Resurrecting the Iso Grifo A3/C: Inside the Art and Grit of True Classic Car Restoration
Ever tried to bring a legend back to life, only to realize the original blueprints are missing and all that is left are photos and emotion? That’s exactly how it felt the first time we set eyes on a rust-eaten Iso Grifo A3/C—a machine with history in its DNA and challenge in every corroded frame…
The Mangusta’s Secret Life: Stories from the Garage and the Italian Dream Machine
Restoring a De Tomaso Mangusta isn’t just about show-winning looks; it’s a dance between research-fueled authenticity, hands-on problem-solving, and embracing the weird quirks that make Italian exotics so lovable. Sometimes, your biggest restoration milestone is simply enjoying the next summer drive.
Behind the Scenes at StreetWorks Exotics: Exclusive Interview With Matt Backhaus
Behind the Scenes at StreetWorks Exotics: An Exclusive Look at Masterful Restorations – Restoring classic cars is more than just a job at StreetWorks Exotics—it’s an art form. In this exclusive interview, shop owner Matt Backhaus shares the incredible journey of breathing new life into legendary machines like the De Tomaso Mangusta, Lamborghini Islero, and Maserati Sebring. From sourcing rare parts to perfecting concours-level details, each project is a testament to craftsmanship, patience, and passion. Join us as we step inside the workshop, uncover restoration secrets, and explore the dedication that makes StreetWorks Exotics a leader in classic car restoration.
The Incredible Restoration Journey of the Jensen CV8 MKIII
For vehicle enthusiasts, classic car restoration stories can feel as thrilling as a high-speed chase through twisting mountain roads. But not all restoration tales are created equal—and some are truly stranger than fiction. Meet Bruce and his Jensen CV8 MKIII, a car with a past so harrowing and miraculous that it’s become a legendary story…
The Rebirth of a Masterpiece: The Journey of A 1967 Iso Grifo Restoration
In 1999, a leap of faith marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey for StreetWorks. A newly established shop at the time, we were entrusted with the restoration of a 1967 Iso Grifo GL350, a rare and elegant Italian masterpiece. The project demanded expert craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of classic cars. This stunning vehicle earned a place at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, forever cementing StreetWorks’ reputation in the world of high-end restorations. Today, this Iso Grifo’s story continues, symbolizing both our passion and dedication to automotive excellence.
The Challenges Shops Face: Upholstery Edition
StreetWorks Upholstery Journey At StreetWorks, we’ve learned a vital lesson over the years—if you want something done right, do it yourself with the most talented team. Our turning point came in 2013 when Earl joined us, bringing his extensive background and a high recommendation from John Ling of Silverstone. Earl’s addition marked the beginning of…
1974 Intermeccanica Indra
John Ling has always played an instrumental role at StreetWorks, whether he serves as a technical restoration advisor, historian, or in this case a top-tier client – which brings us to the story of the 1974 Intermeccanica Indra. John has always been a big fan of custom coachwork and Italian cars of the 60’s &…
StreetWorks – The beginning of a legacy
Author: Matthew Backhaus, Owner of Streetworks Exotics LLC 2004 was our first year invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. We were a relatively new shop at the time, with only two full-time employees. When we heard Pebble beach was doing a Giugiaro class, we submitted the Iso Grifo GL350 (chassis #148 pictured above) we…
Lamborghini Restorations: Balboni Approved
Seems like every year we run into Valentino at an event or two, we always ask him to review the authenticity of our Lamborghini Restorations. This year our 400 GT 2+2 got two thumbs up, “Perfect Restoration!”
Monterey 2019
The perfect place to start our Postings, Monterey 2019. Seen here are two of our most recent restorations. Both tenaciously restored to our usual uncompromising standard. Two Italian beauties that could not be any more contrasting – The Lamborghini 400GT 2+2, with its high revving v12 symphony powering it’s advance, and the Detomaso Mangusta’s fire…