Shawn Bowlby has an easy morning commute. His Rock Creek Coach restoration shop is a short walk from the back door of his family home in rural Hillsboro, Ore. The moderate-sized building looks innocent enough from outside, but one step inside is a revelation to anybody interested in the craft of automotive restoration.
On the day of our visit, there sat an early model Austin-Healey fresh out of the paint booth, a gorgeous 1960 AC Ace Bristol that was about 70 percent complete, plus the frame and body panels of another AC Ace restoration in its early stages.
A 1960 AC Ace nearing completion. These models served as the basis for Carroll Shelby’s original Cobra. (Photo by Bob Kehoe)
Just about every car person on the planet knows that Carroll Shelby based his first Cobra on the AC Ace. Originally known as Auto Carriers Ltd., AC Cars is Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer, beginning production in 1901.
Specializing in Aluminum Body Repair
Bowlby began his career when his uncle Jack spent hours teaching him mechanical skills. At the age of 12, he quickly developed an understanding of the automotive world, and by the time he reached 20, he had already owned 15 cars.
1957 Zagato-bodied AC Ace Bristol, from the Jim Feldman collection (Photo courtesy of Shawn Bowlby)
After two years developing body and paint skills at Portland Community College, Bowlby opened Rock Creek Coach. Now, several decades later, he is known as a master of auto restoration, specializing in aluminum body repair. His work has been recognized as some of the finest in the country. His projects have been showcased at the top-tier shows around the country, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours.
Bowlby applies his skillful touch on a wide array of projects: stock restorations, hot rods, airplanes, tractors, and even antique furniture. But his biggest achievement is completing more than 20 AC models. The oldest was a 1911 model.
1938 AC 16/90 Sport Competition, from the Jim Feldman collection, displayed at Pebble Beach. (Photo courtesy of Shawn Bowlby)
Twenty-two years ago, Bowlby teamed up with Jim Feldman of Portland, who has one of the largest collections of AC vehicles in the world. The list includes: a 1938 AC 16/90 Sport Competition; a 1968 AC Frua (based on a Cobra 427 chassis); and a 1957 Zagato-bodied AC Ace Bristol with an extensive race history. With cars like these, Bowlby performs all the fabrication and paintwork, while Jim handles the final assembly.
1968 AC Fruafrom the Jim Feldman collection. (Photo courtesy of Shawn Bowlby)
Gratitude
As a one-man operation, Bowlby—always exhibiting an easy-going demeanor—takes pleasure in working at his own pace. “There is not a schedule in my life,” he chuckled. “I like to do it right the first time.”
As a break from the more intensive fabrication work, Bowlby enjoys taking on an occasional “easy” project, such as installing seat belts for a client’s car or carefully buffing out a 50 year-old paint job. “I am so glad I do what I do,” said Bowlby, with a smile on his face.
