The MuscleCar Place

National Parts Depot is celebrating an incredible milestone — 50 years in business — and we’re sitting down with Rick Schmidt for a special Ask Rick episode to talk about the journey that built one of the most respected names in classic car restoration. From its humble beginnings in a family basement to becoming a global leader in restoration parts, Rick shares the story of how his father Jim Schmidt built NPD through hard work, vision, and a relentless commitment to serving enthusiasts. We also dive into Rick’s leadership philosophy, the evolution of the restoration market, and what the next fifty ye...

This week we’re doing something a little different, and honestly — something really special. For the first time ever, the original team behind my Chevelle build all sat down together to revisit the journey from 2011–2013. This wasn’t a “sponsored” build or a corporate project. It was a leap of faith between friends who believed we could pull off something big long before we knew how. We started in basements and small shops, fought rust, deadlines, wiring headaches, and fatigue — and somehow ended up rolling into SEMA together.

In this episode you’ll hear Jeff Allison, Danny Giustino, Zip Si...

’Tis the season, and it’s time once again for the Christmas episode of The Muscle Car Place—a tradition now 17 years strong. We’re thrilled to welcome our most exclusive guest of the year, known by many names around the world, but to us he’ll always be Santa Claus. 2025 was a whirlwind year filled with unforgettable moments alongside the Holley MoParty and the Kibbe & Friends gang, from epic parking lot steak dinners to incredible interviews with creators and automotive legends, capped off by the best SEMA experience I’ve had since debuting my Chevelle. We came home with a mount...

Just outside the chaos of SEMA, we sat down at Hodson Motors—Riley Hodson’s backyard-born, fast-growing sweepstakes operation that’s taking over the classic 4x4 world. What started as a humble father-and-son hobby turned into a full business when Riley realized people weren’t just following his truck builds…they trusted him. From diesel-swapped Suburbans to bone-stock Toyotas, Riley breaks down the real math, the real risks, and the real heart behind giving away fully built vintage trucks to everyday enthusiasts. No hype, no gimmicks—just honesty, hustle, and a shop full of lifted classics ready for their next home.<...

In this Christmas edition of Ask Rick, we sit down with Rick Schmidt to talk holiday traditions, family time, and how he celebrates the biggest day of the year. Rick shares what Christmas looks like in the Schmidt household—good food, classic movies, and quality time with the people who matter most. As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate another great year in the world of Muscle Cars.

Rick also gives his year-end perspective on the shifting automotive landscape, from the sharp rise in restoration part prices to the evol...

This episode delivers a packed finale to our SEMA 2025 coverage, featuring three can’t-miss conversations straight from the show floor. We kick things off with Trent McGee from Centerforce, breaking down real-world clutch selection for street, strip, and track — covering everything from classic muscle car setups to high-horsepower, twin-disc race applications. Then Mark Gearhart from Holley joins us to walk through their LT-swapped 4th-gen Camaro and the bigger picture of modern engine swaps, showing how builders can bring modern power and drivability into older platforms. We close out with Mike Pennington from Meguiar’s, who dives into their new pro-co...

SEMA 2025 continues to deliver, and this third installment of The Muscle Car Place show is packed with killer interviews and industry insight. From Heidts Suspension’s bolt-in Mopar independent suspension systems, to Blueprint Engines’ OEM-style “compatible” powerplants, to Diamondback Classic Radials’ one-of-a-kind custom sidewall tires, and finally to Terry McGean from Hemmings sharing how the iconic brand is evolving in the modern collector car world — this episode is all about blending classic muscle with modern technology and real-world drivability.

As we head into the holiday season, we’re leaning into tradition as well. Don’t miss the annual Planes, T...

In this second episode of our SEMA 2025 series, we dive headfirst into the builders and brands that continue to reshape the automotive world. From the groundbreaking work of Ringbrothers and their jaw-dropping carbon-fiber Aston Martin “Octavio” build, to the bold vision of Trick Rides and their all-carbon widebody ’69 Mustang “Scorched” series, this episode is packed with innovation, craftsmanship, and next-level thinking. We also step into the world of modern car care with Mothers, highlighting the latest in ceramic protection, paint correction, HydroClay technology, and easy-to-apply spray ceramic coatings that are changing how enthusiasts maintain their builds.

We also conne...

SEMA 2025 delivered big moments, bigger stories, and some truly unforgettable conversations—and in this episode, we’re bringing you the first wave of highlights straight from the show floor. Rob and the TMCP team hit Vegas wide open, reconnecting with industry friends and discovering new innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world. From modern tech hidden inside classic radio faces to the future of suspension engineering, to a brand-new ’67 Shelby GT500 built entirely from fresh parts, the range of insights and creativity on display this year was off the charts.

You’ll hear direc...

It’s one of the biggest months of the year — SEMA, MCACN, and Thanksgiving! In this episode, Rick Schmidt joins Rob to tackle the real questions everyone’s asking: turkey, beef, or ham? Cranberries from the can? And of course, what makes MCACN (the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals) such a world-class event. Rick gives us an inside look at his 13-mile 1964 Ford Galaxie XL, shares why authenticity matters more than perfection, and explains why this show has earned its nickname: “The Pebble Beach of Muscle Cars.”
From Thanksgiving table debates to restoration realities, Rick dives into the surprising...

