Moal Coachbuilders

Moal Coachbuilders is an innovative leader in custom coachbuilding. Their spectacular work rivals that of reputed European coachbuilders such as Zagato, Pininfarina, and Touring.

Moal Coachbuilders is a family owned business that has been creating custom frames and wheel work in Oakland since William Moal set up shop in 1911. Originally, the business focused on hand-crafted body and wheel work for horse drawn wagons. The business expanded into automotive work as they began doing custom fabrication of race cars and hot rods in the 1920’s. In 1946, George Moal moved the business to its current home on East 12th Street in the East Lake District of Oakland, and they focused on body and fender work. He continued to do custom work on speedsters, as well as panel work on performance speedboats.

Through the growth and changes in the business, he passed on the love and craftsmanship of the art to his son, Steve. Today, Moal Coachbuilders specializes in building custom roadsters from conception to completion. It is a 3rd and 4th generation operation, with Steve Moal, William Moal’s grandson, being the current owner of the business. Steve’s two sons, Michael and David, are also involved. Michael is the production manager, and David is the mechanical engineer.

They have a room on the second story of the building that serves as a museum, of sorts. It has artifacts that chronicle the history of the Moal legacy. There you will find a case with the tools used by the Moal men over time, as well as articles and models showcasing their work.

Automotive enthusiasts from around the world seek them out to build the car of their dreams. Whether for show or for personal enjoyment, Moal Coachbuilders employs the talent necessary to make your dream car a reality. Check out the gallery on their website; you will be amazed by the quality of their work.

They also do custom rebuilds and remodeling of classic American and European cars. They built the 1932 Ford Roadster, Seduced, which won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award in 2005. You can view this piece of art here.

Online, you can order custom mirror heads and mirrors, as well as parts and accessories for your hot rod. For inquiries, contact them by phone or on their website. You can also stop by the shop during normal business hours. The team is incredibly inviting and informative. There is no signage on the outside of the building, but you can enter through the door to the right of the garage door.