Wayne Carini Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Career, Facts.

Few names in the classic car world command as much respect—or evoke as much curiosity—as Wayne Carini. Known globally as the face of Chasing Classic Cars, Wayne has spent decades unearthing rare finds, breathing new life into forgotten machines, and sharing the stories that make each vehicle unique. His journey began in his father’s restoration shop in Glastonbury, Connecticut, where a young Wayne learned the delicate balance between craftsmanship and passion. From there, he built a career that spans television, high-profile auctions, concours judging, and running one of the most respected dealerships in the country, F40 Motorsports.

But Wayne’s story isn’t just about cars—it’s about people. Whether mentoring the next generation of restorers, raising awareness for autism, or making time for his wife, Laurie, and their two daughters, Wayne’s life blends horsepower with heart. His biography is as much a roadmap of professional triumphs as it is a testament to personal dedication. As you read on, you’ll find the milestones, challenges, and defining moments that shaped him into one of the most recognized and trusted voices in the automotive world.

Early Life and Family Background

Wayne Carini was born on October 13, 1951, in Portland, Connecticut, and grew up in nearby Glastonbury. He was the only child of Robert (Bob) and Rosemary Carini. His father, Bob, was a respected craftsman in the automotive world, owning a collision repair and restoration shop in Glastonbury. He was also the founder of the Model A Ford Restorers Club of America in 1952, just a year after Wayne’s birth.

Wayne’s childhood was steeped in automotive culture. His family lived on a 300-acre farm, where the barn was converted into a restoration workspace. His father specialized in restoring prestigious marques like Duesenbergs and Packards, while Wayne’s cousin—nine years older—built hot rods in a lean-to beside the shop. From a young age, Wayne became the “gofer,” fetching tools, drinks, and parts just to stay close to the action.

Even before he could drive, Wayne was deeply engaged in car culture. He accompanied his father to car shows and learned hands-on restoration skills. At just eight years old, Bob handed Wayne a piece of sandpaper and “hired” him for the shop—work that quickly became a seven-day-a-week routine.

Education and Early Career Aspirations

Although he was set on a path in the automotive world, Wayne initially dreamed of becoming an architect. In high school, he won a Hartford Home Builders Association contest for best house design, reinforcing his architectural ambitions. He enrolled in college to pursue architecture, only to find it required a seven- to eight-year commitment, which he reconsidered.

Wayne ultimately graduated with a degree in art education but struggled to find a teaching position. This led him back to the family restoration business, where his natural talent and passion flourished.

Breakthrough with Ferrari Restoration

While Wayne’s father preferred American classics, a turning point came when Wayne was tasked with repairing a damaged Ferrari Daytona Spyder. His craftsmanship caught the attention of Luigi Chinetti, the official U.S. Ferrari importer. This recognition led to a steady stream of Ferrari work, with Wayne spending nearly 25 years focusing on the marque, attending events like Cavallino in Florida and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Racing Career

Wayne also developed a passion for motorsports. He raced a Mini Cooper in local and regional events, enjoying the thrill of competition. However, network restrictions during his television career temporarily halted his racing activities.

Television Career: Chasing Classic Cars

Wayne’s leap into television began with a personal victory—finally acquiring the Hudson Italia he had pursued since his teens. His decades-long chase for the rare car was chronicled by automotive historian Donald Osborne in The New York Times, catching the attention of television producer Jim Astrausky of Essex Television Group. Within a day of the article’s publication, Astrausky contacted Wayne to propose a documentary that would follow his daily work in the restoration world.

This collaboration began with two one-hour Discovery HD Theater specials—Monterey Week and The World’s Most Expensive Cars—both well-received by audiences. Their success paved the way for the launch of Chasing Classic Cars on June 3, 2008, initially on HD Theater before later moving to Velocity and Motor Trend. Over 17 seasons (2008–2021), the series produced more than 200 episodes, covering everything from barn finds to detailed restorations and high-profile auctions.

The program stood out for its unscripted approach, which flowed naturally from Wayne’s real-life work. It connected directly to the preceding Discovery specials by continuing to focus on authentic, behind-the-scenes processes at his shop, F40 Motorsports. Viewers saw not only the mechanical and aesthetic transformations of rare vehicles, but also the context, provenance, and market realities surrounding them. This continuity of style and content made the show appealing to both experienced collectors and newcomers to the hobby, firmly establishing Wayne as a respected figure in the global classic car community.

F40 Motorsports and Other Ventures

F40 Motorsports serves as Wayne’s flagship dealership and restoration facility, named after the Ferrari F40 he sold to purchase the building. Located in Portland, Connecticut, the showroom features a carefully curated selection of collector, classic, exotic, and high-performance vehicles—often chosen because they resonate personally with Wayne, rather than solely for investment potential. Vehicles sold through F40 have ranged from pre-war classics to modern supercars, including Ferraris, Porsches, Jaguars, and rare American muscle.

