TMCP 623: Don Abenante – Fabricator to YouTube Star – Building And Driving a 1970 Chevelle From Rhode Island To Vegas For SEMA 2025!
About this episode
Don Abinanti shares his inspiring journey from reality TV star to YouTube fabricator, detailing his ambitious project of driving a 1970 Chevelle from Rhode Island to the SEMA show in Las Vegas. After overcoming personal struggles, including sobriety, Don is dedicated to building his dream car with a Coyote engine. He reflects on the emotional connection to the Chevelle, which he chose with his late father, and discusses the challenges of preparing the car for SEMA while balancing creativity and practicality. His story highlights the importance of passion and perseverance in the automotive world.
Don Abenante of Retro Fabworks isn’t your average YouTube builder — his story blends Hollywood grit, family legacy, and pure horsepower. After early stints on Below Deck, Horsepower Wars, and Netflix’s Resurrected Rides, Don found his true calling behind the welder instead of the camera, documenting every cut and weld for his growing audience.
His current project is deeply personal: a 1970 Chevelle he first planned to build with his late father. That dream paused for years but never died — and now it’s roaring back to life. Don’s transforming the Chevelle into a Ford Coyote–powered showstopper for SEMA 2025, filming the process step by step for his followers. The twist? He plans to drive the car all the way to Vegas, proving that craftsmanship, creativity, and heart still belong on the open road.
The post TMCP 623: Don Abenante – Fabricator to YouTube Star – Building And Driving a 1970 Chevelle From Rhode Island To Vegas For SEMA 2025! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"he chose his Chevelle to climb that mountain of building cars for living because that's the last thing"
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic car that was popular in the 1970s. The 1970 model is known for its powerful engines and sporty design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1977. The 1970 model is particularly sought after for its performance and classic muscle car styling.
Coyote engine
"drive his 1970 Chevelle with a Coyote engine under the hood from Rhode Island to Las Vegas"
The Coyote engine is a powerful V8 engine made by Ford. It's often used in newer Mustangs and is popular for putting into older cars like the Chevelle to give them more power.
The Coyote engine is a 5.0-liter V8 engine developed by Ford, known for its high performance and use in various Ford models, including the Mustang. It has become popular for engine swaps in classic cars due to its power and reliability.
SEMA show
"to Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA show."
The SEMA Show is a big event in Las Vegas where people show off custom cars and new car parts. It's a place for car lovers to see the latest trends and innovations in the automotive world.
The SEMA Show is an annual trade show for the automotive industry held in Las Vegas, showcasing custom cars, aftermarket parts, and automotive innovations. It's a key event for car enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Chevrolet El Camino
"...he's fab in a really interesting late 50s, early 60s, all wheel drive El Camino, I think."
The Chevrolet El Camino is a type of vehicle that looks like a car but has a truck bed in the back. It's great for carrying things while still being fun to drive.
The Chevrolet El Camino is a unique vehicle that combines the features of a car and a pickup truck. Produced from 1959 to 1987, it is known for its versatility and performance, especially in the muscle car variants.
collector cars
"super high end collector cars that are there for sale."
Collector cars are special cars that people buy and keep because they are rare or have a lot of history, making them valuable.
Collector cars are vehicles that are sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, often due to their rarity, historical significance, or unique features.
Ferrari
"Now, these are Ferraris and Aston Martins and all sorts of high pedigree,"
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and rich motorsport heritage.
Aston Martin
"Now, these are Ferraris and Aston Martins and all sorts of high pedigree,"
Aston Martin is a British car brand that makes stylish and high-performance sports cars, often seen in movies like James Bond.
Aston Martin is a British luxury sports car manufacturer known for its elegant design and association with James Bond films.
classic cars
"...about a thousand of these vintage classic cars rolling across the auction block this week. And this is the biggest test of the year for a market in classic cars that has really been in decline for the last three years."
Classic cars are older cars that people really like and collect. They are usually at least 20 years old and are special because they have a lot of history or are very unique.
Classic cars are typically defined as vehicles that are at least 20 years old and hold historical significance or value. They are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their design, performance, and nostalgia.
higher interest rates
"...You talk to collectors, they blame higher interest rates. But the big change right now in classic cars, the big driver and why things..."
