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22 Facts About Gas Monkey Garage

Daniele Lamb

Written by Daniele Lamb

Published: 21 Nov 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Gearjunkie.com

Gas Monkey Garage has become a household name for car enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike. But what makes this garage so special? Founded by Richard Rawlings in 2002, Gas Monkey Garage quickly rose to fame thanks to the hit TV show "Fast N' Loud." The show, which aired on the Discovery Channel, showcased the team’s incredible talent for restoring and flipping classic cars. Located in Dallas, Texas, the garage has not only built a reputation for high-quality restorations but also for its unique, high-energy culture. From jaw-dropping car builds to unforgettable personalities, there's a lot to know about this iconic garage. Ready to learn more? Here are 22 facts about Gas Monkey Garage that will rev your engines!

Key Takeaways:

  • Gas Monkey Garage, founded by car enthusiast Richard Rawlings, gained fame through the TV show "Fast N' Loud." They're known for restoring classic cars and have a strong social media presence.
  • Gas Monkey Garage has expanded beyond car restoration, with its own merchandise line and a restaurant. They've also collaborated with brands like Dodge and Hot Wheels, showcasing their creativity and passion for cars.
Table of Contents
01The Origins of Gas Monkey Garage
02Fast N' Loud: The TV Show
03The Cars and Builds
04The Team Behind the Magic
05The Gas Monkey Brand
06Collaborations and Partnerships
07Fun Facts and Trivia
08Final Gear Shift

The Origins of Gas Monkey Garage

Gas Monkey Garage has become a household name among car enthusiasts. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its origins and rise to fame.

  1. Gas Monkey Garage was founded by Richard Rawlings in 2002. Rawlings, a car enthusiast and entrepreneur, started the garage in Dallas, Texas, with a vision to create custom hot rods and muscle cars.

  2. The name "Gas Monkey Garage" was inspired by Rawlings' love for speed and cars. The "Monkey" part of the name adds a playful twist, reflecting the fun and adventurous spirit of the garage.

  3. Before starting Gas Monkey Garage, Rawlings owned a printing and advertising company. He sold the business to fund his dream of building custom cars.

Fast N' Loud: The TV Show

Gas Monkey Garage gained widespread fame through the reality TV show "Fast N' Loud." Here are some interesting facts about the show and its impact.

  1. "Fast N' Loud" premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2012. The show follows Rawlings and his team as they search for, restore, and sell classic cars.

  2. The show has aired over 150 episodes. It has become one of the most popular car restoration shows on television.

  3. Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman were the main stars of the show. Kaufman, the lead mechanic, left the show in 2017 to pursue other projects.

The Cars and Builds

Gas Monkey Garage is known for its impressive car builds. Let's look at some notable projects and achievements.

  1. One of their most famous builds is the 1976 Ford Bronco. This custom build was sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $650,000.

  2. They restored a 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR. This rare muscle car was brought back to life with meticulous attention to detail.

  3. Gas Monkey Garage built a custom 1963 Ford Econoline van. This unique project showcased their creativity and craftsmanship.

The Team Behind the Magic

The success of Gas Monkey Garage wouldn't be possible without its talented team. Here are some facts about the key members.

  1. Richard Rawlings is the face of Gas Monkey Garage. His charisma and passion for cars have made him a beloved figure in the automotive world.

  2. Aaron Kaufman was the lead mechanic until 2017. Known for his impressive beard and mechanical skills, Kaufman played a crucial role in the garage's success.

  3. Christie Brimberry is the office manager. She handles the business side of things, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

The Gas Monkey Brand

Gas Monkey Garage has expanded beyond car restoration. Let's explore how the brand has grown over the years.

  1. Gas Monkey Garage has its own line of merchandise. Fans can buy clothing, accessories, and even car parts branded with the Gas Monkey logo.

  2. They opened Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill in Dallas. This restaurant and live music venue has become a popular spot for fans and locals alike.

