Apart from seeing Carini showcase his works and love of vintage cars on reality TV, this mustachioed car expert not only has the passion to pursue the cars of his dreams at 69 but also the knowledge to restore them into pristine condition.
Wayne is an American citizen, classic car restorer, and a popular host on reality Television. His biggest source of inspiration came from his late father, Bob, who passed away in 2016.
Today he's also one of the most recognizable faces in the world of classic car restorations and commands his own classic car dealership housing some of the most coveted classics in the world. But while every fan of Chasing Classic Cars knows what Wayne's capable of when it comes to uncovering beautiful rides, here are 13 facts most fans don't know.
13 He Worked For His Dad For $5 A Week
It’s been said already, but it’s worth repeating that Wayne loved vintage cars just as much as his dad. However, other than receiving free tuition from his dad, Wayne was tasked to accomplish a couple of errands such as sweeping the floors washing and cleaning the car part at a weekly salary of $5.
12 He Drove First Car At Age Of Nine But Owned One At 52
As he got accustomed to different wrench sizes, one day, in 1960 Wayne’s adrenaline spiked to pure excitement after he successfully drove a 250 SWB Rosso Chiaro Ferrari by himself at age nine. His toes could barely touch the pedals but the fact that he did it all by himself kindled his passion for cars. So it's mind-boggling that he had waited another 43 years until buying his first car, at age 52. The car that he opted for was one of his favorite cars of all time - the Hudson Italia.
11 And Did You Know He’s A Teacher?
Other than what he’s well known for, Wayne’s resume spans the distance between restoring classic automobiles to giving lectures in the classroom. He indeed majored as a teacher in college, but his career as a teacher seems to have ended when he started his passionate pursuit of classic cars. That sudden turnaround came about in 1973, and he’s never looked back.
10 The Car Model He Loved Most
Wayne owns a fleet of classic cars including a 1960 MGA 1600 Coupe, a 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo, a Coupe X50, a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560S, and two identical 1931 Stutz Bearcats. He got so attached to the Bearcats that he purchased two for $30 each from a Georgian car vendor. However, his all-time favorite car is definitely the Ferrari 250 SWB he first drove when he was 9 years old.
9 Award-Winner
Talking of Wayne’s affection for the 1931 Bearcat Stutz, rumor had it in 2016 that he wanted to dispose of them for unknown reasons. The media got wind of it and rushed to cover the story only to find none.
The car also won the "best-preserved car” award at Pebble Beach, and the Journalist Award at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, given the media considered it the most news-worthy classic car on the whole exhibit.
8 His Father's Gift To Him
As Wayne grew up into his teen years, him and his father would visit numerous motor-shows in Connecticut to showcase the luxurious Lincolns they restored. All the while, his father saw his son’s adoration for classic cars. And you know what? After his graduation from college, his father, Bob Carini presented Wayne with an irresistible gift of a lifetime, and that is 50% of the family’s business.
7 Net Worth And Charitable Deeds
As of March 2020, Wayne’s fortunes were estimated at $25 million, much of which comes from sales of classic cars and his television episodes. He is involved in many works of charity further to being a recipient of numerous awards himself. Typically, most of his clients are celebrities and the affluent elite.
6 And Also With Packards
Once you restored an American luxury Packard, you can't forget it. Bob and his son Wayne restored these near scrap pieces into beautiful, most reliable and best performing vintage cars in their class. The carmaker built Luxury Packards since 1899, eventually winding up with the coveted Packard Predictor in 1956.
5 His First Born Inspired Him To Do This
Wayne has had a scandal-free marriage that spanned four decades to date. Him and his wife wedded in 1980, and true to their pledges, the couple has since enjoyed uninterrupted married life. His elder daughter, Lindsay suffers from autism, a condition that inspired him to support research work on the disease by charitable organs such as “Autism Speaks.”
4 At 69, He Still Tweets To His Fans
At age 69, Wayne Carini is an avid consumer of modern technology. His ability to combine tradition with modernity has earned him a fan base across all age groups. His fame on reality TV, coupled with his direct involvement in a myriad of youth charities, has driven him to tweet and chat with teens on social media where he commands a huge following.
3 While At Overhaulin’ With Chip and The Monkeys
Like Chip Foose of Overhaulin’ and Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud, Wayne’s Chasing Classic Cars TV series premiers on Discovery Channel. The trio has a lot in common in terms of reviving DIY vintage car projects. While Chip Foose deals with car designs, the Gas Monkey Garage’s Richard Rawlings specializes in revamping near-scrap vintage into adorable classics.
2 Owner Of F40 Vintage Motorsports And Two More Companies
Currently, Wayne preoccupies himself with managing his three firms located in Portland. His first company, F40 Motorsports, is a car dealership dealing specifically with vintage cars, whereas the other two; Carini Carozzeria and Continental Auto Ltd., deal with sales. Wayne coined the name F40 from Ferrari’s 40th anniversary because of the car’s immense popularity.
1 Why His Best Mechanic Departed From The Show
In the Chasing Classic Cars TV series, Wayne hosts the show while his auto-mechanic; Roger Barr, played the expert mechanic role. However, there was a near furor from curious fans when Barr departed silently from the show. It was Wayne who broke the silence, informing the show enthusiasts that Barr took a break to seek medical treatment due to a leg injury he sustained in the workshop.