Whether you are a hard-core gearhead or simply like unique machines and drama, Gotham Garage, through its Netflix show, Car Masters: Rust to Riches, has given audiences, young and old, an entertaining guilty pleasure.
But, where is Gotham Garage located? Who owns it? And, most importantly, is it real?
Let’s dive into all the details.
What is Gotham Garage?
Gotham Garage is an unconventional automotive shop that specializes in creating concept cars and reproducing classic vehicles.
The shop’s original approach was to design and create props and custom vehicles for television shows and movies.
In time, the unique California car shop caught the attention of the reality television industry, and in September 2018, the first episode of Car Masters: Rust to Riches debuted.
Where is Gotham Garage Located in California?
Gotham Garage is based in Temecula, California, in Riverside County, located between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Car Masters: Rust to Riches is not filmed in a studio set but in the physical shop where the garage owner and his crew build, create, and restore unique vehicles.
The location was a strategic decision to be close to an “area known for its vibrant car culture and proximity to the entertainment industry.”
Read more:
Who Owns Gotham Garage?
Mark Towle owns Gotham Garage. He is a car and motorcycle mechanic-turned restorer, designer, creator, and reality television star.
He has attracted attention with his distinctive approach to car design and creation.
Inspired by movies, fantasy, and daring visuals, Towle’s mantra for his garage says it all: “If you can dream it, we can build it.”
Is Gotham Garage Real?
Contrary to popular belief, Gotham Garage is a real operational car shop.
Gotham Garage is not open to the public and does not have a showroom where it displays its custom creations.
However, the shop does offer private builds, sells merchandise, and has ongoing brand collaborations.
Once completed, the garage often posts its creations on social media.
Did Gotham Garage Sell the Concept Car?
Gotham Garage’s concept car was marred with controversy from the start. What was originally Towle’s two-decades-long dream became a build that struggled to turn a profit.
The sale of the concept car included a matching superbike, which further complicated achieving a deal.
When the concept car and superbike were completed, the garage held an online auction with six affluent collectors taking part.
Bidding began at $100,000, eventually reaching $190,000. However, Towle refused to accept such a low sum for the unique duo.
When the bidding closed, one of the buyers stayed online, offering Towle $225,000 for the unusual bundle.
By the end of the show’s third season, the concept car and superbike remained unsold.
At the start of season four, Nick Smith of Classic Avenue offered to purchase the duo for $200,000 for a private buyer.
In the end, the one-of-a-kind combo is sold for $285,000.
Sources
https://www.gothamgarage.com/
https://www.netflix.com/title/80194704#episodes
https://www.instagram.com/gotham.garage/?hl=en
https://carbuzz.com/features/gotham-garage-concept/#:~:text=Is%20Gotham%20Garage%20still%20open,Riches%20is%20on%20the%20way.
https://classicavenue.com/