Tom Yang is an absolute god in Ferrari restorations. Raised under the elite apprenticeship of Francois Sicard, he has preserved this art form. Thanks for interviewing him, VinWiki crew! Great videos!!
Latvia has been on my radar for a considerable amount of time. I'm a very large classic BMW fan myself. Proud E30 owner, and enthusiast of their older cars. Seeing how classic BMW culture is over there along with the old USSR architecture in Riga and the people culture in general is very appealing. Only downside in my eyes is the Estonians 😂 Im kidding of course
@@killersof10 Latvians Are Hand In Hand With They Baltic Brothers, And With "HAND IN HAND" I Dont Mean Mentally, Check Out THE Longest Human Chain In History, Jup, Latvia Did It With Estonia And Lithuania, We Formed A 675.5 Kilometers In Humans Hand In Hand Across 3 Countries I Think. It Was A Beautiful Day In August The 23 of 1989. Im Born In 1990, I Had Talked With Many People Who Where In The Chain And Im Thinking To Interview Them And Film A Video About It And Translate And Upload It.
Couple industry sayings I remember: "The last ten percent is half of the cost" or with machining, "Every additional decimal point of tolerance is an additional zero to cost" If you want to just enjoy and appreciate the essence of the car, the fine details wont change that. This video shows that best shop doesnt need to be the most expensive, but the one that best serves what you need.
This blue PF coupe is absolutely gorgeous. I especially love Ferrari's that aren't red. I love these 60's and 70's wire wheeled Ferrari's. Really great story. Very cool. Thank you.
I've been to Riga a few times now, and one time caught the beginning of the Summer Solstice celebration in town. Next time, I'll try to stay for the whole week! Much better than the winters!
I could listen To Mr Yang speak about these cars I love and have grown up around (thanks to my father) all day his knowledge on 50s and 60s Ferrari is incredible.
Shout out to the people of the Latvia shop.WELL DONE.Your in the big time now....Once you get known in the U.S. Your Made. Good luck to you in the Future.Just a 63 year old fan of Vinwiki stories.
This is a whole different world of car restoration. Normally my idea of attention to detail is, did the water level kill the power seats? or is the paint match of the replacement bumper that bad?
I've always wanted to restore high-end 60's/70's Ferraris or Porches. In fact, my shop I built is all decked out to do such restorations. On day I really hope to meet Tom and get the opportunity to work alongside him. Wonderful episode. For the time being, it is now 69 442s and a 69 Hurst Olds that get my loving touch.
it's stuff like what you see at 8.01 - those tuna can hose clamps (very Italian cars, and some German as well) that you see these guys really go for details - It doesn't matter if it's a Ferrari or a Fiat - either you go for originality, no matter what, or you don't! Cheers from Portugal
Having been in the Ferrari restoration field for a decade (not anymore) this was a very enjoyable episode. I used to love doing the Cavallino classic and Amelia island back to back.
Not bad. The Eastern European people really know hard work and perfection. They also know how to turn something that can't be fixed, into something fixed. I have a amazing fellow Volkswagen technician colleague who seems to fix anything. He is from 🇲🇩 Moldova.
A good number of UK cars are sent to Eastern Europe for restoration, often non exotic cars. It is so much cheaper than a restoration in the UK. Check the M539 restoration UA-cam channel, he gets his cars painted in Poland.
Have you checked out Gassman Automotive products in Virginia. They do major restorations on many makes. They restored a Ferrari a few years back and took it to Pebble Beach. I saw it when it came in and left. Beautiful.
I just want to know who "the best" are in the states! I want to see if they have any videos, etc. I can watch. My neighbor had six 99+ point split-window vettes that he did, and I saw what it took to get them there.
actually the most high end and uniquely skilled Ferrari bodywork specialist is in Haaksbergen, the Netherlands. Those guys made ferraris of old archive photos...
