In the heart of Orange County, New York, GCD Auto Studio, located in Florida, NY, has become a destination for car enthusiasts seeking both classic restoration and cutting-edge customization. Founded in 2019 by Gilbert Monge and Linda Nilon, the boutique auto studio combines artistry, technical mastery, and meticulous client care.
“We moved here three years ago. We’ve been in business 20 years now, and I am responsible for the upholstery department and some of the design choices and day-to-day operations on the upholstery side,” says Gilbert Monge.
Linda Nilon adds, “We restore and also do custom classic cars. I oversee all the metal work, body work, paint, and the mechanical aspect. Basically, a lot of the exterior and under the hood, and I also do the accounting and business side of the business itself—the not-so-fun stuff.”
A vision for transparency and excellence
GCD Auto Studio’s journey began from a desire to improve client experience in the classic car industry. “We saw the lack of transparency and good client service in the industry,” Gilbert explains. “Clients were in need of honesty, integrity, follow-through, and clear billing. We already had an upholstery business, and we felt we could extend our attention to detail to full restorations.”
Linda recalls, “A lot of dishonest billing—people wouldn’t get detailed invoices for parts or labor, and some shops didn’t even allow clients to visit. Projects would take seven years elsewhere. We get it done in one or two years. Our clients know exactly what they’re paying for, and they can visit the shop anytime to see progress.”
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Gilbert emphasizes their client-focused approach: “We actually encourage the client to visit periodically throughout the build. That way, they can see the progress in person and give feedback. The big difference with our business is that we run it professionally—everything is invoiced, followed up, and managed. It’s not just a mechanical shop; it’s a real business.”
The GCD difference
At GCD, each build blends functionality with aesthetics. “Linda has an interior design background, I have marketing and design experience. We approach a project considering drivability, safety, and aesthetics,” Gilbert says. “Most shops are very cut-and-dry. We think outside the box, listen to clients, and make sure every detail is cohesive from the exterior to the interior.”
Linda adds, “The projects we’re most proud of are the full builds—from bodywork and paint to interior and mechanical work. You see the car evolve over two years, and the client’s reaction when they pick it up is priceless.”
Gilbert notes, “Originally, we were an interior-focused company, so a lot of our work is one-off custom upholstery. But the beauty is the cohesiveness between the interior and exterior. Clients only need one shop for the entire project, making the process smoother and the design unified.”
Downey’s Dream Cars on HBO
One of GCD’s most high-profile projects was featured on the HBO show Downey’s Dream Cars, where Robert Downey Jr. sought to transform classic cars into more sustainable vehicles.
“We completed several cars for the show,” Gilbert says. “The 1965 Chevy Corvette Convertible was a full exterior and interior build. We stripped it down, performed bodywork, painted it in custom dark blue with matte clear coat, did headlight conversion, custom wheels, and fully redid the interior using mushroom leather. The last piece was a one-of-a-kind billet steering wheel.”
Linda recalls the challenge: “We had to finish all the cars in less than a year because the original company ran into issues. It was intense, but seeing the cars on TV was very rewarding.”
GCD’s expertise and passion for detail have made it a standout in Orange County’s auto restoration scene. From classic restorations to high-tech custom builds, the studio offers clients a rare combination of artistry, technology, and hands-on service—all under one roof.
