Read our ongoing series on Restoring Classic Cars
As published in The Digital Almanac...
Real Restorations
By Old Wheel Restorations, formerly known as, Pistorius Collectible Autos
About Us...
Brando and Joanne Pistorius are the founders of the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance, the first and only Concours d'Elegance in the Tampa Bay Area. A non-profit organization that benefits children in need, the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance has brought a unique event to the Tampa Bay area, where private collections of exquisite vehicles rest waiting for an elegant event with the scale and organization of this magnitude. An all volunteer group of over 100 present this extraordinary automotive event.
When they are not working on the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance, Brando & Joanne Pistorius' restoration business thrives while they are “Living the Dream". Hidden on a rural 5 acre farm in Odessa, Florida, just between Tampa and Tarpon Springs, and surrounded by a huge watershed state park, Brando and Joanne Pistorius have often been told that they are “living the dream”. Brando walks from the house, down the orchard path, past the fishing pond, to the big red barn, where he and his skilled crew start their workday just before sunrise every morning.
“Today we are working on a full restoration of a 1933 Rolls Royce; fixing fuel problems on a 1929 Duran; getting a 1926 Oldsmobile Coupe running for the first time in 50 years; continuing the restoration process on a 1929 Peerless Victoria; starting a service and brake job on a 1939 Plymouth Coupe; and beginning work on the running gear of a 1966 Ford Pickup.” No, they won’t have it all done today, but those are a few of the active projects for now. Unlike many other restoration shops, Brando doesn’t take in a client’s car until he’s ready to start the work immediately, and he wants them completed to the owner’s satisfaction, as quickly as possible. “We have to make room for the next fellow, so there is no dragging our feet with completing any projects.” There is a waiting list of cars that need their day in the sun too, and Brando wants to see these cars driven and enjoyed. “We will make the car a show winner, but we also want to help to get these great cars to be a real joy to drive and tour with”.
Brando was not always in the restoration business, but it has been his hobby for the past 50 years. Brando moved to Tampa Florida from Pretoria South Africa in 1998 and has been a US Citizen since 2003. Brando and his wife Joanne have worked together as a team, in their previous real estate business, and now in their restoration business, Old Wheel Restorations (formerly known as Pistorius Collectible Autos). They turned Brando’s hobby into a full-time business in 2010, just after the real estate market crashed. “When we decided to close the real estate company, we thought we should just make the hobby a full-time effort for ourselves.” So for the first couple of years, they only worked on their own collectible cars- buying, restoring, and selling. They traveled over 20,000 miles a year with the RV, trailer, dog & cat.
“Folks often ask us how we could part with our beautiful classic cars.” Joanne laughingly added, “if it isn’t family, it’s for sale!” The more work they did on their own collection, the more friends and club members would ask if Brando would work on their car as well. “That’s when we decided that we would start taking on clients for restorations.”
Brando has been restoring classic cars all of his adult life. His first restoration was in his hometown of Pretoria South Africa with a 1960 Austin Healy 3000, back in 1978. Brando was the Founder and Club President of the Lowveld Old Wheels Club in Nelspruit South Africa. In Pretoria, Brando was the chairman of the largest car show in South Africa known as “Cars in the Park” presented by the Pretoria Old Motor Car Club, with over a thousand vehicles in attendance.
Brando was president of the Hillsborough Region AACA club for many years, and he and Joanne hosted the Peerless National Meet on their property. “We had a goal to get the 3 P’s (Peerless, Packard, Pierce-Arrow) together, and despite a near rain-out on Saturday, we were thrilled to get that accomplished. We couldn’t have done it without the support of great friends and fellow car enthusiasts.” Then Sunday they organized a 90-mile tour from Tarpon Springs to the beaches, a fabulous private collection museum, then to a few more historic areas, ending up in Oldsmar, a small town founded by R.E. Olds, on its 100-year celebration.
Many of Pistorius’ restorations are on cars he has collected that are especially rare, with only one or two in existence; Brando and Joanne consider this the company’s specialty. Just some examples include a 1929 Gardner, 1913 Metz, 1921-1923 Cadillacs, and a 1933 Buick limo.
