We are
Vintage
Automotive
Restoration
One shop.
All the solutions, the details,
and the clarity to move your project forward.
WHY EMPIRE
Repair. Restoration. modification.Done right.
We work on pre-1972 vintage and classic vehicles, with rare exceptions for the right project. Whether it is a specific repair, a modification, or a full restoration, the standard stays the same. These cars need a real plan, attention to detail, and work done right from the start.
No shortcuts, no guessing, no skipping steps.
One Shop. Every Service.
Mechanical, body, paint, interior, and electrical work all affect each other, especially on older vehicles. A large amount of that work is handled in-house, and when outside specialty work makes sense, we use trusted long-time partners we know well to keep the work connected and moving in the right direction.
The right Approach
Every vehicle has its own condition, history, and set of needs. Some jobs stay focused. Others turn into something bigger once the work begins. Either way, we start by figuring out what the vehicle actually needs, what makes sense to address first, and what the right path forward looks like.
Full Transparency
A lot of people come to us after dealing with vague estimates, scattered work, or not knowing where things stand. We keep the process clear with documented progress, direct communication, and realistic next steps, so you are not left chasing answers or wondering what is happening with your vehicle.
done the right way
We are not interested in rushed work or short-term fixes that create bigger problems later. The goal is to handle the vehicle properly, make the right decisions while it is here, and build something that holds up the way it should long after the job is done. There is only one way to do that. The right way.
WHAT WE DO
Pre-1972 Classic Car Repair, Restoration, & CONSULTING.
Repair,Restoration
& Preservation
From focused repairs to complete frame off restorations, we handle both with the same level of care. Every job starts with understanding what the vehicle needs, what makes sense to address first, and how to move the work forward the right way.
Learn More
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Not every vehicle comes in with a clear answer. We perform thorough evaluations to help identify condition, scope, and the most realistic path forward, so the next step is based on what the vehicle actually needs, not guesswork.
Learn More
Dry Ice Cleaning
Dry ice cleaning helps remove years of grease, undercoating, and buildup without damaging underlying surfaces. It gives us a much clearer view of the vehicle’s true condition and creates a better starting point for repair, restoration, or further work.
Learn More
Consignment & Acquisition
We help clients source, evaluate, and consign vintage and classic vehicles, primarily pre-1972, with rare exceptions for the right fit. The goal is a clearer understanding of what the vehicle is and whether it makes sense to move forward.
Learn More
THE PROCESS
Every project starts the same way: with the vehicle, the goals, and a clear look at what we are dealing with.
Some jobs are straightforward. Others take more evaluation before the full scope becomes clear. Either way, the goal is to start with the right information, honest communication, and a process that keeps the work moving in the right direction.
HOW WE WORK
01
CLICK TO START
Start by telling us about the vehicle, where it’s located, and what you are hoping to do with it. Photos matter. A clear explanation of the problem, the goal, and anything you know about the vehicle helps too. The more context we have up front, the better we can understand what the next step needs to be.
02
Full Transparency
Once we review the information, we look at the vehicle, the kind of work involved, and whether it makes sense for the shop. Not every project moves the same way, and not every vehicle is the right fit. This stage helps us decide whether the next step should be consultation, further evaluation, a future opening, or, in some cases, pointing you toward a better fit elsewhere.
03
Evaluation AND Estimate
If the project moves forward, we talk through the vehicle, the goals, and what stands out right away. Some projects are simple. Others need more time and inspection before the full scope starts to show itself. Once we understand the direction, we put together an estimate based on what is known at that stage. We do not do bids, and we do not pretend every unknown can be answered before the work begins.
04
Work Begins
When the project moves forward, the work begins with a plan and the right people around it. As the work continues, you receive regular updates with real progress, clear communication, and a better understanding of where things stand. When something changes, we talk through it and adjust the plan the right way.
05
Delivery and Walkthrough
When the vehicle is ready, the final handoff should feel just as solid as the work itself. We review what was done, walk through the result, and make sure the last stage is clear before the vehicle leaves the shop.
From the owners
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Empire fully restored the engine in my 65 Mustang Hardtop 289. Their work is METICULOUS! I always appreciate the guidance of what to repair/what not to repair/and in what order. They’ve talked me through every step - so well that I feel like I had a part in the restoration. It was a great day when I got to move from the engine to resto-mod stereo, speakers, and tires & wheels!
-J. SIEHNDEL
One of the most prestigious vintage automobile repair facilities in the United States. Staffed with multiple technicians that combined have skills and aptitudes that are bar none incredible. Empire specializes in vintage automotive diagnostics, repair, and restoration. Also, they have the resources to overhaul ANY vehicle (foreign or domestic) from bumper to bumper, or respect the original patina on the vehicle and not add any more "character" while in their hands. I’ve dropped off non-running rust buckets to concourse condition vehicles and the staff at Empire Automotive always goes above and beyond my expectations, far exceeding them time and time again!! I am writing this at my own free will for the purpose of spreading the word about this rare and fantastic, family owned business.
-BRYCE (kcflyguy)
I've had Matt work on several of my cars - a Porsche, a Mercedes, a BMW, even a Lamborghini kit car! They've done both mechanical and body work. Great work and reasonably priced. Really good people. I've been very happy with them. As a matter of fact, I just called to get another vehicle in for some work.
- J. WAGNOR
SOME OF OUR FAVORITES
-
![]()
The Atlas Project
-
![]()
The Echo Project
-
![]()
The Brightline Project
-
![]()
The Northgrid Project
READY TO START?
Share a few details about your vehicle, what you’d like done, and where it’s located.
We’ll review it and let you know if it’s a good fit for our shop.