Pete's story...
Managing Director

My introduction to Ghias came when my best mate Martin bought one back in 1992. I accompanied him when he went to view the Karmann and I was smitten. 

 I bought my first Ghia, a RHD 1960 in 94, then within a couple of years, the Lowlight obsession had taken hold.

Many years of wheeling and dealing within the VW Scene and a constant obsession with Lowlight Karmann Ghia's, saw a realisation that there was an opening for a Ghia head like myself to set up stall to provide Ghias, parts and accessories for like minded Ghia enthusiasts here in the UK and across the world.

I aim to bring my knowledge and a wealth of experience of these beautiful cars to help you guys in your quest to buy, restore or even just keep these fantastic cars on the road. Currently I have several lowlight Ghias, a 58 ragtop Beetle, an early bay, and I run a T6 as my daily (but Grumpy our 56 lowlight gets the occasional outing when we get a chance) .

Shelley's story...
Operations Manager

Shelley has been with the company for several years and has a wealth of knowledge in Customer Service and Sales  having worked in a management role at AXA PPP Healthcare. 

You will find her at the end of the phone, working at the VW shows or assisting customers on our newly opened  trade counter and website.

 She likes Ghias and early Beetles along with later model VW cars and enjoys the adrenalin rush of a run up the drag strip in a fast Beetle or Karmann Ghia.

She has also recently purchased her first Lowlight project . 

Duncan Sharp
Paint and Body Manager

Duncan has worked for several very high profile companies including McLaren, where he was working on the Mclaren F1 project for a while, plus painting on the P1 - so he knows his stuff.

Duncan has a love for most classics and VW's specifically and currently has a hankering for a Porsche 356 and a Ghia. He is an avid fan of Marvel Superheroes, Game of Thrones and Sc iFi in general... But most of all, he is at his happiest laying on glossy deep paintwork for which he is renown for being a perfectionist and specialist in his field.

Dan Sweetman
Restoration Technician

Dan is passionate about his Volkswagens, having built his first VW type 3 Fastback,aged 16 with his dad, which he still proudly owns. His interest led him to seek a role within a small local VW repair company.

Dan joined Californian Classics as a Restoration Technician to further pursue his career, interest and knowledge of all things air cooled. If you visit us, you will often see a pair of legs hanging out from under one of our Ghias. Shout out “Hi Dan, put the kettle on!"

He is an enthusiastic,helpful member of our team and his hobbies (other than VWs) are cycling, music, a good film and socialising with friends and his other half!

Mike Rodgers
Master Fabrication Technician

Mike is a highly talented fabricator with a wealth of experience on vehicles from the earliest such as Pannard horseless carriages from the late Victorian era, through to modern day classic cars. He has even been responsible for the restoration of several WW2 Aircraft flying out of RAF Duxford.

He is an avid Motorcyclist and has a love for most things in the engineering world.

  Mike has decided that next on his bucket list is to own a nice Karmann Ghia Convertible for leisurely cruises along the south coast as he just loves the shapes and curves of them.

Basically with metal, if Mike cant make it it probably shouldnt be made!

Matt Brown
Master Fabrication Technician

Matt is a very experienced fabricator who has worked on many high profile classic car restorations including more recently heavily involved in the refabrication of a rare DB2/4 Aston Martin convertible from the 50’s. His attention to detail is superb and he has an extensive knowledge of VW’s, having owned and restored his own VW Beetle for 27 years.

Along side Mike, they form an exceptional team of body Fabrication  specialists. 

In Matts spare time he enjoys family time, sea fishing,collecting vinyl records and restoring his own classic car. 

Will Hogan
Master Mechanical Technician

Will has been working in the automotive industry for approximately 15 years. He has worked on all mechanical aspects of cars and motorbikes both old and new, He has vast experience in diagnostics, automotive wiring, braking and strip and fit.  

Having been a MOT Tester, Will is very much aware of all of the safety requirements of both modern and older cars.  

His hobbies include working on his cars, motorcycling and socialising with friends, Will is also an avid Carp fisherman and enjoys urban exploration. 

He is just the guy to have working on your Ghia and an ideal guy to be involved in the build up of our restorations. 

We are pleased to welcome Will to our team!

Zak Davis
Apprentice Strip and Fit Technician

Zak is mad about cars. His family owns a 1971 VW T2 Bay camper which they are restoring and they have recently had the engine rebuilt. Zak is a very accomplished skier and also enjoys family holidays in a modern motorhome with home comforts. 

Zak's dream car is a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV and hopes one day to win the lottery, because then he can afford one!

Zak has always wanted to work around cars and is now happy to be our mechanical apprentice.

Apart from all things mechanical, Zaks hobby is  playing computer racing games.

Cartier Felicien
Apprentice Body Shop Technician

Cartier has recently moved back to the U.K. from the USA and has a love for all things automotive. Having spent a great deal of time working on American muscle cars with his Dad, Cartier has been keen to develop skills in the body and paintshop.  Under Duncan’s careful tuition and watchful eye, we are sure he will become an asset to our company.

Cartiers hobbies are skateboarding, music, cars and spending time with his family.