Meet Frank Mattingly, a true classic car aficionado known in the community as “Frankenshine” or “Frank the Car Guy.” He’s spent a lifetime deeply immersed in the world of automobiles, with an unwavering passion for both classic and sports cars. Few people possess a keener eye for automotive quality than Frank. He has an exceptional talent for spotting the subtle details that many overlook, which has earned him a respected role judging the preservation class at numerous concours events throughout Southern California.
That same discerning eye carries over into his professional services, where he provides expert car grading, detailing, and restoration work.
What truly sets Frank apart, however, is his remarkable success in selling high-end cars on behalf of owners. He’s renowned for his outstanding car photography and his skillful crafting of compelling, high-impact vehicle biographies – descriptions so vivid and engaging that they’ve enabled him to sell countless premium automobiles sight-unseen over the internet.
As a dedicated classic car consultant, Frank offers a comprehensive suite of services to guide owners and enthusiasts through the intricacies of vintage vehicles. Whether someone is buying, selling, restoring, or simply enjoying a classic car, his expertise provides invaluable support.
His services include:
Classic & All Car Marketing and Sales Assistance:
With an extensive network and deep knowledge of the market, Frank helps clients find the ideal buyer, guiding them through confident and successful transactions. His preferred auction platform is Bring a Trailer (BaT), where he creates highly effective marketing campaigns. He produces hundreds of high-quality, full-frame photographs and pairs them with a detailed written summary covering the car’s complete history, documentation, service records, maintenance logs, and restoration receipts.
This comprehensive approach is complemented by professional videos, including a full walk-around showcasing every aspect of the car, inside and out. Frank also actively manages questions and comments from potential buyers in the auction forum.
Over the past 28 years, he has successfully marketed more than 630 vehicles – ranging from classic cars of every era and motorcycles to exotics and modern late-model cars.
- Classic car appraisals: Frank delivers accurate, unbiased valuations that carefully consider a vehicle’s condition, rarity, current market trends, and other key factors for a fair assessment.
- Restoration guidance: Drawing on his deep knowledge as a restoration expert, he offers practical advice and resources to help owners navigate the challenges of bringing a vintage car back to its original glory.
- General advice and guidance: From everyday maintenance tips to recommendations for car shows and club events, he’s a go-to resource for enthusiasts at every level—whether seasoned collectors or those new to the hobby.
- High-end paint restoration & concours level paint restoration: Whether you’re preparing a car for a concours event or hoping to preserve and revive an original “survivor” paint job, Frank brings decades of specialized experience in achieving exceptional shine and paint correction. Many owners who were initially considering a full repaint have instead chosen to have Frank restore their original paint using techniques he has refined over more than 60 years of detailing and polishing cars. He began working with a buffing wheel at just 10 years old and continues to approach every car with patience and care. Frank is known for delivering outstanding results through meticulous, high-quality work. He’s not fast… just the best!!!
Follow Frank on YouTube and his auctions on Bring A Trailer and eBay.