Driven

Driven is a captivating documentary-style series that premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2020. The show delves deeply into the world of custom automobile restorations and the surprisingly eclectic array of craftsmen who toil in this industry—those who are truly driven by a passion for reviving precious wheels and auto history.

This show's origin can be traced back to America’s south when a team of automotive enthusiasts capitalized on a business opportunity that no one else did. Based in Gallatin, Tennessee, that specific team of car restorers became the center of this series’ narrative. The business, called Galpin Auto Sports or GAS, has been famously known to bring cars back to life. This company, through top-end craftsmanship, meticulous detailing, and a die-hard love for automobiles, resurrects vintage cars that have been consigned to the scrapheap. In the show, each episode chronicles the hard work, skill, and creativity that goes into these restorations.

The star of the show is Beau Boeckmann, president and COO of GAS, who hails from a legacy of car enthusiasts. His father, Bert Boeckmann, bought a Ford dealership named Galpin Motors back in 1968 and transformed it into the prominent GAS it is today. His son Beau has followed suit, equally invested in this business that boasts the motto of ‘If you can dream it, we can build it.’ Beau's enthusiastic leadership and charismatic personality play frontline in the series as he steers his team of dedicated mechanics, artisans, and designers through fascinating restorations.

Besides Beau, other GAS members form the heart of Driven including custom automobile creator Dave Shuten and customizable car specialist "Mad Mike" Martin. Each of them brings a unique energy, set of skills, and expertise that make every transformation possible. Dave replicates well-loved vintage cars from scratch and restores rusted, forgotten metallic shells into gleaming traffic stoppers. Mad Mike brings to the table his unique customizable automotive electronics knowledge, transforming the interiors of these classic cars and ensuring their inner workings are as impressive as their exteriors.

As the series progresses, the passionate GAS team takes up the challenging task of restoring and customizing historically significant cars which include the likes of the revered Ford Mustang and the iconic DeLorean. Every screw turned, every metal part polished, and every coat of paint sprayed is documented, rendering an homage to the world of car restoration and customization. The team's dedication to their craft is palpable, their excitement contagious as each forgotten gem turns into a masterpiece under their capable hands.

Driven offers an unfiltered glimpse into the history of classic automobiles, the rise of an authentic American business, and a representation of the relentless drive of passionate craftsmen. It celebrates the joy of bringing history to life through artistry and hardcore mechanical skill. Every episode takes the viewer on a ride through challenges, group dynamics, and ultimately, the awe-inspiring achievement of reviving a vintage car.

Over the course of a season, viewers are treated to the technical nitty-gritty of the restoration process as well as the business acumen, dedication, and hustle required to keep such an enterprise running smoothly. The show also examines the culture of car restoration and the expansive community that appreciates the charm of vintage automobiles.

While the show primarily focuses on the restoration process, it also delves into the human stories that lurk beneath the surface. Each project undertaken by the team carries its unique legacy, be it a car that had once been a part of a historical event, a family heirloom in the form of a classic car, or a car model that carries a special significance for a particular era. Through the lens of Driven, not only do cars get second lives, but stories get retold in a dynamic new light as well.

Simply put, Driven is not just a series about restoring old cars; it's about the people who bring these cars back to life. It's about the laborious love that goes into each detail, the pride taken in each completed project, and the community that blooms around such a unique business model. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an admirer of art and narrative, Driven lures you in with its richly woven fabric of history, engineering, and sheer human tenacity.