After an apprenticeship in 1964 with A.S.HARP in Franktons Commerce Street, Gesildo Lisignoli in 1969 ventured out on his own forming a company "Lisignoli Automotive Ltd" Trading as "THE ENGINE SHOP" - just around the corner, in Norton Road.  

After a short while, Gesildo invested in his first machine; an AMC Crankgrinder off Motor Specialties Ltd.  The AMC company invited Gesildo for training in Denmark.  The machine duely arrived in New Zealand and Gesildo was on his way.  

 

Various new and second hand machines were introduced (to name a few) :  Miller Welder, A large Boring bar, Small portable boring bars, Lathe, Italian Piston Pinboring machine, Large Milling machine, Serdi Head machine, Centronic Head machine, Automatic Honing machine & So on...
 

Over the next few years, Gesildo shared his skills with many people in the Engine Rebuilding industry.  THE ENGINE SHOP had now become a flourishing business; employing several workers at any one time. 

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In 2003 Gesildo Lisignoli came together with an old work colleague to form - G&D Automotive Ltd. trading as "THE ENGINE SHOP".  Their combined experience at that time, amounted to more than 80 years. 

With the introduction of Japanese vehicles into New Zealand and their engines lasting longer a down turn in the engine rebuilding industry occured, which meant a reduction in staff numbers at THE ENGINE SHOP to three.

March 2016, the partnership of G&D Automotive ended and Lisignoli Automotive Ltd was once again registered at the New Zealand Companies office. 

Currently there are three trades personal on the shop floor, and an office administrator.  The shop again has a steady stream of work, with each member of the team focusing on what they do best.

One of our specialties has been and still is today, rebuilding the older type vehicle engines for cars of the 1920 - 1970s that are being restored in New Zealand today.  The engines can range from Fords' Model A, Side valve V8s, Chevrolets' 6cylinder, Small and Big Blocks, Chryslers' Sixes & V8s - All sorts of British engines from the Famous BMC Mini, Jaguar, MG, Rover. etc

We also recondition a various range of 3, 4 and 6 cyl. tractor and industrial engines along with a broad range of motorcycle engines (both Vintage and Modern).

AND THE LIST GOES ON...through to the modern vehicles of the present day.