Wayne Carini is an America car restorer and television personality, probably best known as the presenter of “Chasing Classic Cars” which air on the Motor Trend channel. Over his career on the show, Wayne has chased some of the most exotic cars in the world, and acquired an impressive collection. He owns three companies, and also does restoration work on the cars. His dedication to finding and restoring classic cars has solidified the TV show as one of the best automotive series in the world.
Wayne’s career and early life
Wayne was born in 1951, in Portland, Connecticut, and developed his passion for cars at an early age. His father owned a car restoration shop, and Wayne spent a lot of his childhood working beside his father and learning the craft. When he was just nine years old, Wayne took his first ride in a Ferrari, which had him hooked for life.
After Wayne graduated college, his father offered to hand over the family business to him, an offer he couldn’t refuse. His mentor. Francois Sicard, a former racing mechanic for Ferrari, taught him the art of Ferrari restoration. Since then, Wayne has worked on several famous people’s cars, including for David Letterman and Ivan Lendl. He’s also the owner of F40 Motorsports, Carini Carozzeria, and Continental Auto Ltd, all located in his hometown of Portland.
Wayne’s rise to fame came about when Jim Astrausky, Chief of Essex Television Group, noticed his dedication to classic cars and invited him to star in his own show. The two came to an agreement, and “Chasing Classic Cars” was born in 2008. In the following years, he also appeared in other TV shows, such as “My Classic Car” and “Overhaulin”.
Wayne Carini’s time on “Chasing Classic Cars”
The series follows Wayne as he travels across the country, searching for rare and valuable classic cars to restore, appraise, and most often sell.
Throughout the show, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the world of classic car restoration, and the passion that drives Wayne’s work. Along the way, Wayne encounters all sorts of interesting characters, and uncovers incredible stories behind many of the cars he finds.
One of the reasons why “Chasing Classic Cars” is so popular among car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike is because of the high production values and the engaging narrative. Each episode is carefully crafted to highlight the unique features of the cars, and the challenges that come with restoring them.
Wayne is a key part of the show’s success, thanks to his expertise and affable personality. He’s highly respected in the automotive world and is widely regarded as one of the best car restorers in the business. Fans of the show appreciate his attention to detail and his commitment to preserving the history of each car he works on, which over the years has featured a wide range of cars from different eras and manufacturers.
One of the most memorable cars was a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. This iconic sports car is one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world, and Wayne was able to find and restore one to its former glory.
Another notable car featured on the show was a 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. This luxurious car was once owned by Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth, and Wayne was able to restore it to its original condition, complete with all the original features and accessories.
Other cars featured on “Chasing Classic Cars” include a 1934 Packard Twelve convertible, a 1958 Porsche Speedster, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-window coupe, and a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4.
Wayne Carini’s personal car collection
Over the years, Wayne has amassed a remarkable car collection that includes some of the most iconic and sought-after cars in the world.
One of the standout cars in Wayne’s collection, and his most prized possession, is a 1953 Hudson Italia. Designed by Frank Spring, this car has some of the most impressive specifications of its time. Despite its incredibly powerful engine, the car was very lightweight. It was also one of the first production cars to come with a built in radio and air-conditioning, features which are considered standard today. This car is incredibly rare, as only 26 models of it were ever produced.
Wayne Carini in the background pic.twitter.com/rhEUWmRF28
— Chris Paul (@3c3p3d) March 8, 2020
Wayne also owns a stunning Ford GT40 race car, which immediately draws attention with its red paint job. It’s a real racing car, and it was made for the 1967 Can-Am racing season, and was driven by racing legends such as Peter Revson, and Jack Brabham. With its powerful Ford 427 V8, this car can really pick up great speeds.
Other cars in Wayne’s collection include a 1972 Porsche 911 Coupe, and several Ferraris such as a 275 GTB and an elegant 330 GTC. His collection also features a 1949 Buick Convertible, which was driven by Tom Cruise in the movie “Rain Man”.
Wayne’s car collection is not only a testament to his love of classic cars, but also a valuable historical record of automotive design and engineering. His passion for these cars is evident in everything he does, and he is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on classic cars in the world.
Wayne Carini’s car collection is a true treasure trove of automotive history and design. From rare and valuable sports cars to luxurious classics, each car in the collection is a testament to Wayne’s passion and expertise.
Wayne Carini’s personal life
Wayne has been married to Laurie since the early 1980s, and they have two children together. It’s speculated that the two met when Laurie was a customer in Wayne’s shop. Their eldest daughter, Kimberley, has been diagnosed with autism at an early age.
In his free time, Wayne enjoys skiing, and is a licensed pilot and has flown his own plane for many years. He also owns a ski resort in Vermont, which he purchased and restored to its former glory.
Despite his success, Wayne remains humble and down-to-earth. He’s known for his friendly personality and his willingness to help others, and he is highly respected in the automotive community.
Wayne Carini’s Net Worth
Wayne’s success as a television personality coupled with his three companies have made him reasonably wealthy. His net worth sits at approximately $20 million, as of 2023, and a large portion of that amount can be attributed to his amazing car collection.