“If one day I set up on my own, it will only be with you”: in Lombez, a story of love and passion between two artisan coachbuilders

It was not in the “little woods of Trousse-chemise” but at the Saint-Lys swimming pool that two teenagers aged 15 and 17, Edith and Patrice, met and experienced their first love. Patrice then went to the CFA in Muret to become a bodyworker for old vehicles. It turns out, and it's a coincidence, that their fathers are both passionate about old vehicles: one is a collector, the other a specialist mechanic: “What an era! The races at Nogaro, the Friday evening car rallies …”, remembers Patrice Voigt.

And then life separates them. Patrice continued his apprenticeship in a large Toulouse body shop for five years before becoming a classic car bodyworker with his diplomas: CAP, BEP and CQP. His career path has been exemplary: best apprentice in Haute-Garonne in 1994, trainer in a CFA, trainer for professionals at the National Automotive Training Group (GNFA) throughout France, while completing his experience with various bodywork employers , most often in vintage cars: “All these years of teaching have been wonderful. What a blessing to have been able to share my profession with the whole of France!”

Their paths crossed again six years ago and they no longer want to let each other go. Patrice had once said to Edith: “If one day I set up my own business, it will only be with you.” A prophecy that came true, Patrice and Edith eventually getting married. The opportunity to acquire a site in Lombez in 2019 will allow them to carry out this project. This is how their company was born in the ZAC de la Ramondère: Carrosserie Artole (contraction for the art of sheet metal).

“It’s a work of passion”

Professional member of the FFVE (French Federation of Vintage Vehicles) and president of the Historic Vehicles Profession for Mobilians Gers, Patrice would like the diplomas dedicated to this specialty (CQP, MRVAH, CQP, TVAH) to be implemented throughout the country . One Saturday per month, from January to April and from September to December, it therefore organizes technical days to introduce individuals to working methods specific to old vehicles around four major themes of auto restoration: the basics of straightening, welding, surface preparation and painting.

In the workshop, alongside Patrice and Edith (20% of whose work is done in the workshop stripping, dismantling and reassembly, the rest of his job consists of administrative management), there is one employee and two apprentices. . “It’s pure craftsmanship,” explains Patrice. “Our task is to preserve heritage through the restoration and repair of vintage car bodies, the exterior as well as the chassis and structure. We work with traditional sheet metal techniques , replacement of parts – which requires extensive research – forming technique, edge-to-edge welding… It’s a work of passion.”

Edith emphasizes the scope of their business: “Promoting artisanal work and perpetuating know-how. Transmission is important to us.” Last May, Patrice Voigt obtained the title of Artisan d'art from the Chambre des Métiers du Gers and recently, the company received a visit from President Philippe Archer. A great proof that in work as in love, you should never give up.