Seven decades on the Peninsula
One of the most established body shops in the Bay Area, and still run by people who treat every car as if it were their own.
Our history
- 1955
Carl Carlsen of Carlsen Motor Group establishes the shop. It later becomes Mathews-Carlsen Body Works when Marshall Mathews joins as partner.
- 1980s
Carl Carlsen retires in the early ’80s. Marshall partners with J. R. Montelongo, the shop’s head painter, and the two work side by side for 25 years.
- 2003
Marshall Mathews passes away. The Almanac profiled him that year. Carl Carlsen, a friend and mentor to many, passes in 2005.
- Today
J. R. Montelongo and Nancy Mathews own the shop, and it still runs on the values Carl and Marshall brought to it.
Built by people who love old machines
Marshall Mathews was well known in collector car circles, including the Nickel Age Touring Club, the Packard Club and the Ferrari Club of North America.
He judged at Pebble Beach, showed cars at fundraising Concours d’Elegance events around the Bay Area, and drove the London to Brighton Run many times in his red 1902 Packard.
That eye for detail is still the standard here.
What we stand for
Perfectionists, start to finish
From the person who writes your estimate to the technician who puts the last bit of paint on your car.
Peace of mind
An accident is stressful. Our aim is to make the repair as easy and painless as possible.
Recognized locally
Named a “Clean Bay Business” by the City of Palo Alto and the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, and recognized as one of the top body shops in the Bay Area for quality, service and dependability.
Bring it in, or send us a photo.
Estimates run until 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Call first and we’ll tell you when to come by.