In South Austin stands the iconic Austin Speed Shop, where car enthusiasts come from all over the United States to have their classic cars restored.
The workshop grounds are covered with Mustangs, Mercurys, Corvettes, and VW Bugs, all being restored by the talented team led by General Manager Nick Merry.
“We’ve rebuilt cars as old as a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr to more recent models, like that ‘69 Bronco over there,” Merry said as he pointed across the shop.
Founded in 2005, the shop has evolved into a hub for enthusiasts, showcasing the craft of automotive restoration and modification.
Retired airline pilot Doug Jackson has been a Speed Shop customer for the last four years. He estimates that the team has maintained and repaired at least 15 of his 20 cars.
“They just know how to fix things,” he said. “Other garages remove and replace parts and don’t really fix anything; these guys know how to fix anything and everything.”
While it has become renowned for its high-end restorations and custom builds, its roots are deeply embedded in Austin’s culture, a place where cars and people come together to create something truly unique.
The Austin Speed Shop began as a passion project for its partners, John Joyoprayitno and Dr. Daniel Peterson. As they recall, the shop's inception wasn't driven by commercial ambition but by a shared love of cars.
“We all do a lot of different things outside of the shop, but this has always been a labor of love,” said Joyoprayitno.
Peterson added that the shop was initially a space where they could combine their personal interests with the talents of skilled fabricators and mechanics, making it a creative playground for car aficionados.
Over the years, the Speed Shop has grown, fueled by its passion for automotive history, craftsmanship and design, while staying true to the Austin community.
For Joyoprayitno and Peterson, the shop isn't just about cars — it's about building relationships.
“We’ve had all kinds of customers here, from celebrities to locals,” Peterson said, noting that the shop's open-door policy makes it a welcoming place for anyone with a passion for cars.
This approach has attracted a diverse group of people, all united by their love for the craft. From rockabilly fans to CEOs, the shop serves as a gathering place where everyone can appreciate the roots of car culture.
“Even if someone is more into modern cars, they can still admire the classic designs that built the foundation for today’s vehicles,” Joyoprayitno said.
Austin Speed Shop’s roots in the community run deep, primarily through its long-standing involvement with the Lonestar Roundup — an annual event celebrating custom and vintage cars that just marked its 22nd year.
The shop not only showcases its work at the Roundup but also helps shape the event, reinforcing its influence in Austin’s car culture. Beyond the show, the team stays active in the community by partnering with local nonprofits and hosting events that give back.
While the shop’s ethos centers on community, the owners have never shied away from pushing the creative envelope. The vehicles that roll out are more than just cars; they are bespoke works of art.
“We’ve had projects where customers give us complete creative freedom,” Joyoprayitno said.
One standout was building a custom car for Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron. The design brief was something sleek yet practical for taking kids to school. This balance of style and function is a hallmark of the Austin Speed Shop's creations.
For the next 20 years, the Austin Speed Shop has big plans.
“We’d love to grow and create a space where people can not only see the cars but enjoy live music or a drink as well,” Joyoprayitno said.
Their vision for a future location involves incorporating a bar, live music, and an expanded event space to make the Speed Shop a full-fledged destination for both car enthusiasts and those seeking a good time.
“Other garages remove and replace parts and don’t really fix anything; these guys know how to fix anything and everything.”
“Even if someone is more into modern cars, they can still admire the classic designs that built the foundation for today’s vehicles.”