Watch Rusted Development

Rusted Development, aired in 2014, is a riveting television show broadcasted on the Discovery Channel. The show entitled as "Lords of the Car Hoards" in its initial season, was later renamed as Rusted Development in its second season. Rusted Development presents a delightful twist in the traditional automobile restoration shows.

The unique show unravels around the charismatic duo—Chuck Palumbo, a retired pro-wrestler and mechanic cum designer, and Rick Dore, an internationally-acclaimed custom car builder and designer. Together, they embark on a journey seeking abandoned “car hoards”, essentially collections of old, rusted, and dilapidated cars that have been lying untouched for decades. With their combined expertise and talent, they aim to restore these nostalgia-striking relics and convert them into dazzling pieces of art and engineering.

What separates Rusted Development from other car restoration shows is the innate human story that it tells. Each episode kicks-off with Chuck and Rick convincing car hoarders to let go of their aging, deteriorating pile of classic cars that are systematically wasting away. This process often involves emotionally-charged dialogues, as the owners are usually attached to these rust-buckets due to personal stories or fond memories associated with them. The car restorers’ ultimate mission is to help the owners realize that by allowing the team to restore these classics, they can save these beautiful machines from an inescapable destiny of decay and oblivion.

After wrenching the cars from the grip of their protectors, Palumbo and Dore, along with their team, meticulously strip down the vehicles to their skeletal form and jump-start the incredible process of restoration. Here is where viewers are treated with an informative and fascinating overview of automobile mechanics and restoration processes. From reconditioning the bodywork to breathing life into the engine, the array of work that goes into each vehicle’s restoration is a captivating sight to behold.

Rusted Development showcases an array of classic machines—from ranch wagons and muscle cars to pickup trucks and luxury vehicles. Each automobile has its unique history and charm that unfolds during the process of restoration. These stories, combined with articulate mechanical knowledge presented by Palumbo and cast, makes each episode a thrill to watch, particularly for automobile enthusiasts or anyone with an appreciation for history and restoration.

The teamwork and camaraderie displayed in the series is yet another aspect that lends charm to Rusted Development. The crew encounters many challenges during the restoration process, but the way they work through these setbacks speaks volume about their passion, dedication, and expertise. The audience witnesses a creative and mutually supportive work culture where ideas flow freely, and every team member’s input is valued in overcoming the difficult tasks on hand.

Rusted Development is much more than a mere conventional car restoration show. Apart from showcasing intricate technical details associated with the restoration process, the series delves into individual histories, emotional attachments, and intense negotiations, which adds a rich, human element to it. The show not only focuses on transforming rusted car relics into refurbished classics but also on the transformation of the car owners themselves. As they see their old, rusted vehicles turn into shining, valuable classics, they undergo a feeling of content and realization that they have made the right decision by moving on from their hoarding tendencies.

Ultimately, with its engaging narratives, striking transformations, and close-knit team dynamics, Rusted Development serves as a nostalgic and educational journey through automotive history. This is a show for those who take pleasure in witnessing the rebirth of classic cars from mere scrap metal to rolling pieces of art. The series is, in essence, a celebration of history, automobiles, and rescuing beauty from ruins.

Rusted Development is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between March 17, 2014 and on Discovery Channel