Awesome Autos presents
CAR FANATICS
OUR SHOW Everyone has an emotional attachment to a car “People around the world have come to love automobiles for many reasons. They exude style, embody innovation and offer their owners a remarkable combination of freedom, utility and distinction. Few other products of our material culture have more purpose or meaning and even fewer elicit a more emotional response.� Posted at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Everyone has an emotional attachment to a car. It might have been their first car, their dad’s car or just a car that they have always admired. For many it becomes a love that first began at an early age. It is a common passion of any gender, race, age or political position. It is a subject that brings people together at car shows, car clubs and parking lots throughout the country. They all agree, owning an awesome auto is truly a wonderful experience. For these auto owners it can start with a dream, followed by action, then having the pure joy of ownership and being a part of the American car culture. Passion for design, speed, style, mechanics and history are combined with personal memories involving family and experiences. Many of these enthusiastic owners are masterful story tellers who are eager to share their genuine affection for their awesome works of art that have literally propelled man into the modern era. The show stars are the awesome autos. Lovingly owned, restored and maintained they represent the history of the automobile. They represent all classes from the vintage to latest high tech marvels of design and engineering. Market values range from the moderately priced to hundreds of thousands of dollars. To bring these stories to life, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable show host with a positive personality will engage with the unique and many times colorful owners to mine their rich stories. Viewers from all demographics will relate to the car, the owner or both while enjoying the authentic and organic nature of each story. Executive Producers Frank Torchia, Torch Entertainment and Jim Cunningham
OUR HOST HEATHER STORM
Heather Storm is an intelligent, beautiful and multi-talented television personality who redefines what it means to be a modern renaissance woman. She was a series host on MortorTrend Network’s hit series “Garage Squad” for 4 seasons. On-camera talent, producer and content creator, Heather has stared in over 100 television commercial and countless lifestyle campaigns. To view Heather’s Social Stats click here. To view Heather’s resume click here. There will be co-hosts in different episodes depending on theme and type of content to add different personalities and perspectives.
EPISODE’S Future Possible Episode Themes and Stories
There are so many enthusiastic car owners with different personalities, ages and backgrounds that love to share their story that creating new episodes will be fun and exciting. They can be wealthy celebrities or someone that has invested any extra money and lots of personal time to bring their dream car into in a top show car. What they have in common is their automotive passion and great story telling ability. There seems to be no end to these fascinating stories with different themes. The Wall Street Journal recognizes the interest in the types of stories and has been highlighting them in the weekly Wednesday article, “My Ride”. www.wsj.com/news/types/my-ride
John Schneider John Schneider, actor, singer and producer came to prominence as Bo Duke in the Dukes of Hazard TV Show that ran from 1979 to 1985. One of the other stars was “General Lee� the 1979 Dodge Challenger. John now has a General Lee Challenger of his own that was used on the show.
Jeff Dunham
Celebrities
Jeff Dunham, comedian and car enthusiast. Jeff has fine collection of awesome autos. The one that may be his favorite is the Ford Pinto that he father owned as it reminds him of the many good times with his loving parents who supported his desire to go into show business.
Michael Anthony Michael Anthony, base guitar virtuoso for the legendary Van Halen rock band has a stable of awesome autos. In 1994 Michael commissioned a custom 1933 Hiboy Roadster from the legendary car manufacturer, Boyd Coddington. Michael proudly takes it to car shows near his home in Newport Beach, CA. Previously he was featured on Hot Rod TV.
Adam Eaton Adam Eaton, major league baseball player with the World Series Champions Washington Nationals. Adam has been enamored with cars since he was a little boy thanks to his dad who raced dragsters. Adam shares his memories.
Lee Iacocca Lee Iacocca is widely known as the mastermind of the Ford Mustang. He was also a devoted father and husband. Lee only owned one Mustang that he got as a gift from his loving wife on his 50th birthday. Lee then gave it to his daughter, Lia on her 30th birthday. Lia tells personal stories about what is was like to be a daughter of this incredible man who changed the automotive industry and the touching love story of her parents with her precious Mustang at her side.
Many organizations use their awesome autos for good purposes whose stories should be told. Here is one example:
Healing Little Heroes Foundation
Healing Little Heroes Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping pediatric patients heal emotionally and mentally by having superheroes visiting and interacting with these sick and disabled kids to bring encouragement, joy, and hope. These superhero volunteers wrap their awesome autos to resemble their characters, Spider-vette (Spiderman), Bat Ray (Batman), Corvenger (Captain America), Iron Vette (Iron Man), and Star Galaxy (Luke Skywalker X Wing Fighter Pilot). More can be seen on Healing Heroes Foundations Facebook page including emotionally charged videos of these superheroes and the superhero cars in action with the kids with their families and friends.
Family Affair
Holland Family 1908 Buick Racer
This 1908 Buick Race Car was one of the first cars registered in Orange County, CA. Then as now it is in the Holland family. It recently completed its sixth Great Race www.greatrace.com. There have been only two race drivers, Dennis Holland Sr. and Dennis Holland Jr. The entire Holland family share the passion for adventure and the love of American automotive history. Dennis takes his wife, young kids and friends to car shows in period clothing winning many awards. The family barn/garage is filled with these interesting memorabilia and awesome autos. www.OCRacer.com.
