Auto Elite - Vinny Latino

I've stopped by a few times during the summer while on my bike ride; always welcomed and Vinny makes a great espresso! Helps with the ride home!

 

I live a stone throw away and couldn't have asked for more... Mark and Vinny are amazing.. and Pedro of course... lol. I trust them with my car and no one else... very meticulous, honest and VERY reasonable in pricing... If you live in the area, dont think twice, Auto Elite is the way to go!!!!

Ali-

 

Vinny Latino is a true gentleman and treasured friend. I have had the pleasure of knowing Vinny for a long time. We traveled together working the Ferrari Challenge for years and had GREAT times. You will never find a more honest and caring person. Salute Vinny

 

Vinny has handled all the services on my 575 since I purchased it in 2008, including last year's major. The work has been perfect, timely and delivered with great conversation and espresso!

 

Does Auto Elite do work on 1970s Alfas?

Just double checking since the website is heavily geared towards Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati.

I'd assume yes given there's a Lancia there among others but just double checking...

A friend has been looking for a GOOD shop in the Bergen County area for his GTV for quite some time now.

 

I have seen older Alfas there as well as Fiats so I think he would be in good hands there. Either call one day and talk to Mark or Vinny, or better drive over with the car in question for Lunch on a Saturday.

 

I will take you up on that advice!

Thank you for the quick response.

 

I've heard that Vinny is a Weber carb master...

 

..he seems to have bought the 4 webers in mine back off life support!

 

I just thought this was a neat picture.
40 years between the Enzo and the 330 GTS.
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she sure was a beauty in person... great times this past saturday!! Thank you Mark and Vinny...

Ali-

 

Here's a great video Phil did with his Stratos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG3Eqp6dfZo&feature=player_detailpage

 

Phil's comment is the best. "It's a symphony of vaguely disastrous noises, which I really love."

 

I took my 1971 Alfa to him and he did beautiful work. I recommend him highly
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They worked on my 360 earlier this year. Great guys to work with. The shop and cars inside are gorgeous!

 

We need more photos of that alfa! Looks like a cool car.

 

Auto Elite sounds like a great place to take my 308 when it's due for service. I will definitely consider them.

 

I'll try to send a couple more photos.Glad you like it.
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I also LOVE that Alfa. Great car Chemco!

I had no idea this shop was in tenafly. I'm not far and will have to stop by one day!

 

My 360 is at Auto Elite right now for service and tracking down various issues. Vinny talked me out of a belt service but it turns out SD2 is reporting one of my variators is a touch off (or reporting an error that suggest so) so they're coming out anyway. D'oh! OTOH, I feared an intake manifold gasket leak but they found a few others instead which I probably should have found myself (hanging head in shame) and a corroded grounding point. Looking forward to picking the car up in a couple weeks.

In a strange coincidence, Auto Elite is less than 3 miles from my old Lotus mechanic, one of the best in the country, and a serious motorcycle collector. He has 3 or 4 ex-Jimmy Adamo bikes, including a Cagiva 595 GP bike(!!!) which he brought back to running condition. He also owns the 139th Lotus ever built, which is kind of cool. I thought it odd that they didn't know each other - as if there was some kind of behind the scenes private organization for exotic car mechanics.

 

Who is this Lotus mechanic?

 

Ralph Stechow. He owns RS Motorsports in Closter, NJ.

 

Thank you!

 

Just to follow-up, I picked my car up from Mark and Vinny on Monday, beating the weather. It's running *great* and they say it's one of the fastest 360s they've encountered. I accused them of kissing my ass but it was nice to hear.

Still having a problem with a periodic O2 sensor circuit malfunction, PO130. We are going to keep an eye on it.

 

Just thought I'd add to the many compliments... I dropped off my 360 Spider last week and just picked it up yesterday.. I handed them a list of services I needed done on the car and figured this would be the best season so its ready for the spring.. The car runs great, all my issues were addressed and I am a happy man. Their prices are reasonable and they get the job done the right way the first time. Which is why I dont mind giving them a nice write up as a loyal customer. Thanks guys!!

Ali-