OUR LEGACY
OUR LEGACY
OUR LEGACY
Soneff’s Master Garage got its start in 1965 in Downtown Denver after John Soneff purchased what is now known as the Denver Tramway Building. SMG was originally a storage garage with a small mechanical area located on the main floor. Denver Urban Renewal decided it was best to tear down this historic building, forcing SMG to relocate to 1750 Welton Street.
John built a reputable service business, and after a few years, he received an offer to sell from a large developer to build what is now the Grand Hyatt hotel. John relocated again to 1437 California Street directly across from the “Denver Post” building. This building was where John began building his legacy with old cars as he built an incredible client base all across the United States.
In the early 70’s, John had an opportunity to get a much larger and better equipped facility. As such, the business relocated again to 2165 Curtis street. When the business continued to grow, John purchased the 25,000 SF building across the alley, the building we continue turning wrenches in today at 2140 Arapahoe St. It was originally a magnificent 4-story structure that burned to the ground in the 1930’s, saving only the main floor’s exterior walls. The building got a new roof and structural floor, To this day, it serves as a storage and auto repair building. The picture above this section is 2140 Arapahoe St prior to the fire.
Legends of Soneff's
For decades, Toby has been a valued and respected member of the Soneff's Master Garage family. Originally hired by Jay's father, John Soneff, Toby devoted his career to the craftsmanship, integrity, and quality that have defined our shop for generations.
A true expert on Hudson automobiles, Toby earned a reputation as our Hudson specialist. His extensive knowledge, meticulous workmanship, and genuine passion for these classic cars have earned the admiration of customers, collectors, and fellow automotive enthusiasts.
Even at the remarkable age of 85, Toby continued doing what he loves—working on the classic automobiles that have been his lifelong passion. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence have left an enduring mark on Soneff's Master Garage and on everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.
Although Toby has stepped away from the day-to-day work of the shop, he remains a cherished part of the Soneff's Master Garage family. One of our favorite traditions is welcoming Toby back to the shop every April to celebrate his birthday. It wouldn't be Toby's birthday without a classic angel food cake topped with fresh strawberries and plenty of whipped cream—a tradition we all look forward to each year.
We are proud to recognize Toby's many years of service and the countless contributions he has made to our company. His expertise, mentorship, and passion for preserving automotive history continue to influence the way we approach every restoration today. We are grateful that Toby remains part of our extended family, and we're always happy to see him walk through the shop doors—especially when it's time for birthday cake.