Pat Tobin bought this 1965 GTO in 2013 from his son’s high school friend who owned it for 27 years. It needed some love and attention. Pat enlisted his sons, Sean, Jason and Devin who have the talents and desire. Together they created a list of what needed to be done and got started. For almost every weekend for 8 months the 4 Tobins worked on different parts of the car until the restoration was complete. The GTO has won many awards, but the most rewarding was the fond memories and family bonding resulting from the experience of restoring it together. The plan is to have it passed down and may end up with Pat’s grandson, Nova, like the Chevy. Pat Tobin & Sons1965 GTO
Young Men Ian Dow paid $2,800 to a charity for an old ambulance he found on EBay out of necessity when his motorcycle crashed. With his dad, he converted it into a camper extraordinaire. With his best bud and rescue dog Dino, he has traveled to 8 countries and counting. Ian’s passion for his ambulance camper and life experiences is best explained with this YouTube video. https://youtu.be/s2pjYDUEw5I Ian Dow Converted Ambulance
Tyler Houlihan 1973 Dodge Charger
Tyler Houlihan, like many young men, has always been fascinated with cars. He always dreamed of owning and restoring a true American muscle car. His grandmother gave him money on his 16th birthday so he could fulfill his dream. With his dad, Jim, they set upon a quest to find one that fit the budget and that Tyler could rebuild as he wished. Finally a 1973 Dodge Challenger was found 10 hours from home needing lots of work. When it got to the Houlihan garage, Tyler went to work. On his own and without help of his dad (Tyler did not want any) Tyler has been restoring the car. His infectious enthusiasm and self-taught knowledge exemplifies that the Car Culture is continuing in the younger generation.
Women Car Fanatics Holly “HotRod Holly” Ansman is very vivacious, totally immersed in the car scene and promoter of many car events throughout Southern California entering her 1965 Chevy truck she restored herself. Her enthusiasm and sparkling personality emanates wherever she goes. She is cute and very feminine. Her knowledge engines and cars rival anyone. She has been a contestant on “Wrench Wars” on Mav TV. HotRod Holly 1965 Chevy Truck Sandy Whiteside has two grown sons, RJ and Christopher. Being a close family, they enjoy camping, snowboarding, racing sailboats and rebuilding cars and boats. Sandy has a love affair with her yellow 1969 Corvette she bought 32 years ago. But the better story is the 1968 Chevy Camper Special C-20 that she and her sons bought from Grandpa. For them it had too much sentimental value and memories to not be in the family. The sons have rebuilt the mechanics and now Sandy will be doing all the body work to make Grandpa’s truck truly awesome. Sandy Whiteside 1969 Yellow Corvette
Movie Star Cars Rick Carlson and Mark Mendelsohn are fun loving pranksters that have about 60 cars between them. Together they restore cars into iconic cars seen in the movies. Their Griswold’s Family Truckster station wagon from the National Lampoon’s Vacation is appointed with every detail including the dog leash on the back bumper. It is a crowd favorite at car shows and parades. They have many more “star” cars and love telling stories about the laughs their hobby brings. They have also restored 18 historic police cars that are used for community events and are in the San Diego Police Museum. Rick Carlson & Mark Mendelsohn
The Unique
Jerry Barne 1965 Chevy Prospector
Jerry Bame is an attorney who made a promise to God that if he got healed from cancer he would do something to give back. Miraculously he was healed. So he got involved in Make a Wish Foundation becoming the president of the Orange County, CA chapter. After years of making wishes come true for others he asked himself what wish does he have. He decided he wanted to become a gold prospector. His wish came true when he saw a 1965 Chevy prospector house car for sale that was converted from a mail truck. He bought it and has been prospecting with fellow prospectors throughout California. “Nellie” is truly a unique vehicle that is an attention grabber where ever it goes.
Alison Ryffel is fun loving woman and is a mother of 3 daughters 9, 12 and 15. Alison commercially fishes for lobster and crab, a traditional male job. In 2004 she saw this 1972 Dymac SportsRyder for sale and had to have it because it is so cute and unusual. It is a treasured part of the family. They call it the Mr. Magoo Mobile. Alison Ryffel 1972 Dymac SportsRyder
The Collector
The Collector
There are many private collections that are truly awesome that few get to see. Some are extremely well appointed “man caves� with other cool collectibles. The wealthiest collectors turn their collections into public museums. We will explore these collections bringing light to all sorts of awesome autos from the best and rarest of the exotics to the one of a kind custom built.
The Innovations The automotive industry is constant evolving. These prototypes and new arrivals are displayed at the automotive shows in major metropolitan cities by the manufactures. We will highlight some of the most innovative and interesting. The Innovations
The Toys Many people love their recreational toys for off road experiences. Some homemade marvels and others are custom made rockets on wheels. We will provide a window into the world of these enthusiastic owners and their families on remote locations showing these cars in action. The Toys
“
People around the world have come to love automobiles for many reasons.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS JIM CUNNINGHAM Jim was inspired to create Awesome Autos by attending car shows and listening to passionate owners eagerly willing to share their personal journey and emotional attachment with their four-wheel friend.
FRANK TORCHIA Frank is the President of Torch Entertainment. CLICK HERE for more information about Frank.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Frank Torchia, President Torch Entertainment (602) 363-0935 FTorch@torchentertainment.com