Ep 10. Hallmark Cars

John Ratzenberger's Made in America is a documentary television series that explores American manufacturing and the people behind the products. In season 2, episode 10, titled "Hallmark Cars," Ratzenberger visits a small car company in California that is bringing back the classic designs of the 1950s.

The episode begins with Ratzenberger driving through the scenic countryside of northern California, where he is headed to meet the owners of the Hallmark Cars company. The owners, a married couple named Eric and Fran Hall, started the company in 2008 with the goal of creating modern replicas of classic American cars.

Ratzenberger arrives at the company's workshop and is immediately impressed with the attention to detail that goes into every car. He meets the Hallmarks and learns about their background and how they got into the car business. Eric Hall has always been a car enthusiast and began restoring classic cars as a hobby. He eventually realized there was a market for new classic cars and started Hallmark Cars with the help of his wife Fran.

The episode then delves into the process of building a Hallmark car. Ratzenberger watches as the skilled craftsmen and women in the workshop use traditional methods to create the cars by hand. The company specializes in replicas of 1950s cars, including the Hudson Hornet, the Plymouth Fury, and the Studebaker Golden Hawk. They also offer custom designs for clients who want a unique car that can't be found anywhere else.

Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger talks to the employees working on the cars and learns about their backgrounds and how they were drawn to this unique company. He also speaks with some of the clients who have purchased Hallmark cars and explores what makes these cars so special.

One of the standout moments of the episode is when Ratzenberger takes a test drive in a Hallmark car. He describes the experience as "driving a piece of history" and is clearly impressed with the car's performance and handling.

Overall, "Hallmark Cars" is a fascinating look at a small company that is keeping the spirit of classic American cars alive. The episode highlights the passion and dedication of the people who work at Hallmark Cars and explores why these cars continue to captivate people decades after they were first introduced.