The team at “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” has an well established track record of success with many of their restored vehicles making their way to some of the world’s most prestigious car shows in the world including, “SEMA” and the “Cobble Beach Concour D’Elegance” among many others.

Success did not come overnight though. The story of “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” began with Ray and Linda Ouellette. In 1979 Ray began working for RM Restorations, one of the most respected restoration facilities in the world. Linda shared Ray’s passion for cars, and worked at a Chrysler dealership. When Ray retired they wanted to open a collectibles business, but Ray continued to work on cars as a hobby. That hobby grew and in 2014 it blossomed into a full fledged business operating from a facility in Thamesville Ontario which is part of “Canada’s Classic Car Capital” Chatham-Kent, just a 70-mile drive from the Motor City Detroit. Soon the collectibles business featured more than restored vintage gas pumps and diecast cars. The restoration of high value collector cars became the cornerstone of the operation.

Derek Willemsen joined “Memory Lane” shortly after Ray established the business, and brought with him more than a decade of metal forming and automotive restoration experience. He quickly immersed himself in the operation of the business and became part of the “Memory Lane” family. He helped build on the traditions and quality that Ray and Linda had established.

Sadly Ray passed away just a few short years after “Memory Lane” was opened its doors, but today the business continues to thrive under Derek Willemsen’s ownership and guidance.

“I knew that Ray had done more than just build a business”, said Derek. “Memory Lane” has truly been a family operation from the beginning. I knew I had to keep things going, and we still run the business in the same way Ray did. We are focused on quality and service, and we do everything possible to earn the trust of the people who leave their cars with us for restoration or maintenance. I know that people are not just leaving their cars with us, they are trusting us with a precious part of their lives. We really do take pride in restoring people’s memories”.

Derek added “Resto & Rod” to the “Memory Lane” name and to keep the business moving forward, Derek moved “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” a short distance down the highway to Kent Bridge. The new facility is fully equipped allowing the team to tackle any job from simple tune-ups to any Concours quality restorations. Dozens of cars from Lamborghinis to Packards have be restored by the “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” team, and Derek remains committed to the same level of detail and quality that Ray always insisted upon.

“Memory Lane Resto & Rod” now offers a full range of services which include, full and partial restorations, fiberglass repairs, rotisserie services, upholstery work, welding and fabrication, body work and paint, mechanical services, and even appraisals for insurance purposes. It is truly a one-stop-shop for automotive enthusiasts. They even continue to restore gas pumps, and other antique automobile memorabilia, which is a tribute in its own way to Ray’s memory.

For those seeking historically correct restorations Derek and the team can deliver, with in depth knowledge and the patience to properly research vehicles ensuring factory accurate restorations. Requests for custom builds and street-rod work are also eagerly accepted. The “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” team has a substantial portfolio filled with show quality rides that reflect the personal taste of custom car enthusiasts.

Gear-heads into new-school rides, will find “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” a welcoming place too. The team has the know-how and skills needed to work on everything from carburetors to the newest computer controlled fuel management systems. Dropping a modern drive train, and modern suspension into an old-school muscle car is a procedure that has been mastered by the team at “Memory Lane Resto & Rod”. Classics, customs, street rods, tuner cars, and resto-mods, they do them all.

With an on site paint facility and upholstery shop situated next door, the team is quite capable of handling any project that comes their way. That’s why other world class restoration facilities including “RM” have worked with “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” in the past, and it’s why other respected shops continue to collaborate with the craftsmen at “Memory Lane” on a variety of high end projects. Working with the world’s best restoration experts keeps the “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” crew sharp and at their top of their game. Browse through the restoration gallery and you will see dozens of restored vehicles exhibiting world class workmanship, which have lead to accolades at car shows including many Concours events in Canada and the United States.

For Derek Willemsen and everyone at “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” every day working to restore and preserve old cars is a labour of love. It’s also an ongoing tribute to Ray Ouellette, the founder of the business whose legacy lives in the mirrored finish of every flawless paint job, and in the spark that ignites the fuel in every rebuilt engine in every freshly restored car. Most of all it’s an expression of pride, with each project preserving memories for another customer who leaves with more than satisfaction, they leave knowing they’ve become part of the “Memory Lane Resto & Rod” family.