This week on The MuscleCar Place, Rob Kibbe welcomes Dan Kahn, president and CEO of Kahn Media, for an insider’s masterclass on how to get the absolute most out of SEMA 2025. Dan’s deep roots in the automotive world—spanning journalism, car building, agency leadership, and service within SEMA itself—give him a uniquely panoramic view of the industry. As the author of The New Rules of the Road, he’s built his career around helping brands and creators tell authentic stories that connect passion with professionalism.

In this episode, Dan shares proven strategies for creators, builders...

If you’ve ever dreamed of giving your classic A-body the precision handling of a modern performance car—this week’s MuscleCar Place episode is for you. Rob sits down with Blane Burnett of RideTech to dive into the all-new MOMENTUM Series Chassis, a complete foundation engineered for 1964–1972 GM A-bodies like the Chevelle, Tempest, Cutlass, and Skylark. Built on RideTech’s legacy of innovation—now strengthened through its partnership with Fox Factory Holding Corp—the MOMENTUM Series delivers modern geometry, rigidity, and customization in a true plug-and-play solution. Even better, a full chassis comes in at an incredibly competitive $20,000–$30,000, putting high-end...

Don Abenante of Retro Fabworks isn’t your average YouTube builder — his story blends Hollywood grit, family legacy, and pure horsepower. After early stints on Below Deck, Horsepower Wars, and Netflix’s Resurrected Rides, Don found his true calling behind the welder instead of the camera, documenting every cut and weld for his growing audience.

His current project is deeply personal: a 1970 Chevelle he first planned to build with his late father. That dream paused for years but never died — and now it’s roaring back to life. Don’s transforming the Chevelle into a Ford Coyote–powered showst...

Kick off October with a fresh Ask Rick as Rick Schmidt weighs in on the value of car-show trophies, parts sourcing, and where the market’s really headed. Are small-show awards worth chasing—or are they just eating into charity budgets? Rick also unpacks the hot question in restoration parts: will manufacturing return to the U.S., or will Taiwan’s increasingly high-quality tooling keep leading the charge for low-volume classics?

Then it’s “Rick’s Take – Car Deals: The Bob Lutz Edition.” Rick sizes up a supercharged ’99 Viper GTS ACR, a ’09 Solstice GXP, and a ’00 Prowler for long-term ROI in a...

While Rob stayed back to support Dallas’s racing season, the Kibbe and Friends crew stormed Holley Moparty 2025 to capture the best stories on the grounds. From drag racing icon Paul Rossi sharing his trailblazing Mopar legacy, to Dave Swearinger’s track-ready “ZomBEE” Super Bee build, to new tech insights from Holley’s Steve Sparkman and Sublime’s Blake Anderman — this episode is packed with passion, horsepower, and the future of Mopar performance.

The post TMCP #621: The Moparty 2025 Spectacular! Paul Rossi – Direct Connection Drag Racer Legend, Steve Sparkman – Holley Performance Products, Dave Swearinger – Rust Bucket Restorations, Blake Anderman – Sublime T...

David Kruk – 1970 Super Bee.
With the Holley MoParty kicking off in Bowling Green, Kentucky, we’re spotlighting longtime attendee David Kruk and his 1970 Dodge Super Bee. David and his wife Lizzie have become familiar faces at the event, showing off a car that’s logged over 80,000 miles and countless upgrades.

What started as a $400 parts-car rescue has turned into a full-blown autocross machine. The Super Bee has evolved from a tired 440 big block into a third-gen Hemi–powered, QA1-equipped racer that can hold its own against lighter cars on the track.

From the Columbus...

In this episode of The Muscle Car Place, Rick takes us inside the impossible yet fascinating world of OEM leadership—where shifting politics and billion-dollar bets make or break the future of the industry. Then, in true “Rick’s Take” fashion, he shifts gears to the fun side: which ’90s icons and classic rides make the best tailgate companions—and the smartest flips for ROI. From Corvettes and Cobras to Broncos and Foxbody Mustangs, Rick breaks down which cars will impress your buddies, hold value, and maybe even make you money after football season.

The post TMCP #619: Ask Rick — O...

Join us for a special RoadKill Nights episode of The Muscle Car Place! We catch up with the legendary Finnegan and Freiburger, talk Dodge with Ashton Munoz, go behind the scenes with Mike Copeland on race tech and staging, hear from Chris Coberg of DSR Performance, and get insights from Ed Buczeskie at Carlisle Events. Plus, Dallas Kibbe celebrates his fourth Legends racing win!

The post TMCP #618: Roadkill Nights Special! – Live From Woodward Ave – Finnegan and Freiburger, Ashton Munoz Dodge Product Manager, Mike Copeland Race Tech and Staging, Chris Coberg DSR Performance, Ed Buczeskie Carlisle Events first appe...

TMCP #617: Mike Spagnola - The End of the EV Mandate, What Tarriffs (Might) Do To Prices, and Paving a Future for Next Generation Gear Heads!

