402: Preserving the Craft - Inside Hahn Auto Restoration with Amy Hahn Beck
About this episode
Amy Hahn Beck shares her journey in the automotive restoration world, taking over Hahn Auto Restoration from her father. Based in Pittsburgh, the shop specializes in classic cars, particularly Jaguars and Mercedes. Amy discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, her experiences at SEMA, and the importance of networking within the restoration community. She highlights new technologies like laser rust removal and her commitment to education and inclusivity in the automotive field.
Great restorations don't happen by accident—they're the result of patience, judgment, and an uncompromising respect for history.
This conversation features Amy Hahn Beck, owner of Hahn Auto Restoration, one of the most respected restoration shops in the collector-car world. With decades of experience restoring important automobiles to the highest standards, Amy offers a behind-the-scenes look at what true craftsmanship really means.
We discuss what separates a good restoration from a great one, how originality and authenticity factor into long-term value, and why the best restorations are as much about restraint as they are about execution. Amy also shares insights into working with discerning collectors, concours expectations, and how restoration philosophy has evolved alongside the modern collector market.
For anyone who cares about preservation, provenance, and doing things the right way—this is an essential listen.
#CollectorCars #AutoRestoration #PreservationMatters #ConcoursCulture #AutomotiveHistory #CarCollecting #RestorationCraft #TheCollectorCarPodcast
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And as always, huge thanks to RM Sotheby's for their continual support and for making so many of these automotive dreams possible.
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Learn more at www.TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or email Greg at [email protected].
Porsche GT
"I've had a couple cool places, including a really cool Porsche GT place. I just specialize in GT Porsches."
Porsche GT cars are special high-performance versions of regular Porsche models. They are built for racing and have features that make them faster and more fun to drive.
The Porsche GT series includes high-performance variants of Porsche models, designed for track use and featuring enhanced aerodynamics, weight reduction, and powerful engines. These cars are often sought after by enthusiasts for their driving dynamics and exclusivity.
Porsche
"I've had a couple cool places, including a really cool Porsche GT place."
Porsche is a car company from Germany that makes fast and luxury sports cars. They are well-known for models like the 911.
Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand is famous for its engineering excellence and iconic models like the 911.
Sotheby's Motorsports
"As you probably have heard, I'm working with Sotheby's Motorsports a little closer. That's our online division."
Sotheby's Motorsports is a company that helps people buy and sell expensive cars through online auctions. They focus on luxury and collectible vehicles.
Sotheby's Motorsports is an online auction platform specializing in high-end and collectible cars. They provide a marketplace for buyers and sellers of luxury vehicles, often achieving high sell-through rates.
sell-through rate
"They have a 70 plus 70% sell-through rate. The average value of the car that's sold on the website is $172,000."
The sell-through rate shows how many items were sold compared to how many were available. A high rate means lots of people wanted to buy those items.
The sell-through rate is a metric that indicates the percentage of items sold compared to the total number of items available for sale. A high sell-through rate suggests strong demand and effective sales strategies.
luxury cars
"But if it's more of the used luxury cars, high performance cars, porches, Mercedes Vans, BMWs, that kind of stuff..."
Luxury cars are fancy and expensive vehicles that have a lot of comfort and high-quality features. They are designed to provide a better driving experience.
Luxury cars are high-end vehicles that offer superior comfort, performance, and features compared to standard models. They often come with premium materials, advanced technology, and a higher price tag.
Ford Mustang
"...car, now I can't help you with, you know, $30,000 Mustang, which I would absolutely love. But if it's more ..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic sports car that's been around for a long time. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, and many people love it for its cool looks and powerful engine.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling, the Mustang represents the spirit of freedom and adventure in American automotive culture, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz 190
"...we had had goings in here, 190s, all kinds of Mercedes..."
The Mercedes-Benz 190 is a smaller luxury car that was made in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being well-built and comfortable.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 is a compact executive car produced from 1982 to 1993. It is known for its solid build quality and was part of the W201 series, which helped establish Mercedes as a leader in the compact luxury segment.
Mercedes
"...we were doing a lot of Mercedes because my dad was in the Mercedes. We had had goings in here, 190s, all kinds of Mercedes..."
Mercedes is a well-known car brand that makes luxury vehicles. They are famous for their quality and advanced technology.
Mercedes is a luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles and engineering excellence. The brand has a long history and is recognized globally for its innovation and performance.
restoration shop
"...I can't imagine the logistics involved in moving a restoration shop to a different place..."
