I’m Colin Comer, founder of Colin’s Classic Automobiles. I founded this business over thirty years ago so I could be around cool old cars every day. All these (many) decades later I still love walking into the shop and being surrounded by these awesome machines, each one with their own incredible story.
All of this stems from what could be considered a somewhat unique background. I was a Jesuit educated kid with an automotive engineering degree who was studying architecture. But despite those great and lofty intentions, I decided early on that I’d rather be restoring cars. That led to a variety of jobs in the car world, most being less than glamorous, to put it politely.
In 1991 I founded the simply named “Colin Comer Automotive Services” from my two-car garage and began restoring cars as a side hustle from my day job. By 1993 I made the plunge and made this my full-time gig by renting a 1,500 sq. ft. shop and changed the business name to Colin’s Classic Auto. Eventually I added in a dealer’s license (long story) and specialized in selling specialty cars, while still restoring everything from pre-war cars to 1960s Ferraris for customers, and muscle cars for myself.
Over the years the restoration side of the business expanded greatly, culminating in 22,000 sq. ft. of shop space with nearly everything done in-house right here at CCA. I officially retired from restoring cars for customers in 2019, but still enjoy the therapeutic nature of working on my own projects as much as I can.
Needless to say all of this has been quite a ride. Cars are the great equalizer and I’ve met so many amazing people, from truck drivers to movie stars to rock legends to presidents of car companies and even royalty. All because of our shared love of cars.
A little background. From the age of 13 I’ve worked in every aspect of the industry, from high volume dealerships to specialty restoration shops. I’ve been factory-trained and certified on a wide variety of domestic and import makes, am an A.S.E. Certified Master Technician, and have completed PPG and Sikkens professional paint schools. I am proud to say my work has won countless awards over the years. Bottom line? As a result of this experience, I know what truly great cars are, and how to make them look and perform the way they should.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my love of racing. I’ve raced nearly all of my life, in every form of motorsport, and currently campaign my 1995 Ford/Roush Mustang in various vintage events as well as the longest-running professional road racing series in North America, the Trans Am Series sponsored by Pirelli. As far as I am concerned the level of preparation of the crew, the car, and the driver -on all levels- bleeds through into one’s professional life. And to that end, I’m glad to say I’ve seen my fair share of podiums.
Racing licences held currently: SCCA Pro, FIA, SVRA Super, VSCDA
Colin’s Classic Automobiles is a small company. How small? If I hired one person that would double the workforce! From my beginning in a two car garage to the current day, my focus has always been on the cars. When you visit you will see cars that are, simply, the best examples of their kind that exist. No cappuccinos, no pony rides for the kids, and no sales staff. I firmly believe that if you’re shopping cars of this caliber you’ve earned the right to not only buy one, but to also deal directly with the guy whose name is on the door.
I take great pride in the condition of the vehicles I sell. I welcome and encourage any manner of pre-purchase inspections. A well informed customer is my favorite kind, and if I know something about a car, rest assured, you’ll know it as well. Period.
Collecting, by nature, is cyclical. Cars come in, cars go out. That’s the fun of it! I sourced a mint Saleen Mustang for Jim Farley, President and CEO of The Ford Motor Company. Jim had us upgrade the suspension, add a Vortec blower, and make it a ripper. But when Jim decided it was time to switch up that spot in his collection, he called me to sell it, and I instantly placed it into another customer’s exceptional collection. That’s how this works. This is no one-way street, its a relationship. I recognize the importance of helping people when they buy AND when they sell.
I’ve been crazy about cars since I figured out they existed. I am a car collector (hoarder, depending who you ask), and you’ll occasionally see some from my personal collection for sale here when I decide to change up the roster a bit.
The full story, and the cars I’m keeping, is at The Comer Collection >
