Turning a passion into a thriving business

For Tony Pallas, a passion for Jaguar motor cars has resulted in the successful running of a niche-market repair centre, All Classic Car Restorations at Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

After selling his car detailing business 10 years ago, Pallas established his present operation specialising in motor and transmission repair, body work and painting for classics, with much of the work focusing on Jaguar. He owns two racing Jags, as well as an XK150 restoration project.

One of the specialist areas is repair to classic racing vehicles. Pallas says if the owners of these classic know what they are doing in the workshop, then they can assist with the repair project.

When Australasian Paint & Panel visited the workshop, one of the cars inside was a Hillman Imp which had been rolled while racing. The owner was on hand, panel beating his lightweight speedster.

Another interesting vehicle in the shop was an AC Cobra replica. Tony’s son Takis, who is a panel beater by trade, was fabricating an air filter assembly for the classic.

“We do things the old fashion way, using hammers and dollies,” Pallas said.

“We are highly specialised, whether it is a respray, or weather it work on a concourse car.”

Part of the business also sees All Classic Restorations build show cars.

An array of cars was scattered through the workshop, from a Ferrari Dino which was having some fiberglass work done to the body to a Lancia, KX 140 and 150 Jags, numerous XJ and Mk11 Jags and the classic E-Type.

“The E-Type is close to the perfect car,” Pallas said. “Its suspension, body weight and engine; you wouldn’t change anything.”

As well as Pallas, there are two mechanics, three panel beaters, two spray painters and a cleaner.