Vintage Vehicles Revived in Saskatchewan Village Where Cars Outnumber Residents

SCOTSGUARD, Saskatchewan—When driving past Keith Hagen’s farm in southwest Saskatchewan, one would be surprised to find a hidden treasure trove of beautifully restored antique automobiles inside his farm buildings.

The place is a vintage car enthusiast’s haven, featuring iconic brands from the past like DeSoto, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Oakland, Durant, and Essex, alongside familiar names such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Oldsmobile.

“I’ve spent many fortunes on vehicles over the years, but I have a genuine love for vehicles,” Mr. Hagen shared with The Epoch Times. “I find great joy in this hobby.”

With 21 restored vehicles on display and more in progress, Mr. Hagen has undertaken most of the work himself, juggling it alongside his farm operations, family life, community engagements, and more.

While car shows in Canada typically feature vehicles from the 1950s onwards, Mr. Hagen’s focus is on the cars from the 1920s and 1930s, the formative years of the automobile industry.

Partly fascinated by the beauty and craftsmanship of this era, he expressed, “The style is quite intriguing to me and far more captivating than today’s vehicles. Back then, vehicles were crafted with an art deco touch.”

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The evolution of the automobile industry unfolds within his collection, showcasing the transition from carriages retrofitted with engines to the sophistication of vehicles from the ’20s and ’30s.

“These vehicles were not mass-produced in metal presses. They were meticulously handcrafted,” shared Mr. Hagen.

His objective is to restore these automobiles to their original glory, evident in a striking red and cream 1927 Oakland Roadster, a precursor to Pontiac.

Other highlights include a classic Hudson eight-cylinder, a Packard eight-cylinder, a 1929 Essex Super Six, a 1926 Durant Coupster, and a classic Hudson eight-cylinder—each presented in the opulent colors and chrome of the era.

“I have a special affinity for chrome,” he remarked.

Restoring each vehicle is a labor-intensive process, requiring hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. Many of the cars spent years rusting away in fields, pastures, or structures, leaving Mr. Hagen with corroded metals, decayed wooden components, and missing parts to contend with upon acquisition.

Undeterred, Mr. Hagen persistently works on transforming them into magnificent examples of automotive design and craftsmanship from a bygone era.

“Some of the earlier ones are a nod to the old horse and buggy days,” he reflected.

Locating parts for restoration can be akin to a treasure hunt. While parts for common makes like Ford and Chevrolet are relatively accessible, the pursuit becomes more challenging for defunct brands like Essex, Durant, and Whippet.

“Restoring these cars is, in many ways, a treasure hunt for me,” Mr. Hagen explained. “Especially with models like the 1932 Hudson, where finding specific, original parts can be a challenge.”

For instance, Mr. Hagen recounted his search for wood-grained glove boxes for a 1932 Hudson, ultimately securing them after a persistent effort.

However, acquiring unique parts like these elicits an unparalleled sense of satisfaction for Mr. Hagen, underscoring his deep passion for these automotive relics.

This fervor has grown progressively since his first foray into car restoration back in 1974, although he had to intermittently set aside this pursuit during years spent in office roles or tending to the family farm with his wife Bev.

“Even during those years, I’d make it a point to attend swap meets and scour for parts,” he affirmed.

Returning to his roots in Scotsguard—a village now largely uninhabited except for Keith and Bev Hagen—he gradually inherited much of the land where the community once thrived. Today, the village stands as a museum documenting the history of Scotsguard, a passion project maintained by the couple.

For Bev Hagen, the journey alongside her husband has been enriching and surprising.

“Before starting a family, I’d accompany Keith on his explorations of old vehicles in pastures, and on some occasions, even helped transport a few back home,” she recalled. “It’s been a rewarding hobby, allowing us to explore the countryside and meet wonderful people along the way.”

While proud of her husband’s achievements, Bev confessed she never envisioned his love for cars blossoming into such a substantial collection.

“I doubt he ever foresaw this becoming such a passion,” she mused. “You start with one vehicle, think about restoring another, and before you know it, you have a collection of 21.”

Amongst the restored vehicles, Mr. Hagen holds sentimental attachments to two in particular, the 1929 Overland Whippet—his second restoration project—ridden by his mother and aunt in its earlier life, and a 1926 Chevrolet one-ton truck, the very first truck his father operated at age 14.

With a curated collection larger than many car shows, Mr. Hagen, a member of the Shaunavon Accelerators Car Club, prefers to spend his time in the shop restoring the timeless elegance of vintage cars rather than showcasing them frequently.

He looks forward to continuing his hobby for the years to come and encourages others to pursue their passions. “Follow your dream,” he advised. “It’s not just a hobby; it’s a passion.”