The post TMCP #617: Mike Spagnola – The End of the EV Mandate, What Tarriffs (Might) Do To Prices, and Paving a Future for Next Generation Gear Heads! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #616: ASK RICK - Restoration Sheetmetal for 80's Cars, Fox Body Mustangs Values On the Rise, and the Mustang GTD as the Best MidLife Crisis Car Investment?

The post TMCP #616: ASK RICK – Restoration Sheetmetal for 80’s Cars, Fox Body Mustangs Values On the Rise, and the Mustang GTD as the Best MidLife Crisis Car Investment? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #615: The Real NASCAR Wing Car Story From Those Who Made It: Carlile Chrysler Nationals 2025

The post TMCP #615: The Real NASCAR Wing Car Story From Those Who Made It: Carlile Chrysler Nationals 2025 first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

ASK RICK - Car Collections, Does The Size Or The Quality Make The Difference?

The post TMCP #614: ASK RICK – Independence Day Spectacular! Fun Parade Cars and Amazing Car Collections first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Rick Love and the Vintage Air Summer Special: The New Gen5 Systems Are Here! Plus - Dallas Kibbe Wins His First Race!

The post TMCP #613: Rick Love and the Vintage Air Summer Special: The New Gen5 Systems Are Here! Plus – Dallas Kibbe Wins His First Race! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

The HPX Show Special! Nick Fillipides: American Racing Headers, Ash Garrett: SRI Performance, Antron Brown: NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, Ed Bolian: VIN Wiki

The post TMCP #612: The HPX Show Special – Nick Fillipides: American Racing Headers, Ash Garrett: SRI Performance, Antron Brown: NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, Ed Bolian: VIN Wiki first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

ASK RICK - Is a New EV Dodge Charge Now a Collectible...Failure? Plus, Interesting Classics for the Collection - ROI Be Damned!

The post TMCP #611: ASK RICK – Is the New EV Dodge Charge Now a Collectible…Failure? Plus, Interesting Classics for the Collection – ROI Be Damned! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #610: The HPX Expo in Charlotte Is Here! Doctor Jamie Meyer And Dana Teague Reveal The Final Details - Top Tier Speakers, Racers, and More!

The post TMCP #610: The HPX Expo in Charlotte Is Here! Doctor Jamie Meyer And Dana Teague Reveal The Final Details – Top Tier Speakers, Racers, and More! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #609: Gus Kozarzewski, How The MECUM Auctions Consignment Team Works - Valuation, Marketing and Even Mechanics!

The post TMCP #609: Gus Kozarzewski, How The MECUM Auctions Consignment Team Works – Valuation, Marketing and Even Mechanics! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

ASK RICK – Outguessing "Tariff Price Hikes" In The Automotive Industry - Failed Car Deals - Best Car Jobs For Kids!

The post TMCP# 608: ASK RICK – Outguessing “Tariff Price Hikes” In The Automotive Industry – Failed Car Deals – Best Car Jobs For Kids! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Griffin McGrath of Legends Direct; Bringing the Professional Dealership Mentality to Legends Racing; Debut of the Dallas Kibbe Legends Direct Development Driver Program!

The post TMCP# 607: Griffin McGrath of Legends Direct; Bringing the Professional Dealership Mentality to Legends Racing; Debut of the Dallas Kibbe Legends Direct Development Driver Program! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP# 606: ASK RICK – Online Catalog Searches, Fun 90's Cars to Flip In a Year, and Tariff Impact On Restoration and Beyond!

The post TMCP# 606: ASK RICK – Online Catalog Searches, Fun 90’s Cars to Flip In a Year, and Tariff Impact On Restoration and Beyond! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Dana Teague - The High Performance Expo In Charlotte This June s Coming; Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon Kick It Off!

The post TMCP# 605: Dana Teague – The High Performance Expo In Charlotte This June s Coming; Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon Kick It Off! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #604: Shane Weckerly - Holley EFI Technical Assistance Can Help You Tame Your Fuel Injection Installation Issues

The post TMCP #604: Shane Weckerly – Holley EFI Technical Assistance Can Help You Tame Your Fuel Injection Installation Issues first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

ASK RICK - Why and How Restoration Sheetmetal Is Made In Taiwan, Chevy and Ford have NASCAR EV-SUV's, and Three Cars to Buy For a 1-Week Spring Break Trip!

The post TMCP #603: ASK RICK – Why and How Restoration Sheetmetal Is Made In Taiwan, Chevy and Ford have NASCAR EV-SUV’s, and Three Cars to Buy For a 1-Week Spring Break Trip! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Scott Bowers of Ron Francis Wiring: Chassis Harnesses, Engine Swaps, Trade Shows to Hit, and Racing for Marketing (and FUN)!

The post TMCP #602: Scott Bowers of Ron Francis Wiring: Chassis Harnesses, Engine Swaps, Trade Shows to Hit, and Racing for Marketing (and FUN)! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #601: ASK RICK - EV "Mandate" Repealed, Shelby America Returns To Racing, January 2025 Auctions Bring a Market Correction?

The post TMCP #601: ASK RICK – EV “Mandate” Repealed, Shelby America Returns To Racing, January 2025 Auctions Bring a Market Correction? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP 600th Episode Special with Mike Finnegan! Life Update After Roadkill and Who is Winning with Cars on YouTube!

