Fan-favorite car restoration show FantomWorks has officially ended, with host Dan Short revealing the intense pressure of filming took a major toll on his personal life and business.

In a stunning turn of events, the popular automotive restoration show “FantomWorks” has officially come to an end, leaving fans and car enthusiasts in disbelief.

The show, which aired on the Velocity network, captivated audiences with its blend of drama, craftsmanship, and the art of restoring classic cars.

However, behind the scenes, a series of challenges led to the show’s abrupt cancellation, raising questions about the future of its charismatic host, Dan Short, and his renowned shop, DRS Automotive FantomWorks.

As the cameras rolled, viewers were treated to the magic of car restoration—a process that transformed rusted relics into stunning masterpieces.

From muscle cars to hot rods, the show showcased the incredible talent of Short and his team. Yet, the reality of filming took a toll on the business and the personal lives of those involved.

“I’ve been obsessed with cars since I was five,” Short recalled, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “When I founded FantomWorks in 2006, I wanted to share that passion with the world. But I never anticipated the overwhelming pressure that would come with it.”

The journey of FantomWorks began as a dream for Short, a former Green Beret with a meticulous eye for detail. After serving 24 years in the Army, he opened his shop, specializing in restoring classic vehicles.

In 2014, the show premiered, featuring the restoration of a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette and a Ford Model A hot rod. It quickly gained a loyal following, becoming a staple for car lovers everywhere.

However, the reality of producing a successful television show began to weigh heavily on the crew. “It was like a double-edged sword,” Short explained.

“On one hand, we were living the dream, but on the other, the stress was unbearable. Employee turnover skyrocketed, and the dynamics within the shop changed drastically.”

As the show progressed, the pressures of filming began to seep into the daily operations of the shop. Long hours, constant shoots, and the need to maintain a high level of professionalism took their toll.

“We were working five to six days a week, sometimes for 12 hours a day, all while trying to keep the business afloat,” Short said, shaking his head. “It was exhausting.”

The turning point came when Short faced a devastating personal crisis. “During the final weeks of my father’s life, I was tied up with filming,” he revealed, his voice heavy with emotion.

“I couldn’t be there for him, and that broke my heart. It made me realize that no amount of fame or money was worth sacrificing my personal life.”

The show’s cancellation was not solely due to personal struggles. A lawsuit early in the show’s run had also cast a shadow over FantomWorks. In 2012, a couple accused Short of fraud after a restoration project went awry.

Although the jury ruled in Short’s favor, the experience left him feeling targeted and vulnerable. “It was a nightmare,” he recalled. “I felt like I was being attacked for simply doing my job.”

Despite the challenges, Short remained committed to his craft. “I love restoring cars. It’s what I was born to do,” he emphasized. “But the reality of being in the spotlight was more than I could handle.

I wanted to return to what I loved without the cameras watching my every move.”

With the show officially canceled, Short is now focusing on his shop in Norfolk, Virginia, where he continues to restore classic cars and even branch out into other areas, such as antique restoration.

“We’re back to doing what we love,” he said, a smile breaking through the tension of the past few years. “The shop is thriving, and we’re excited about the future.”

As the dust settles on the end of FantomWorks, fans are left wondering what’s next for Short and his talented crew. “We miss the show, but we’re grateful for the experience,” Short admitted. “It was a wild ride, and we’ll always cherish the memories we made.”

In the wake of the show’s conclusion, Short encourages fans to stay connected through social media and his shop’s website. “We’re still here, and we’re still passionate about cars,” he stated. “We want to keep sharing that passion with our community.”

As the final credits roll on FantomWorks, one thing is clear: while the show may be over, the spirit of restoration lives on in the hearts of those who loved it. “We’ll keep building, keep restoring, and keep dreaming,” Short vowed. “That’s what it’s all about.”

In a world where reality television often blurs the lines between fact and fiction, the story of FantomWorks serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the cameras.

For Dan Short and his team, the end of the show marks the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with the joy of creation, the thrill of restoration, and the unwavering love for classic cars.