Surrounded by classic cars and restoration projects for as long as he can remember, Matt Thoraldson’s love of classic cars and their stories started early in life. Growing up, neighbors and family members were always working on something with four wheels and a story to tell.
“I always loved watching the evolution of a car,” he says. “There’s just something about seeing it come together—and hearing the stories behind it—that stuck with me.”
That was the beginning of Mad Muscle Garage. That early exposure turned into a lifelong passion. But before opening his own shop, Matt built a career in sales. “I was always in sales, but I wanted the freedom to start my own thing—to manage my own time and build something for myself,” he says. That opportunity came when he landed a position as general manager at a classic car dealership. When the dealership closed, Matt saw a gap—and a chance to fill it.
While Matt had experience in sales, the business started with a focus on restoration and building a portfolio of experience and knowledge of classic cars. “It wasn’t about getting rich,” he says. “It was about doing it right—helping people bring their cars back to life.”
Mad Muscle Garage has since grown into a respected name among collectors and classic car enthusiasts, with a rotating inventory of 50 to 60 vehicles. The shop specializes in buying and consigning high-quality classic and muscle cars—primarily turnkey vehicles ready for the road. “We don’t really deal in unfinished projects,” Matt says. “Condition and quality are everything.”
Most of the cars he sells are from the mid to early’ 70s—a sweet spot for many buyers who are looking to recapture a bit of their youth. “A lot of guys come in and say, ‘I had that car in high school,’” Matt laughs. While interest in cars from the early 1950s and before has declined with changing demographics, muscle cars are still in hot demand.
The business operates by appointment only, and many vehicles sell before they’re even photographed. “We’re averaging about 10 cars a month, and a lot of them ship out of state,” he says. Vehicles typically sell in the $30,000–$50,000 range, and buyers are usually 35 and older—people who want something that’s not just a showpiece but something they can actually drive and enjoy.
Services include buying and consigning vehicles, appraisals, inspections (especially for cars 20 years or older), and restorations when the situation is just right. Matt is also an active member of MSRA (Minnesota Street Rod Association) and sponsors car show events, including the annual show at the Scott County Fair.
But beyond the cars, it’s the people who keep Matt excited to come into the shop every day. “That’s what I love most—meeting people, hearing the stories behind their vehicles. Everyone has a reason they’re passionate about these cars. You never know who’s going to walk through the door or what story they’ll bring with them.”
Looking ahead, Mad Muscle Garage is gearing up for car show season and expanding its reach in the collector community. Matt himself has a personal fleet of about 15 cars, including one from his bucket list—a Dodge Viper he finally picked up last year.
As for the future of the industry? Matt recognizes the growing presence of electric vehicles but sees classic cars as timeless. “Electric has its place, sure,” he says. “But there’s nothing like the rumble of a big-block engine.”
For Matt and Mad Muscle Garage, it’s not just about selling cars—it’s about preserving history, celebrating craftsmanship, and keeping the muscle car spirit alive.
https://www.midwestclassiccar.com/
That’s what I love most—meeting people, hearing the stories behind their vehicles. Everyone has a reason they’re passionate about these cars.