I thought the No.1 place is Tyrrell's Classic Workshop in the UK. As recommended by Ferrari themselves. They have a brilliant youtube channel showing the work they do.
No offense to Tyrrell who is excellent but there is a whole World out there of outstanding restorers that you have never heard of them on TV or UA-cam.
it makes sense, compared to us eastern europens , american salaries are astronomical. Here in Croatia the avarage salary is less then 20000 dollars a year. I know its insane, sometimes I wonder how do we survive
What A GREAT Story.. Latvians Always Have Been People Who Can Make Great Things Out Of Bad Or Disrepairable Things, Im Latvian So I Kind A Am Myself A DIY''Er . Greetings From Latvia !
People absolutely FORGET that early Italian sportscars were not 'perfect' - not by a longshot. They were made by-hand by Italian craftsman using HAND TOOLS - not robots, not computer-controlled lathes or precision milling machines. Hand-made cars can, and should, be slightly imperfect and 'crude' in nature. There's a bespoke artistry to it, that often gets lost in the "restoration" game to appease a Concourse judge who may/may-not know what they're looking at.
Sure, Latvia has a Russian border. They are NATO and EU members, which would trigger Article 5 + EU collaboration. I wouldn't hesitate doing business in Latvia for that reason. Just be a aware of the ex-Soviet tendencies. Pretty awesome story, hope the Latvian restoration becomes a thing.
In the name of justice, it should be said that the low labor costs are largely at the expense of the direct laborers and yes, nothing to do with skills.
My friend Noel would be who I take my priceless ferrari too, only because HE RESTORED CHASSIS #004/R1!!! LOL, oh and he would do it for free labor.....so there's that
Repairs and Restoration in eastern europe are quite popular. If I crash a car here in germany the chances are very high it gets send to poland for repair. Its a huge business and the people do great work. Unfortunatley every stolen car ends up in poland too, these guys need cheap parts :). Also imported american muscle are usually crashed US- cars with bad titles that get reworked in the east. Again, these guys do great work, but its the shady dealers afterwards who dont disclose the real history and demand high money for a car with accident history...
Tom Yang is an absolute god in Ferrari restorations. Raised under the elite apprenticeship of Francois Sicard, he has preserved this art form. Thanks for interviewing him, VinWiki crew! Great videos!!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I'm just one of many people who work on old Ferraris for a living!
Wonder if he or someone could inform me what to look for ina 348tb 5speed
And he is a friendly man
Proud to be latvian and proud of Latvia and guys over here doing this work. 👍👍👍
Tieši Tā
Latvia has been on my radar for a considerable amount of time. I'm a very large classic BMW fan myself. Proud E30 owner, and enthusiast of their older cars. Seeing how classic BMW culture is over there along with the old USSR architecture in Riga and the people culture in general is very appealing. Only downside in my eyes is the Estonians 😂 Im kidding of course
@@killersof10 Latvians Are Hand In Hand With They Baltic Brothers, And With "HAND IN HAND" I Dont Mean Mentally, Check Out THE Longest Human Chain In History, Jup, Latvia Did It With Estonia And Lithuania, We Formed A 675.5 Kilometers In Humans Hand In Hand Across 3 Countries I Think. It Was A Beautiful Day In August The 23 of 1989. Im Born In 1990, I Had Talked With Many People Who Where In The Chain And Im Thinking To Interview Them And Film A Video About It And Translate And Upload It.
I apologize for the late release this morning. This week I am volunteer teaching a high school class. Lots of fun but I forgot to schedule the video.
Please show them the video about your GaTech dissertation
Should never need to apologize for entertaining. Thanks
That's OK, a good video makes up for it. Have a great day!
No Doubt the class is "Shrewd Negotiating".
Tom's stories are always interesting.
Cheers 🇨🇦
We definitely need a series of stories about this substitute teaching experience on your personal channel
That's the most tasteful shade of blue a car has ever been painted.
Go look up New York State Police blue.
@@franko8572 I've seen it in person often. That is a good one.
