rpmfoundation

Fall 2025 RPM Restorer's Award Winners

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:57:35 GMT

The RPM Restorer’s Award was recently presented at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival and the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals.

This award honors not just the car, but the craftspeople behind its restoration whose work reflects mastery, passion, hands-on skill, and a deep respect for preservation. Exhibitors may nominate the individual or shop responsible for their restoration or preservation and RPM staff and our advisors then conduct interviews to select the recipient. We place special emphasis on those who have mentored apprentices and students, ensuring the next generation is inspired and equipped. Let's meet our winners!

Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance: Anton Lanesky

Anton Lanesky is the owner and founder of Anton’s Hot Rod Shop and has done high-end custom builds for clients all over the country. A few years ago, he hired a young woman with no prior experience at the age of 17 and has trained her from scratch over the past five years. She did a lot of the work on the 1956 Chevrolet Belair Convertible pictured above with Anton, right, and RPM Foundation Executive Director Nick Ellis. Kelsey is still working in his shop and learning from Anton.

Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals: Tim Mickey

Tim Mickey, pictured center in black t-shirt above, is the owner and founder of Mickey’s Car Barn in Crown Point, IN, and has worked with a local high school automotive program for years to provide co-op opportunities to their students. Several students have gone on to careers in Tim’s shop. Tim was nominated by two separate exhibitors for his work and investment in the next generation.

Filming Wrapped on First Episode of “Endangered Skills”

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:34:38 GMT

The RPM Foundation is proud to announce the we have wrapped production on the first episode our new docu-series, Endangered Skills . This series, being produced with the assistance of Lucky Kraken , is designed to preserve and share the rare, hands-on techniques that are vital to keeping classic cars on the road, many of which are practiced by only a handful of experts across the country.

Filming for the first episode took place at LaVine Restorations in Nappanee, Indiana, and featured owner and expert Travis LaVine and RPM Apprentice Jesse Corder. LaVine Restorations is currently mentoring seven RPM Apprentices! Travis and Jesse worked together to demonstrate the essential steps in planning a professional vehicle restoration. This foundational episode sets the tone for what’s to come, giving viewers a detailed look at how expert-level restorations begin.

Future episodes will dive into step-by-step instruction of specialized skills such as bending windshield glass, babbitting for bearings, and more. These are the techniques that are becoming increasingly rare, and RPM is committed to keeping them alive.

Stay tuned for the release date and information about upcoming episodes.

If you have a rare skill that you believe would suit our series, we'd love to hear from you! Please send us a message !

Bruce Canepa Wins RPM Restorer's Award at Greenwich

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:17:15 GMT

The 2025 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, held in late May in Greenwich, CT, showcased a dazzling array of vehicles spanning vast eras and origins. Among the fantastic automobiles sat a dark green 1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole that forced an extended pause by any who passed by. Freshly restored for the Serafino Collection by Bruce Canepa and the Canepa team , the owners' themselves sought to recognize Bruce's master craftsmanship. They did so with a nomination for the RPM Restorer's Award, a bestowment acknowledging not just the beauty of the cars on the lawn, but the skill it takes to achieve such condition. At the event, RPM Foundation Executive Director Nick Ellis presented the award, honoring the Canepa team's abilities in all facets of restoration.

Along with celebrating the artistry of restoration and preservation, special consideration is given to RPM Restorer's Award nominees who pass their skillset on to the next generation. Bruce Canepa, who discovered a love for vehicles at a young age himself, has provided mentorship to numerous up-and-coming restoration professionals. For this, and his exceptional capabilities, we applaud him!

And the Countach? It is indeed quite a machine. The car underwent a full ground-up restoration at Canepa that included a few custom touches designed to feel as if they came straight from the factory. Among them, a white leather and green Alcantara interior, a tuned 5.2-liter V-12, and subtle bodywork tweaks that make the iconic wedge even sleeker. Congrats to Bruce Canepa and his team on their efforts to preserve automotive history now, and well into the future.

RPM Foundation to Present Restorer’s Award at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance for the First Time

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:00:04 GMT

The RPM Foundation is proud to announce that the RPM Restorer’s Award will be presented at the prestigious Greenwich Concours d’Elegance for the very first time this year. This marks an exciting expansion of our mission to spotlight the master craftspeople behind the world’s finest vehicle restorations and preservation efforts.

