Wayne Carini, born on October 13, 1951, in Portland, Connecticut, is a renowned American car restorer and television personality. His passion for automobiles was ignited at a young age, working alongside his father, Robert Carini, in their family-owned collision repair and auto restoration business. Over the years, Wayne honed his skills, eventually becoming a master restorer of classic and exotic cars.
In 2008, Wayne’s expertise and charisma led to the debut of Chasing Classic Cars, a television series that aired on the Velocity Channel (now Motor Trend).
The show provided viewers with an inside look into the world of classic car restoration and collecting, following Wayne as he discovered, restored, and sold vintage automobiles. The series ran successfully for 17 seasons, concluding in 2021, and amassed a dedicated fan base worldwide.
The Conclusion of Chasing Classic Cars
While Chasing Classic Cars was not officially canceled by the network, production ceased after its 17th season in 2021.
The reasons behind the show’s conclusion remain somewhat ambiguous. Some reports suggest that internal disagreements between Wayne and the producers may have contributed to the decision not to renew the series.However, no official statements have been released to confirm these speculations.
The Pierce-Arrow Lawsuit
In 2020, Wayne Carini and his company, F-40 Restoration LLC, were involved in a legal dispute concerning a rare 1934 Pierce-Arrow coupe. The lawsuit, filed by Australian collector William Robert Richmond, centered around the ownership of the vehicle. Richmond claimed he had purchased the Pierce-Arrow in 2010 through an intermediary, Gary Dicso, who was supposed to store and eventually ship the car to Australia.
However, Dicso allegedly sold the car without Richmond’s consent, leading to its eventual acquisition by F-40 Restoration LLC.
The court ruled in favor of Richmond, granting his motion for summary judgment and recognizing his rightful ownership of the Pierce-Arrow. The case highlighted the complexities of classic car transactions and the importance of clear documentation and communication among all parties involved.
Wayne Carini’s Current Endeavors
Despite the conclusion of Chasing Classic Cars, Wayne Carini remains an active figure in the automotive world. He continues to operate F-40 Motorsports, his classic car dealership in Portland, Connecticut, specializing in the sale and restoration of vintage and exotic automobiles. Wayne also participates in various car shows and auctions, sharing his expertise and passion with fellow enthusiasts.
In addition to his business ventures, Wayne is a dedicated family man and advocate for autism awareness, inspired by his daughter’s diagnosis. He supports numerous charitable organizations and events aimed at raising funds and awareness for autism research.
While Chasing Classic Cars may no longer be in production, Wayne Carini’s influence and contributions to the classic car community continue to resonate with fans and collectors alike.