Classic Restoration Enterprise

Brenda K. 

on Citysearch

7 years ago

This POS Melvin Benzaquen tried to rip me off of over $5,000 worth of plants by a last-minute declaration that neither he or his wife Renita Browning would be present at the delivery even though we had scheduled the appointment TWICE IN ADVANCE because they KNEW that possession is 9/10's of the law! Once the plants were on THEIR PROPERTY and I had NOT received the 2nd installment they could fire me & hire cheap labor to plant and I'd be out EVERY dime for my labor, not to mention the next 2 installments! When I didn't fall f... read more

Reginald H. 

on Citysearch

7 years ago

I totally agree with the comments! Mel B. Is an absolute con artist. Stole my 1985 Toyota Supra, I paid him Thousands of dollars, with nothing in return. Nothing! Bill went from $18.000.00 to over $35.000.00. What a jerk off! If disgruntled customers want to file a class action suit! Count me in!! 

Lou Anne B. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

I also was taken advantage of by this shop. We dropped off our studebaker wagon, primed and ready for finishing, and after many months and thousands of dollars of cost overruns, we started to ask questions. To complicate matters, my husband was fighting cancer, the only thing he wanted to do was drive that car. As we asked more questions, we found Melvin and Art to be defensive and eventually, as they knew we were on to them, they threw us, and the car, out of the shop, after demanding final payment in cash. Within a few mon... read more

Brian P. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

What are the chances of 2 Brian Ps going to his shop, well im here to tell you im the real Brian P. If you want your car really srewed up then go see big Melvin @ Classic. I took my 70 Torino their to get restored what a mistake, hes a has been, a con artist and a real scammer, a bill padder and a freakin loser. He has a so called mechanic he charges $95 and hour for that aint worth minimum wage, I pulled my car when he padded the bill and over charged me big time, I basically had to redo the whole brake system over, the sus... read more

vin c. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Went to Melvin for a restoration on my 64 GTO . He "spiked" the job...Would not give me an estimate initially. Told me that he had to assess my car first. Totally disassembled my car and then decided to give me a ridiculous price quote thinking that I was now stuck with a dissassmbled car. But I pulled my car out of there real quick!!! At the same time he had my GTO Judge there for a minor scratch touch up. When I got my Judge back the original carburator was missing as was a piece of windshield molding. BEWARE of this guy!!... read more

Tom R. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Well I read a bunch of these and to be honest, I don't understand why most of you have had such negative comments. I've brought 2 of my cars to Classic Res, a 1965 Mustang and a 1978 Camaro, to have them fully restored. Both were done rather fast and at the price I expected. If you want quality, you need to be willing to pay and wait for it. Only human you know. I've also spoken to Mel himself about some of these and you people aren't even telling the truth... I really don't understand. 

C C. 

on Citysearch

11 years ago

Ladies and gentlemen - Please read all the reviews below and heed their advise. I wish I had. I called the NY DMV after myself being taken by Melvin Benzaquen and his Classic Restoration business. I was informed that they take regular complaints for this business. This tells you everything. Melvin can mar the experience of restoring your car forever and make you paranoid of everyone out there. He comes off as so nice and knowledgeable until he nabs you in. Once you hand your keys over and it disappears into his garage - you ... read more

Nicholas C. 

on Citysearch

12 years ago

My Identity is below verifying me as a REAL person. Call me and I'll fax you proof of my statements. Anyone can post a bunch of fake opinions about anything. This thread was begun to give advance warning to potential victims of this "Enterprise". Yes, sometimes to discover the truth you must seek it. I am another individual also burned by Melvin Benzaqueen. DMV investigators Heckler, Gentile, and Parker are my new friends. They found him GUILTY on two charges. It's easy to look up the case docket numbers and order transcript... read more

Jerry J. 

on Citysearch

12 years ago

THE TRUTH SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS – or phony rebuttals posted by Melvin and/or his cronies. Here’s what’s really behind the many NYS DMV cases and Civil lawsuits brought against Melvin Benzaquen/Classic Restorations: To date there have been 4 NYS DMV cases heard and ruled on. The Case Numbers are as follows: #2RB1-09574, #2RB0-13306, 2RB0-10907 and #2RB1-10199. Melvin/Classic has been found guilty in each case of charges including fraud, dishonest business practices and overcharging. Predictably, he has appealed each decisi... read more