The post TMCP #600: 600th Episode Special with Mike Finnegan! Life Update After Roadkill and Who is Winning with Cars on YouTube! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Rodger Lee with Ironworks - Building Cars, Teaching Business, and a "Production Line" Chevelle?

The post TMCP #599: Rodger Lee with Ironworks – Building Cars, Teaching Business, and a “Production Line” Chevelle? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Ask Rick - A New Year, New Goals, and New Cars for 2025!

The post TMCP #598: Ask Rick – A New Year, New Goals, and New Cars for 2025! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

The 2024 Christmas Show: Feature Interview with Santa Claus on his Deer-E-V Powered Sleigh!

The post TMCP #597: The 2024 Christmas Show: Feature Interview with Santa Claus on his Deer-E-V Powered Sleigh! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Show 2024 - Back In The Windy City For Barn Finds, Amazing Restorations, And A Trip Down A Two Lane Blacktop

The post TMCP #596 – Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Show 2024 – Back In The Windy City For Barn Finds, Amazing Restorations, And A Trip Down A Two Lane Blacktop first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #595: ASK RICK! - Christmas Movies, The Future Of Automotive TV, And What Car Would A Non Car Person Want Santa To Bring Them?

The post TMCP #595: ASK RICK! – Christmas Movies, The Future Of Automotive TV, And What Car Would A Non Car Person Want Santa To Bring Them? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

SEMA Show 2024 Special #3 -- Rick Love vintage Air, Meguires Protection Products, RoadTek battery powered jacks, Dominic Olsen Big O Customs Battle of the builders, Fine Lines Brake Line Kits,

The post TMCP 594: SEMA Show 2024 Special #3 — Rick Love vintage Air, Meguires Protection Products, RoadTek battery powered jacks, Dominic Olsen Big O Customs Battle of the builders, Fine Lines Brake Line Kits, first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP 593: SEMA Show 2024 Special #2 -- BluePrint Engines Makes EVERYTHING You Want - Blazin Rodz SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle - HP Tuners EV ECU's - RideTech's All New Parts Roundup

The post TMCP 593: SEMA Show 2024 Special #2 — BluePrint Engines Makes EVERYTHING You Want – Blazin Rodz SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle – HP Tuners EV ECU’s – RideTech’s All New Parts Roundup first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP 592: SEMA Show 2024 Special #1: Jason Engel and Jarred Morris - All New Carbon Fiber '69 Mustang; Hemmings 2024 Market Review with Jono Shaw (Young People Own Classics); Mike and Jim Ring - Ring Brothers Bring 3 Builds and Speedy P's!

The post TMCP 592: SEMA Show 2024 Special #1: Jason Engel and Jarred Morris – All New Carbon Fiber ’69 Mustang; Hemmings 2024 Market Review with Jono Shaw (Young People Own Classics); Mike and Jim Ring – Ring Brothers Bring 3 Builds and Speedy P’s! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

ASK RICK! - Election 2024 Special: Investing to Outpace Inflation, Presidents, and All Out Crazyness!

The post TMCP 591: ASK RICK! – Election 2024 Special: Investing to Outpace Inflation, Presidents, and All Out Crazyness! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Bonus Feature - NHRA Superstar Clay Millican: Racing Highs....and Lows....and Highs Again!

The post TMCP 590: Bonus Feature – NHRA Superstar Clay Millican: Racing Highs….and Lows….and Highs Again! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #589: Doctor Jamie Meyer and the All New High Performance Expo; The Aftermarket and Racing Industry's New Trade Show in Charlotte!

The post TMCP #589: Doctor Jamie Meyer and the All New High Performance Expo; The Aftermarket and Racing Industry’s New Trade Show in Charlotte! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP 588: Ask Rick - The Truth of Keeping AM Radio in New Cars - Meeting The Bandit with his first Trans Am!

The post TMCP 588: Ask Rick – The Truth of Keeping AM Radio in New Cars – Meeting The Bandit with his first Trans Am! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This special bonus episode on The Muscle Car Place is brought to you live from the Holley Moparty 2024 produced by FM3 event services at the Beech Bend raceway in Bowling Green Kentucky! All of your favorite show hosts and co-hosts loaded up and drove out to the birthplace of new Corvettes and the global headquarters of Holley Performance Products to see the fifth annual gathering of Mopar enthusiasts. Many old and new Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, AMC, and Jeep vehicles were there showing off just how unique this crowd can be. We got to show up and interview some of...

Rick Schmidt – Ask Rick: It is September and time for another riveting Ask Rick segment where I ask him the tough questions! Football season is here and I am looking forward to sports celebrations and a bit of tailgating at the games. This month I Ask Rick what kinds of vehicle would be great […]

The post TMCP 586: ASK RICK – Ford Reverses DEI, Pony Parts For Mustangs In Norway, and the Perfect Tailgating Classic Car! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #585: RoadKill Nights 2024 - LIVE Coverage Special #2 - Mike Mantel's HEMI Under Glass and Little Red Fire Truck Wheel Stander - Tri-City Dragway; Eagle Scouts Bring Back An Abandoned Drag Strip For A Massive Car Show

