Watch Carspotting

Carspotting was a reality television series that aired on the Discovery Channel in 2017. The show was an American spin-off of a British program called "Turbo Pickers," which followed a team of car enthusiasts as they traveled the country in search of rare and valuable vehicles.

In each episode of Carspotting, the team of experts - made up of custom car builder Lou Santiago, automotive journalist Jared Zimmerman, and when in Philadelphia detailer and wheel specialist, Jeff Allen - would search for dilapidated, forgotten, or underappreciated cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Their goal was to find potential gems that could be restored, customized, and ultimately sold for a profit.

The show's format tended to vary from episode to episode, but typically, the team would explore different regions and communities across America, looking for interesting vehicles and meeting the people who owned or worked on them. They would often connect with local car clubs, attend auctions, or visit scrapyards looking for cars that could be saved from the scrapheap.

Once the team had identified a promising car, they would get to work, sometimes enlisting the help of local mechanics or other professionals to assist with the project. Whether it was fixing an engine, restoring a body, or creating a one-of-a-kind interior, the team would work tirelessly to bring the vehicle back to life.

One of the unique elements of Carspotting was the team's commitment to customizing cars in unconventional ways. They were not interested in restoring cars to their original condition, but rather, in transforming them into something bold, beautiful, and unique. This meant that they might add flamethrowers to a vintage Cadillac, or turn a dilapidated fire truck into a rolling barbecue pit. In this way, the show appealed to fans of both traditional car restoration as well as more modern approaches to customization.

Throughout each episode, the team would keep a running tally of their expenses and compare it to the estimated selling price of the finished product. The hope was always to turn a profit, but they often faced unexpected setbacks or complications that threatened to derail their plans.

Ultimately, the heart of Carspotting was the team's passion for cars and their willingness to take risks, work hard, and have fun. While the show dealt with serious challenges, it also featured plenty of lighthearted moments, such as when the team found a rare DeLorean in a barn or when they stumbled upon a field of abandoned Soviet cars.

Overall, Carspotting was an engaging and entertaining show that combined elements of adventure, family, and entrepreneurship. While it only ran for one season, it remains a favorite among car enthusiasts and fans of reality television alike.

Carspotting is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on July 31, 2017.