Higher interest rates mean that borrowing money costs more. This can make it harder for people to buy expensive things like classic cars because they have to pay more in interest on loans.
Higher interest rates can affect the classic car market by increasing the cost of financing for potential buyers. When interest rates rise, it becomes more expensive to borrow money, which can lead to reduced demand for luxury items like classic cars.
Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder
"It's a 1961 Ferrari, California, Spyder, Hardtop, Alloy, Body. Only eight of these were made."
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is a famous old sports car from 1961. It's very rare, with only eight made, which makes it worth a lot of money.
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is a highly sought-after classic sports car known for its elegant design and performance. Only eight units of this specific model were made, making it extremely rare and valuable.
Mclaren F1
"Larry Ellison's car, it's a McLaren F1 that he actually bought new back in 1997."
The McLaren F1 is a famous supercar from 1997 that was really fast and had a unique design. It's known for being one of the best cars ever made.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar known for its speed, technology, and design. It was first produced in the 1990s and is considered one of the greatest cars ever made.
Lamborghini
"I think I'm going to read on Lamborghini, bringing my son for the first time."
Lamborghini is a famous car brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They're known for their unique shapes and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and distinctive designs. The brand is synonymous with speed, power, and exclusivity.
car value appreciation
"On the flip side, having your car go up 20 times, you know, 20 X and value."
Car value appreciation means that some cars can become worth much more money as time goes by. This can happen if the car is rare or in great condition.
Car value appreciation refers to the increase in a vehicle's worth over time, often due to factors like rarity, condition, and market demand. Some cars can significantly increase in value, making them a good investment for collectors.
Dodge
"Now, we know Dodge is coming back. Honda has always been out there, and maybe that'll happen."
Dodge is a car brand from the United States that makes sporty and powerful cars.
Dodge is an American automotive brand known for its performance vehicles, including muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger.
Honda
"Honda has always been out there, and maybe that'll happen. But it just makes you wonder, like, you know, most of these people don't make a car."
Honda is a car brand from Japan that makes many popular cars, known for their reliability and efficiency.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, including the Civic and Accord.
Chevrolet Camaro
"Chevy doesn't make the Camaro anymore. Well, Chevy introduced their 2026 entry, a car in Brazil today."
The Camaro is a sporty car made by Chevrolet, known for being fast and fun to drive. It is no longer being made as of 2022.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design, but production has ceased as of 2022.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...you could maybe use the Corvette if you wanted to look ridiculous..."
The Corvette is a fast sports car made by Chevrolet, famous for its sleek look and speed.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and distinctive design.
Chevrolet Suburbans
"...en't showing up in Camaros, they're showing up in Suburbans, Equinox, Silverados, things like that."
Chevrolet Equinox
"...g up in Camaros, they're showing up in Suburbans, Equinox, Silverados, things like that."
Chevrolet Silverados
"...they're showing up in Suburbans, Equinox, Silverados..."
The Silverado is a big truck made by Chevrolet, popular for carrying heavy loads and doing tough jobs.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, towing capacity, and range of configurations.
marketing platform
"...it's more of a marketing platform for the entire brand versus just one production model."
A marketing platform is a way for a company to promote itself and its products. Instead of just focusing on one car, Toyota is using the Supra to help people think positively about the whole brand.
A marketing platform refers to a strategy or approach that a brand uses to promote its products and connect with customers. In this context, it means that Toyota is using the Supra to enhance the overall image of the brand rather than just focusing on one specific model.
Toyota Supra
"...where the current Supra is going out of production, but they're going to continue to run that body for a few more years..."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car known for being fast and fun to drive. It's currently being phased out, but people still like it a lot, which is why the brand will keep using its design for a while.
The Toyota Supra is a sports car that has gained a strong following for its performance and design. The current generation, which is going out of production, has been well-received and is known for its turbocharged engine and agile handling.
NASCAR
"I want to see my race cars look like the street cars, at least in NASCAR. If that's National Association for Stock Car Auto Race."