Brando Pistorius is an expert in all mechanical, electrical, bodywork, painting, stripping, assembling, and fabrication. “There are times when I have to repair or fabricate the rare parts you may not be able to find. “
You may have heard of the Pistorius’ 2,000-mile drive from Tampa to Montreal and back with their 1930 Packard. Or maybe you heard of their rare collection and restoration of 7 Peerless cars (5 barn finds in Valparaiso Indiana, one in Sturgis NY, and one in their backyard of Dunedin Fl.). But what you may not have heard is that they feel completely blessed to have the privilege of restoring great old cars… in a country setting, coming home for hot lunches, feeding the chickens, giving clients fresh organic eggs and papaya, enjoying the wildlife that visits daily (Sandhill cranes, peacocks, wild turkeys, bunnies, opossums, deer, and the occasional alligator) traveling the country to car shows or picking up the next project car, meeting interesting people, and really living the dream. Joanne Pistorius is a native of Tampa Florida and a lifelong resident, attending the Girls Academy of the Holy Names, HCC and USF. She has been a successful entrepreneur/ business owner for over 45 years, winning the Small Business Contract Vendor of the Year from the State of Florida Dept. of General Services and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Mentor/Protege of the Year. Joanne has committed to charitable giving as a Rotarian for over 25 years, Charter Member and President of Hyde Park Rotary Club, and Rotarian of the Year 5 times. Joanne and her husband Brando Pistorius currently own, Old Wheel Restorations (formerly Pistorius Collectible Autos) renowned for excellence in restoring award-winning classic cars.
Services
We work within your budget, and do only as much (or as little) as you want us to do (or want to spend!) We can turn the old dusty gal into a stunning woman of class, ready to enjoy on tour, or show off with pride at the car show.
Expert restoration and repairs by Brando Pistorius, with over 40 years experience in pre- and post-war vintage cars. Brando and Joanne Pistorius have successfully owned award winning classic cars that they have personally restored, toured with, traded and sold. The Pistorius’ Collectible Autos include the most unique, rare and historically interesting cars.
Call for more information (813) 917-9205
References you may contact (Please call us for phone & email information)
Bill & Cindy Moline - 1965 Mustang
Ed & Pam Prince
1936 Studebaker
1913 Studebaker
Here are just a few of our personally owned restorations:
This video is a short look at the quality work we do. Special thanks to our super talented son-in-law, Griffin Partilla, who created this fantastic video. And to the star of the show, our grand-daughter Lorelei, cheers to the next generation who love great historic cars!
YouTube Video (less than 2 minutes)
Copyright © 2006- 2024 All Rights Reserved
Old Wheel Restorations
(813) 917-9205 Brando * (727) 229-1060 Office
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
7:30am-3:30pm
Closed for Lunch
12noon-12:30pm
From the client who sent a proper "Thank you" note with his payment, we are eternally grateful for your business and your referrals!
"My granddad brought his 1936 Studebaker, 1972 BMW and 1913 Studebaker to the Pistorius' for restoration. That was fine, because it gave me a chance to visit the chickens. I really love chickens! But when our Mercedes started acting up, that was when things got serious. Now that Brando has fixed my ride, I can comfortably enjoy the wind in my face." Harvey Prince, French Bulldog extraordinaire
Old Wheel Restorations
formerly known as
Pistorius Collectible Autos
Classic Car Sales and Restoration Services
Odessa (NW Tampa) Florida
www.OldWheel.com
(813) 917-9205
References Gladly provided upon request!
My name is Mary Ann Schwitters and I own a 1931 Ford Model A.
It was completely restored about 10 years ago. The car needed some work done to get it ready for the AACA Grand National car show later this summer.
Because of past experience with poor quality workmanship, I was reluctant to let someone again work on my car. I needed someone with expert knowledge of detailed judging requirements correct to my car's year of manufacture. I needed someone who could identify and then with precision make corrections. I made inquiries at the car clubs I belong to. I also observed cars at shows that stood out because of workmanship and detail. The name Brando Pistorius began to surface multiple times.
After several meetings and phone calls I agreed to let Brando work on my car. With Brando's research, knowledge, and work, my car was made show ready. Brando's work was complete and exactly as promised. I am happy to trust him. His work and word are good.