The post TMCP #585: RoadKill Nights 2024 – LIVE Coverage Special #2 – Mike Mantel’s HEMI Under Glass and Little Red Fire Truck Wheel Stander – Tri-City Dragway; Eagle Scouts Bring Back An Abandoned Drag Strip For A Massive Car Show first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #584: RoadKill Nights 2024 - LIVE Coverage and new Charger! - Dodge Execs on for Product, Interior, and Exterior Design; Hot Rod/ Motor Trend Network; Morgan Evans Wins the Grudge Race with the new T6 Inline Six Engine

Kevin Hellman - Senior Vice President Head of Dodge//SRT Brand Product
Scott Krugger - VP Head of Exterior Design for Dodge
Jeff Gale - Chief Interior Designer for Dodge
Mike Galimi - HOT ROD Network Director
Morgan Evans - Torque and Tungsten YouTube Automotive Influencer, Metal Artist

The post TMCP #584: RoadKill Nights 2024 – LIVE Co...

ASK RICK - Mustangs in Norway, The Best PRINT Advertising, and Pre-Election Car Investments!

The post TMCP #583: ASK RICK – Mustangs in Norway, The Best PRINT Advertising, and Pre-Election Car Investments! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

FEATURE INTERVIEWS: Fox Sports’ NASCAR Announcer – Mike Joy: This week I got to check off one of my long term bucket list interviews and sat down to talk with Fox Sports racing announcer Mike Joy, who along with color analysts Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick brings the racing action into sharp focus for those […]

The post TMCP #582: Mike Joy of NASCAR on Fox; Announcer, Vintage Car Racer, and Racing Story Teller! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

It is JULY and time for another riveting Ask Rick segment where I ask him the tough questions! Happy Independence Day and make sure you stay safe with the fireworks. The Fourth is when we celebrate our independence and our freedom from oppression of the English monarchy by blowing up some stuff! This month I askeded Rick what his most memorable family tradition around this holiday and then I traveled with him down memory lane where he recalled his younger days and the early start of NPD. Growing up inside the All American business wasn't always what it appears...

This week I had the extreme pleasure to once again talk to Vintage Air President Rick Love. Vintage Air has been a long time sponsor of this show, and chances are you have a Vintage Air system (or many Vintage Air parts) in your current ride. Their name is synonymous with hot rod air conditioning (and heating), much like Kleenex is to tissues! As always though the company is only a representation of the people behind it and in it and Rick Love has been there since 1998 earning the company awards for service, support and technology!

The...

It is June and time for another riveting Ask Rick segment where I ask him the tough questions! The big event for the month is Flag Day! It is also the start of summer and time for vacations and traveling around to see this great country of ours or maybe another country. This month we dug into the realities of shipping to international customers (by the container load), the retirements of BIG names at Dodge and Chevy, and the value of a 4-year college degree in automotive education. The we followed it up by guessing at the best vehicles...

This week marks the fifteenth anniversary of The Musclecar Place podcast and all of the adventures that have ensued since then. Fifteen years ago I had a dream to start a radio show where I could talk about fast classic cars and meet people that build, race or buy and sell those vehicles. The one "guest" that has been on the show more than any of them, and has had a bigger impact than all of them, is Jeff Allison. Jeff is the one that stepped up and took a huge chance and changed both of our lives forever...

It's once again is the quarterly Pro-Touring Update, Presented by Ron Francis Wiring, and normally starring Mr. Larry Callahan! BUT, Due to unforeseen circumstances we have a special guest host, Mr. Tom Farrington!
Tom has been on the show before way back in Episode #62 and a quick search of the internet returns many other interviews and articles ever since then. He and his wife Debbie are mainstays at Pro-Touring tracks and has a vast knowledge of the ins and outs of racing and attending these events. We asked Tom to give this quarter's update due to his high...

TMCP #576: ASK RICK: Still Teaching Teens to Drive a Stick Shift, Benefits (Or Not) of Buying An Automotive Business, and Best Interior Colors Ever! Business? What To Look Out For!

The post TMCP #576: ASK RICK: Still Teaching Teens to Drive a Stick Shift, Benefits (Or Not) of Buying An Automotive Business, and Best Interior Colors Ever! Business? What To Look Out For! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week we have a special interview that was recorded LIVE from the auction floor interview at MECUM in Houston Texas. Our intrepid producer Bernie McPartland caught up with TV personality and voice of MECUM Auctions on The MotorTrend Network, John Kraman. To say John has been in the car business a long time does little to explain just how long. This was an insight into what has become the biggest collector car auction company in the world, all told from the catbird seat!

The post TMCP #575: Life on the Auction Block with John Kraman – LIVE INTERVIEW Fr...

FEATURE INTERVIEW Mike Spagnola – SEMA: This week I spoke to Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association). It is always fun to meet for the first time, especially people who are helming something important to you. This was my first interaction of any kind with Mike, and my immediate takeaway […]

The post TMCP #574: SEMA President and CEO, Mike Spagnola – State of the Industry first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Rick Schmidt – Ask Rick: It is April and time for another riveting Ask Rick segment where I ask him the tough questions! This is the month of change where we transition from winter to spring. Out with the old and in with the new! It is time for the winter states to start getting […]

The post TMCP #573: ASK RICK: Its The End Of The World As We Know It, Or Is It – California Emissions Mandate, Zero Emissions by 2035 first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week I spoke to Tom Scarpello, President and founder of Revology in his facility in Orlando Florida! Revology is seemingly doing the impossible; creating a profitable company that survives (and thrives) by bringing a single classic Mustang platform into a 21st Century as a capable daily-driver by modern standards. There are a few other companies doing things like Revology, but to my knowledge this is the only company striving to be good at the "boring" stuff like reducing wind noise, squeaks, rattles, and creating high end comfortable interiors from OEM stock materials. Their door gaps are specifically set...

