Prestige Auto Body Follows Tradition

Turn of the century body shop, , has been around in Fort Lee since 1910. Charlie Morra and retired partners, George Tzoulafis and Lou Tsionis, have been in the same location on River Road since 1981 as an auto body shop. Charlie came aboard in 2000 to manage business and run the shop. He has been in Fort Lee a lifetime, 47 years. George and Lou still have their hands in the business.

"George and Lou were what really started and kept me going," Morra said. "After they had enough and retired, it was easy for me to move right in. Due to the economy, with people wanting to keep money in their pocket, no one is spending any. However, due to the case of the insurance companies, we have work coming into the door."

Due to Morra's attitude and outlook on life, when asked what inspires him he says, "Inspiration keeps me in check."

"I’ve been fixing cars since I’m 15, the inspiration has just been there," he said. "I liked it then; I like it now. Every day is something different. You never see the same ‘hit’ twice."

At the mention of the word "competition," Morra is quick to reply: “There’s enough pie to go around for everyone to get a piece of."

"So every auto body shop has what to do," he said. "There is absolutely no sign of Prestige Auto Body going anywhere in the future as long as my clients need me, I’ll be there.”

But he also said the auto body shop is in the midst of moving to Route 4E in Fort Lee.

"There we will offer the same services in a more modern, up-to-date facility," Morra said.

Ever the joker and quite the businessman, Morra makes deals with his customers and always runs his business smoothly and right down to the last detail.

"We do hit rocky roads; nothing is ever perfect," he said. "I tend to have a good rapport with anyone I deal with, it’s better that way."

When Patch visited, Morra was answering the phone, putting people on hold, answering another line, then answering questions regarding services, prices, estimates, all quickly and efficiently.

Prestige fixes all aspects of the body of the vehicle after accidents to make sure it comes out in pre-accident condition.

"We also do custom work on cars, motorcycles and trucks to help spruce up the exterior of your car," Morra said.

Paint, frame and body technicians, along with Morra, bring the total at Prestige to five in-house employees. 

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday; and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. 

Prestige Auto Body is located at 69 Main St. They can be reached at 201.944-0101.