That car with Delaware license plates would be ::chef's kiss::
@@elarr8733 Hopefully they never gotcha! 😃
At one time it was called Tour de France blue, a lot of French privateers raced Ferraris with that color from the factory.
Greetings from Latvia - great to hear that our restoration specialists are appreciated 👍
It’s companies like that that deserve much respect👏 Not trying to gouge and doing honest good work.
Had an opportunity to see two of cars on streets of Riga, spectacular to see something like these masterpieces driven! Greetings form Latvia 👍
I might have been at the wheel when you saw the car as I got to drive on the streets in Riga!
Couple industry sayings I remember: "The last ten percent is half of the cost" or with machining, "Every additional decimal point of tolerance is an additional zero to cost"
If you want to just enjoy and appreciate the essence of the car, the fine details wont change that. This video shows that best shop doesnt need to be the most expensive, but the one that best serves what you need.
80/20 rule.
Greetings from Latvia!
Saw the 250 GTE (3:33) in person last year, it was spectacular!
Es šokā ka pie mums kas tāds notiekās 😳
Latvija var ❤
I rebuilt the engine on that GTE, but the rest of the car was done very well in Latvia! Here's my test drive: ua-cam.com/video/07TIpebBYe0/v-deo.html
@@rachetlv believe it!
This blue PF coupe is absolutely gorgeous. I especially love Ferrari's that aren't red. I love these 60's and 70's wire wheeled Ferrari's. Really great story. Very cool. Thank you.
I've had dinner with Tom at the Petersen automotive museum and took the tour of the vault with him. Great guy. Had a great time.
Late 50's and early 60's Ferraris are my absolute favorites.
I also like the 1960 Fiats like 2300S Coupe Ghia and Dino
Thanks to Tom Yang for advertising Latvia! and WINwiki i see you have a lot of watchers from Latvia! Proud to be Latvian!
I've been to Riga a few times now, and one time caught the beginning of the Summer Solstice celebration in town. Next time, I'll try to stay for the whole week! Much better than the winters!
Tom Yang is always super interesting to listen to!
I could listen To Mr Yang speak about these cars I love and have grown up around (thanks to my father) all day his knowledge on 50s and 60s Ferrari is incredible.
what an awesome story. would love to see a tour of that shop. Talented ole school dudes using old tools and their hands is my guess!
Shout out to the people of the Latvia shop.WELL DONE.Your in the big time now....Once you get known in the U.S. Your Made. Good luck to you in the Future.Just a 63 year old fan of Vinwiki stories.
This is a whole different world of car restoration. Normally my idea of attention to detail is, did the water level kill the power seats? or is the paint match of the replacement bumper that bad?
I like this guy. Knows his stuff and has fun. Good story teller
Lots of skilled people here in the Baltics and Poland. One of the best Porsche 356 restoration companies is in Estonia.
What a level-headed man with an excellent attitude.
As im from Latvia - sheesh im proud man!
I had a complete restoration done on my 87 Yugo and it missed making lead status by just a few points. So I understand your frustration.
Wow that looks soo clean, that color just sits perfect with that car.
What a absolutely beautiful PF Coupe, Wow!
Blue and Cream is the best color combo for elegant GT cars.
As a latvian, it makes me happy 😊
The first car being done must have been nerve racking with it so far away
Yeah but the thrill of exploiting cheap labour in easter europe and destroying their own countries economy makes up for it.
Great interview. And Tom has some sage advice, a million here, a million there pretty soon you're talking about some real money.
I've always wanted to restore high-end 60's/70's Ferraris or Porches. In fact, my shop I built is all decked out to do such restorations. On day I really hope to meet Tom and get the opportunity to work alongside him. Wonderful episode. For the time being, it is now 69 442s and a 69 Hurst Olds that get my loving touch.
