We recently connected with Justin Jurgens and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Expected Problem in the Classic Car Business

In our world of classic cars, one expected challenge is the unpredictability of the vehicles themselves. These cars are decades old, and many times we don’t fully know their history. There could be hidden accident damage, worn-out parts, or issues that don’t appear until we dig deeper. Unlike modern cars, you can’t always plan every repair step in advance because surprises are almost guaranteed.

How We Approach It

The key isn’t avoiding problems—it’s how we handle them. We know issues will arise every day, but that’s part of the business. Our strength is navigating those challenges with experience, creativity, and persistence. Each problem becomes an opportunity to prove our expertise and earn a customer’s trust.

Our Business Philosophy

People often ask about our long-term plan or strategy. My honest answer is that we don’t follow a rigid plan. Every day is different, every car has its own story, and that’s what keeps this business exciting. We thrive by solving problems as they come, learning from them, and moving forward. That flexibility is what allows us to survive—and succeed—in the classic car world.

Justin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Background and the Business Story

Our business has its roots back in 1980, when my dad, Peter Jergens, moved to San Luis Obispo from Manchester, England, looking for a fresh start. He opened a company called British Sunroofs and Conversions. In England, sunroofs were very popular, but he quickly realized there wasn’t much demand for them in the United States. What he did notice, however, was that there were a lot of British cars on the road but very few mechanics who specialized in them.

By 1981, he pivoted into repairing British cars, and soon after, he got involved in buying and selling them. That naturally led him into the parts business, which became AllBritishCars, something he’s been deeply committed to for over 45 years.

My Own Journey

For me, British cars aren’t just a business—they’ve been my whole life. I grew up in the shop, surrounded by restorations, parts, sales, and service. By 2000, I officially joined the business, but in truth, I had been immersed in it long before that. Over the years, I’ve been hands-on in every aspect—from turning wrenches to managing the business side.

My passion for the automotive world extends beyond just British cars. I’ve always been drawn to anything mechanical or historical—restoring classic Fords, early motorcycles, bicycles, even old gas pumps and vintage automotive signage. I love the history and the artistry behind these machines, and that collector’s mindset has shaped the way I approach both restoration and the business itself.

What the Business Means Today

The automotive world has changed a lot over the years, especially with the rise of the internet. It has helped us in many ways, opening up new markets and access to information, while also bringing new challenges. But adaptability has always been part of our story.

What hasn’t changed is our dedication. We’ve been in downtown San Luis Obispo since 1980, and being rooted here has been a big part of our success. We’re fortunate to have a strong, passionate team behind us, and that combination of history, expertise, and community connection really drives us forward.

At the end of the day, this business isn’t just about cars—it’s about preserving history, sharing passion, and keeping alive something that means so much to so many people.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

**“British Sports Cars is located right in downtown San Luis Obispo, in a unique spot where there’s essentially one way in and one way out of town. That means almost anyone coming into San Luis Obispo passes directly by our shop, which naturally gives us great visibility and steady walk-in traffic.

But by far, the strongest source of new clients is word of mouth. I’d say around 90% of our clients come to us because someone recommended us. We’ve built that reputation simply by being consistent—being here every day, on time, honoring our hours, and doing quality work that people trust.

We also generate clients through the cars we buy and sell. Every time we sell a classic British car, we’re essentially creating a new client relationship. Often those cars stay local, which means the new owners come back to us for service. Many times, a few years down the road, those same clients will bring the car back to sell it and buy another. It becomes a cycle, and over time we build a long-term clientele.

Still, nothing compares to word of mouth. Our reputation and consistency have always been the best way we grow our business.”**

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What Built Our Reputation in the Market

Our reputation has been built on one core principle: if we say we’re going to do a job, we get it done. No matter how difficult, complex, or unprofitable the work might turn out to be, we always follow through on our commitments. Clients know that if a project comes through our doors, it will be completed—period. That consistency has earned us trust over the years.

Specialization in Finishing What Others Can’t

A huge part of our business is taking on jobs that others can’t finish—whether it’s private owners who’ve gotten stuck, or professional shops that have run into challenges beyond their scope. We’ve built a reputation nationwide as the place that can complete the “unsolvable” projects. In fact, we proudly display on the front of our building that this is our specialty: finishing what others start.

Breadth of Expertise

We work on everything from turn-of-the-century classics to modern vehicles. That diversity means every day brings new challenges, but it also pushes us to learn, grow, and stay sharp. Clients know we won’t shy away from complexity, and that’s a big part of why they trust us.

Commitment to Quality and Timeliness

Every project is treated as a promise to our clients. If problems arise, we figure them out, learn from them, and push forward. We make sure the job is done right and on time. That dedication to problem-solving and accountability is what keeps clients coming back.

The Bottom Line

Our reputation isn’t built on flashy marketing—it’s built on follow-through, problem-solving, and reliability. People come to us because they know that when we take on a job, it will be finished, no matter what it takes. That’s what sets us apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://britishsportscars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britishsportscars/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritishSportCars
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/british-sports-cars-service-san-luis-obispo?osq=jaguar+repair&override_cta=Get+pricing