Sydney Sweeney, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in hit shows, has a surprising and deeply rooted passion that extends far beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood: a love for classic cars and their meticulous restoration. This isn't just a fleeting hobby; it's a serious pursuit fueled by a lifelong connection to mechanics and a dedicated mentor.
At the heart of Sweeney's automotive journey is Rod Emory, a renowned figure in the world of vintage Porsche restoration. Emory, the owner of Emory Motorsports in Oregon, isn't just a mechanic; he's an artist who breathes new life into classic Porsches, transforming them into stunning "Outlaw" restomods that are celebrated by car enthusiasts worldwide. His expertise and passion have made him a respected authority in the field, even earning him a spot on Jay Leno's Garage YouTube series.
Emory's connection to Sweeney runs deep, stretching back to her childhood in the Pacific Northwest. Their families have been close for years, with Emory's son, Zayne, sharing classrooms with Sydney during their early acting careers. This long-standing friendship evolved into a valuable mentorship, with Emory sharing his vast knowledge and skills with the aspiring actress.
The Emory family's automotive legacy extends even further, with Rod Emory's grandfather, Neil, playing a pivotal role in the hot rod scene. Neil was a pioneer in customizing early hot rods, employing techniques like channeling and sectioning to create unique and eye-catching vehicles. His passion for automotive innovation eventually led him to work for Porsche, igniting the family's enduring love affair with the German marque.
Sweeney's interest in cars isn't a recent development; it's a passion that has simmered since her youth. She recalls getting her driver's license at 16 and eagerly offering to chauffeur Emory's younger children in her Toyota Land Cruiser. Emory, jokingly skeptical, challenged her to prove her driving skills, setting the stage for their future collaboration.
Years later, in 2021, Sweeney reached out to Emory with a proposition: she wanted to buy and restore a Ford Bronco. She sought his guidance and access to his shop, Emory Motorsports. Despite a considerable waiting list for shop bays, Emory recognized Sweeney's genuine enthusiasm and commitment.
Before granting her a coveted spot in his shop, Emory made Sweeney promise that she was truly dedicated to the project. Satisfied with her unwavering commitment, he agreed to mentor her through the restoration process, marking the beginning of a hands-on learning experience that would transform Sweeney into a skilled mechanic.
Working side-by-side with Emory, Sweeney immersed herself in the intricate details of the Bronco's restoration. From replacing the transmission and brakes to completely revamping the interior, she tackled each challenge with determination and a thirst for knowledge. Emory patiently guided her through every step, sharing his expertise and empowering her to take ownership of the project.
Sweeney's dedication to her automotive pursuits is evident in her choice of location for her projects. She deliberately seeks out shops that provide her with easy access to her cars, allowing her to work on them in between filming her various roles. This commitment highlights her passion for the craft and her desire to continually learn and improve her skills.
Beyond the Bronco, Sweeney's automotive collection includes a stunning 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 convertible, affectionately nicknamed "Britney" due to its Brittany Blue exterior. This classic Mustang represents another facet of Sweeney's love for vintage Fords and her appreciation for automotive history.
In a fitting turn of events, Sweeney's next restoration project at Emory Motorsports will be a Porsche 356 Roadster, a nod to her mentor's expertise and her growing appreciation for the Porsche brand. This project promises to be another exciting chapter in Sweeney's automotive journey, further solidifying her reputation as a serious car enthusiast.
Sweeney has channeled her passion into a dedicated TikTok account, "syds_garage," where she shares her automotive adventures with a growing audience. Her goal is to inspire other young women (and anyone with a passion) to pursue their interests, regardless of societal expectations or perceived limitations. She wants to show that mechanical skills aren't just for men and that anyone can learn to work on cars.
Her TikTok videos offer a glimpse into the world of automotive restoration, covering a wide range of topics from fuel pump installation to fitting a power steering motor to a vintage engine block. These informative and engaging videos demonstrate Sweeney's genuine knowledge and her ability to explain complex mechanical procedures in an accessible way.
Sweeney's passion for cars and vintage Fords led to a unique collaboration with the Ford brand. She worked with them to create a custom 2024 Ford Mustang GT500, inspired by her own "Britney" Shelby GT350. Only two of these special Mustangs were made, with Sweeney taking home one and the other being given away to a lucky fan.
While Sydney Sweeney is perhaps the most visible member of Gen Z embracing classic cars, she's far from alone. Hagerty's annual data reveals a growing trend of younger drivers collecting and restoring vintage vehicles, surpassing even Millennials in their enthusiasm for automotive history. This resurgence of interest suggests a shift in cultural values, with younger generations appreciating the craftsmanship, history, and unique character of classic cars.
Restoring a classic car is a significant undertaking, requiring meticulous planning and execution. To simplify the process, consider these key steps:
Planning and Preparation: This initial phase involves setting a realistic budget, preparing a dedicated workspace, conducting thorough research on parts availability and compatibility, and establishing a clear timeline for completing the project. Careful planning is crucial for a successful restoration.
Disassembly and Assessment: The next step involves carefully disassembling the vehicle and meticulously assessing the condition of each component. This process helps identify damaged or worn parts that need to be repaired or replaced.
Bodywork and Paint: This phase focuses on restoring the vehicle's exterior. It involves stripping the old paint, repairing any rust or dents, applying body filler to create a smooth surface, and finally, repainting the car in its original color or a custom shade.
Mechanical Restoration: This critical step involves restoring the car's engine, transmission, and other mechanical components to their original working condition. It may include engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, and replacement of worn parts.
Reassembly and Testing: Once all the individual components have been restored, the car is carefully reassembled. After reassembly, the car undergoes a thorough detailing process, and finally, a test drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
This growing community of young car enthusiasts is also actively sharing their automotive adventures on social media. Tati, known as "Over in the Rover," documents her passion for English Land Rovers, showcasing her 1985 Defender 90 on Instagram. Her posts offer a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of owning and maintaining a classic Land Rover.
Others are taking a more unconventional approach to sharing their passion. Andrew, known as "The Dorm Room Mechanic," gained notoriety for attempting to repair a Chevy V8 engine inside his university dorm room. While the university quickly put a stop to his indoor repairs, Andrew has continued his projects outside the dorm, sharing his progress with a growing online audience.
Gen Z's burgeoning interest in classic cars comes at a time when "car graveyards" filled with vintage vehicles are becoming increasingly common. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity, as these forgotten treasures await rediscovery and restoration.
Recently, an abandoned Porsche dealership was discovered, revealing a hidden collection of iconic Porsche models. The find included some of the brand's most sought-after vehicles, locked away for years and awaiting a new lease on life. This discovery highlights the potential for finding hidden gems and the importance of preserving automotive history.
In another remarkable discovery, a collection of vintage Italian sports cars was unearthed, including a Maserati Ghibli. This discovery underscores the global appeal of classic cars and the passion that drives enthusiasts to seek out and restore these automotive icons.