Honda Civic Dreams to Custom Paint Master: Gran Turismo to Reality
What happens when a video game obsession transforms into a professional custom paint business? Matt from Top Coat Garage knows exactly how that journey unfolds, and it started with a Honda Civic hatchback and a PlayStation controller.
Growing up in the golden age of Japanese car culture, Matt's automotive passion ignited playing Gran Turismo—specifically, the legendary Spoon Sports Honda Civic builds that dominated the game's tuning scene. That digital obsession quickly became reality when he purchased his first Honda Civic hatchback, determined to recreate those lightweight, high-revving machines in his own garage.
But Matt's story doesn't stop at Honda Civic modifications. His journey took him from weekend warrior to professional custom paint specialist, founding Top Coat Garage where he now transforms everything from classic restorations to modern exotics. The pursuit that started with JDM tuning evolved into mastering the art of automotive refinishing, where paint can either "swim in depth" or fall frustratingly flat.
Throughout this episode of To All The Cars I've Loved Before, Matt reveals the technical expertise behind professional paint booth operations, shares his criteria for selecting the perfect spray gun, and explains why some paint jobs command premium prices while others don't make the grade. For Honda enthusiasts who remember the golden era of import tuning—complete with VTEC screams and Spoon Sports decals—Matt's story bridges the gap between youthful car dreams and professional automotive craftsmanship.
The conversation takes an exciting turn when Matt discusses his current hunt for an Acura NSX, Honda's supercar that perfectly represents the engineering excellence that first drew him to the brand. From his first Civic hatchback to tracking down Japan's mid-engine masterpiece, Matt embodies the progression many car enthusiasts dream about: turning passion into profession without losing the excitement that started it all.
Listen now to hear Matt's episode https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17733043-from-honda-civic-dreams-to-custom-paint-empire-the-nsx-hunt-and-color-secrets Whether you're a restoration hobbyist, Honda enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the intersection of Japanese car culture and professional automotive craftsmanship, this episode delivers pure automotive nostalgia with technical insights you won't find elsewhere.
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Tune into To All The Cars I've Loved Before on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit carsloved.com for the complete episode. Perfect for classic car collectors, automotive professionals, and anyone who turned their Gran Turismo obsession into something real.