The dealership offers buying, selling, consignment, and trade services, as well as restoration and maintenance. It is also closely linked to two other Carini family businesses: Continental Auto Ltd., a high-end collision repair shop specializing in exotic and luxury vehicles, and Carini Carozzeria, Wayne’s restoration studio known for concours-level work on rare automobiles. This integrated structure allows Wayne to acquire, restore, and bring vehicles to market entirely within his own network.

Beyond sales and restorations, F40 Motorsports offers car care products, collector vehicle storage solutions like the CarCapsule, and a client experience designed to match the quality of the vehicles themselves. Wayne’s guiding philosophy—”buy what you love”—shapes every aspect of the operation, ensuring that passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship remain at the forefront.

Car Collection and Notable Vehicles

Wayne’s personal collection is eclectic, ranging from hot rods to brass-era cars. Notable vehicles have included:

• The Hudson Italia, which he sold to fund a home for his autistic daughter, with the car now preserved in the Maine Classic Car Museum.
• Eight custom hot rods, including builds by Steve Moal.
• A 1900 Locomobile steam car.
• A Shelby Mustang GT350.
• Galaxie 500s and Starliners.
• The Rain Man Buick—a 1949 Buick convertible used in the Oscar-winning film—which Wayne stores and uses to promote autism awareness.

Awards and Industry Influence

Wayne Carini’s impact on the classic car world is underscored by decades of recognition and leadership. He has attended the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for over 40 consecutive years (as of 2024), appearing both as a participant and as an invited judge at various prestigious concours events across the United States. In 2023, he was honored as Grand Marshal of the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, where organizers also presented “The Chase Award,” inspired by the spirit of his television series Chasing Classic Cars.

Beyond event appearances, Wayne serves on the National Advisory Board for McPherson College in Kansas, home to the nation’s only four-year bachelor’s degree program in Automotive Restoration Technology. His role involves guiding program development, helping students secure internships—including opportunities at his own F40 Motorsports—and promoting the next generation of restoration professionals.

His consistent presence at Pebble Beach, Greenwich, and other events, combined with his mentorship through McPherson College, reflects a career-long dedication to preserving automotive heritage and inspiring future craftsmen.

Philanthropy and Autism Advocacy

Wayne’s advocacy for autism awareness is deeply rooted in his family’s experience. He and his wife have two daughters, one of whom—Kimberly—is severely autistic. Her journey has inspired Wayne to become an active supporter of autism-related charities and initiatives.

A central symbol of this work is the Rain Man Buick, a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible used in the Oscar-winning film. Wayne restored the car for the film’s director, Barry Levinson, and it made its post-restoration debut at the 2016 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Since then, it has traveled extensively to charity events, including fundraisers for organizations such as Autism Families CONNECTicut.

In July 2022, Wayne helped celebrate the 12th anniversary of Autism Families CONNECTicut becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at a “Birthday Bash” held at Hops on The Hill in South Glastonbury. The event, which coincided with a Cruise Night featuring classic cars, included live music, food trucks, and family activities, reflecting the inclusive and welcoming spirit of the organization. Wayne’s continued involvement with AFC underscores his commitment to building community connections for individuals with autism and their families.

The Buick has appeared at numerous autism awareness events across the country, often accompanied by Wayne and Kimberly, making it a moving, tangible emblem of his mission. Wayne also participates in National Autism Awareness Day activities, uses his social media to promote autism education, and sponsors local community programs. His involvement extends beyond symbolic gestures—he actively engages in fundraising and awareness campaigns, ensuring that his influence in the automotive world directly benefits the autism community.

Net Worth

When it comes to Wayne Carini’s finances, you can’t sum it up in a single number without looking at how his career has been built. Over more than four decades, Wayne has combined multiple income streams—his dealership and restoration shop, television work, event appearances, consulting, and endorsements—into a steady, high-level livelihood.

If you break it down, the numbers look something like this in a typical year:

• F40 Motorsports (dealership) – Selling and buying 35–60 cars a year, often six- and seven‑figure classics, can net anywhere from about $220k at the low end to $900k at the high end after costs.
• Restoration projects – Big-ticket builds and high-end restorations bring in anywhere from $120k to $700k annually, depending on how many projects run at once.
• Television and media – Hosting Chasing Classic Cars for 17 seasons, plus residuals and brand deals, now means roughly $80k–$500k a year.
• Events and judging – Wayne’s presence at concours and shows adds another $60k–$300k annually.
• Consulting – Advising private collectors and auctions typically brings in $40k–$240k per year.
• Endorsements and other ventures – Smaller but still notable, about $25k–$200k a year.

Put together, these streams generate around $1.2M–$1.6M a year in pre-tax cash flow for Wayne in recent years.