This week I spoke to Jono Shaw, President of Hemmings Motor News, to find out more about the new buying service called the "Frictionless Marketplace." For anyone who has bought a car online sight unseen it can be a little unnerving when you "win" the auction and are then left to figure out how to get the car legally, safely, and paid for without the fear of getting completely ripped off. To put it bluntly, this service is meant to put some teeth to the "wild-west" that has become common in buying a car line and put Hemmings into...

TMCP #570: 15 Year Anniversary Throwback - The Time I Met Mike Finnegan and Launched a Show about the Dukes of Hazzard!

The post TMCP #570: 15 Year Anniversary Throwback – The Time I Met Mike Finnegan and Launched a Show about the Dukes of Hazzard! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Rick's Take on the Presidential Election 2024:

Every four years we experience a Leap year and another round of picking a new president. With this event comes another round of presidential ads, throwing of mud, and an substantial amount of finger pointing. I have heard many times in the past from suppliers regarding their outlook on the future around an election cycle and many will stop any unnecessary spending based on the uncertainly of the outcome of an election. Some will even cut out expensive trade shows (SEMA included) that they would normally attend in an attempt to...

TMCP #568: Jason Forgey, the NC944er - Everything You'll Ever Need to Know to Own, Restore, and Upgrade the Porsche 944!

The post TMCP #568: Jason Forgey, the NC944er – Everything You’ll Ever Need to Know to Own, Restore, and Upgrade the Porsche 944! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #567: 15 Year Anniversary Throwback - The Time Jeff Allison Built My Chevelle For Free!

The post TMCP #567: 15 Year Anniversary Throwback – The Time Jeff Allison Built My Chevelle For Free! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

ASK RICK - Muscle Cars At Mecum Bringing Big Money, The Best ROI is on "Junk", and we own a Porsche 944!

The post TMCP #566: ASK RICK – Muscle Cars At Mecum Bringing Big Money, The Best ROI is on “Junk”, and we own a 944! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week I have the pleasure to talk to long time friend of the show, Jason Engel. At SEMA 2023 I learned that Jason had entered the consulting business and was also he representative to vet licensure requirements for Shelby!

What was he consulting in, specifically? Well....consulting in the entire process of owning, operating, producing, marketing, and leading a production car business where the production car is unique to the business itself. In addition, it might be a car that needs to be licensed by an OEM or other "Hollywood" style entities. Examples include companies like Classic...

It is hard to believe that in May of 2024 it will have been fifteen years since I carved out a hole in my basement and started recording this podcast! Many listeners have tuned in and followed along as I met people from all across the automotive world and simply asked the questions we all wanted to know about business and cars. I had no idea that 15 years later I'd still be in the business, nor did I have a clue what a life defining thing this would become. In a nutshell, this podcast (and you) have changed my life.<...

ASK RICK - 2024 New Years Business Goals; How to Get the Best ROI for Buying and Selling at the BIG January Auctions!

The post TMCP #563: ASK RICK – 2024 New Years Business Goals; How to Get the Best ROI for Buying and Selling at the BIG January Auctions! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #562: The 2023 Christmas Show: Feature Interview with Santa Claus - Alternative Fuels, Electric Sleighs, and How to Get on the Nice List!

The post TMCP #562: The 2023 Christmas Show: Feature Interview with Santa Claus – Alternative Fuels, Electric Sleighs, and How to Get on the Nice List! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Welcome to the first ever show from the streets of Chicago at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show (MCACN). Ryan Brutt, the Auto Archeologist himself, brought out man Scotty Stap into the event to get a deeper look at what has become the premier annual muscle car event in the country! MCACN is a unique show in that both original, unrestored, barn find, and rare/oddball unique muscle cars are curated along with barn finds, specialty restoration parts suppliers, and everything in between! Thanks to Ryan we also secured a significant interview with Bob Ashton, the Managing Member...

TMCP #560: Ask Rick - Long Term Employee Retention - Niche Restoration Parts Being Discontinued - Classic Car Investment VS The Stock Market

The post TMCP #560: Ask Rick – Long Term Employee Retention – Niche Restoration Parts Being Discontinued – Classic Car Investment VS The Stock Market first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #559: SEMA Show 2023 Special #2: Ron Francis Wiring, Scott Bowers Goes Racing! - Cam Douglas, OPTIMA Series - Chris Douglas, CEO of Edelbrock Group:Racing and When to Move on to the Next Level -Wayne Perdue, JEGS, 35 Years of Speed Parts - Rick Love, Vintage Air, New Fox Body Mustang Systems!

