WE ARE VINTAGE KC.
WHAT We DO
What we do at Empire Automotive, runs deeper than restoration. It’s about bringing something back to life without losing the story it came with.
Fabrication, body, paint, wiring, full mechanical builds, every step is handled with care, the kind that respects what these cars were and what they still mean.
We focus on vehicles from 1972 and earlier, the era when craftsmanship still had weight to it. Whether it’s a faithful restoration or a carefully built restomod, our goal is the same: preserve the spirit, elevate the drive.
Every once in a while, we’ll make an exception for something on our bucket list but, we’re the ones who decide what earns a spot there.
Each project is personal. Some come in for precision and performance, others for memory and meaning.
Either way, when the last bolt is tightened and the clear coat settles, what’s left isn’t just a car, it’s a piece of history you can that you can touch.
who we are.
We’re a small crew with deep roots.
McPherson graduates, lifelong mechanics, and craftsmen who still believe in minding the details, and earning trust the hard way, by doing good work.
Between us, there’s well over a hundred years of experience. Some say closer to 150, if you count late nights and cups of coffee.
We’ve worked in dealerships, restoration shops, and garages that taught us how not to treat people.
That’s part of why Empire exists, to build something better. A place where you can walk through the door, talk cars, share stories, and know you’re dealing with people who care as much about the relationship as the result.
We’re known in the city, respected in the industry, and still the kind of shop where someone drops by just to say hi.
We laugh a lot, argue sometimes, and solve problems most people would walk away from. We do it because it’s what we were made to do.
We’re friends who became family, a team that treats every car like it carries a piece of someone’s story, because they do.
We stand behind our work and our decisions. We work with you, not at you.
Around here, it’s never just about fixing cars, it’s about building trust, honoring history, and keeping something real alive.
Why we do it
It’s not just about metal and paint, it’s about people, memories, connection, and legacy.
The work we do doesn’t just let us touch the past; it lets you touch it too, to hear it, breathe it, and feel it in a way that’s real and alive.
In a world that’s less connected, where memories last only as long as the next swipe and legacy is measured by mistakes someone can post online, what we do here is different. This isn’t fake. It isn’t digital.
It’s real craftsmanship, built by real hands, from people blessed enough to steward your legacy.
Because at the heart of it, we love these machines, the sound, the smell, the way history hides in the details. They remind us what real feels like.
That’s why it matters.
the culture, the craft, the legacy, the people.
Every project starts the same way. We listen.
You bring the car, the story behind it, the hope for what it could be, and whatever problems you already see.
We bring questions, experience, and an honest look at what the car really needs. Pictures help, details help, but what matters most is understanding why this car matters to you. That connection shapes everything that happens next.
From there, we look at the whole vehicle, front to back. We talk through goals, priorities, and the realities of vintage work. We don’t rush numbers or throw out guesses.
We want a plan that respects the history of the car and the trust you’re giving us. Some projects are straightforward, some are complicated, and some need time and patience, but all of them deserve honesty from the start.
Once a project fits who we are and what we can take on, we build the team around it.
Parts get sourced, the stages get mapped out, and the work begins with the same care we’d want on our own cars. You get weekly updates with real notes from the technician who touched your vehicle, so you always know what was done, where the hours went, and what’s coming next.
We work with you, not at you. Communication is part of the job. This is a partnership between your story and our craft, and the process should feel just as solid as the final result. When the car is ready, you should feel proud of it, proud of the work, and proud of the road it took to get there.
HOW WE DO IT
“OUR Process”
Get in touch.
Getting in touch is easy, but every project starts the same way. We need a clear picture of you, your car, and your goals. The more you share up front, the better we can help.
When you reach out, include:
• Photos of the vehicle, all sides, nothing fancy
• Photos of the problem areas, if you have them
• What you know about the car, how long you’ve had it, and why it matters to you
• What you want the end result to be
• Where the car is located
• Your general timeline and budget expectations
Once we have that, we’ll look it over, talk it through with the team, and let you know if it’s a good fit. If it is, we’ll follow up with next steps and schedule a time to see the car in person.
If you don’t hear back within a week, reach out again. We don’t ignore people, but we do get buried in real work. Photos and clear info always move you to the front of the line.
