I was in the Greensboro NC area yesterday, so I decided to stop by Whitby's to see what they had going on. Everybody at the shop was very welcoming and friendly. I asked if Jeff Collins was in and one of the guys called him from the other shop. There were some roadsters being built, a couple 33's,a type 65 coupe up on the lift and a GTM . Jeff came in and introduced himself to me and my friend and treated us like family. We were just there to look around and talk all things cars and FFR. Jeff took us over to the paint and body shop and we got to see his guys at work block sanding on a roadster and also sanding and aligning gaps on a 33.
I had met Jeff back in 2000 at Factory Fives Shop when The Smith bros. had some of their repeat customers to their shop in Wareham, for a day of discussions, Ideas and PIZZA ! Yesterday while I was talking with Jeff, he said " You look familiar "... Have we met before ? I was very surprised that he remembered me after 14 years had passed and only having met just once. I remembered that Jeff was then building Dave Smith's award winner beautiful type 65 coupe.
We exchanged a few story's and some laughs and I realized that we had taken up quite a bit of Jeff's time. Jeff is just the kind of guy that listens and relates to your story or questions and give of himself as if you were his best or only customer . I have been hearing nothing but good comments about Jeff and his crew for many years through the forums and meeting with some of his customer through out the country. I just wanted to take the time to Thank Jeff for his hospitality and say that the great reputation he has in this community is very well deserved and earned . Thanks again ! Jim Crabtree
BTW, Jeff and his company and cars will be at the Charlotte Auto Fair next week( Sept 17-20th. I think ) at the Charlotte Motor speedway . If you are going or are in the area , Stop by and say Hello.