The post TMCP #559: SEMA Show 2023 Special #2: Ron Francis Wiring, Scott Bowers Goes Racing! – Cam Douglass, OPTIMA Series – Chris Douglas, CEO of Edelbrock Group:Racing and When to Move on to the Next Level -Wayne Perdue, JEGS, 35 Years of Speed Parts – Rick Love, Vintage Air, New Fox Body Mustan...

TMCP #558: SEMA Show 2023 Special #1 - just for car builders!

Roadster Shop and Aeromotive BIG Future Plans - Superformance Celebrates30 Years of Cobras - E-Musclecar Electric Muscle Conversions - TV's Chris Jacobs and Finale Speed - Jason Engel: Consulting in Shelby Licensing

The post TMCP #558: SEMA Show 2023 Special #1: Roadster Shop and Aeromotive BIG Future Plans – Superformance Celebrates30 Years of Cobras – E-Musclecar Electric Muscle Conversions – TV’s Chris Jacobs and Finale Speed – Jason Engel: Consulting in Shelby Licensing first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

TMCP #557: Ask Rick - Thanksgiving 2023 - EV's Are Slowing Development - and SEMA 2023 Winners!

The post TMCP #557: Ask Rick – Thanksgiving 2023 – OEM EV Strategy Change – and SEMA 2023 Winners!! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Dan Kahn is a well known name in the automotive PR and marketing world and Kahn Media is (in my opinion) is the leader in that space.  I've known Dan for years and have always found him to have a great understanding of our industry as well as the ability to read the tea leaves on what's coming next. Long time listeners will remember our time together on a podcast called "Cars for a Living" and I asked him to return today for a "crystal ball plus the state of the nations" type discussion in regards to the upcoming 2023 S...

It's once again is the quarterly Pro-Touring Update, Presented by Ron Francis Wiring, and starring Mr. Larry Callahan! Technically this is the 3rd quarter update, but with the schedules of events (and the possibility of something special in the first weekend of Oct) we needed to push it back a couple of weeks. I'm happy to say that the gamble was worth it! The focus of this update - as always - is to stay on the inside scoop of what is going on with Larry and The Pro-Touring community as well as getting the inside scoop on upcoming...

It is now October so be on the lookout for ghosts and ghouls at Halloween. This is time for costume parties, trick or treating, and another riveting Ask Rick segment were I ask him the tough questions that not everyone wants to hear! As always Rick delivers sage advice and wisdom founded in years of buying and selling classic vehicles. In this episode we waded into the topics spanning from "how do I store my classic vehicle" all the way to "how do we fix our broken governmental system." As always the answers are entertaining, polarizing, and sometimes surprising.<...

  FEATURE INTERVIEW: 2023 Holley Moparty Special! This special bonus episode on The Muscle Car Place is brought to you live from the Holley Moparty 2023 event at the Beach Bend raceway (and amusement park) facility in Bowling Green Kentucky! All of your favorite show hosts and co-hosts loaded up and drove out to the […]

The post TMCP #553: Holley Moparty Super Show Special! – HHWheels 1969 RT/SE Unrestored All Original Charger – Dylan McCool, Fixing and Racing an 80’s Cop Car – Richard Petty’s 1974 Charger Race Car first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

It is September and football is back!!! It is also time for another riveting Ask Rick segment were I ask him the tough questions that not everyone wants to hear. As always Rick delivers sage advice and wisdom founded in years of buying and selling classic vehicles. When it comes to cars as investment, possibly a with a great ROI, Rick has strong opinions and advice here. Can it be done? Short answer; yes! Should it be done? Long answer......maybe.

As with all things, it depends what you understand and where you can make your gain...

This special bonus episode on The Muscle Car Place is brought to you live once again from the streets of Pontiac, Michigan! Our journeyman reporter Scott Stap was roadside at Woodard Avenue where the streets were closed and setup for LEGAL street drag racing at the annual RoadKill Nights event, presented by Dodge. Every year this event brings action, excitement, and new automotive experiences to Michigan (and visitors from other Midwestern states) automotive enthusiasts!

This episode is from "press day" where grudge match racers were introduced to reveal their drag race cars. Friday was a media only...

Live From RoadKill Nights 2023: Special Feature! Scotty Stap was onsite to talk to the OEM Dodge Boys While Drag Racing On The Streets Of Woodward Ave In Pontiac Michigan. This special feature episode on The Muscle Car Place is brought to you live from the streets of Pontiac Michigan. We were road side at Woodard Avenue where they closed the road and setup a drag strip for the event called RoadKill Nights. Every year RoadKill nights brings action, excitement, and new automotive experiences to Michigan (and other midwestern states) automotive enthusiasts. This year was no exception!

The...

This week on The Muscle Car Place is a great interview with Jason Chandler, Director of Marketing at Auto Metal Direct (known in the industry as "AMD". As of late I noticed that AMD had released some of the "un-ob-tanium" parts for '68 and '69 Charger restorations, nearly to the point that a person could build an entirely new car from scratch. This peaked my interest, so I asked Jason for the details. It turns out that you nearly could build one of those cars now.....as well as a few others (and trucks), all from new metal! '69...

It is August and time for hot August nights and some of the greatest car shows ever! Thousands of people will dig out their cherished vehicles this month and attend massive gatherings such as the Woodward Dream Cruise. When you get that many people in once place accidents will happen and you need to make sure your insurance is correct. In this edition of Ask Rick, I inquire as to what insurance Rick uses and how he knows it will cover his needs. It's a boring topic...but one we all need to get right more than ever.

