Four-Wheeled Family Legacy
Missouri Representative Tracy McCreery Undertakes a Labor of Love
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| Missouri Representative Tracy McCreery (left) and husband Thom are restoring this 1973 Datsun 240Z. The top photo shows the car’s condition when purchased by Tracy’s brother-in-law, John Wham, in 1994. | |
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Missouri State Representative Tracy McCreery has always sought to put people first, both professionally and as a community volunteer. Her background as a businesswoman and in state government gives her a unique perspective. Early in her career she held sales representative, trainer and management positions for consumer healthcare and telecommunication firms. More recently she worked as the district aide to state Senator Joan Bray and in Governor Bob Holden’s administration.
Tracy was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2011 and serves as the state representative for the 88th district. She is member of the SAN-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and is alert to legislative efforts that will affect the enjoyment of the automotive hobby. “I am a new legislator and will keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities to educate my colleagues. This Caucus is a great reminder that much of what we do is truly non-partisan,” Tracy said.
In 1994, her brother-in-law, John Wham, purchased a ’73 Datsun 240Z. A fan of racing, John’s goal was to create a performance Z car. As an aviation “skin man” in the U.S. Air Force and, later, a mechanic in California, he knew bodywork and automotive repair well. Time and money were his challenge. Being a husband, raising two daughters, attending college and working full time left little time for the renovation. Yet, for 15 years and through three moves, this car was always with him and one of many passions. “To our great sadness, we lost John to cancer in 2009,” Tracy recalls. “So with the Datsun sitting in our barn, slowly fading away, my husband decided that the renovation would be a good way to honor John’s memory. With the support of John’s wife, Kathy, we purchased the vehicle and began the restoration process.”
The renovation has become a family affair with her father, Ron McCreery, adding his expertise. He was a Chevy mechanic for 20+ years and then a Mac Tools salesman until retirement. He recently came to St. Louis to help with the final engine assembly. To date, the suspension, drivetrain, and braking system have been completely redone (powdercoated, new poly bushings, new bearings and struts). The engine has now been rebuilt with new pistons, carburetors (vintage ’72 SU carbs), and a simplified exhaust system. The restoration team is now onto the body work with plenty of rust repair ahead.
“All in all, it has been a great learning experience and has brought me even closer to my husband and his family.”