Uncovering the Fascinating Career of Wayne Carini

When it comes to classic cars, there is one name that stands out among the rest – Wayne Carini. With his love for vintage vehicles and exceptional skills in restoration, Carini has become a well-known figure in the automotive industry. He has gained even more popularity through his hit TV show ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ which showcases his passion for finding, fixing, and selling rare and valuable cars. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look into the life and career of Wayne Carini and discover what makes him such an iconic figure in the world of classic cars.

Who is Wayne Carini?

Wayne Carini was born on October 13, 1951, in Portland, Connecticut. He grew up surrounded by his father’s car collection, which sparked his love for classic cars from a young age. Carini’s father, Bob Carini, was a renowned car restorer who owned the F40 Motorsports, a shop dedicated to restoring and maintaining vintage cars. It was here that Carini learned the ins and outs of car restoration and developed a keen eye for rare and valuable vehicles.

After completing high school, Carini went on to study at Central Connecticut State University, but his true passion for cars always remained at the forefront. He spent his free time working at his father’s shop, learning everything he could about classic cars. Eventually, he dropped out of college to pursue a full-time career in the automotive industry.

Wayne Carini’s career in the automotive industry

Carini started his career in the automotive industry as a mechanic at his father’s shop. He quickly gained a reputation for being an expert in classic car restoration and became a sought-after restorer. His work caught the attention of some prominent individuals in the car world, including Ralph Lauren, who hired Carini to restore his 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. This project put Carini on the map and opened up many opportunities for him in the industry.

Aside from his career as a car restorer, Carini also worked at other prestigious automotive shops, including Ferrari of New England and Continental Auto Sports. He gained valuable experience working with different types of cars, but his true passion was always for classic cars.

The TV show ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ and Wayne Carini

In 2008, Carini’s career took a whole new turn when he became the host of his own TV show, ‘Chasing Classic Cars.’ The show follows Carini as he travels around the country, searching for rare and valuable cars to restore and sell. It also gives viewers an inside look into his life and his love for classic cars.

‘Chasing Classic Cars’ quickly gained popularity, and over the years, it has become one of the most-watched shows on the Velocity channel. The show has even spawned spin-offs, such as ‘Chasing Classic Cars: Top Ten Lists,’ which focuses on specific themes related to classic cars.

The car restoration process with Wayne Carini

One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ is seeing Wayne Carini in action during the car restoration process. He takes viewers through every step, from finding the car to rebuilding and restoring it to its former glory. Carini’s attention to detail and expertise in classic cars is evident in every project he takes on.

The process usually starts with Carini searching for a rare and valuable car, whether it’s at auctions, private collections, or even barns. He then carefully inspects the car and decides if it’s worth restoring. If it is, he brings it back to his shop, where he works with his team of experts to restore the car to its original condition.

Each car is unique, and the restoration process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the car’s condition. Carini and his team make sure to preserve as many original parts as possible while also incorporating modern upgrades to improve the car’s performance.

Wayne Carini’s passion for classic cars

It’s clear that Wayne Carini’s career has been fueled by his deep passion for classic cars. He has dedicated his life to restoring and preserving these vehicles, and it’s this love that makes him stand out in the automotive industry. Carini is not just a collector or a restorer; he truly appreciates the history and artistry behind each classic car.

His passion is also evident in the way he talks about his work and the cars he restores. In an interview with Forbes, Carini said, “When I restore a car, I’m keeping a piece of history alive. Every car has a story, and it’s my job to keep that story going.” This sentiment perfectly captures Carini’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering love for classic cars.

Memorable moments from ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ with Wayne Carini

Over the years, ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ has given us many memorable moments, thanks to Wayne Carini’s charismatic personality and the fascinating cars featured on the show. Here are just a few notable moments from the show:

• In season four, Carini acquired what is believed to be the world’s oldest running car – a 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trépardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout.
• In season ten, Carini found and restored a 1939 Bugatti Type 57C with a unique body style known as the “Potez.”
• In season eleven, Carini and his team restored a 1953 Porsche 356 America Roadster, one of only 16 in existence.
• One of the most emotional moments on the show was when Carini reunited a 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 with its original owner, who had to sell it to pay for his daughter’s medical bills.

These are just a few examples of the incredible cars and stories featured on ‘Chasing Classic Cars,’ which have kept viewers captivated for over a decade.

The success and popularity of ‘Chasing Classic Cars’

Since its premiere in 2008, ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ has become one of the most successful and popular shows on Velocity. It has also gained a large following on social media, with fans eagerly waiting for each new episode. The show has not only brought attention to Wayne Carini but has also increased interest in the classic car market.

One of the reasons for the show’s success is Carini’s ability to connect with viewers and share his passion for classic cars. He has also been praised for his authenticity and genuine love for his work, making him relatable to many people, whether they are car enthusiasts or not.

Wayne Carini’s personal life and family

Aside from his career in the automotive industry, Wayne Carini also has a fulfilling personal life. He married his high school sweetheart, Laurie, in 1981, and the couple has two children together, Lindsay and Kimberly. Both his daughters share their father’s love for classic cars and often help out at the F40 Motorsports shop.

Carini is also an avid golfer and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family when he’s not working on cars. He has said that his wife and daughters keep him grounded and support him in all his endeavors.

Wayne Carini’s other ventures and projects

In addition to ‘Chasing Classic Cars,’ Wayne Carini has been involved in various other projects related to the automotive industry. In 2015, he launched his clothing line, “Wayne Carini Collection,” which features classic car-inspired apparel for men and women.

Carini has also been a guest speaker at various events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where he shared his knowledge and experience in the world of classic cars. He has also made appearances on other TV shows, such as ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ and ‘American Pickers.’

What we can learn from Wayne Carini’s love of classic cars

Wayne Carini’s career and passion for classic cars teach us many valuable lessons. His dedication and hard work have brought him success in a highly competitive industry. But more importantly, Carini’s love for what he does is what truly sets him apart. He reminds us to always follow our passion and that true success comes from doing what we love.

Carini’s attention to detail and commitment to preserving history also serve as a reminder to appreciate the past and learn from it. Each car tells a unique story, and Carini’s work helps keep those stories alive for future generations to enjoy.

Conclusion

Wayne Carini is not just a car restorer or a TV personality; he is an icon in the world of classic cars. Through his hit TV show ‘Chasing Classic Cars,’ he has captured the hearts of viewers and gained a following of fans who share his love for vintage vehicles. Carini’s successful career, along with his passion for classic cars, serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams. He has left an indelible mark in the automotive industry and will continue to do so for many years to come.