Swap to Street Challenge: Meet the team - Hagerty Media
Davin
By night: Juggles car projects in his own garage and drag races at the strip.
In his garage: A 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396, 1966 Chevelle Malibu Convertible, 1970 Chevelle Nomad Wagon, 1977 Scout, 1989 GMC Z71 (his first truck), and his pride-and-joy, a Nostalgia Front-engine Dragster.
Dream car: “Can’t I just have them all?”
Favorite Project: “Working with my 12-year-old daughter, Grace, on her Jr. Dragster.”
Why he jumped at the challenge: “In this age, the romance of this hobby is being lost. The active function of getting off the couch and into the shops with people you enjoy being around has left the younger generations, and the motivation to accomplish a challenging but tangible goal amongst the hustle and bustle of busy, wireless lifestyles is becoming harder to find.”
How will they pull it off? “Swap meets are still a great place to find the affordable parts that you need, and a hot rod can be built at an attainable dollar amount.”
Matt
By night: Modifies cars and helps friends with projects.
In his garage: 1969 Austin Healey Sprite and a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR
Dream car: “I would love to build my very own hot rod from a 1932 Ford Cabriolet. It would be a reliable driver that I can take to any event no matter what the distance.”
Favorite Project: “Driving an unrestored 1964½ Mustang from California all the way to Hagerty in Traverse City, Mich., to be restored by Hagerty employees in celebration of Ford Mustang’s anniversary was an experience I will never forget.”
Why he jumped at the challenge: “I am very anxious to get this truck project on the road. I love the challenge, and it will be a badge of honor to say we went to Hershey and built a roadworthy truck in under 100 hours.”
How will they pull it off? “I am confident that the project will be a success. The biggest question mark is parts; for example, will the correct stuff be available, and will it be a reasonable price? I simply will not excessively over-pay for parts.”
Tara
By night: Builds and customizes cars with her husband, Jake.
In her garage: 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata MX-5 track car, custom 1961 Cadillac Series 62, 1952 Ford Gasser project and 1964 Renken boat
Dream car: “I can’t pick just one, but a few on my list include a 1957 Cadillac Coupe Deville, a 1967-1970 Toyota 2000GT and a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX.”
Favorite Project: “My 1961 Cadillac holds a lot of sentimental value and was my first old car project.”
Why she jumped at the challenge: “I love a challenge and I love adventure, and this project combines both of those things!”
How will they pull it off? “With this team’s dynamic and our dedication I know we can pull it off. We are all very motivated and excited about the project, and each of us has varying experience, which makes us an unstoppable combination.”
Brad
By night: Brings old cars back from the dead.
In his garage: 1918 Willys-Overland, 1970 Jaguar XK-E and 1966 Sunbeam Tiger.
Dream car: A 1964 FIA Shelby Cobra 289
Favorite Project: “My 1966 Sunbeam Tiger, which has been officially certified as an original Tiger and was one of the ‘lost Tigers’ from the official club registry. It is a rust-free car from Colorado, and even though it is in need of TLC, it’s in fantastic original condition, down to the correct hose clamps.”
Why he jumped at the challenge: “I love working with the mechanical aspects of car restoration. Admittedly, I can’t polish, buff or wax, but I love to disassemble, rebuild and replace the working bits.”
How will they pull it off? “I have no doubts about the team being successful in this challenge. I have never built a car as part of a team before, so I’m looking forward to working with the group, delineating responsibilities, and motivating each other to get the job done.”
