Speed is the New Black

Speed is the New Black is an adrenaline-fueled, high octane show that aired on Velocity in 2017. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, this television series brings viewers directly into the fast-paced world of custom car building. The show gives viewers an insider's look at one of the best car restoration and modification shops in the country: Classic Car Studio (CCS). This shop's talented team, led by its owner Noah Alexander, transforms old and often dilapidated vehicles into spectacularly revamped rides, revealing the sheer artistry and mechanical expertise that goes into machine makeover on four wheels.

The premise of Speed is the New Black revolves around Alexander and his gifted crew taking on various projects of restoring classic cars to their former glory while implementing contemporary enhancements to give these rides a modernized flair. From rusty trucks to worn-down sedans, no project is too immense for Alexander and the team. They lay their hands on seldom-seen or neglected models and not only restore but upgrade these machines, enhancing their performance and aesthetic appeal while preserving and highlighting iconic and beloved elements of the original design.

Each episode of Speed is the New Black presents a fresh restoration challenge and illustrates the intricate process of reviving and customizing automotive masterpieces. These projects are client-based, and often have personal stories behind why the car is significant to its owner. Ranging from a decades-old heirloom vehicle to a recent purchase intended as a surprise gift, each project has its individualized requirements and sentimental value, bringing an emotional layer into the mix. Some jobs necessitate labor-intensive restorations, while others demand inventive modifications, but all require a high level of expertise, creativity and a touch of charm that this team of car aficionados unabashedly demonstrates.

A captivating factor of the show is the suspense built into the process. Each task comes with its unique set of difficulties and time constraints that put the skills and the resolve of the crew to the test. Overcoming these issues and delivering the finalized product successfully to the clients within the stipulated time serves a pulsating storyline in itself.

The shop's owner, Noah Alexander, who also serves as the show's lead character, is a figure who showcases an apparent passion for cars and a deep-seated understanding of his craft. His decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and knack for improvisation, combined with a keen eye for design, infuses each project with uncanny precision, innovation, and an aesthetic pleasing to both the car owners and the viewers. His charismatic persona and leadership style shine throughout the show as he navigates the vivacious dynamics of his crew and the demands of the job.

The camera also puts a spotlight on the crew working closely with Alexander. From metalworkers grinding and welding to artists handcrafting parts and details, the crew members form an integral part of the narrative, adding splashes of personality and varying expertise to the broad canvas of the show. Their interactions with each other, the spaces they work within, the tools they use, and their unwavering commitment to deliver the best reflects the spirit of craftsmanship and makes for humanizing and engaging viewing sessions, resonating with both car enthusiasts and non-car enthusiasts alike.

From braving the hurdles of disentangling a tangle of old wiring to sourcing rare replacement parts, or from creating spectacular paintwork to installing top-notch appliances, the task of transforming these old cars into modern-day classics is portrayed wonderfully by the show's creators. The attention to detail, the commendable efforts of the crew, and the immense passion and dedication poured into each project are brilliantly captured, making the show a fitting tribute to automotive craftsmanship.

Overall, Speed is the New Black seamlessly blends reality TV storytelling with an in-the-garage, nuts-and-bolts approach to automobile restoration and modification. The show is a thrilling exploration into the heart of car culture, capturing the transformative journey of vintage vehicles turned into striking, contemporary classics. It crafts a compelling narrative that taps into the heart-strings of those who love automobiles while offering engaging insights behind the closed garage doors of one of America’s most passionate restoration shops.