EASY (European Auto Salvage Yard) has been a part of the NorCal Porsche scene for decades, and the shop’s owner Jim Breazeale is one of the true cornerstones of the community. He’s a 356 and early 911 fanatic, races a 914 in 24 Hours of Lemons events, and attends practically every Porsche event this side of the Mississippi. For years he’s been the extremely knowledgeable, if a bit brash, voice on the other end of the telephone when you call up to ask for some obscure part you need for your Porsche. A small building on a side street in Emeryville, CA, EASY housed some thousands of used and cast off Porsche parts. Though I’ve only personally known Jim and his son Richard for a handful of years, they’ve become fast friends, and while I saw this day coming, I’m still a bit awestruck. Jim is retiring from the business of used Porsche parts, and he’s selling the building.
Thankfully for us, the inventory has been sold off to Rod and Gary Emory, so it will still be available to those of us committed to keeping our weird old cars on the street. In a post on Instagram today, Rod showed off the very beginning of his new acquisition being loaded up into a few trucks. Some of this inventory will be trucked up to the Emory compound to join another Porsche parts cache at Parts Obsolete in McMinnville, Oregon. The remainder will be headed down to Emory Motorsports in North Hollywood. There are still a few 914, 924, and 944 parts kicking around for those who need them, and they plan to slowly finish moving the rest of their effects out of the shop by the end of January. If you need something, pick up the phone and call while you still can.
Having seen the full extent of EASY’s inventory, this is going to be a massive undertaking of moving parts out. Good thing Rod is in good shape, because he’s going to be busy this weekend. We aren’t sure what Rod has planned for this massive collection of parts, but considering some of the awesome projects he’s undertaken recently, we trust that they’re in good hands. We can’t wait to see what Rod makes next, and how he uses this inventory to his advantage.
EASY, and by extension Jim, have also been host to monthly cars and coffee meets on the street outside the shop, which has now grown down both ends of the street and around the corner. At least 80 cars show up on the first Saturday of each month, most often vintage Porsches, but occasionally attracting the odd Supercar or old Japanese bit. For those concerned about these events, word has it they will continue unimpeded. The new owners of the building are interested in maintaining the spirit of EASY, and will be inviting Porsche folks (and their other automotive friends) to attend monthly. While Jim’s retirement means an end of an era for parts hunters, it would seem that he will continue to be a boon to the hobby through this incredible social gathering. If you live near the San Francisco Bay Area, stop in to meet a few of the coolest people in the Porsche world. Good luck with retirement, Jim. You deserve it.
View Comments (12)
It was inevitable, but a sad day nonetheless. EASY (as an extension of Jim) is an institution and I am really glad the new owner seems open to allowing the gatherings to continue. I have started many great friendships outside that shop on the first Saturday of each month. Thanks for writing about this Bradley and will no doubt see you somewhere soon!
Congrats Jim now more time for golf.
This wasn’t any old cars n coffee, I’ve met those that has drove their Porsche from as far as Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Danville, Los Angeles, Seattle, Texas, Florida, New York and several many that have flown from Japan, Europe with the soul purpose of attending.
The best part is we will maintain the spirit of keeping these tinker toys alive and running.
As for me, I never came from such exotic locations as I lived a mere ten blocks away and my trip would take me less than five minutes. That includes warming up my car before visiting.
So sad. I kept hearing about it since last February. I was just hoping it wasn't true. Jim is such a true and honest Porsche guy. EASY was to me a huge breath of fresh air in a day in age where there seems to be less of the true guys around.
Jim, It's been years since I've been able to get to the Bay Area from the DC area, but I remember all the times I stopped by in the 90s for parts, especially the connecting rods for my A rebuild! They were beautiful! Almost too beautiful to "hide' inside the engine! Well, I'm having the car painted prior to sale, but the engine is still working great! I need to see the '57 A coupe to pay, in part, for the '60 B Cab I bought! :)
Best to you in retirement! I'm supposed to be there now at 75, but the defense consulting gig helps be keep my cars moving!
Best regards, Wayne Arny 202-465-0033
sounds like the good old stuff went into the right hands, congrats to Rod @ Gary
I've only been frequenting the meet for a few months but I have to say, its one of the highlights of the month. Happy it will continue to happen. Good luck in your retirement, Jim!
Tyson Ferrer?
Planning a Saturday trip to EASYfrom Napa for the last four years. Never happened. Procrastination is a deadly concept. Now I get to pay for it.
There's still a little time left...
I am like others: wanting to make the trip from Santa Clara to EASY. Forty plus years later and several moves out-of-California (Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico) I still have not made it. It is hard to see people and businesses change and retire. An extended great retirement and enjoyment over the future years.
Crap I've been going their since 1983 now she finished. Jim Richard john Gonna Miss You Guy's ????????????