Built by Builders, for Builders

Evolution Auto Retroworks wasn't born in a boardroom. It was built in a garage, over late nights, loud music, and a shared obsession with trucks that most people would have given up on. This is the story of two guys who refused to let that happen.

Ian Martin — Co-Founder

Ian Martin has had a lifelong passion for anything with wheels and an engine. Growing up as the youngest of three boys, with a father who was always tinkering in the garage, he was practically destined for a life of horsepower and grease — something he welcomed wholeheartedly. Ian often jokes that his family was like the classic '90s sitcom Home Improvement, complete with three sons and their own version of Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor in the garage.

Nearly 20 years ago, Ian met Matt through a mutual friend, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of trucks, tools, and turning wrenches. Week after week, they found themselves in the garage, working on builds and dreaming big. It was during one of those late nights that Matt first shared his vision of opening a hot rod shop where they could "build cool stuff."

Fast forward to 2025, and that dream is now a reality. Beyond the shop, Ian is a passionate car collector with an impressive petroliana and neon sign collection. He also co-hosts the popular podcast The Luxury Hillbilly Hideaway, where he blends his love of storytelling, cars, and culture. Ian lives in Hastings, Minnesota, with his wife Kelsy and their dog, Layla.

Matt Goebel — Co-Founder

Matt Goebel's love for old trucks didn't start in a shop — it started in a garage with his father, a wrench in hand, and music playing in the background. Long before he understood torque specs or paint codes, he understood something deeper: working on old vehicles heals. It slows you down. It gives your hands something to do while your heart catches up.

To Matt, cars and music aren't hobbies — they're identity. The songs we replay and the trucks we refuse to let go of tell our stories. They carry memories of who we were, who we loved, and who we're still becoming. As Matt often says, "There are answers to a lot of life's problems hidden in the lines of old songs and under the hoods of old cars."

Matt has spent his professional life in the collision industry, owning and operating a state-of-the-art body shop since 2017. His passion is merging the best of both worlds: using modern technology and precision craftsmanship to elevate classic vehicles beyond their original limits.

The Mission

Evolution Auto Retroworks is the product of years of friendship, dedication, and a shared mission to build exceptional vehicles and source the parts that make it possible. We specialize in 1967–72 Chevy and GMC C/K trucks and K5 Blazers — stocking hard-to-find OEM and performance components so builders like you can keep these trucks on the road for the next generation.

Whether you're doing a frame-off restoration or a street-driven restomod, we're here to help. Browse our parts, check our FAQs, or reach out directly — we're always happy to talk trucks.