About

Carlson's Auto Body Inc

Learn About the History of Our Auto Body Shop

Carlson’s Auto Body Inc was founded by John Elmer Carlson in April of 1954. He was the second generation in the auto body business following in his father’s footsteps, who started his business in West Chester in the 1920’s (That business is still owned by Grand Sport Auto). Carlson’s Auto Body’s original location was on Matlack Street in West Chester and is the current home of Safe Harbor.

After WWII, John worked at County Chevrolet in Media until 1954. At that time, the Lima Fire Company moved into a new building, which left a vacancy and an opportunity for John to start his own business.

For the next 20 years, John worked as a one-man operation, having a few employees from time to time. All that changed in the early 1970’s when his son Eric joined the business full-time after three to four summers of apprenticeship. Eric was trained by his father in all aspects of the trade but was most passionate about the paint and refinishing operations. Eric is in his 38th year in the business and still runs the paint department and is the company president.

In the early 1980’s, John’s second son Gunnar joined Carlson’s Auto Body, knowing that the auto body trade was going to be his future. Gunnar learned from his father and older brother and took interest in the assembly and workings of a car. Gunnar is secretary and treasurer of the company and is passionate about helping people, dealing with customers and hearing their reaction to the finished product.

Are you looking for an auto body shop you can trust in the Media, PA area? Carlson’s Auto Body is it! Contact us today and find out what we can do for you.