A restoration shop is a place where old cars are fixed up and made to look like they did when they were new. This can include painting, fixing engines, and replacing old parts.
A restoration shop specializes in restoring classic or vintage cars to their original condition. This involves repairing, refurbishing, and sometimes upgrading various components of the vehicle.
collector car world
"...the collector car world is a very unique world..."
The collector car world is a community of people who love old cars. They buy, sell, and restore these cars because they appreciate their history and design.
The collector car world refers to the community and market surrounding the buying, selling, and restoration of classic and vintage cars. This niche market often involves enthusiasts who appreciate the history and craftsmanship of older vehicles.
SEMA
"I got into Vegas. I first went to the Las Vegas concourse... And then right after that, the SEMA show started."
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies show off new car parts and accessories. It's a great place for people in the car industry to meet and learn about the latest products.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing aftermarket automotive products and innovations. It's a key event for industry professionals to network and discover new trends.
Bugatti
"And just so many Bugatti's. It was amazing. I had a wonderful time."
Bugatti is a famous car brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They're known for their unique designs and powerful engines.
Bugatti is a luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars, including the Veyron and Chiron. The brand is synonymous with speed, elegance, and exclusivity.
Armo
"So SEMA has councils, select councils, and I am on the Armo council, which is automotive restoration."
Armo is a group that helps people and businesses in the car restoration industry. They provide support and education to those who restore old cars.
ARMO stands for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization, which is a council within SEMA that focuses on promoting the automotive restoration industry. It provides resources and support for businesses involved in restoring classic vehicles.
laser
"And I went out there, of course, to be a part of what Armo was doing... we ended up purchasing a laser that arrived just yesterday."
A laser is a tool that uses light to cut or remove materials. In cars, it's used to get rid of rust and make the metal look new again.
In automotive contexts, lasers are often used for precision cutting and rust removal. They can effectively remove rust from metal surfaces without damaging the underlying material, making them valuable tools in restoration and repair.
Dodge Viper
"... owned shop. And also Ben pack gives 10% to meta viper and that's metastatic breast cancer. And that's s..."
The Dodge Viper is a super-fast sports car that looks really cool and has a very powerful engine. It's known for being a thrilling car to drive, but it's also quite rare and expensive.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car that gained fame for its extreme speed and unique design, featuring a V10 engine. Produced from 1992 to 2017, it has a dedicated fan base and is often discussed for its raw power and racing heritage.
four post lift
"Is it a single car lift? Is it a four post the two posts? It's a single car lift. We have a four post and we use that for when we have goings in."
A four post lift is a machine that lifts cars off the ground using four tall poles. It's useful for working on cars or storing them safely.
A four post lift is a type of vehicle lift that uses four vertical posts to support the vehicle. It's often used for storage, maintenance, and repair work, allowing easy access to the underside of the vehicle.
two post lift
"And then we have another two posts list so you can't have the guys arguing over the lift."
A two post lift is a machine that lifts cars using two tall poles. It's often used in garages to make it easier to work on the bottom of the car.
A two post lift is a vehicle lift that uses two vertical posts to support the vehicle, allowing for easy access to the underside. It's commonly used in automotive repair shops for maintenance and inspections.
restoration committee
"Yeah, now tell me a little bit about the restoration committee that you're on what's kind of the goals of that committee for SEMA."
A restoration committee is a group of people who work together to help fix and take care of old cars. They teach others how to restore these cars properly.
A restoration committee typically focuses on the preservation and restoration of classic or vintage vehicles. Their goals may include education, advocacy, and promoting best practices within the automotive restoration community.
Jaguar XK120
"I think probably the 1954 XK120 Jaguar. It is a full ground up restoration. And the lines are just beautiful when it first was the paint job was finished, and it rolled out."
The Jaguar XK120 is a famous sports car from the early 1950s, known for its beautiful design and speed. It's a favorite among car collectors and enthusiasts.
The Jaguar XK120 is a classic sports car produced by Jaguar from 1948 to 1954. It is known for its stunning design and performance, making it a highly sought-after collector's item today.
ground up restoration
"It is a full ground up restoration. And the lines are just beautiful when it first was the paint job was finished, and it rolled out."
A ground-up restoration means taking a car apart completely and then putting it back together, often making it look and work like new again. It's a big project that can take a lot of time and effort.
A ground-up restoration involves completely disassembling a vehicle and rebuilding it from the chassis up, often replacing or refurbishing every part. This process aims to return the car to its original condition or better.
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