Monster Garage was a reality based television show that followed custom motorcycle builder, Jesse James, and his crew as they transformed ordinary vehicles into customized machines with a number of features and functionalities, all within a 7 day time limit. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346343/fullcredits#cast The rules for each project were the same: the vehicle must appear to be stock upon its completion, and the team had a budget of $3,000, which was later raised to $5,000, to complete the transformation. If the team was successful, they would receive expensive mechanical goods as compensation.
Monster Garage aired on the Discovery Channel on June 23, 2002. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346343/fullcredits#cast The show was hosted by James, and featured a crew of five mechanics, all experienced in fabrication and modifications. It was set at James’ West Coast Choppers, a custom bike shop located in Long Beach, California. http://westcoastchoppers.com/ As the show progressed Jesse James lost interest. He married actress Sandra Bullock on July 16, 2005, and shortly after decided to end his work with Monster Garage. After a 5-season run, the series finale aired on June 12, 2006, without James appearing in the final episode.http://www.tv.com/monster-garage/show/21664/summary.html
Two years following the show’s close, 42 of the modified vehicles were sold at auction through the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Company.http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/42-unique-i-monster-garage-i-creations-under-the-hammer-at-ba/
Monster Garage Quote
"The show, he said, is about people not unlike himself: the rapidly vanishing breed of unheralded artisans who fabricate the stuff of daily life, like cars and refrigerators. The 60-year-old man pounding metal for 40 years sitting around at noon eating lunch every day—I want to shake his hand," he said. "That guy behind the scenes making his knuckles bleed."—Jesse G. JamesThe New York Times: Jesse James: He Collides With Cars, and Wins
Monster Garage DVD Review
"If a vehicular know-nothing like myself can fall for a show like Monster Garage, I expect the car freaks must eat this program up with a spoon. You don't need to be a master mechanic to appreciate the crazy craftsmanship on display here, plus you might just learn a little something. At the very least, you'll walk away with a newfound and healthy respect for your local auto mechanic."—DVD TalkDVD Talk: Monster Garage: Season Three Review
Motor City Motors
On December 28, 2009, the Discovery Channel premiered another reality-based garage show, Motor City Motors, created by Thom Beers of Monster Garage. This show features the Detroit Brothers, Dave, James, and John Kaye, manufacturers of custom motorcycles. The program was developed by the Discovery Channel as a successor to James’ Monster Garage. The rules of Motor City Motors’ competition are similar to those of Monster Garage: teams of five or six mechanics have 5 days to complete a project designed by the Detroit Brothers. If the team succeeds in the build, each member receives a tool kit worth thousands of dollars.http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/motor-city-motors/motor-city-motors.html Fans of Monster Garage have had mixed responses to Motor City Motors, with some regarding the show as nothing more than an unoriginal imitation.
Monster Garage Clip
This video features a segment of an episode of Monster Garage, in which James and his crew transform an ordinary New York City hot dog cart into a speeding dragster. When the project was completed, the cart must appear as it normally would, and the team could spend no more than $3,000 to complete the project.
Monster Garage Cast
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
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Created by
Thom Beers
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First aired
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Final episode
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Seasons
5
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Episodes
80
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Starring
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Runtime
60 minutes
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Fact:
Jesse G. James did not participate in show's final episode
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Fact:
Canceled in 2006 due to James declining interest
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Fact:
Jesse G. James is the great-great grandson of the cousin of outlaw Jesse James
