Controversies, including a customer lawsuit over a missing luxury luggage package, have cast a shadow over Carini’s business, F40 Motorsports.

In the world of classic car restoration, few names resonate like Wayne Carini. A household name thanks to the hit television series *Chasing Classic Cars*, Wayne’s journey has been marked by passion, dedication, and, most recently, controversy.

As fans wonder about his current status, the truth behind his recent struggles reveals a tale that is both compelling and cautionary.

For years, viewers were captivated by Wayne’s deep love for vintage vehicles, watching him transform barn finds into high-end auction pieces.

However, the show that brought him fame ended abruptly in August 2021, leaving many fans questioning what had happened to the beloved car restorer. Was he still restoring cars? Had he taken a new path? The answers are more complex than many might think.

Despite his fame, Wayne’s life has been far from smooth sailing. In 2018, he found himself embroiled in a legal battle that threatened his reputation as a trusted car dealer.

The saga began back in 2010 when Robert Richmond, an Australian antique car collector, attempted to purchase a 1934 Pierce Arrow coupe.

Unable to finalize the deal himself, Robert entrusted the transaction to Gary Dixo, a fellow car restorer. The plan was simple: Gary would inspect the vehicle, purchase it if it met his standards, restore it, and ship it to Robert in Australia. But things quickly went awry.

Robert made a hefty down payment of $98,000, believing he would soon take possession of the classic car. Weeks turned into months, and months into years, but the car never arrived.

The failed deal strained the relationship between Robert and Gary, culminating in Gary’s bankruptcy in 2016, while still in possession of the coupe. In a shocking twist, Gary sold the car without informing Robert, leading to Wayne’s unexpected involvement.

In 2017, Wayne was contacted by Gullwing Motors, Inc., who sought his expertise for an appraisal of the Pierce Arrow. Unbeknownst to Wayne, he was stepping into a web of deceit.

After estimating the car’s value between $100,000 and $120,000, Wayne purchased it for $110,000, believing he was acting legitimately. He received a certificate of ownership from Gary, which further assured him of the car’s rightful status.

However, the situation spiraled out of control when RM Auctions approached Wayne to sell the Pierce Arrow. Knowing the car’s potential value, Wayne set a high asking price of $250,000.

To his surprise, RM Auctions accepted without hesitation, later selling the car for $275,000. But the real owner, Robert, was still in the dark about the car’s fate. His discovery of the auction listing ignited a legal firestorm.

Robert quickly contacted all parties involved, including Wayne, who had no idea of the car’s troubled history.

When Robert learned the vehicle was held at Wayne’s company, F40 Motorsports, he filed a lawsuit in 2018 to reclaim ownership. The legal battle lasted two years, drawing significant media attention and scrutiny.

In June 2020, the court ruled in favor of Robert, concluding that Gary had acted in bad faith by selling the car without authorization. While Wayne was cleared of wrongdoing, the damage to his reputation was already done.

The automotive industry, built on trust, found itself shaken by the allegations, and Wayne’s name was now associated with controversy.

“People don’t understand how difficult it is to run a business today,” Wayne lamented in a recent interview. “You can do everything right, but one person’s mistake can ruin your reputation.”

But the troubles didn’t end there. In 2011, Wayne faced another customer dispute involving a 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo. A client, known as Joe3112D, claimed he was misled during the purchase process.

The advertisement for the car touted a luxury luggage package valued at $8,000, which was a significant factor in the buyer’s decision to purchase. However, upon delivery, the luggage was missing.

F40 Motorsports initially assured the client that the issue would be resolved, but weeks turned into months with no communication. Frustrated, the client filed a lawsuit against Wayne and his dealership.

Surprisingly, the matter was resolved only after the legal pressure prompted Wayne to act. The missing luggage was eventually found and delivered, but the incident left a bitter taste in the client’s mouth.

“Wayne and his team should have handled this better,” the client expressed. “It shouldn’t have taken a lawsuit to get a response.”

As the dust settled from these controversies, the fate of *Chasing Classic Cars* remained uncertain. The show, which premiered in 2008, was beloved by fans for its authenticity and the camaraderie between Wayne and his close friend, Roger Bar.

However, Roger’s health issues took a toll on the production. After being hospitalized in 2017 due to a leg infection, rumors swirled about his absence from the show.

Fans were shocked to learn that Roger, who had contributed greatly to the series’ success, had never been paid for his role.

“Wayne should have done more for Roger,” one fan commented. “It’s disheartening to see how the industry treats its stars.”

Despite the challenges, Wayne remains active in the automotive community. He continues to manage F40 Motorsports and is involved in various car shows and auctions.

Outside of work, he dedicates time to supporting autism awareness, a cause close to his heart due to his daughter Kimberly’s diagnosis. Wayne and his wife, Lorie, have been steadfast supporters of autism organizations, using their platform to raise awareness and funds.

“Family is everything to me,” Wayne shared. “I want to make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism.”

As whispers of Wayne’s potential return to television circulate, fans are eager to see what the future holds. While *Chasing Classic Cars* may be over, Wayne’s legacy in the automotive world continues.

Whether he returns to the screen or focuses on behind-the-scenes content development, one thing is clear: Wayne Carini’s passion for classic cars is as strong as ever.

In a world where trust is paramount, Wayne’s journey serves as a reminder of the fragility of reputation and the importance of transparency.

As he navigates the aftermath of his controversies, fans hope to see the classic car king rise again, proving that even in the face of adversity, the love for vintage vehicles can shine through.