Growing up under the influence of a car-enthusiast mother and seeing cars featured prominently in Hollywood pop culture, Matt Backhaus had cars and speed on his mind from an early age. Landing a job in an auto collision shop in his early 20’s, along with working on friends’ cars, only solidified the passion. By the time he was in his late 20’s, Matt Backhaus was a business owner, first working on British cars and eventually branching out to others. We tracked him down this spring for a fascinating look behind the wheel.
Have you always been fascinated by cars?
Yes, a passion that was passed on to me from my mother, she had purchased a new 1971 Plymouth Roadrunner and would often tell stories of her escapades with the car. Also, when I was growing up, it was the time of Smokey and the Bandit, Dukes of Hazzard, and American Graffiti, etc. These all had a strong impact on my youth; they seemed so cool—like freedom and popularity!
Do you remember the car you learned to drive in?
Being an Iowa farm boy there were always old trucks and tractors around the property that I would drive around, but when I was 13, I remember my parents made a trip to Kansas City and I was home alone for a couple days, so I decided to take the ’68 Impala for a joyride to a buddy’s house. It had rained that day, and the pavement was still very wet. When I left his house, I power-slid the car right into a road sign, smashing in the driver’s door. That was not an easy explanation to make to my parents upon their return.
What was the very first car you owned?
When I was 16, the first car I bought with my own money for $500 was a 1975 Chevy Malibu 4-door with a 350. It lasted a few months before a neutral drop in front of the high school took out the transmission and created a nasty engine knock. Working part time at a collision repair shop, I was able to get a loan for $2500 which allowed me to purchase a 1974 Plymouth Roadrunner that had a 440 4-speed and Dana 60. That car and I were synonymous in my small Iowa town, the local police and I were very familiar with each other.
Any other favorite cars you’ve owned over the years?
That 1974 Roadrunner from high school was special. I lost it in my early 20s. About 10 years ago, a gentleman walked into my shop asking if I was interested in a ’73 Satellite. It was almost rust-free, so I bought it and replicated my high school car down to the color and fuzzy dice – based on old photos and memory.
How did you get into the restoration business?
I always loved working on cars—modifying them to go faster and look cooler. That led to a career in auto collision. I painted and worked on friends’ cars and always had a project at home. In my late 20s, I rented a small area in a British repair shop. During the biker build-off craze, I planned to build a motorcycle but instead found myself fixing dents and rust on MGs, Triumphs, and Jaguars. Eventually, we collaborated on restoring a Jaguar XKE. It was finished in just four months and led to Pebble Beach with an Iso Grifo. From there, more clients came along who appreciated the dedication and craftsmanship.
What’s the story behind the Iso Grifo 350GT?
Grifo GL350 #167 came to us after the previous shop failed. An automotive journalist friend introduced me to the owner, who had lost confidence in the original shop. When we received the car, it was obvious he made the right call switching to us. This actually happens often, about half the restorations we do have failed elsewhere before coming to us.
How many custom cars does StreetWorks produce each year?
Our shop is 40,000 sq ft with over 25 skilled craftsmen. We perform countless repairs and maintenance and always have a few high-end restorations ready for concours season. There are always several multimillion-dollar cars in the queue as well.
Have you built vehicles for any famous people?
Not for actors or athletes, but we’ve worked for some of the most affluent car collectors, captains of industry, and business owners—not to mention passionate everyday car lovers.
What is your favorite vehicle you’ve built? Why?
All these cars have emotional attachments. One standout was the Iso A3C—we did a full aluminum re-body to restore it to original spec. It was a very challenging and rewarding build.
Do you have anything special planned for any upcoming concours or SEMA?
We have three cars going to Monterey Car Week this year – one for Pebble Beach in the Virgil Exner design class, and two for The Quail Motorsports Gathering.
Have you been contacted about getting your own TV show?
We’ve been approached by production companies, but we don’t agree on the content. We’re not flippers, and we don’t want to ruin the chemistry and formula we have going.
What’s in your garage at home?
I can keep four cars at home. They rotate based on mood, but today I have a Raptor R, Maserati GT, Last Call Hellcat, and a Mercedes ML63.
What’s your all-time favorite car to drive?
’50s Italian cars are always fun. The Demon 170 is the fastest I’ve driven.
Any favorite destinations or roads?
Road America is in our backyard—I participate in events there every year. We also have the Kettle Moraine scenic highway nearby, which is beautiful in the fall.
What do you do outside of work?
I have 11-year-old twins, so if I’m not doing car stuff, I’m at softball, baseball, soccer, or practicing with them. My son enjoys car events, too.
Final thoughts?
Starting the business 25 years ago was tough. There were times I thought we wouldn’t make it, but I have no regrets. I owe a lot to my wife and to the amazing staff who are capable of anything.
Thank you, Matt, for taking the time to pull back the curtain a little bit and share your passion for cars and craftsmanship, and life at StreetWorks Exotics. We’ll be sure to look you up and stop in the next time we are in Pewaukee, WI or maybe even Pebble Beach or SEMA. Perhaps we’ll cross paths at Road America at some point too.Â
