Car restoration is a funny thing. When we first started talking to Discovery about creating a television show on classic car restoration, I sort of instinctively knew that there were going to be amazing restoration stories surrounding some of these one of a kind cars and that I’d get the chance to attend and shoot interesting events like Concours D’Elegance at Pebble Beach. What I didn’t expect was that while this patheon of the automotive world deals with extreme amounts of money that edge in the tens-of-millions of dollars at times, almost limitless amounts of time and a slightly odd sense of purpose which usually gets expressed with the phrase, “I’m only the current custodian of this car”, that underneath it all there would be people who’s sole motivation is simply the pure passion for building, rebuilding or tinkering.

We spent most of today shooting at Steve Beckman’s shop near Newport Beach and if there is one person who personifies this boyish enthusiasm it’s Beckman.. Steve is one of the premiere autobody and paint artisans in the classic car restoration business and an absolutely amazing guy to be around. Not only is he one of the most knowledgable and forth right individuals I’ve ever met, but also just one heck of an individual. While some folks in this rarified world insist on telling you how important their restoration projects are, Steve just wants to share his tools, his projects, and his passion! Watching him work is to see a true perfectionist and craftsman in action. Every detail is define and perscribed well before any cut, chop or crack. There are no unwarrented sparks, just very calculated crafting. So, if I ever have the cash to restore a truly classic car - or any car of decent lineage for that matter - Beckman is the guy I’m heading to because after spending yet another day with him I can’t think of a better person to ask for help from.