preserving the past, RAISING THE BAR.
cUSTOM BUILDS & RESTORATIONS. dONE WITH PURPOSE.
A DESTINATION
Some cars come to us as trophies waiting to happen. Others come in as something more personal; a grandfather's truck, a first car, a project that's been sitting in a field waiting for the right hands. We take both just as seriously, and honor the history of the car throughout the build process.
We're early Ford people at heart. We love patina, respect a true survivor, and we know what it takes to build something that places at a national show. That range isn't accidental, it comes from years of doing this work the hard way and learning what quality expects at every level. What you'll get from us is a car you can drive. Cross country, to a show, or just around town on a Sunday. Our number one priority is reliability and we hold ourselves to the highest possible standard.
We are located 30 minutes west of Austin Texas just outside of Dripping Springs. Our shop is proud to be on the Speeding Springs compound, a destination for car enthusiasts of every era. On the compound, you will find an antique store overflowing with automotive memorabilia, authentic vintage signs, and a showroom brimming with perfectly restored cars from the 30’s to muscle cars and even a few race cars in between. To learn more about Speeding Springs, go to www.speedingspringstx.com.
services
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We specialize in comprehensive frame-off restorations, meticulously disassembling each vehicle to inspect, repair, and restore every component. This thorough process ensures your car not only looks stunning but also performs reliably for years to come. Our goal is to deliver a restoration that maintains historical accuracy while optimizing modern performance.
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Keep your classic running smoothly with The Preserve’s maintenance and repair services. From tuning and electrical work to mechanical overhauls, we ensure your vintage vehicle stays reliable and road-ready.
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Looking to buy, restore, or sell a classic car? The Preserve’s consulting services provide expert guidance every step of the way from evaluating potential purchases or preparing a vehicle for sale.
Featured projects
1933 Ford Roadster Convertible
“Beauty”
Stock to custom: full frame off restoration
1934 Ford Roadster
”The Beast”
Barn rescue: complete restoration
our story
Jeff Peterson purchased his first car, a 1927 Model T, when he was 13 years old off his parents' eBay account. He was grounded for months. He's been hooked ever since. He dissected and memorized every part of a car in his home garage alongside his father and eventually made the decision to pursue building cars professionally. He didn't start at the top. He started sweeping floors at the very shop that had turned him away and worked his way up, learning what it takes to build a car with very little.
When the time came to build something of his own, he went all in. He sold everything, including a 1932 roadster he'd spent years tracking down parts for, to open The Preserve.
That was 2021. What started as a one-man operation out of a home two-car garage has grown into a full-service fabrication and restoration shop with a team Jeff is genuinely proud of. He still spends most of his days on the shop floor, shaping metal, chopping tops, working alongside the same guys he trusts with every build. That hasn't changed and it won't.
His wife Maggie keeps the business running clean, handling the books, the communication, and making sure clients always know where their car stands. She has also turned her attention to learning upholstery, adding one more skill to what this shop can do in house. Together they've built something that runs the way a good shop should: honest, consistent, and always moving forward.
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