NASCAR is a racing organization in the U.S. that features cars that look like regular cars but are built for racing.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events.
Toyota RAV4
"It means little Chevy Blazers and little Ford Mach-E-Vs and Toyota Rev fours. Those are going to be the race cars."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV made by Toyota. It's known for being reliable and good for families or anyone needing extra space.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been popular for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency since its introduction in the mid-1990s.
Ford Mach-E
"It means little Chevy Blazers and little Ford Mach-E-Vs and Toyota Rev fours. Those are going to be the race cars."
The Ford Mach-E is an electric SUV made by Ford. It offers a modern design and is part of Ford's efforts to create more electric vehicles.
The Ford Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the performance of a Mustang with the practicality of an SUV, representing Ford's push into the electric vehicle market.
Chevy Blazer
"It means little Chevy Blazers and little Ford Mach-E-Vs and Toyota Rev fours. Those are going to be the race cars."
The Chevy Blazer is a type of SUV made by Chevrolet. It's designed for both everyday driving and off-road adventures.
The Chevy Blazer is a mid-size SUV that has been produced by Chevrolet since the late 1960s, known for its rugged design and versatility.
EVs
"And that will open the door to EVs coming in, certainly. It's probably inevitable now that that's going to happen."
EVs stands for electric vehicles. These cars run on electricity instead of gas, which helps reduce pollution.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel, contributing to reduced emissions and promoting sustainability.
Chevy
"Just put a sticker on it says Chevy, if that's what you're going to do."
Chevy is a nickname for Chevrolet, a popular car brand in the United States that makes many different types of vehicles.
Chevy is a common abbreviation for Chevrolet, an American automotive brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and sports cars.
EV discount
"General Motors changes plan to continue the $7,500 EV discount."
An EV discount is a price reduction or rebate you can get when you buy an electric vehicle. It helps make electric cars more affordable.
An EV discount refers to financial incentives offered by governments or manufacturers to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). These discounts can significantly reduce the overall cost of an EV.
General Motors
"General Motors changes plan to continue the $7,500 EV discount."
General Motors, or GM, is a big car company that makes several brands of cars, including Chevy. They are working on making more electric cars.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They are heavily involved in the development of electric vehicles.
GM
"GM had come up with a creative plan. The tax credit program allowed buyers of new electric vehicles..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars. They produce many types of vehicles, including electric ones.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including electric vehicles under brands like Chevrolet and GMC.
tax credit program
"The tax credit program allowed buyers of new electric vehicles to claim a tax credit of $7,500. It worked only, only underscore on cars built substantially in North America..."
A tax credit program helps people save money when they buy electric cars. It gives them a discount on their taxes, making the cars cheaper to buy.
The tax credit program provides financial incentives to encourage the purchase of new electric vehicles (EVs). Buyers can claim a tax credit, which reduces their overall tax liability, making EVs more affordable.
shake down
"There will be no time to shake the car down other than when we go to race number one in Las Vegas... So October 17th and 18th, I think are the dates."
A shake down is when drivers test their race car to make sure everything is working well before the actual race. It's like a practice run to catch any problems early.
A 'shake down' refers to a test run of a vehicle to identify any issues before it competes in a race. This process helps ensure that everything is functioning properly and allows drivers to get a feel for the car's handling and performance.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"...to go work on and he came in and I fixed his old cutlass. He had like an 80s cutlass with a 305 in it."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is an older car that was popular in the U.S. for many years. It’s known for being roomy and comfortable, making it a good choice for families. People often talk about it because it represents a classic style of American cars.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a mid-size car that was produced by General Motors from the 1960s until the early 1990s, becoming one of the brand's most popular models. Known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, the Cutlass was a favorite among families and individuals alike. Its significance lies in its representation of American automotive design and the muscle car era.
Porsche 911
"...started getting the car in the low nines. I went 911 at 148. Then that's where it stopped."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for being fast and fun to drive. It has a unique shape and is loved by many people who enjoy cars. It's often talked about because of its long history and how well it performs on the road.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Renowned for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, the 911 is celebrated for its exceptional handling and driving experience, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Its significance in automotive history and motorsport also contributes to its frequent discussions in car culture.
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