Awesome car restoration. The Half point was the yellow peeled sticker at 8:00.
it's stuff like what you see at 8.01 - those tuna can hose clamps (very Italian cars, and some German as well) that you see these guys really go for details - It doesn't matter if it's a Ferrari or a Fiat - either you go for originality, no matter what, or you don't! Cheers from Portugal
Having been in the Ferrari restoration field for a decade (not anymore) this was a very enjoyable episode. I used to love doing the Cavallino classic and Amelia island back to back.
Not bad. The Eastern European people really know hard work and perfection. They also know how to turn something that can't be fixed, into something fixed. I have a amazing fellow Volkswagen technician colleague who seems to fix anything. He is from 🇲🇩 Moldova.
We are not eastern europe. We are northern europe 😊
@@Lvmazafaka Does it matter? Give you a compliment and.. My bad.
Tom Yang is awesome!
Top three VinWiki guest!
Yeah ! It’s Riga Baby ! We also restore old BMW like 2002 and Mercedes Benz. #Latvia
A good number of UK cars are sent to Eastern Europe for restoration, often non exotic cars. It is so much cheaper than a restoration in the UK. Check the M539 restoration UA-cam channel, he gets his cars painted in Poland.
Quality and price are always a winning combination
Absolutely stunning workmanship 😎👍🏆
My sister in law’s Dad is from Latvia. 96 years old and still going strong 💪
Ed needs to get Robot Cantina on set for an interview one day, thanks for keeping the content coming these days.
The big question is what is the shops name and contact info?
Looks great. Welcome back and come back soon.
A Ferrari story on vinwiki? Who else could it be? Good to see you here again.
Excellent story, very inspiring. ❤
I like this guys stories. Bring him back for me please
Atelier UGO is my go to place for coach building. They build new aluminum bodies from scratch.
Wish some European guys get some seat time! Baltic states, Poland,Germany,France - huge car culture
Sadly EU soon will bann all Gas cars
I went to Latvia once, very cheap beer
Lots of great parts suppliers in Latvia as well.
Such a cool story, thanks for sharing!
There's also a good shop in Argentina and New Zealand if I remember correctly.
Have you checked out Gassman Automotive products in Virginia. They do major restorations on many makes. They restored a Ferrari a few years back and took it to Pebble Beach. I saw it when it came in and left. Beautiful.
Eastern and Northern Europe is probably the best place to restore your classic car.
Have seen the blue car on the street! Didn’t know there exists a place in Latvia where they restore Ferraris, cool to know!
It's Autoclassic. You can meet the owner at most car meets
Very informative if not a little late.
I just want to know who "the best" are in the states! I want to see if they have any videos, etc. I can watch. My neighbor had six 99+ point split-window vettes that he did, and I saw what it took to get them there.
why did they add the california type side vents? I don't think that is correct for a PF coupe or cab
As a Latvian, this episode made me Extra happy! :)
Beautiful Blue.............Success....!!!!!
great work can be done anywhere IF you verify the people doing the work. labor costs are a huge factor
actually the most high end and uniquely skilled Ferrari bodywork specialist is in Haaksbergen, the Netherlands. Those guys made ferraris of old archive photos...
Some dude - wanna go to latvia?
Tom - say less
😂😂😂 absolute legend
I've been a lot of places simply by saying "why not?"
One of the best places for old F1 cars is in New Zealand! A guy way in the deep south island is world renowned apparently
I thought the No.1 place is Tyrrell's Classic Workshop in the UK. As recommended by Ferrari themselves. They have a brilliant youtube channel showing the work they do.
No offense to Tyrrell who is excellent but there is a whole World out there of outstanding restorers that you have never heard of them on TV or UA-cam.
In Kassel Germany there is a great Ferrari paint and bodyshop Kristall GmbH they Do stuff for Maranello
Wow, I was just exercising and heard my country's name mentioned. Made me get up and re-check!
Did we change the posting time again? couple of years ago it was 9:00 AM EST , then it was 10:00 AM EST and now it's 11:00 est?
Read top comment.
