For enthusiasts of classic European automobiles, the quest for authentic, original parts can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The thrill of restoring a vintage MG, Triumph, Jaguar, or Volvo is matched only by the challenge of sourcing the correct components to keep these beauties running. Recently, a post on an online forum highlighted a place that seems to be a haven for those in pursuit of Foreign Car Parts: Matthews Foreign Car Parts in Birmingham, Alabama.
According to a user named jrhickmn on the MGB & GT Forum, a visit to Matthews Foreign Car Parts was an unexpectedly positive experience. Traveling from Tennessee to Mississippi, jrhickmn decided to check out this parts supplier based on local buzz – and was thoroughly impressed. The operation at Matthews seems geared towards dismantling foreign cars and warehousing the usable parts. This means they specialize in original, used foreign car parts, offering a treasure trove for owners of European classics.
The range of marques catered to by Matthews is extensive, covering a wide spectrum of European vehicles. Their inventory reportedly includes parts for MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Volvo, Fiat, Saab, Alfa Romeo, and even rarer brands like Yugo, Lancia, and Range Rover. The forum user specifically noted seeing a significant number of MG, Saab, and Volvo parts, alongside Jaguar components and a Lancia transmission. This suggests a deep and varied stock of foreign car parts ready for discerning owners and restorers.
What sets Matthews apart, according to the forum post, isn’t just their inventory but also their customer service approach. Despite visiting on a Saturday, the user was allowed to freely explore the warehouse, indicating a welcoming and trusting atmosphere. The staff, described as friendly and helpful, seem to understand the needs of classic car enthusiasts looking for specific foreign car parts. This hands-on, exploratory approach is a refreshing contrast to modern, impersonal parts-ordering experiences.
Alt text: Interior of Matthews Foreign Car Parts warehouse, showcasing shelves stocked with used components for various foreign car brands, exemplifying a treasure trove for vintage auto restoration projects.
The original poster, jrhickmn, explicitly states no affiliation with Matthews Foreign Car Parts, emphasizing the unbiased nature of the recommendation. This adds credibility to the positive feedback, portraying it as a genuine discovery worth sharing within the classic car community. The post concludes with a direct phone number for Matthews (205-251-5800), further encouraging readers to reach out and explore this resource for their foreign car parts needs.
In a time when finding original foreign car parts is becoming increasingly challenging, places like Matthews Foreign Car Parts are invaluable. They represent a vital link to the past, providing the components necessary to keep classic European cars on the road and enjoyed for generations to come. For anyone restoring or maintaining a foreign classic, Matthews Foreign Car Parts in Birmingham, AL, appears to be a destination worth noting – a potential goldmine for those essential, hard-to-find parts.
