eBay Motors has launched “BUILT,”a new web video series that takes car fans behind the scenes as four of the best garages in the world compete to build four unique vehicles using bodies and parts sourced entirely from eBay. There are more than bragging rights at stake. Each vehicle will be auctioned off on eBay with the proceeds donated to charities chosen by the participating garages.
It’s Interactive
Fans will play a big role in the BUILT series. The winner will be chosen by viewers, who will vote on their favorite garages following each episode. The completed builds will be revealed in episode nine, and the winner of BUILT will be revealed in the 10th and final episode. The vehicles will then be auctioned for charity on eBay, and displayed at SEMA, the world’s largest automotive aftermarket event.
From now through August 27, car junkies can tune in each week to watch the 10-episode BUILT series airing on a brand new eBay Motors content hub, www.builtfromebay.com. Viewers will see every aspect of each vehicle’s construction and completion, from frame delivery to the final paint job. Personnel from each of the Los Angeles-based garages in the series will be coached along the way by experts from Hot Rod, Lowrider, European Car, and Four Wheeler magazines to help make sure the builds go smoothly.
So Who is Building What?
Here are the four unique vehicles highlighted in the video series, and the garages working on them:
Project: 1968 Chevy G20 Van
Team: Mackey’s Hot Rods
Located in Huntington Beach, CA – a haven of hot rod culture – Mackey’s Hot Rods will take on a 1968 Chevy G20 Van. The auction will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which aligns with Mackey’s plans to model the van after an aircraft carrier.
Project: 1966 Chevy El Camino
Team: Duran’s Quality Painting
Duran’s Quality Painting and owner Rico Duran have painted some of the most pristine lowriders in the world for the likes of David Beckham and several NFL players. Employing nearly a dozen family members, Rico will have plenty of help, which is a good thing: The 1966 El Camino he’s building won’t be in working order when it rolls into the shop. Auction proceeds will benefit the SEMA Scholarship Fund.
Project: 1984 Porsche 911
Team: GSR Autosport
As the only duo in the series, Michael Essa and Nick Richards are the co-owners of GSR Autosport. GSR specializes in European cars, which staffers also race professionally. This garage’s challenge is to stretch dollars. The purchase prices of the Porsche and its parts that team members will work with are much much higher than components for the other garages’ projects. Auction proceeds will benefit SEMA Cares.
Project: 1970 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando
Team: Off Road Evolution
Tasked with building a 1970 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando, Mel Wade and his team at Off Road Evolution know how to go big. They’ve got the biggest shop and they specialize in the biggest 4x4 vehicles. Their plans for the Jeep include ensuring that it tops off at 100mph, on the road and in the desert. The vehicle will be auctioned to benefit the California Trail Users Coalition.