Shop Press

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Sergio Pininfarina: Sculpting Speed and Beauty in Metal (Part 1)

There is little argument that Sergio Pininfarina was a major influence in 20th-century car design. The proof is in the cars … many of them legendary Ferraris. Building on his family’s legacy, he led Carrozzeria Pininfarina into a period where design and engineering...

Best of Shop Press 2025

Another year is in the books here at Shop Press, and we thought we’d take this time to look back at 2025's most notable articles, videos, and more. Here’s what you (and we) loved this year on Shop Press as we head into 2026.Most-viewed overall Our most-viewed post...

Lash is Cash

There are some items on a maintenance checklist that neither mechanics nor writers will recommend. Sometimes that’s because a visual inspection or assessment seems at odds with an overly rigorous service schedule. Sometimes, the condition of the car or the financial...

Clean It or Crack It

Picture this: You’re installing a cylinder head, you’re tightening a head bolt to spec, and you’re feeling good—until crack! The sound every wrench-turner dreads hearing: your engine block saying goodbye to its structural integrity. So, what happened? Chances are, a...

Set the Toe and Go!

“Oh, and it’s pulling to the right a bit. Can you check that out?” If you run a small shop with just one or two service bays, it’s likely you’ve heard this before, since in a small shop the service writer, mechanic, foreman, parts department, and lube tech are often...

Chrome Overload: GM’s “Mistake of ’58”

I love chrome and mid-century automotive design. But I recently found a video that made me question my belief that there’s no such thing as too much chrome. The video is called “Mistake of '58: The GM Chromemobiles and Far Out '59s” from YouTuber Ed’s Auto Reviews....

Chrome Overload: GM’s “Mistake of ’58”

Chrome Overload: GM’s “Mistake of ’58”

I love chrome and mid-century automotive design. But I recently found a video that made me question my belief that there’s no such thing as too much chrome. The video is called “Mistake of ’58: The GM Chromemobiles and Far Out ’59s” from YouTuber Ed’s Auto...
Symbol of a Stumble: Edsel’s “Horse Collar” Grille

Symbol of a Stumble: Edsel’s “Horse Collar” Grille

Throughout the history of automotive manufacturing, there have been some notorious flops. Cars such as the Yugo GV, DMC DeLorean, Ford Pinto, and Pontiac Aztek are still remembered by many as symbols of automaker stumbles. Today, I want to talk about a design element...
SLABs: Slow, Loud, and Bangin’

SLABs: Slow, Loud, and Bangin’

I love investigating specific subcultures, especially car subcultures. Doing so provides a unique lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of the broader society, including power, identity, defiance, and cultural change. Consider slab cars, for example....
Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 2)

Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, we looked at Colin Chapman’s career up to the mid-60s. In this part, we’ll pick it up in 1965. Lotus wins the Indianapolis 500 In 1965, Chapman and Clark teamed up and made more racing history, this time across the pond at the Brickyard. Their...