@@smoothcat1556 read that later... But I think 11:00 Am. Est is also good time to capture PST market
Latvia! I thought he was saying Lafeyette, as in east bay, CA.
Shows up as Lafayette with closed captions on.
Great story Tom!
I love the story's from this bloke real kool awesome
it makes sense, compared to us eastern europens , american salaries are astronomical. Here in Croatia the avarage salary is less then 20000 dollars a year. I know its insane, sometimes I wonder how do we survive
greetings from Latvia👋
I get a lot of my Mercedes W201 parts out of Latvia.
Yeah, tons of vintage euro car parts out of Latvia these days. Hard to find stuff....you'll pay top dollar tho
This guy proves that businesses are charging extremely higher than what is the reality.
Iain Tyrrell's workshop is where I'd send it. Take a look at his youtube channel
Absolutely correct ✅= I ALWAYS STAND BY THE UNDERDOG = THEY ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO PROVE = very well my friend
What A GREAT Story.. Latvians Always Have Been People Who Can Make Great Things Out Of Bad Or Disrepairable Things, Im Latvian So I Kind A Am Myself A DIY''Er . Greetings From Latvia !
I do not like blue cars BUT this one is a real beauty
What is the name of the workshop in Latvia.
Autoclassic lv
@@proteinmilk Thank you very much
@@goransalic1029 It was founded by my best friends father, so feel free to ask anything about it
People absolutely FORGET that early Italian sportscars were not 'perfect' - not by a longshot. They were made by-hand by Italian craftsman using HAND TOOLS - not robots, not computer-controlled lathes or precision milling machines. Hand-made cars can, and should, be slightly imperfect and 'crude' in nature. There's a bespoke artistry to it, that often gets lost in the "restoration" game to appease a Concourse judge who may/may-not know what they're looking at.
Sure, Latvia has a Russian border. They are NATO and EU members, which would trigger Article 5 + EU collaboration. I wouldn't hesitate doing business in Latvia for that reason.
Just be a aware of the ex-Soviet tendencies. Pretty awesome story, hope the Latvian restoration becomes a thing.
Motion products?
Curious as to what Tom says are the best vintage Ferrari shops in North America.
You know what they say about opinions...
Speaking of “unusual” places for Ferrari restorations, check out Red Car Restorations in Texas. Family friends who have blown us away for years.
Cornelius Would Be Proud.🙌🏻
The lower cost is nothing to do with skill/parts etc. Its the labour cost that will be a vast amount less.
In the name of justice, it should be said that the low labor costs are largely at the expense of the direct laborers and yes, nothing to do with skills.
It's true that the workers there make less than they would in the US, however, they do make 3-5 times the average salary
Quality content!
Beautiful car.
Beautiful
Deamm im latvian and i really wanna know what shop that is
Autoclassic lv. You can even meet the owner at most car meets
Very interesting video.
My friend Noel would be who I take my priceless ferrari too, only because HE RESTORED CHASSIS #004/R1!!! LOL, oh and he would do it for free labor.....so there's that
Datsuns greatest body design ever!
Yes, those 120Y are stunning.
Latvia is part of NATO. If Russia would invade Latvia that would be equal to invading the US. Russia has been very careful to avoid that.
Repairs and Restoration in eastern europe are quite popular. If I crash a car here in germany the chances are very high it gets send to poland for repair. Its a huge business and the people do great work. Unfortunatley every stolen car ends up in poland too, these guys need cheap parts :). Also imported american muscle are usually crashed US- cars with bad titles that get reworked in the east. Again, these guys do great work, but its the shady dealers afterwards who dont disclose the real history and demand high money for a car with accident history...
We need to know what the problem is please 🙏
I lost my shirt getting scammed on a GTE from Argentina. I will find the right one !
It's Maaco isn't it? I knew it.
Earl Scheib?
Latvia huh. Well, I guess my 1991 nissan 240sx is getting on a flight.
They only do Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche & Mercedes