The Influence of Hot Wheels on Garage Spirit
I think Hot Wheels influenced how I build these cars by giving me the inspiration to look a little bit deeper and kind of push the edges without having that influence as a child, I don't know that I ever would have gotten there today. Give it up for everybody that brought a ride out here today, my personal theory would be an '84 Olds street works hot rod and 944 racecar all have great stories, what do you guys have? We like the Volu Ares, I also like the Guru Sahara, those great story, great execution. I like the Custom Velvety Er that's right next to it instead of like beautifully realized just absolute home run.
All the car owners you guys did a great job every car out here is stellar in some way shape or form but at the end of the day for the Chicago stop we have come down to Bryan Bergeron and what started as a 1987 Porsche 944, the feeling of appreciation the fact that I was recognized for all of the work that went into this, I think that's the best feeling in the world. My name is Bryan Bergeron today we are in the northwest side of Chicago so this is Vidor Stands fake number one number all of the models and this being the first it's number one the build sheet let's say on this car it started as a 1987 Porsche 944 chassis I was previously a carpenter and general contractor and this was my hobby playing with these 944s an auto crossing, I like to be challenged and I kind of plateaued in the carpentry thing and wanted to challenge myself so I finished up my list of customers and started this business and it's been my full-time job.
I have a private garage I do not have walk-in customers I have contract customers that I vet and we go through quite an extensive process before I decide to build a car for in my garage it is not only a business it's my hobby my passion, it's never work. I'm the one and only employee, I do the paperwork, I build the cars, I paint the cars, I do the RD, I do the CAD work, the engineering one-man show in the past few years I've built three other fighter sans bigs this has launched a brand of wide-body outlaw and so I've done three other models all for the street and this is the only race version and it's the first.
I did an LS swap, LS6 full custom wide-body designed by myself, the nose, the fenders, the rear bumper, the only part of the body that it didn't touch were the pillars, it still runs the Porsche transaxle a lot of the Porsche Turbo S which is the strongest model, full dual exhausts side exit which is kind of special on a 944, the wheels as well I designed the wheels and we cut those locally the car was built to race, it was never built to be a show car just so happens that the quality of my work people think enough of it to award this car which I'm completely honored what does Garage Spirit mean to me it's the guy that wants to try everything on his own with to learn how to do it has the ambition and the fortitude to stick with it that would rather try it himself before paying someone to do it and when I first think of Hot Wheels it seems to exemplify the Builder spirit, the guys that are in their garage putting these wild machines together that nobody's seen before we bring them off to share with everyone.
Well, I came to today's event to show everybody what you can accomplish if you really set your mind to it, that I think the car had a chance of being chosen based on the criteria, I certainly thought I had a chance, the first feeling after I heard my name called at the event just completely humbled to be recognized for the work that I've done here is just tremendous, can't imagine that's something that came from my hands and these 10 fingers could potentially be in the hands of every person on this planet, it's unbelievable.
The Garage of Bryan Bergeron
Bryan Bergeron is a man with a passion for cars and building them. He started his journey as a carpenter and general contractor, but eventually transitioned to building cars full-time. His garage is a private sanctuary where he works tirelessly to create unique and beautiful vehicles. With no walk-in customers and only working on contract projects, Bryan's process is extensive and meticulous.
Bryan's background in carpentry has given him the skills and attention to detail necessary for his craft. He enjoys being challenged and is not afraid to try new things. When asked about his inspiration, Bryan credits Hot Wheels for influencing his approach to building cars. "Hot Wheels influenced how I build these cars by giving me the inspiration to look a little bit deeper and kind of push the edges without having that influence as a child," he says.
Bryan's current project is a 1987 Porsche 944, which has been transformed into a stunning wide-body outlaw. The car features an LS swap, LS6 full custom wide-body designed by Bryan himself. The attention to detail is impressive, with everything from the nose and fenders to the rear bumper meticulously crafted. Even the wheels were designed and cut locally, adding another layer of complexity to the project.
The quality of Bryan's work has not gone unnoticed. His car was chosen for a prestigious competition, earning him recognition and admiration from the automotive community. When asked about the feeling of being recognized, Bryan is humbled and grateful. "I think that's the best feeling in the world," he says. "Can't imagine that's something that came from my hands and these 10 fingers could potentially be in the hands of every person on this planet."
Bryan's story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible. His commitment to his craft has earned him a reputation as one of the top builders in his field. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with cars, Bryan's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire others.