By William Jones
For 37 years, Greg’s Classic Auto & Performance has upheld a mission rooted in craftsmanship, credibility, and a genuine passion for automotive artistry. The company began as a small, family-operated venture. But today, over three decades later, it stands as a full-service destination offering comprehensive automobile restoration, buying and selling, and bespoke vehicle sourcing.
“More than a repair business, we’ve built a process that blends vintage engineering and modern drivability,” says founder Gregory Christon, whose extensive industry knowledge shapes every project that enters the shop. “Everything we do is built on trust, skill, and a deep respect for each vehicle’s history.”
Restoration sits at the heart of the business, guided by a process grounded in safety, transparency, and mechanical integrity. Every project begins with an intake inspection: the car is lifted, examined, and assessed for critical systems. “We put it on the lift to make sure all the safety features are addressed. Stopping power is number one,” Christon explains. Disc brake conversions, suspension modernization, and structural reinforcements form the foundation before any performance adjustments or aesthetic transformation takes place.
From there, the company focuses on driveline upgrades, from the crate engines to the transmission to the wheels, with retrofits designed to reshape the classic car’s capability for the roads of today. Clients can tailor their restorations according to budget, choosing between period-correct authenticity or a blend of nostalgia and modern engineering. Christon notes that the project timelines can range from three-week refreshes to year-long restorations, each executed with meticulous attention to detail.
Greg’s Classic Auto & Performance also maintains a robust operation for buying and selling vehicles. “Every car we buy goes through our shop,” Christon notes. The team prioritizes vehicles that have been stored or lightly dormant, ensuring quality inventory. “We physically and financially own every single car,” Gregory says. “It’s to our benefit to make sure the ones we get in are proper cars.” This structure encourages accountability, customer confidence, and complete documentation handled on behalf of each buyer. Greg’s Classic Auto & Performance has the ability to ship worldwide.
The company’s vehicle sourcing service is another defining strength. Leveraging Christon’s long-standing auction presence and industry network, the team locates rare, high-demand, or specific-spec vehicles across the country. The process includes multi-stage inspections, mechanical compression tests, interior condition checks, and, when necessary, third-party evaluations for out-of-state finds.
For the company, client communication is a consistent practice, and the team emphasizes patience to secure the right car rather than the quickest one. “For people who may not have the knowledge to know what to look for, we let them know that we do,” he adds, underscoring the peace of mind he strives to offer through his expert oversight.
Much of the company’s growth stems from its reputation and customer relationships, built over decades through word-of-mouth referrals and cross-state demand. “We’ve had vehicles come from all over the country,” he shares, emphasizing how he establishes those client relationships through regular updates, detailed progress photos, and open access to the workshop. “Some of our customers want to be completely involved in the restoration process instead of just handing us the keys and dropping by after it’s done,” he notes. “Those are the kind of customers we really appreciate; their enthusiasm matches ours.”
The business also thrives on its family foundation and seasoned team culture. Christon’s path into automotive restoration began unexpectedly, following a successful career in the culinary and food-equipment manufacturing industries. When he struggled to find reliable craftsmen to work on his own cars, he built his own restoration operation.
Today, the company is anchored by a small, highly skilled team, many of whom have been with Christon for decades. His son, George, now leads day-to-day operations, bringing extensive dealership experience. “He’s enhanced what we do. I’ve learned a lot from him,” Christon says. His wife, Mary, oversees customer service and tax operations.
As Greg’s Classic Auto & Performance looks ahead, it aims to strengthen its position as a comprehensive hub for restoration, sourcing, buying, and selling, powered by experience, fueled by passion, and grounded in family values. With craftsmanship at its core and integrity in every interaction, the company continues to be a destination for collectors and everyday drivers alike.
