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From American muscle cars to rare European classics, Pukekohe-based car craftsman, Steve Sankey, has spent nearly three decades bringing vintage vehicles back to life.
After completing a coachbuilding apprenticeship in Matamata, he honed his skills with Honda NZ before returning home in the late 1990s to complete a full restoration of a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss.
By 2006 Sankey had shifted to Pukekohe, focusing solely on restoring classic cars — a passion that has since grown into a career spanning more than 360 projects.
His workshop specialises in American icons like Ford Mustangs, Dodge Chargers, and Chevrolet Impalas, but has also taken on everything from Citroëns to Datsuns.
One of the toughest challenges came with a 1974 Jensen Interceptor, where sourcing parts tested his patience, but the finished result proved worth the effort. Another standout was a 1969 Dodge Charger RT that passed through three owners during its seven-year restoration before finally hitting the road.
While most clients are based across the North Island, Sankey’s work has reached as far as the UK, with restored cars now featuring in private collections across Europe. Several of his projects have gone on to win major accolades, including three masters’ titles at the prestigious Concourse d’Elegance.
Despite the growing reputation, the business remains small and hands-on, run with the help of trainee Caleb Cherry, while his wife and daughter manage the office.
“Classic cars are my passion,” Sankey said, a love that sees him at car shows from Beach Hop to All Ford Day whenever he can step away from the workshop
