A Collision Specialist Service Company
At Your Service Since 1929

Our History

Covi Auto Body Shop is a body shop with a distinctive and impressive history. Covi Auto Body was opened in 1929 by founder John Covi.  He was employed at Durant Motor Car Company’s assembly plant in Elizabeth (recently Interbake Foods) until layoffs forced him to find another job. Not wanting to leave the automotive industry, he opened a small auto body shop on University Street in Elizabeth. During the early thirties, Covi moved to its present location on Mary Street.  John Covi sold the business upon his retirement in 1964 to Arthur Borchert.

Arthur expanded the shop into two buildings, Trinity Place and its present location at 1206 Mary Street as well as the surrounding lots encompassing the whole corner of Mary Street and Trinity place. Arthur was the owner, operator for 43 years until his retirement in 2007.

The current owner Paul Gallene purchased the business when Art retired. Paul began working at Covi in 1985 as a repair technician as well as the shop manager. He worked in the shop for over 20 years personally doing all aspects of repairs from heavy frame and collision work to the most finely detailed refinishing process so he knows what is required to fix your car.

Cars have changed since we started but one thing hasn't changed, Covi’s commitment to a top quality repair, at a fair price, with a guarantee in writing backed by over 80 years of service to the community. We stand behind our work and we'll be there for you. You can count on us!