Seen from the outside, Paul Gommi’s garage, located near the port of Long Beach, California, offers no clue about the amazing treasures it conceals.
But once inside, the cars, the memorabilia and the vibe are evidence of our host’s interest in everything vintage – and Ford products in particular.
Paul’s life began, however, on the East Coast, where he found a liking for painting and studied fine art.
He then followed in the footsteps of his dad, a photographer.
Paul Gommi received a jacket for setting a record at Lion’s Drag Strip in 1971
During the 1950s and ’60s explosion of that very American motorsport of drag racing, Paul couldn’t resist getting involved with an Austin Bantam roadster.
He progressed to the ultimate Top Fuel class, winning 30 races on drag strips in 1963-’64.
His ability to tinker with anything mechanical then led him to help develop V8s for Carroll Shelby’s Trans-Am Mustangs, as well as the engines used in the GT40s at Le Mans in the ’60s.
Other accomplishments included working on a Chrysler 426cu in V8 programme, destined for drag and boat racing.
Part of Paul’s impressive collection comprises vintage engine components
