Our Story
At DeSol Classics, we exist to preserve the beauty and history of the original, legendary Toyota Land Cruiser in a way that nobody else can. Every DeSol Classic car restoration is the result of the work of more than 45 Ecuadorian and Colombian families who, through their hard work, dedication and passion revitalize the legendary Toyota FJ40 & FJ45 Land Cruisers. Our impressive team of highly skilled mechanics, metal workers, paint technicians, leather & upholstery experts, electricians, historians and engineers take pride in their work and have over 100 years of accumulated experience with Toyotas.
The combination of old-world craftsmanship with obsessive attention to details makes our builds more than just restorations. We find purpose and solace in being part of something bigger than ourselves. Everyone contributes and everyone profits.
DeSol Classics is a Florida company that was created to employ talented, good hearted people who are looking for an opportunity to do what they love. We have a long-term management perspective with the goal of continuous improvement and respect for people. We aim to do the right thing for the company, its employees, the customer and society as a whole.
Meet the Team
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Founder & CEO
Born in New Jersey and based in Ecuador since 1990, Robert Highley brings a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit shaped by international business, logistics, agriculture, and construction. In 2020, his fascination with classic Toyota Land Cruisers led him to found DeSol Classics, bringing together a team of skilled Ecuadorian craftsmen dedicated to their restoration. For Robert, DeSol is about preserving mechanical history through craftsmanship—transforming forgotten machines into functional works of art.
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Project Manager
Born in Machala and raised in Quito, Marco Sigcha brings over 18 years of experience in international trade and business operations to DeSol Classics. After working alongside Robert Highley for nearly two decades, he joined him in turning a shared interest in classic Toyota Land Cruisers into DeSol Classics. For Marco, restoration is about more than rebuilding a vehicle—it is about preserving its history and character while giving it a new life on the road.
Meet the Team
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HECTOR TOMALA
AUTO BODY MECHANIC
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WUilmer gonzalez
MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN
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Jose MateuS
MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN
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GONZALO PAREDES
UPHOLSTERY
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Juan Carlos Paredes
UPHOLSTERY
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Alex Zambrano
PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST
Why do we specialize in Land Cruisers?
The Land Cruiser has a long and rich history as a rugged and reliable vehicle. These 4x4 work horses exemplifly the spirit of adventure and exploration.
Curious about the Land Cruisers’ history? Click below to learn more.