James Morris

John Olsen and his team at Classic Coachworks provide service and repair for all makes of modern cars. But these days, it is difficult to find a shop, like Classic Coachworks, that also has the willingness and capability also to work on exotic, vintage vehicles. At Classic Coachworks, owners of such rare, classic automobiles can expect expert care for such cars based on John Olsen’s over 30 years of hands-on experience, backed by an extensive library of factory service literature dating back through the 1950’s.

After completing a 4 year restoration of my 1957 Mercedes 220S cabriolet, I took it to Classic Coachworks for final measurements, adjustments, and tuning of the mechanical components. When John was finished, the car looked and drove as if it were just leaving the Mercedes factory floor over 50 years ago.

Darryl Burns

After I purchased a ’68 MBZ 280SL in 1980, I realized I had a front-end alignment problem causing excessive wear on the front tires.

Over the next 20 years, I had multiple MBZ dealers, tire alignment shops, and so-called MBZ specialists adjust the front. All failed to correct the problem. I was resigned to living with it changing the tires as needed.

Then, one day, I was driving the SL and I pulled into John’s shop to discuss the repair of another car. As I got out of the car, John says, “Hey! your front-end is out of alignment.” I resisted discussing it, as I was convinced it was not fixable. I later gave him the opportunity to check it out, and he corrected the problem! Obviously pleased, I was mad that I had spent hundreds of dollars on prior failures from “experts”.

Now the SL is perfect and it seems like I have a new car. I only trust Classic Coachworks with all my vehicles.

After 25 yrs. and multiple repair failures, only Classic Coachworks diagnosed and corrected my MBZ 280SL alignment problem.

The 1968 car handles like new! You can trust them to fix and guarantee their work.

Robert McIntyre

I engaged with John Olson and his crew at Classic Coachworks/ European Car
Service to restore my Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. After careful review of the vehicle
and inquiring as to my desires and wishes with the car, John gave me a thorough
assessment and his candid recommendations. Proceeding forward on the project, I
was involved with selections; reupholster the leather seats, suspension upgrades,
etc… I was able to get photos during the process. I also learned a great deal about the
inner workings of my inamorato!

In an age when so many companies don’t seem to care about customer service, I
can attest the staff at Classic Coachworks does everything they claim they do, with
a smile. I am extremely pleased with the quality of restoration and service that was
provided. Not only would I hire John again, but I enthusiastically recommend Classic
Coachworks to others who are automotively afflicted. John and his staff handled
everything in a professional and organized manner. They made my Alfa shine and
perform far beyond her age. Thank you, Classic Coachworks!

Robert I. Mulford

John, after all you, Joe and Gary have done for me and my 1971 Mercedes 280
SL, “RIMSTOY”, over the years, I thought it might be a good idea to express my
appreciation.

A few years ago when I was referred to you, I had previously had only one
permanent care-giver for my favorite car and I felt it was in very good condition.
I have had it for 31 years and have been very particular about who had had the
opportunity to assist me in its preservation (no reason to restore something that
has been well preserved).

Under your care, it is in the most beautiful and smooth running condition of its life.

I can’t take it out on the road without turning heads and getting comments
whenever it is parked.

As you recall, you all prepared it for me to enter in the MBCA Concours in San
Francisco in 2008. It looked so good that I received 2nd place in my class and
everyone loved it. (The first place was a new ground-up rebuild).

In addition to the good work you do, it is always fun to come into your extremely
clean shop and get caught up on what great work you are continually producing. I
really appreciate the skill and care you all give to your work, mine and others.

Thanks for our relationship and keep smiling.

Edmond Benech

I met John in 2002. I had been searching for a shop to maintain my collection of
vehicles. Classic was mentioned and I’ve visited with John and his crew. The same
vision and passion I share for cars and airplanes is also shared by the team at
Classic. Whether routine maintenance our special projects they are the only shop
that I trust.

Steve Kallison

Much as I love to tease these folks about costly service and automatic transmissions, John Olsen’s Classic Coachworks is THE “go-to” spot for excellence and integrity in automobile repair, service, and restoration on the Monterey Peninsula. They have ably kept my Lotus Elan, MG-A, and Jaguar E-Type going over the years, and I heartily recommend them for your automotive needs. Hell, they’ll even work on cars with automatic transmissions.

Thank you, John, Joe, and the rest of the Classic Coachwork team.

Jim Tunney

I have been having my cars serviced by Classic Coachworks since 1980 and have ALWAYS found them – and John Olsen – dependable and trustworthy. John’s rates are fair and reasonable, but more importantly, he stands behind his work!

You’ll find no better than Classic Coachworks.