I recently had a renewed interest in automotive maintenance thanks to my Cobra taking a dive, thereby draining my wallet to get it back in fully-operational mode. That doesn't mean I'll be winning Pennzoil's Platinum Prize, though. Check out more info after the jump...
Brett Schreiber loved following in his older brother’s footsteps growing up in Oklahoma City. Whatever Greg and Dan were doing on a Saturday afternoon, younger brother Brett was not far behind.
“My brothers were passionate about automobiles and they would let me handle the easy and simple chores such as washing, waxing and handing them the necessary tools,” said Schreiber, 48, a native of Independence. “It was a win-win situation for me at the time because I loved being around my brothers and I was learning the ins and outs about cars. What more could I have asked for as a kid?”
Schreiber’s early experience and familiarity with cars enabled him to purchase six Ford Coupes between 1981 and 2004, as well as becoming a member of “The Coupes” a local car club based in Blue Springs, Missouri comprised of car-loving, Ford Coupe enthusiasts. He also owns a 1936 Ford Sedan, which, along with his 1936 5-Window Coupe, are the only two cars he drives.
His dedication to his car collection and The Coupes is being recognized by Pennzoil as the motor oil brand is honoring Schreiber this weekend with the Pennzoil Platinum Prize at the Mid-Western Nationals at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, KS. The prize honors auto enthusiasts nationwide who have made the ultimate commitment to keeping their most prized possession running strong with a clean and responsive engine. Schreiber will also receive a lifetime supply of Pennzoil Platinum motor oil, a commemorative plaque and induction into the Platinum Hall of Fame located at Pennzoil.com.
“We’ve been around since the 1950’s and are currently up to over 25 members,” said Schreiber, an electrician. “Every month we get together for a Pot Luck dinner at one of the member’s houses and showcase our vehicles, any re-modeling that has been done and discuss potential new members. We also like to bring our cars to various community events at schools, churches and carnivals to give the public a peak at what cars were made in the 30’s and 40’s and how they compare to what we see on our streets today.”
An owner of seven automobiles, Schreiber is especially proud of the 1936 5-Window Coupe. “I bought the 5-Window in 2004 while I was in Indian Mills, New Jersey and immediately started upgrading it, adding four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and an automatic transmission. Now I take it on state-wide trips to St. Louis, Springfield and even into Kentucky as well. I truly am honored to be the recipient of this honor – and it’s all for doing something I love.”