What does it take to restore and restomod high-end classic cars? How can builders enhance the quality of their work? It all comes down to one core principle: The Integrity of Craftsmanship.
Sabra Johnson, a renowned automotive restorer, coaches builders to embrace what he calls shadow discipline—the commitment to doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. Integrity means more than honesty; it’s about consistently adhering to a high standard of ethics and excellence. What often separates good builders from great ones is their unwavering commitment to quality, even in unseen moments.
Authenticity: The Foundation of Excellence
As noted by AutoWeek in their article, “Want to win the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance? Here's what it takes to get ready,” authenticity is the cornerstone of top-tier restoration. Judges scrutinize every detail, from correct lug nuts and floor mats to the engine and interior. Achieving excellence is a balancing act: a car should be restored to its original showroom condition without being overdone. Mastering this balance—what Sabra calls the discipline of the shield—is the first step to achieving greatness in automotive restoration.
Corner Consistency: Excellence in Every Phase
Sabra Johnson also emphasizes corner consistency: the commitment to executing each phase of the restoration process with precision and excellence. A professionally restored, award-winning car is the result of many perfectly executed stages. At Restorations by Sabra in Houston, Johnson encourages his team to strive for departmental excellence, understanding that the final product is only as strong as the sum of its parts.
This principle also applies to life. As USA Today points out in their article, “Every generation wants work-life balance, they just search differently,” balance is key—not just in restoration but in personal fulfillment. Each builder’s journey is unique, and success means finding and achieving your own best version of excellence.
Vision-Driven Craftsmanship: Seeing the End from the Start
The third pillar of Sabra’s philosophy is being vision-driven. What separates hobbyists from award-winning builders is the ability to “see” the end result before even beginning. Vision-driven builders work strategically toward a specific outcome, blending art and precision at every step.
This principle mirrors the approach taken by visionaries like Elon Musk. As noted by Fox News, Musk’s success with Tesla stems from his ability to see opportunities others might overlook. The same can be said for restoration: a builder must visualize the car’s final transformation and execute every step with that vision in mind.
Stacking Consistency for a Legacy of Excellence
Restoration is a journey, much like farming, where consistent application of sunlight and water yields healthy crops. Similarly, the builder must stack days of consistent, quality craftsmanship to produce a masterpiece.
Though a consumer may not see the day-to-day dedication behind a car’s restoration, the final product speaks volumes. True automotive restoration greatness is evident in the finished work and recognized by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Building a Community of Craftsmanship
As builders, taking pride in your craft means creating a legacy of excellence with each project. Believe in the power of your skills, and trust that your dedication will inspire others in the field. Sabra Johnson’s Builder 2 Builder mentorship series aims to empower DIY and emerging builders with proven strategies and insights from industry leaders. It’s about more than restoring cars; it’s about fostering a community of support and growth among craftsmen.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or are an experienced builder, there’s always room to grow—and always something valuable to share. Let’s continue to build, restore, and inspire together.
About Sabra Johnson
Sabra Johnson is a Houston-based automotive restorer and thought leader in aftermarket restoration theory. His Builder 2 Builder series is a peer-to-peer mentorship program that empowers builders to improve their craft and business strategies through community, motivation, and shared expertise. Restoration is more than bringing cars back to life; it’s about creating a culture where builders uplift one another to achieve excellence.
References:
AutoWeek in their article, “Want to win the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance? Here's what it takes to get ready,” https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/events/a2146396/heres-what-it-takes-win-pebble-beach-concours-delegance/
USA Today points out in their article, “Every generation wants work-life balance, they just search differently,” https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kitty-cheng-8302b513a_why-gen-zers-and-millennials-arent-as-interested-activity-7206835792357253120-MybI/
Fox News, Musk’s success: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061915/story-behind-teslas-success.asp
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