This week on The Muscle Car Place is with a great industry insider Mike Good, the CEO of Dynamat! I enjoy learning about the science and history of brands that I have used before, an Dynamat is one I've used numerous times for numerous reasons. I always new it to be in the sound deadening space because all of the guys in my high school used it in their "thumper" cars with the huge stereos. I've used it for different reasons on my cars; specifically heat abatement (headers are hot). This was my chance to learn the brand and...

It is July and and time for all of the great summertime activities like fireworks, trips to the beach, and summer car shows! This month the show went completely off the rails from what was planned but that is a great thing for YOU! We covers many great topics from best car detailing practices, to when is a great to to delegate work, and even touching on why the 1984 Toyota Celica GT is such a great car. Stay tuned and listen in as Rick speaks the truth in no uncertain terms about the topics you love to ask to...

This week on The Muscle Car Place is an extra "4th-of-the-month" bonus episode that I simply could not wait until next month to share! I spoke with Todd Liebelt who not only races autocross (as I like to do) but has built an almost identical in appearance Chevelle to mine. I say almost because Todd was able to make the changes in his car, that after years of ownership I now wish I had made to mine. Our paths have never crossed before, but somehow we have generated two cars that are certainly really close siblings!

Ten...

It is time once again for the quarterly Pro-Touring Update, Presented by Ron Francis Wiring, and starring Mr. Larry Callahan! The focus of this update is to get updates of what is going on with Larry and The Pro-Touring community as well as getting the inside scoop on upcoming Pro-Touring (autocross) events in the June to August time frame.

The post TMCP #544 : Larry Callahan Pro-Touring Update – SEMA Dinner Update, Summer Racing Events, and The Return of MotiV8r! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week, I have the outstanding privilege of of introducing a brand new podcast on The MuscleCar Place Network. It's called "Factorish" and is hosted by my great friends Kirk Hansen and Zip Simons. This new show is an all new concept for us, and one that Kirk has pioneered, with Zip providing the insight that only a hot rod shop owner can. It's a full talk show, built for YouTube and audio podcast release but featuring automotive reviews and drives as well. Think of it like The MuscleCar Place, combined with My Classic Car, combined with Entrepreneur magazine. Duration: 00:42:35

It is June and finally the start of summer is upon us (technically it's June 21st...but who's counting). The recent Mecum auction ended with some very interesting surprises and apparently some gossip and fallout after the bidding was all done. I Asked Rick what he thought about the prices and investment quality of the offerings this year as well as his take on some cars that I was considering until the prices went up!

The post TMCP #542: Ask Rick – Mecum ’23 Indy Auction Recap, What Sold, What Did Not, and Why You Need To Check The Paperwork! firs...

This week our guest was Topher McGinnis, otherwise known as the "Headlight Motor man." He is the person in the vast world of "MOPAR hidden headlight restoration" and has found a unique way to service a very specific segment of the restoration industry. I didn't ask him specifically about non MOPAR applications, but I'm sure he'd be willing to help give advice one way or the other!

The post TMCP #541: Topher McGinnis – The Headlight Motor Man Can! Restoration for Hidden Headlights, Open to Close! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week I had the extreme pleasure to once again talk to Vintage Air President Rick Love. Vintage Air has been a long time sponsor of this show, and chances are you have a Vintage Air system (or many Vintage Air parts) in your current ride. Their name is synonymous with hot rod air conditioning (and heating), much like Kleenex is to tissues! As always though the company is only a representation of the people behind it and in it. Rick Love has been there since 1998, but has an even deeper history than that with the company.

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May is here and car shows are starting up across the nation. Also Cinco de Mayo and Memorial day are around the corner and the official start of summer is near. I hope you have your car out or your project almost done to a point where you can drive it and enjoy the warmer weather. This time I decided to once again Ask Rick about six cars from two different categories.  The first set of cars are of "pedigree"and have either a track record or history that makes them special. The other category is $10k starter cars t...

TCMP #538: Pro-Touring Update with Larry Callahan: How To Create a Garage Studio and Upcoming Pro-Touring Events!

The post TCMP #538: Pro-Touring Update with Larry Callahan: How To Create a Garage Studio and Upcoming Pro-Touring Events! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

April is here and Easter is upon us! For some of us, Spring brings on the need to get out our cars and get them ready for driving. For others it is the time to look for a project car to work on since it is now warm enough to spend hours in the garage or driveway bringing it back to life. This time I decided to Ask Rick about not just three but SIX cars to get his take on; 3 were crusty (but promising) restoration projects, and 3 were terrific (and affordable) examples of 3rd generation Pontiac Firebirds/Trans...

This week we are joined by car building royalty, the world famous Ring Brothers! We typically interview the Rings each year at SEMA, but at SEMA 2022 they had a "surplus" of vehicles on display (4)....and they were so busy accepting accolades and competing in the Builder of the Year competition (which they won) that we were never able to connect onsite. This is the long overdue follow up! As with all things, it was worth the wait. For the first time we were able to have a discussion about not only what they had a SEMA 2022 but how the...