A true sense of nostalgia parks itself at 12492 York Road in North Royalton. That’s the site of BlueLine Classics, a business specializing in the buying and selling of classic cars.
Even the most novice of car aficionados is easily awed by the classic sets of wheels lining BlueLine’s retro space. Their current inventory includes the likes of a 1966 Shelby Cobra, a 1969 Chevy Camaro, a 1965 Pontiac GTO and a 1967 Chevy Chevelle SS. Muscle cars – fast with big engines and a lot of horsepower – rank supreme.
And even cooler than the cars? The rusted red Sanford And Son Salvage truck that sits greeting visitors at the door. It’s not just a replica, but the real thing, purchased in 2014 by BlueLine Classics owners, Tim Franko and Jeff Canter, both police officers – Canter for Moreland Hills Police Department and Franko, retired from the Cleveland Police Department. The pair grew up together and shared a squad car at one time. They decided to fuel their passion for classic cars into a new business that opened its doors in 2012. Their name – BlueLine – pays homage to the “thin blue line” phrase symbolic of law enforcement officers.
BlueLine Classics is not a restoration or consignment shop – the duo takes pride in owning every car in their building and “bringing them back to their original glory” with professional detailing, interior body work and light mechanical work to ensure the car runs perfectly for its next owner. The business has purchased and sold 800 cars since it first opened.
“Owning a classic car is a good investment right now. It’s better than the stock market,” Canter said. “Ohio is actually the second highest state for classically registered cars. In this area, you can find a car cruise every night of the week.”
So what exactly is a “classic car?” Franko quantifies it as any car dating back to 1900 and up. The allure and appeal of classic cars roots itself in the fact that from year to year, makes and models looked completely different, unlike today’s vehicles that rarely transform their basic appearance.
“It’s that nostalgia and reliving of your youth,” Canter said. “I always hear customers say, ‘When I was in high school I drove one of these!’ or ‘I dated a girl who had one of these!’ or ‘I learned how to drive in one of those.’ They really enjoy them and seeing them again in all their glory.”
General Manager Jackie Canter reflected to a time when the team appeared at a car show at Regina Health Center in Richfield. The certified nursing facility provides a faith-based environment and many members of religious communities reside there for care.
“I remember nuns and priests there admiring the cars, and priests looking at a classic car from the 1920s saying ‘I remember this was the first car I drove!’ It really takes you back to a certain time in your life that many people find peace in,” Canter said. “Many people came back from Vietnam, purchased a car and took immense pride in it.”
BlueLine Classics offers financing options, transportation services and pays finder’s fees. The team has sold and shipped classic cars to all reaches of the globe, including Switzerland, Dubai, Chile, Austria, Russia, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
For more information and if interested in the selling or purchasing of a classic car, visit bluelineclassics.com or email sales@bluelineclassics.com. Reach Tim Franko at (216) 548-8375 and Jeff Canter at (216) 701-6495.

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer