About Us

Mathews-Carlsen Body Works is certified in Audi, Volkswagen, and Volvo collision repair and also specializes in European models such as Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes. We are also very familiar with Hondas, Toyotas, Subarus, Lexus, and just about every other make and model. All types of vehicles are welcome here at Mathews-Carlsen Body Works and they all get the same professional treatment.

Insurance claim? Absolutely. We have a Direct Repair relationship with several select insurance companies, but work well with all insurance companies and will gladly assist you with your claim. Each insurance company handles claims differently so give us a call and ask us what the next step is. We have decades of experience and we are glad to help.

Remember, California Law states that you have the right to choose which repair facility works on your car. No one, including your insurance company, can make you use a repair facility that you don’t want to. They might try to persuade you to go to their preferred shop, but it is ultimately your choice. Give us a call and find out how we can help you with your claim.

We are one of the most established body shops in the Bay Area with state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled technicians specializing in quality body repair and color matching paint using Glasurit products.

We pride ourselves on our customer service and the quality of our work. From the person who writes your estimate to the skilled technician that puts the last bit of paint on your car, we are perfectionists that treat every car as if it were our own. Getting into an accident can be very stressful. Our aim is to give you the peace of mind you need when having repair work done on your vehicle.

History

Originally established in 1955 by Carl Carlsen of Carlsen Motor Group, the auto repair shop later changed to Mathews-Carlsen Body Works when Marshall Mathews was brought in as partner.

When Carl Carlsen retired in the early 80’s, Marshall partnered with J. R. Montelongo who had been working as the shop’s head painter for a number of years. He and Marshall worked together here for 25 years until Marshall’s passing in 2003.

Carl Carlsen was an incredible business man, well respected in many circles, and a good friend and mentor to many. He passed in 2005 and is missed by all who knew him.

Marshall Mathews was well known in several collector car circles, including the Nickel Age Touring Club, the Packard Club and the Ferrari Club of North America. He was also a big contributor to and displayed many cars in various fundraising Concours d’Elegance shows around the Bay Area and Pebble Beach. There he was also one of the prestigious event’s judges. He participated in the London to Brighton Run many times in his red 1902 Packard. Marshall amassed a collection of beautifully restored classic cars and motorcycles which is currently owned by his family.

Sadly, Marshall Mathews died from ALS, known to many as Lou Gherig’s disease, in October of 2003. To read more about Marshall, please read the excellent article written about him by David Boyce for the Almanac.

Today, J. R. Montelongo and Marshall’s wife Nancy Mathews are now the owners of the shop and still adhere to the values and practices that Carl Carlsen and Marshall Mathews brought to the business so many years ago.

Before and After Gallery

“These guys are incredible! Mathews-Carlsen just made me a customer for life. I came in with my beat-up Corolla (the front passenger door wouldn't open due to a huge dent), and Tom and his crew had me in and out with a working door in less than an hour, for an incredibly generous price, especially for a starving college student :) The guys are kind, fair, funny and fast, on top of doing great quality work! I'm recommending them to everybody.”

Marian R. | Houston, TX

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