roadmasters" is planned for the motorhead haven.
"Last September I had a vision in my mind of something I wanted to do three to five years from that point," says owner Raymond Lincourt. "What I wanted to create was a members based classic car and motorcycle garage."
The timing was such that Lincourt's vision became a reality much sooner than he expected. He left his previous job as an international tax lawyer to pursue his passion for cars and motorcycles. The collection at the garage begins with three classic cars and four motorcycles of his own, but much of the remaining space in the 20,700 square foot building will be for others to store and display their rides.
In addition to the display areas, there will be bays for members to work on their cars and plans include having mechanics on staff.
Lincourt mentioned, "it's surprising how hard it is to find people to work on classics, or to do everything you want. So finding those problems myself and having heard of others who have had those problems, we think we are going to have a great service to offer people."
Rooms and warehouse spaces are being gutted as work to modernize the site is progressing daily. Passersby may have already noticed new garage doors, but much of the significant progress is happening inside.
"People know this building as the Mercury Aircraft Building and I think that a lot of people love it for that," Lincourt remarked. "Everyone that comes in here is glad that somebody is doing something with this building and going to make it vibrant again."
About half of the building is currently under renovation. Once that work is completed the second phase will tackle the other half. The eventual goal is to have space for 65-100 cars. There will be separate motorcycle rooms.
Lincourt sees the automotive and motorcycle world as a common passion that brings people together. "Everybody likes classic cars, I think that we get to common ground when we get to cars and motorcycles."
The Facebook page for the business shows much of the work that has been completed in a few short months by family, friends or contractors to make the facility modern and new.
"It would be nice to be open this summer, that's my goal, I'd really like July, but it maybe August," says Lincourt.