Our History
After twenty-five years in sales, consulting, and business development in the defense industry, my wife and I decided to reinvent ourselves and begin new careers. Following her graduation of 2017 in Nutrition and Integrative Health, I returned to school in order to pursue my passion for automotive restoration and preservation. Earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Restoration Technology from McPherson College in 2019 has provided me with a solid foundation to take this next step.
It has been an exciting journey in pursuing a second career. I believe that my commitment to this new endeavor and my story of returning to school has inspired people around me. It is proof that human capital development is worthy at any age and my contribution will serve to help sustain automotive restoration and preservation.
Over the years I have given back to my community in many ways. Major contributions have been as a chapter officer of the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA), Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, licensed youth soccer coach, the founding and leadership of my local Toastmasters International club, and as an officer (and past President) of the International M100 Group – a Daimler / Mercedes Benz officially sanctioned club. While I have contributed various technical articles to the M100 Group, more recently I have been published in the nationally recognized Horseless Carriage Gazette. It is based on my research and documentation about an obscure Brass Era vehicle manufactured in Denver, CO, The Colburn Automobile. More recently, my story of embarking on this new career appeared in Victory Lane, the periodical of vintage racing.
With a focus on the craftsmanship skills of sheet metal restoration, trim & upholstery, and woodworking, I am striving to develop proficiency in coachbuilding. During my education, and as part of a team, I contributed to several projects. Fabricating and welding aluminum body panels of a Jaguar D-Type Race Car, restoration of a 1953 Mercedes Benz 300S Cabriolet, and designing & building a wooden buck from which I created accurate door skins for a 1951 Mercury coupe.
Having returned to Northwest Colorado, I have launched First Ride Restorations on a full-time basis; offering sheet metal & brightwork restoration and trim & upholstery services. Co-located with an experienced paint shop, we will take your vehicle from bare metal to the final finish.
As a second career businessperson, I am well versed at planning, collaborating and executing a project in order to serve my customer’s needs.
When I am not in the garage, you can find me swimming, cycling or running as I train for my next triathlon or cycling event.
I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and I’m excited to help make your next vintage vehicle dream a reality!
Yours in Good Stewardship,
Francis Abate
First Ride Restorations