Unlike many awards that celebrate the finished vehicle, the RPM Restorer’s Award honors the hands-on artisans and restoration professionals who make these exceptional vehicles show-ready. These are the welders, trimmers, machinists, painters, and fabricators whose skilled work often goes unseen—but whose craftsmanship is essential to every award-winning car on the field.

Exhibitors at the Greenwich Concours will have the opportunity to nominate the individual or shop responsible for the restoration or preservation of their vehicle. From there, RPM Foundation staff and advisors will conduct interviews with selected nominees to learn more about their work, skillset, and—importantly—their commitment to mentorship and passing their knowledge to the next generation.

Mentorship is at the heart of the RPM Foundation’s mission. Candidates who have trained apprentices, collaborated with students, or shared their skills with emerging professionals will receive special consideration. The goal is not only to honor today’s best restorers but to support a sustainable future for the restoration trades.

The award will be presented during the Sunday award ceremony at the Greenwich Concours, in front of an audience of fellow enthusiasts, collectors, and peers.

Past recipients of the RPM Restorer’s Award include highly respected professionals such as Jason Wenig, Travis LaVine, and Jason Manns—individuals known for their exceptional craftsmanship, integrity, and dedication to the craft of vehicle restoration.

We are thrilled to bring this tradition to Greenwich, and we look forward to celebrating the remarkable talent and hard work that make the world of historic vehicles not only beautiful but enduring.

Stay tuned for more updates from Greenwich and be sure to follow RPM Foundation as we continue to champion the people behind the preservation of our automotive past. Learn more and support the award here.

Meet the 2025 RPM X-Cup Team!

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:44:43 GMT

We are thrilled to introduce you to the 2025 RPM Foundation Great Race X-Cup team! This year's Race will take place from June 21 through June 29, starting in St. Paul, MN. Over the course of the event, the team will travel through ten states before finishing in scenic Lake Murray, SC. Be sure to follow along with our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, to keep up with our progress! Without further ado, let's meet our team!

Herb Clark - ADvisor

Olivia Gadjo - Driver, Team Lead

Kinzie Wilson - Driver

noah Jackson - Navigator

Cotton Schlaver - Navigator

Now Hiring: RPM Apprentice for LeMay - America's Car Museum in Tacoma, WA

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:56:51 GMT

Are you passionate about classic cars? Do you dream of working hands-on with some of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. LeMay – America’s Car Museum and the RPM Foundation are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Apprentice to join our Collection Team. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to turn your love for vintage automobiles into a rewarding career.

What Makes This Opportunity Special?

As an Apprentice Technician, you’ll work side by side with senior experts during a two year period to preserve, restore, and maintain an extraordinary collection of historic vehicles. Whether it’s reviving a classic muscle car, fine-tuning a pre-war automobile, or ensuring our running fleet is ready for exhibitions and events, you’ll be at the heart of automotive history in action.

What You’ll Be Doing

From day one, you’ll be immersed in the world of automotive restoration and preservation. Your hands-on training will include:

Vehicle maintenance and repair, including oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and diagnosing mechanical issues
Restoration techniques, such as sanding, priming, painting, and upholstery repair
Hands-on learning with specialized tools and diagnostic equipment
Collections care, ensuring museum vehicles are properly maintained for display and operation
Diagnostic and problem-solving skills for both mechanical and electrical systems in classic cars

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will:

Be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
Have completed an automotive technology-based educational program (high school or technical college)
Be passionate about classic cars and eager to expand their knowledge of automotive history
Have the ability to work hands-on with historic vehicles and master a variety of restoration techniques
Be a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Why Join Us?

At LeMay – America’s Car Museum, you won’t just be working on cars—you’ll be preserving history. This apprenticeship is a launchpad for your automotive career, offering:

Hands-on training with industry experts
Real-world experience with museum-quality vehicles
The chance to work in one of the most renowned car museums in the country
The starting salary is $21.66 and will be eligible, based on performance, for a salary increase every 6 months.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to jumpstart your career in automotive restoration and become part of an incredible team, please review the full job description and then apply by sending your resume and cover letter to jobs@americascarmuseum.org.

Know someone who would be perfect for this role? Share this opportunity with them!

RPM APPRENTICE PARTICIPATES IN FULLER MOTO BUILD CHALLENGE

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:51:07 GMT

RPM Apprentice Lindsey Stone, who has been working with the Jack Frost Car Museum in Detroit, recently participated in the Fuller 5 Day Build Challenge at Fuller Moto in Atlanta, an ambitious project that pushed the boundaries of automotive craftsmanship. While RPM Foundation’s mission focuses on preservation and restoration, this unique experience provided Lindsey with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge fabrication techniques and industry-leading experts, such as Will Lockwood, Chip Foose and Bryan Fuller.

