onevoice

Thought it might be interesting because I once considered a 996 with a v8 conversion, but nothing was really shown except screwing around with the "997" fender and bumper swap.

In the end, the v8 swap car drag raced Richards 2016 911 turbo s, it looked closer than I would have imagined. Any thoughts on how "realistic" the race was?

docmirror

The shows are intended to be entertainment, and not technical run-through of the job. In that respect, I found it mildly entertaining, but was prepared to be disappointed about the build info on the V8 conversion. It was as I expected. Clip of a guy uncrating engine, clip of guy uncrating conversion plate, clip of guy bolting plate to engine, three clips of guys fitting engine and trans into engine bay, clip of guy connecting wires. Well, here we go, it runs! So, about as expected.

I also find it interested that he always, always comes out on top in every transaction. Now, I've watched a few chasing classic cars with Carini and the reality there is a lot more grounded. You don't always make money on every deal. That's life, because if you never were upside down on a car, you haven't really risked anything. I would say the money spent on the 996 including all the time, paint booth, nick-nacks, trim, Porsche parts for anyone else would come up well over $50k. And finding a dad with deep pockets to buy the car for his kid? Where does that come along, once in a lifetime? If he made $500 on that deal all-in, all-out I would be very surprised.

I did have a drool-fest over the Mustangs. Now that looks like a bunch of very unique and valuable cars, but he didn't bother to restore any of them in this show. Maybe later one will get the treatment. Many years ago, back when I was involved with Cord cars I spent some time with Jay Leno when he bought his Cord. I was one of the few car owners in SoCal at the time with a Cord and we chatted about maintenance and how to drive the thing with pre-selector shifting. Since he was already raking it in, he was pretty easy going. His garage series are a lot more fun than what passes for these shows which I will call ego-trips, or a game of one-up-man-ship.

ZuffenZeus

Yep Jake is right about "the slap".
Another recent example.

(bare in mind I got this story after the fact)

My wife's uncle owns a lot of land in Banks County Georgia. A so called "CBS reality TV production crew" got him to agree to allow them live on his land for the entire summer to supposedly shoot scenes for their show. They claimed to be shooting a survivor type of show. My wife's uncle was so open and welcoming to these "young producers" that he allowed them all of his property's resources including letting them stay in his house, camping out, food, storage, using whatever they found, etc. etc. etc.

After the producers left his land, he came to my house (knowing I was a production manager) to tell me about his experience with these people. He would get so excited thinking about being on CBS television. I was like... show me the contact from CBS. He didn't have one because it was highly secretive and they (producers) couldn't risk letting the story get out. Ugggh!!! (facepalm)

I didn't have the heart to tell him it wouldn't happen, but I plan to let him know when the show doesn't air when the so called "CBS producers" promised. It's a shame they took advantage of an decent honest man. He's an old school hard working man that believes that a hand shake is as good as any written contract. Unfortunately, he's unwise to the new generation of thievery. Such a shame.

More than likely, it was a group of college students producing a pilot to present for network consideration. Good luck with that!

Esfoad

While I agree with almost all the comments here, especially Jake's, Rawlings does lose money on deals quite often. In fact, I am surprised they make money at all from the deals. I expect their money comes from all the other stuff like the restaurant, the TV contracts etc.

ZuffenZeus

Because it's "Scripted Reality TV", you can't really believe anything to 100%. The producers can make it look closer than it really was. No doubt, it's an entertaining show, but that's the point! Make it entertaining. The whole premise behind the "Porvette" was to show that it could be done but all with all the normal drawbacks. What you wanna bet the kid/dad duo in the end didn't really pay for the car at the amount that was agreed? Maybe they did or maybe they didn't.

ZuffenZeus

Rawlings is the star... and he makes the show. I'm pretty sure he's not hurting for money at all... prolly sleeps and baths in it. Maybe even wipes his butt with it as well. eeeek!

bpu699

When they figure out how much money they made on a car... does that include labor?

I sometimes wince when I see someone on their show pay $150k for a pick up truck... that wouldn't sell for $60k on the open market...

The basic formula seems to always be, "Ask twice what I have into it, and hope some sucker bites on the deal."

Still love Wheeler Dealers . Good honest fun, where they lose money on each and every single car but refuse to admit it. Unless Ed is working for 0.25$ an hour

dgjks6

It is enteratinement and I enjoyed it. But the money thrown around has to be fake - but who cares. There was an episode where her charged the guys of a comic museum a bunch of money for a car that was in iron man. Went to the museum website and they made a comment about it being a donation.

shanghai_todd

I was not very impressed with the build but again had to remind myself they are doing it in 3 weeks and German automotive is not their specialty which clearly showed. As far as the roll-on race at the end it was no surprise the turbo walked away on the top end. The gearing and trans in that 996 was maxed out and no LSD. Even if it would have won Richards ego would never let the episode show that..

docmirror

It has been my experience through many long years that the ones that crow about the money they're making or have, are those that often struggle along, mostly show ponies. There's a funny saying I learned in SoCal real estate. The RE agent calls the star of a new show with news on buying a home; "Honey, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that I can get you that 3500 sqft Beverly place for 2 mil. The bad news is that you gotta come up with 100 thousand now."

Capt. Obvious

I liked that the car had the same wheels that mine had.

5CHN3LL

Fast and Loud is fun to watch when Richard and his buddy Dennis (the one who is actually wealthy; he bought the F50 Richard repaired and painted black) are drunk at auctions burning money on **** cars (and watching their own cars sell for less than they wanted after pulling the reserve in a failed attempt to generate bids).

Building a brand with a $15MM net worth is impressive, regardless of how you feel about the guy.

I wonder how much he's earning with each "beer assistant" product placement plug.

gobs

Discovery Channel, Rawlings earns US$50,000 per episode and has a net worth of approximately US$15 million.
Didn't realize he was making that much coin off the show.

ZuffenZeus

And prolly pays his staff (aside from Aaron) normal salaries. But he makes it up in other areas obviously. Brand placement is eating up his shop... just look around at the banners. That's where he makes easy money.

RMG

Jake, I would die to see you on Velocity, with a show on your own, about Porsche rebuilds.