Ep 2. American Shopper

In season 11 episode 2 of Chasing Classic Cars, titled American Shopper, host Wayne Carini sets his sights on a 1955 Lancia Aurelia.

The episode opens with Carini traveling to Northern California to inspect the car, which is said to have been owned by the same family for over 50 years. Upon arrival, he discovers that the car has been sitting in a barn for the past 20 years and is in need of significant restoration.

Undeterred, Carini strikes a deal with the family and starts making plans to transport the car across the country to his shop in Connecticut. However, he soon discovers that the car is too wide to fit on a standard car carrier and will require a special flatbed trailer to transport.

Carini contacts several transport companies and eventually finds one that can accommodate the car's size. He then watches nervously as the car is loaded onto the trailer and begins its journey across the country.

Once the Lancia arrives at his shop, Carini sets to work restoring the car to its former glory. He enlists the help of several mechanics and specialists to address various issues, including a leaky fuel tank and a transmission that won't shift properly.

Throughout the episode, Carini also takes time to showcase other cars in his shop and talk about their unique features and histories. He highlights a rare 1938 Delahaye 135MS, which was once owned by legendary car collector Briggs Cunningham, as well as a classic 1958 Porsche Speedster.

As the restoration work on the Lancia progresses, Carini faces several setbacks and challenges. He encounters difficulty finding some of the necessary parts and has to improvise at times to make the car functional again.

Despite these hurdles, Carini remains determined to complete the restoration and get the car back on the road. He explains that the hard work and challenges associated with restoring classic cars are ultimately what make it all worthwhile.

The episode culminates in Carini taking the newly restored Lancia for a test drive around his shop's property. He marvels at the car's smooth handling and powerful engine, demonstrating once again his passion and expertise for classic cars.

Overall, American Shopper is a captivating and informative episode of Chasing Classic Cars that highlights the challenges and rewards of restoring classic automobiles. Fans of the show and classic car enthusiasts alike will find plenty to enjoy in this engaging and entertaining episode.