BRITISH SPORTS CARS - Key Persons

Ben Harvey moved to the States several years ago, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our late-model maintenance and repair department. Ben grew up in the British car industry, working for his grandfather and uncle in the family auto repair business. Since moving to the US, Ben has expanded his knowledge of British cars, and is eager to learn more about the restoration side of our business.

Justin Jurgens is the son of Peter Jurgens, the owner of British Sports Cars. He has grown up around the business and knew from a very young age that he wanted to follow his father's footsteps and become a mechanic. Justin's favorite childhood memories are about going out and searching for and buying many classic British vehicles. One memory that stands out is going with his dad to buy an Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite when he was about ten years old. He immediately had a new favorite car. Peter took note and gave Justin a Bugeye Sprite when he was thirteen. Justin still owns that car today. Justin is an identical twin who shares his passion for cars with his brother, who now owns Broad Street Automotive in San Luis Obispo. Broad Street Automotive specializes in the service and restoration of classic Porsches and Volkswagens. Justin was not allowed to work for the family business when he graduated because Peter wanted him to learn how other shops work. He went to work for a Honda Acura shop for three years before coming to work for British Sports Cars. Today, Justin plays a key role in the day-to-day operations at British Sports Cars and is also in charge of running the website. Justin has become a master automotive technician and when he's not busy on the internet, you can find him in the shop servicing and restoring British cars. In his free time, Justin collects and restores antiques bicycles as well as automobiles.

Peter Jurgens founded British Sports Cars in 1980. He has had a passion for vehicles his entire life. Peter was born and raised in Manchester, England and first started working on cars at age 13. As a young man, Peter went to work for the local Vauxhall dealer where he served his apprenticeship. A mechanic by day and a D.J. by night, he still found time to build and race cars, becoming a two-time national champion in his class. Peter got married and crossed the pond, landing in San Luis Obispo, California in 1980 where he opened a shop called British Sunroofs and Conversions. He soon discovered the British auto industry had gone out of business in the states, leaving a great deal of British cars with no specialist repair shops. He soon had more people wanting their cars serviced, than people wanting sunroofs. In 1981, he changed the name to British Sports Cars and the rest is thirty years of rich automotive history. Peter can always be found in the shop at British Sports Cars and is an expert in every aspect of service and restoration of British automobiles. Peter is a walking encyclopedia of British cars and never ceases to surprise the team with what his knowledge. In his free time, Peter enjoys riding his bicycle and restoring British automobiles for his private collection. He has been collecting cars for many years and now sports quite a large collection.

Phil Honer was born and raised in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, England. His father worked for Jaguar at the plant and his mother worked for Lucas. You could say British cars have always been in his blood. He left school at age 16 and took an apprenticeship at the local British Leyland dealership. While at Leyland, he was sent to Handsworth Auto Tech College where he received his certificates. After eight years of working in the industry, Phil moved to California in 1986. Phil started working for British Sports Cars shortly thereafter. Phil loves what he does and feels very privileged to work and live in San Luis Obispo. He has a real passion for cars and motorcycles. In his free time, you will find him restoring classic motorcycles for himself and clients worldwide as well as tinkering with his own cars. Phil has proved to be a real asset to British Sports Cars and has been the lead mechanic for many years. Much like Peter, there is no job that Phil cannot accomplish when it comes to a British cars.

Tyler Henson began working for British Sports Cars in 2011. He previously worked at Jaguar-Land Rover Monterey for five years as assistant service manager where he became very familiar with British makes and models. Born in San Francisco, he moved to a rural part of Northern California at the age of seven where his family raised cattle. Growing up on a cattle ranch, Tyler gained experience working on heavy equipment and small engines. Tyler feels privileged to be able to contribute his skills in shop management to British Sports Cars and looks forward to continuing the excellent service they have always provided to the greater San Luis Obispo area.