Shirley Auto: Where Expertise Meets Experience

Whether it's an oil change, brake replacement, suspension repair, or major collision damage, Shirley Auto Body on Montauk Highway provides customers with a convenient place to handle their automotive needs.

Owner Vernon Grant brings an unusual combination of mechanical expertise, electrical engineering, and military experience to the business, which recently celebrated its first anniversary.

“We do everything,” Grant said, describing services that include brake and suspension work, inspections, oil changes, diagnostics, and complete body repairs. “If everything is smashed we can repair it.”

Grant's automotive career began in the 1990s with car audio installations, aftermarket accessories, and performance modifications. He expanded into automotive parts distribution, acquiring his first business in 2005, and continues operating a nationwide parts business today.

His technical background extends far beyond the typical repair shop. A Marine Corps veteran, Grant worked in aircraft maintenance administration and quality assurance, where strict attention to detail was essential.

“We had to account for every nut and bolt,” he recalled, describing safety procedures that required grounding aircraft until missing components were located.

After leaving the Marines, Grant put his computer and electrical engineering education to work on specialized government subcontracting projects, including outfitting vehicles with sophisticated surveillance equipment.

“Are you familiar with Q from James Bond?” Grant asked, referring to the fictional gadget-making genius. “So basically I was that guy.”

His assignments included designing electronic circuits, manufacturing custom components, and building specialized equipment from scratch.

Grant also worked alongside established automotive repair businesses, helping improve their operations, install paint systems, and develop more efficient facilities.

Now, he's bringing that experience directly to Long Island motorists, offering both mechanical and collision repair services under one roof.

For Grant, Shirley Auto represents an opportunity to combine a lifetime of engineering, innovation, and automotive know-how into a business serving the local community.