The challenge brought together master builders to construct a custom 19-foot Fleetwood-inspired “road monster” in just one week, utilizing advanced tools like 3D scanning, digital blueprints, and computer-aided shaping. By working alongside industry leaders, Lindsey gained firsthand experience in blending traditional hand-craftsmanship with modern technology and picked up new skills along the way, such as TIG welding. This opportunity not only expanded her technical abilities but also expanded her opportunities in the automotive industry, highlighting the diverse career paths available in restoration, customization, and beyond.

New RPM Apprentice Opportunities

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 09:17:06 GMT

The collector vehicle restoration industry faces a serious challenge: a shortage of skilled professionals. With fewer training programs available, the rising cost of education, and a growing gap between students and entry-level workers, the future of automotive restoration is at risk. That’s where the RPM Apprenticeship Program comes in.

Our program transforms world-class restoration shops into hands-on classrooms where aspiring technicians can earn while they learn . Through paid apprenticeships, students gain valuable skills under the guidance of industry experts. By working alongside seasoned professionals, apprentices develop the intricate craftsmanship necessary to restore and preserve classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other collector vehicles. This not only benefits students but also strengthens the future of the industry by ensuring that time-honored restoration skills are passed down. If you are interested in becoming a vehicle restoration apprentice, be sure to fill out the form on our apprentice page and we will be in touch to provide more information.

GET YOUR SHOP INVOLVED

To continue expanding this vital program, we need more host shops across the country. If you own, manage, or operate a restoration facility and are passionate about training the next generation of restoration specialists, we’d love to hear from you! By becoming an RPM apprenticeship host, you’ll gain a motivated worker who is eager to learn while receiving financial support through our program.

Interested? Email us at info@rpm.foundation to learn more about our requirements and how your shop can participate. Your commitment to mentorship can make a lasting impact, ensuring that collector vehicle restoration remains a thriving and respected trade for generations to come.

Central Carolina Community College’s 1940 Ford unveiled at the Motorcar Cavalcade in Miami

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:11:52 GMT

At the Motorcar Cavalcade in Miami this February, students from the Central Carolina Community College’s school of Automotive Restoration presented the result of their hard work and dedication – a modified 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe, which was arranged for donation to the school by Motorcar Cavalcade Executive Director Jason Wenig.

CCCC students utilized their newly learned technical skills to breathe new life into this iconic classic vehicle, performing a body-off transformation. The Ford was brought down to bare sheet metal, and hundreds of hours of fabrication, body, paint, mechanical, and interior work resulted in the completed project. This gorgeous custom car was unveiled in the RPM Foundation space at the Motorcar Cavalcade event.

Special thanks to the donor of the Ford, Bob Varker, who generously gave this car to the school for the benefit of the restoration program.

Endangered Skills Program Receives Funding

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:15:56 GMT

The RPM Foundation’s Endangered Skills series is an educational documentary program dedicated to preserving and sharing the vanishing crafts essential to the restoration and preservation of historic vehicles. These rare and highly specialized skills represent the intersection of art, history, and engineering, and they form an integral part of our shared cultural heritage. As these craftspeople retire or pass on, their knowledge, often developed over decades, is at risk of being lost forever. The Endangered Skills series ensures these invaluable skills are not only preserved but also made accessible to future generations.

Through support from the Hagerty Drivers Foundation and individual donors, I’m proud to announce that we have raised the funds necessary to record the first three episodes of this series! We will begin shooting this February, with our first Subject Matter Expert, Dr. Gundula Tutt. Future episodes will feature masters of the crafts of multi-carburetor engine tuning, babbitt bearing formation, gauge rebuilding, and other endangered skills . These Masters will be paired with RPM Apprentices , and their process of instructing the apprentice will be recorded for future generations to learn these important skills.

The work we do at RPM Foundation goes far beyond the vehicles themselves—it’s about nurturing a culture that values history, craftsmanship, and innovation. By investing in young people, we’re not only ensuring the future of vehicle restoration but also inspiring a new generation to see the artistry and importance in preserving our past. Every apprentice, every student team, and every craftsperson we support represents another step toward keeping this culture alive.

While we are now funded for the first three episodes, you can keep this series alive with a contribution today. We appreciate your donation of any amount as we work to not just restore cars, but car culture and hands-on skills too!