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About US

About the guys

Svelto Performance Systems was founded by Paul, Brad, and John, three passionate automotive enthusiasts with a shared love for classic cars, especially Alfa Romeos. What started as a hobby of restoring vintage models has grown into a vision to blend the timeless beauty of classic automobiles with modern performance and technology. After Paul’s journey of restoring a 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT back to its original specifications, he realized the potential to take these iconic cars further, leading to the creation of Svelto. Together, we reimagine and reengineer classic Alfa Romeos, preserving their heritage while enhancing them with modern engineering and craftsmanship. Our mission is to offer a lifestyle for those who appreciate the fusion of classic design with modern capabilities, creating cars that look stunning and drive like a dream.

Paul Franks

 

Paul Franks is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years in the technology sector. He has co-founded, built, and successfully sold three companies. He also co-founded Svelto Performance, an automotive restoration business that combines classic car aesthetics with modern performance.

Paul’s love for cars was nurtured early on, working alongside his father on various projects. After restoring a 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT to its original specs, he envisioned a modern take on a 1972 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000, which led to the creation of Svelto Performance. The company specializes in reviving vintage cars, maintaining their timeless appeal while adding contemporary engineering.

Paul is married to Neely, and together they have three sons: Garrett, who resides in New York City; Harrison, who is away at college; and Parker, who is still in high school. Balancing family, business, and his passion for car restoration, Paul continually seeks out new and exciting ventures.

Brad Anderson

 
 

Brad Anderson has spent over 28 years at the forefront of technology development in the oil and gas industry, with extensive expertise in industrial system design and communications. His diverse background fuels his deep-rooted passion for automotive design, spanning from American muscle to Italian classics. Brad’s love for restoring and enhancing classic cars began at age 15, and he’s equally adept at fine-tuning a 60-year-old carburetor as he is with modern EFI systems. His experience in the American pro-touring scene brings a focus on reliability and performance to Svelto, ensuring that each timeless classic leaves with enhanced, modernized capabilities.

Brad and his wife, Angela, live just outside Birmingham, Alabama, with their son Cooper, an automotive enthusiast in his own right. Together, they share a passion for the open road, frequently participating in automotive events and tours across the U.S., creating family memories around a shared love for cars.

John Thomas 

John Thomas is a passionate automotive enthusiast whose love for racing began in childhood while watching NASCAR with his mother. This early influence shaped his career, leading him to compete in various racing disciplines, including Legends Cars and drifting.

Though he joined Penske Racing not as a driver, he contributed to their IndyCar and IMSA programs, participating in prestigious events like the Daytona 24 Hours. A turning point in his journey came during his honeymoon at the 2021 Petit Le Mans, where he discovered a passion for Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage.

This newfound enthusiasm led him to own multiple Alfa models, including two Giulias and two Alfettas, and he is currently restoring a 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000. Combining his love for engineering with craftsmanship, he is building the GTV 2000 into a track-inspired masterpiece, utilizing his skills in CNC machining and CAD design to create custom performance parts.