About Longtail Engineering in Charleston, SC

Turn to Longtail Engineering for All of Your Classic Porsche and Vintage European Repair and Vehicle Maintenance Needs

Longtail Engineering was born out of both passion for classic Porsches and a need in the lowcountry for a quality service center that specializes on classic European vehicles. LTE plans to provide top-of-the-line service and quality repairs while staying fully transparent to their clients. We offer full concierge-level service, we can transport your vehicle to and from your residence without the client having to lift a finger, as well as providing a digital inspection report with pictures and videos for your records. We are focusing on quality over quantity.

The shop was started by John Jovaneli, as he had many clients asking where to take their classic euros. John decided to open a smaller, more bespoke shop that treated each client with the upmost attention to detail. John teamed up with Michael Baldino, who is an accomplished technician from the south Florida area. John moved Michael to the Charleston area to start up LTE. Michael's background includes working with companies such as 9automotion in West Palm, where he cut his teeth restoring Gbody Porsches and fell in love with working on the classics. Michael was heavily involved in multiple high-level restorations, including a 1970 911T Sports Purpose and later a 1974 IROC Tribute car.

Michael gained an in-depth understanding of CIS, flat-6 aircooled engine tuning and repairs, as well as Targa top adjustments and 356 carburetor tuning. Michael decided to shift his focus into the racing side of the industry, then going to work for the legendary 901 Shop as a fly-in technician for their track-side support. Michael also worked with Greg Dilion at Eurosport Motorwerks performing side-work when he was not at the racetrack with 901 Shop, and assisted Concept GT with some of their shop cars. At Concept GT, Michael found a love with dash-out repairs on several Ferraris, including a Testerossa and 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC. He even was able to assist with some gauge cluster repairs on a Ferrari F40, as well as a dash-out repair on a Lamborghini Countach. Michael is very familiar with working on high-end classic cars and hopes to continue to support the Charleston market with their classic exotic needs!

While LTE will focus on classic Porsches, we also will work on other classic European vehicles. If you have any questions about what we are willing to work on, please do not hesitate to call us at 854-275-4802, or email us

Helping Your Vehicle Go the Distance

Everyday driving puts wear on your vehicle, even when everything seems to be working normally. Staying current with maintenance can help reduce unnecessary wear, while addressing problems early may prevent a smaller issue from becoming a more expensive repair. At Longtail Engineering, we provide the ongoing care your vehicle needs to remain safe, dependable, and ready for the miles ahead.

What You Can Expect at Longtail Engineering

• Modern equipment for accurate diagnostics and repairs
• Maintenance and repair for domestic and import vehicles
• Clear communication about your vehicle and recommended services
• Quality parts and workmanship backed by our guarantee

Auto Repair for Drivers Throughout Charleston

We're proud to serve vehicle owners throughout Charleston and the surrounding communities. Whether you're stopping in for scheduled maintenance or trying to figure out an unexpected problem, Longtail Engineering is here to help you take care of your vehicle and get back on the road with confidence. Give us a call at 854-275-4802 to schedule a visit!