Opinion: The Trials and Tribulations of Older Classic Sports Cars

A timeless classic: 1974 chrome-bumper MGB. – Photo by Terry Miller

Not All Body Shops are Created Equal

By Terry Miller

Many think I am mad (read, really nuts) driving an old convertible British Sports every day on Southern California roads and freeways … Well, they might be right, however, it really is a whole lot of fun, combined with a unique love that only another MG or LBC (Little British Car) enthusiast would robably understand.

The greatest moments are early evenings, when the cooler breezes hit the face as I drive my 1974 chrome-bumper MGB around town … there are a few of us “nutters” around but we are definitely outnumbered by generic and giant SUV’s and sedans.

Recently, I had a bit of a fender bender, quite literally. Luckily for me, the chap who hit me was very nice and, most of all, well-insured.

Now the real fun begins … trying to get an estimate for repairs for cars made before 1975.

It was far more difficult than I thought. At least 10 so-called “reputable” body shops in Pasadena alone would not even look at the car, as they said their estimating software does not go that far back.

Now you would think these guys would want the business, right?

Finally, I was lucky enough to find a guy who not only was willing to give me an estimate, but also took the time to really get to know and appreciate the car as much as I do.

All Brite Custom Body Shop in Monrovia was recommended to me by a longtime friend Hal Leavens – everyone knows Hal, he is “Mr. Monrovia.”

So off I zoom to meet the two George chaps who run the joint (it is a father and son business).George’s Panossian Jr. and Sr. who are part of a family operation that also includes George Sr.’s brother John Panossian.

With over 30 years of experience,  the two George’s and John at All Brite were precisely the experts I needed a few weeks ago. Experienced, honest and moreover thrilled to work on a unique car.

It was a bit of a challenge to get all the original parts to replace but All Brite handled every aspect of that perfectly … and went the extra mile to ensure the “B” was brought back to life.

The attention to detail is what makes All Brite stand out from the crowded world of body shops on Walnut in Pasadena … the shop is small, compared to many body shops, but this is where they outshine ‘em all … they can see the forest for the trees. They take that extra time to go over what you need and truly get to know the customer, his car, and appreciate the workmanship that went into creating one of the Abingdon’s [birthplace of the legendary MG] most timeless classics – the 1974 chrome-bumper MGB.

All Brite Custom Auto Body Repair is located at 131 E. Foothill Blvd. in Monrovia.

For more information, call (626) 359-7440 or visit www.allbritecustomautobody.com.

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