  3. Gas Monkey Live! was a music venue. Although it closed in 2020, it hosted numerous concerts and events during its operation.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Gas Monkey Garage has collaborated with various brands and personalities. Here are some notable partnerships.

  1. They partnered with Dodge for a special project. Gas Monkey Garage built a custom Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat for the automaker.

  2. Richard Rawlings appeared in a Dodge commercial. This collaboration helped promote both the brand and the garage.

  3. Gas Monkey Garage worked with Hot Wheels. They created a custom Hot Wheels car based on one of their builds.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Let's wrap up with some fun and lesser-known facts about Gas Monkey Garage.

  1. Richard Rawlings holds a world record. He set the Cannonball Run record in 2007, driving from New York to Los Angeles in 31 hours and 59 minutes.

  2. The garage has a YouTube channel. Fans can watch behind-the-scenes videos, car builds, and more on their official channel.

  3. Gas Monkey Garage has a strong social media presence. They have millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  4. Richard Rawlings wrote a book. Titled "Fast N' Loud: Blood, Sweat and Beers," it gives readers an inside look at his life and the garage's journey.

Final Gear Shift

Gas Monkey Garage isn't just a shop; it's a cultural phenomenon. From Richard Rawlings' larger-than-life personality to the incredible car builds, there's always something exciting happening. The garage has become a hub for car enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike.

Fast N' Loud brought the garage into living rooms worldwide, showcasing the highs and lows of custom car building. The team’s dedication and passion for cars are evident in every episode.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the scene, Gas Monkey Garage offers a unique blend of entertainment and automotive expertise. It's a place where dreams are built and engines roar.

So, next time you see a classic car cruising down the street, you might just wonder if it had a little Gas Monkey magic in it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Gas Monkey Garage?
Gas Monkey Garage, a world-renowned hot rod shop, has gained fame for creating some of the most eye-catching, high-performance vehicles. Based in Dallas, Texas, this garage shot to fame through the hit TV show "Fast N' Loud" on the Discovery Channel, where viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the transformations of rundown cars into full-blown showpieces.
Who's the brain behind Gas Monkey Garage?
Richard Rawlings, an entrepreneur with a deep passion for cars, founded Gas Monkey Garage. His charisma and business savvy have not only propelled the garage to success but also made him a celebrity in the automotive world. Rawlings' vision was to create a garage that stands out in the custom car industry, and many would agree he's done just that.
Has Gas Monkey Garage worked on any famous vehicles?
Absolutely! Over the years, Gas Monkey Garage has gotten its hands on a plethora of vehicles with storied pasts. From rare vintage finds to iconic muscle cars, the team has restored and customized them all. Some projects have even been for celebrity clients, further cementing the garage's reputation in pop culture.
What makes Gas Monkey Garage unique?
What sets Gas Monkey Garage apart is its blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and entertainment. The team doesn't just restore cars; they reimagine them, often adding modern twists to classic designs. Plus, their adventures and misadventures in car flipping are as much a part of the brand as the cars themselves, thanks to their TV show.
Can fans visit Gas Monkey Garage?
Fans are in luck! Gas Monkey Garage has a merchandise store that's open to the public, where visitors can grab some gear and potentially catch a glimpse of the garage's latest projects. However, because it's a working garage and filming location, tours of the actual workshop aren't always available.
How has Gas Monkey Garage impacted car culture?
Gas Monkey Garage has played a significant role in popularizing car restoration and customization. By showcasing the process and final results on "Fast N' Loud," they've inspired countless fans to explore automotive restoration. Their influence extends beyond TV, with a strong social media presence that engages car enthusiasts around the globe.
What's next for Gas Monkey Garage?
With innovation at its core, Gas Monkey Garage continually looks to the future. While specific plans might be under wraps, fans can expect more jaw-dropping builds, possibly new TV projects, and further expansion of their brand. The team's passion for cars ensures they'll keep pushing the envelope in the automotive world.

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