Over a career, that adds up fast. By rough calculation, Wayne has earned between $11M and $22M in lifetime pre-tax income. Of course, not all of that sits in the bank—taxes, business reinvestment, payroll, and living costs take their share.

What really boosts his net worth are his assets:

• Car collection – 25–40 rare and collectible cars worth about $3.8M–$6M.
• Business real estate – His Portland, Connecticut, facility valued at $2M–$4M.
• Cash and investments – Around $0.5M–$1.5M.
• Occasional media stakes – Potentially up to $2M, though often treated conservatively.

All told, factoring in earnings, assets, and conservative liabilities, Wayne’s 2025 net worth is likely in the $13–$19 million range, with a central estimate of about $15–$17 million—a figure in line with other top-tier figures in the collector car world.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Wayne Carini’s personal life is as grounded as his public career is high-profile. He met his wife, Laurie, in the early 1980s while he was still building his career in the restoration business. They married in 1980, beginning a partnership that has now lasted over four decades. Throughout Wayne’s frequent travels for car hunts, shows, and auctions, Laurie has remained an unwavering source of support, occasionally joining him at major automotive events and sharing his enthusiasm for the hobby.

The couple live in a hand-built log home nestled in rural Connecticut—a house Wayne constructed himself over three decades ago, around 1985–1987. Built during the early years of his career, the home reflects both his dedication to craftsmanship and the couple’s shared love for a grounded, natural lifestyle. Over the years, it has remained the heart of family life and the setting for countless milestones, gatherings, and shared memories.

Wayne and Laurie have two daughters: Lindsay and Kimberly. Lindsay, born in 1987, grew up immersed in the automotive world, learning the trade from her father. She now works as a manager at F40 Motorsports and has appeared on Chasing Classic Cars, assisting with projects and deals. Kimberly, born in 1990, was diagnosed with severe autism at an early age. Her condition profoundly shaped Wayne’s philanthropic focus, inspiring one of his most significant advocacy tools — the 1949 “Rain Man” Buick Roadmaster he restored for director Barry Levinson. Levinson has allowed Wayne to keep and display the car for over a decade, and Wayne regularly ships it nationwide to raise awareness and funds for autism charities.

Wayne’s long-running passion project, the Hudson Italia, adds another deeply personal chapter to his family story. When he was just 15, a co-worker of his father brought the rare car into their shop for a small repair, and Wayne was instantly captivated. Unlike most teenagers drawn to muscle cars, he pursued that exact Italia for decades, finally acquiring it at the age of 52. Years later, Wayne placed the car in Kimberly’s Special Needs Trust. When he and Laurie purchased a home for Kimberly to ensure her long-term independence, an unexpected offer to buy the Italia came just two weeks later. Initially reluctant, Wayne recognized the sale could fully fund the house — and it did. Today, the car resides at the Maine Classic Car Museum, where the family can visit it whenever they wish, making the sale one of the most meaningful transactions of Wayne’s career.

Wayne is also a proud grandfather to Conner, Lindsay’s son. In August 2022, Wayne shared that Conner was already showing signs of becoming a true car enthusiast, carrying the family’s passion into its third generation.

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Despite running multiple businesses—F40 Motorsports, Continental Auto Ltd., and Carini Carozzeria—Wayne has maintained a strong commitment to family life. He frequently carves out time for trips, vacations, and shared experiences with Laurie, their daughters, and grandson. His role on the board of CW Resources, a nonprofit supporting employment for individuals with disabilities and veterans, reflects the same values of care, inclusivity, and community that have defined his home life.

Wiki/Bio Facts:

Fact	Value
Name	Wayne Carini
Date of birth	October 13, 1951
Age	73 years old
Place of birth	Portland, Connecticut, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White
Eye color	Blue
Occupation	Car restorer and TV personality
Net worth	$15–$17 million
Salary	N/A
Height	5 feet 4 inches
Marital status	Married
Spouse	Laurie Carini
Children	Lindsay Carini and Kimberly Carini
Parents	Robert (Bob) Carini and Rosemary Carini
Website	waynecarini.com
TV show	Chasing Classic Cars
TV network	Motor Trend channel
First drive	Rosso Chiaro 250 SWB Ferrari in 1960
First car restoration	Ford Model A engine in third grade
College education	Degree in architecture
Career aspiration	Teacher (unfulfilled)
Mentor	Francois Sicard (Ferrari restorer)
Business ventures	F40 Motorsports, Continental Auto Ltd, and Carini Carozzeria
Business location	Portland, Connecticut, USA
Business specialty	Vintage and exotic cars
Awards and honors	Grand marshal at the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival
TV appearances	My Classic Car and Overhaulin’
TV producer	Jim Astrausky of Essex Television Group Inc.
Charity work	Autism Speaks and Klingberg Family Centers (supports children with autism)
Hobbies and interests	Spending time with family, traveling, gardening, cooking, and collecting toy cars