Chimera Motors Classic Car Restoration

Chimera Motors Classic Car Restoration is a full-service garage in Huntington Beach, California, that works on classic American vehicles up to model year 1975. The shop covers routine service and repair, restoration, performance modification and custom builds, and says it has been operating for more than half a century. It does not publish a founding year or the names of its owners, so that history cannot be checked independently.

What the shop works on

By its own description, Chimera focuses on American cars and trucks built before 1976. The models it names include the Chevrolet C10 pickup, Ford Bronco, El Camino, Impala and Nova. Its listings also mention hot rod builds and air ride suspension work, so the customer base appears to include owners who want a modified car as well as those restoring to stock.

Work done under one roof

The shop says mechanical, electrical, paint and body, and upholstery work all happen in the same facility. Its website lists:

• Engine and drivetrain work, including rebuilds, LS swaps and EFI conversions
• Suspension upgrades such as air suspension, coilovers and disc brake conversions
• Paint and bodywork
• Electrical and wiring systems
• Upholstery and interior restoration
• Custom builds, which the shop says can range from maintenance to full custom frame-off builds

Projects and recognition

The website carries a gallery of finished vehicles, but the pages we reviewed did not describe individual projects in detail and listed no awards or concours results. A customer review on Birdeye refers to a vintage Chevelle build that involved fabrication and body reconstruction, which gives some sense of the scale of work it takes on.

Working with the shop

Chimera does not publish how it quotes jobs, whether it works hourly or at a fixed price, or what deposits it asks for. Anyone considering a long project should ask for these terms in writing. Our guide on how to choose a restoration shop lists questions worth raising at that first visit.

Reputation

On Birdeye the shop shows a 4.8 out of 5 average from 29 reviews, and the profile is unclaimed by the owner. Reviewers commonly mention communication, fair pricing and the quality of electrical and chassis work. Ratings on one platform are only a starting point, so it is sensible to ask the shop for references and to see current projects in person.

Visiting and contact

The shop is at 18061 Redondo Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. The phone number is 714-907-0609 and the public email is [email protected]. The website does not list business hours, so call ahead. If you are still looking for a project car of your own, browse classic cars for sale in California. Chimera Motors is an independent business and has no affiliation with Classic Cars Arena.