For a lot of folks, retirement looks like a lazy fishing hole or an endless round of golf. But a group of gearheads in Sun City West, Arizona, couldn't imagine their golden years without wrenching on their rides. The planned retirement community has become the first in the nation to build an automotive restoration facility for its residents, and the idea is swiftly becoming the model for other communities around the country.

The shop is called the ARC - short for the Automotive/Restoration Club - and is just one of the many special interest clubs that exist at the Sun City West Recreation Center. In fact, so many clubs previously existed there that a halt was put to further expansion. Enter resident Herb Clark, a member of the Metal Club, who was seeing an increase in automotive projects coming through their fabrication shop. He proposed a separate automotive club, and started a petition to gauge interest. The response exceeded expectations. He took the results to SCW General Manager Mike Whitting, who recognized the unique opportunity it presented despite the moratorium on further development. A deal was struck: The facility would be allowed if the needed funds could be raised among the club members. The challenge began.

Could you see yourself working on cars through your golden years?