Wayne Carini: From Classic Cars to New Ventures – The Shocking Turn of a Restoration Legend!

Wayne Carini, the Ferrari specialist and master classic car restorer, captured the hearts of car enthusiasts through the popular reality television series “Chasing Classic Cars.”

His brilliance in automobile restoration, combined with his charming personality, allowed the series to run for over a decade, concluding in 2021.

Even after the show ended, Wayne’s loyal viewers continue to hope for his return to television, eager to witness his exceptional car restoration skills.

Wayne Carini’s impeccable reputation didn’t develop overnight; it was a result of years of hard work and seizing every opportunity that came his way.

Born on October 13, 1951, in Portland, Connecticut, Wayne grew up in a well-off family.

His father, Robert “Bob” Carini, was a prominent figure in the auto restoration community and one of the founding members of the Model A Restorers Club.

His mother, Rosemary Dooney, had a background in engineering and business before retiring.

From a young age, Wayne was immersed in the world of cars.

His father instilled in him the value of hard work, making Wayne his apprentice early on.

After school, he would head straight to his father’s auto shop, where he learned the skills of cleaning, sanding, welding, and fabricating car parts.

By the time he was in third grade, he was already dismantling and rebuilding Model A engines.

Although Wayne initially pursued a degree in architecture, he ultimately graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art education from Central Connecticut State University.

However, he struggled to find a fulfilling job in education.

Recognizing his son’s discontent, Bob Carini offered Wayne a 50% ownership stake in the family business, which proved to be a turning point in Wayne’s life.

His love for Ferrari sports cars, ignited at age nine, made the decision to join the auto shop an easy one.

Wayne didn’t rely solely on his father’s legacy; he inherited Bob’s strong work ethic and built a stellar reputation for restoring and selling cars.

He not only took charge of Continental Auto Limited but also founded two other businesses: F40 Motorsports and Carini Karzara, a restoration shop that served as a hub for his automotive endeavors.

These businesses complemented each other, allowing Wayne to manage all aspects of car restoration without outsourcing.

Wayne’s passion for learning led him to seek mentorship from renowned Ferrari experts Francois Picard and Luigi Chinetti Jr.

They shared invaluable insights into Ferrari technology, enhancing his skills and knowledge.

Long before “Chasing Classic Cars” was conceived, Wayne had already established a reputation among prominent personalities and car collectors, which caught the attention of Jim Ostroski, an executive producer at Essex Television Group.

Wayne was featured in shows produced for the Discovery Channel, such as “The World’s Most Expensive Cars” and “Monterey Week.”

These appearances served as a screen test, and the producers felt Wayne had the perfect persona for a reality show.

Initially hesitant about the offer, Wayne agreed to participate when his terms—no script, no makeup, and creative freedom—were accepted.

“Chasing Classic Cars” changed the landscape of automotive television.

Unlike other reality shows that relied on scripted drama, Wayne’s show showcased genuine passion for classic cars.

It took time for the series to gain a following, but it eventually became one of the most-watched programs on television, running for 17 seasons.

Wayne famously stated, “I’ll just be myself, and if it works, it works,” which turned out to be a winning formula.

However, the show wasn’t without its controversies.

Roger Barr, a fan-favorite mechanic and former car racer who worked with Wayne, mysteriously vanished from the show after the 14th season.

Speculation about his absence ran rampant, with theories suggesting a falling out or health issues.

Ultimately, Roger revealed on social media that he had been involuntarily terminated from the show without prior notice.

He also disclosed that he had never been compensated for his appearances, much to the shock of fans.

Despite the drama, Wayne’s expertise remained unquestionable.

While he possessed extensive knowledge about classic cars, the show’s producers employed a team of researchers to ensure accuracy and depth in the presentations.

Wayne’s commitment to authenticity was evident, but the need for entertaining content occasionally led to the omission of certain details, such as the true costs of restoration or the outcomes of auctions.

Over 200 episodes of “Chasing Classic Cars” showcased remarkable restorations, including notable projects like a 1932 Packard Twin Six belonging to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Wayne and his team worked tirelessly to prepare the car for a parade, showcasing their dedication to preserving automotive history.

Another standout moment was the discovery of a 1921 Stutz Bearcat in pristine condition, which Wayne later entered into the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The car won accolades for being the best-preserved regularly driven car of its era, ultimately selling for an impressive $600,000.

Even after “Chasing Classic Cars” concluded in August 2021, Wayne Carini remains as active as ever at the age of 71.

He continues to manage his three businesses while pursuing his passion for classic cars.

Additionally, Wayne dedicates time to family advocacy, particularly in supporting autism organizations.

This cause is close to his heart, as his youngest daughter was diagnosed with autism as a child.

Wayne is also nurturing the next generation of car enthusiasts, spending quality time with his grandson, Connor.

He believes Connor has the potential to become a car racer or restorer, just like himself and his great-grandfather.

To foster this passion, Wayne takes Connor to car events and museums, introducing him to the automotive world.

In February 2023, Wayne announced his partnership in the relaunch of Speed Vision, an automotive and aviation-related cable channel owned by Fox Network.

Fans are excited about this new venture, although it remains unclear whether Wayne will be on-screen or working behind the scenes to develop content.

With a net worth estimated at $25 million, Wayne Carini has achieved financial security, but he remains committed to hard work, helping others, and not resting on his past successes.

At 71, he continues to attend car shows and events across the U.S., spending significant time at Carini Karzara, where he restores classic cars.

Wayne Carini’s journey is a testament to passion, dedication, and a love for classic automobiles.

As he embarks on new adventures and continues to inspire future generations, his fans can only wait eagerly for what this automotive legend will do next.