Garage Squad: Cast, Cars & Cristy Lee's Journey!

Lucious Ortiz 22 May 2025

Ever wondered what happens to those classic cars, the relics of a bygone era, left to rust and decay in garages across America? The reality is, many dream machines are rescued and reborn thanks to shows like Garage Squad, a high-octane reality TV series that breathes life back into forgotten automobiles.

Garage Squad isn't just another car show; it's a mission. The premise is simple: a team of expert mechanics, led by charismatic personalities, descends upon the garages of lucky (or perhaps unlucky) car owners whose beloved projects have stalled, often for years, sometimes even decades. What unfolds is a captivating blend of automotive ingenuity, problem-solving, and heartfelt stories. These aren't just cars; they're symbols of dreams, memories, and sometimes, a little bit of regret. The Garage Squad team tackles everything from seized engines and crumbling bodywork to electrical nightmares and missing parts, pushing their skills and resources to the limit to get these vehicular veterans back on the road.

Attribute	Details
Show Name	Garage Squad
Genre	Reality Television, Automotive Restoration
Network	MotorTrend (formerly Velocity)
Premise	A team of mechanics restores stalled car projects.
Notable Cast Members	Bruno Massel, Joe Zolper, Ron Gregorich, Cristy Lee, Bogi Lateiner, Heather Storm (former), Lauren Bohlander (former)
Seasons	8+
Production Company	Super Genius, Inc.
Official Website	MotorTrend Garage Squad

The show, currently airing on MotorTrend (formerly Velocity), has captivated audiences for numerous seasons. One of the secrets to its success is the dynamic cast. Over the years, viewers have been introduced to a colorful array of mechanics, each bringing their unique expertise and personality to the table. Names like Bruno Massel, Joe Zolper, and Ron Gregorich are synonymous with the show, forming the core of the Garage Squad team. These individuals are not just mechanics; they're engineers, fabricators, and troubleshooters, capable of diagnosing and resolving even the most perplexing automotive ailments.

However, the Garage Squad family has seen some changes over the years. Lauren Bohlander, a fan favorite, departed in 2020 to pursue other opportunities, including joining the cast of "Celebrity IOU." Her absence was felt by many viewers, but the show has continued to evolve, bringing in new talent to keep the energy fresh. One notable addition is Cristy Lee, who has quickly become a prominent figure in the automotive world. Cristy is known for her infectious enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of all things automotive. Discovery Channel's announcement of the new season, featuring Cristy Lee, generated significant buzz among fans eager to see her contribution to the show.

The selection process for the vehicles featured on Garage Squad is carefully managed by the producers at Super Genius, Inc. They're looking for cars with compelling stories, challenging mechanical issues, and owners who are genuinely passionate about their vehicles. The show also offers viewers a chance to get involved. By submitting their own stalled projects, car owners can potentially receive the ultimate automotive makeover. Of course, with any submission comes certain conditions. Entrants are automatically enrolled in the Garage Squad newsletter and loyalty program, ensuring they receive the latest updates and offers from the show and its personalities. While there's no guarantee of selection, the possibility of having the Garage Squad team resurrect a long-dormant dream is enough to entice many to throw their hat in the ring.

The show's format often involves the "Garage Squad" diving headfirst into situations that present unexpected challenges. In one memorable episode, the team encountered a "blue demon" of a car plagued by a multitude of problems, a direct result of the owner's personal and family health issues that forced him to abandon the project years prior. True to its name, the rescue mission was fraught with difficulties at every turn, pushing the team's skills and patience to their limits.

Heather Storm, another prominent figure associated with Garage Squad, is an American television host, actress, and social media influencer. Before Cristy Lee took over, Heather spent four years as part of the Garage Squad team. Learning about the show's search for a female cast member, Heather quickly submitted an audition tape. Her pre-existing love for classic cars made the opportunity especially appealing. One of her earliest automotive memories is of a 1979 El Camino that her family brought home when she was just eight years old. In addition to her work on Garage Squad, Heather has also hosted "Street Tuner Challenge" on Speed TV and made appearances on "Jay Leno's Garage," solidifying her presence in the automotive entertainment industry. Heather is also a network television host, producer, and travel writer, showcasing her diverse talents and interests.

It's also worth noting that "Garage Squad" isn't the only show of its kind. From 2011 to 2014, Jessi Combs served as one of the hosts of "All Girls Garage" on Velocity (now MotorTrend Network). That show focused on women repairing and upgrading both new and classic vehicles. Bogi Lateiner, another prominent figure in the automotive world, has also appeared on Garage Squad. Bogi pursued automotive repair as a career, becoming an ASE Master Certified Technician and custom car builder. Her passion for empowering women in the automotive industry led her to found Girl Gang Garage, an auto shop dedicated to encouraging women to enter and advance in the skilled trades. As a member of Garage Squad, Bogi brought a fresh perspective and energy to the team.

For those unfamiliar with the show's core appeal, "Garage Squad" essentially steps in when DIY projects reach a dead end. The team swoops in, rescues the vehicle from its stagnant state, and transforms it into a finished project. They provide the expertise, resources, and manpower to overcome the obstacles that have stalled the restoration process. This "crash-your-garage-and-get-it-done" approach is what makes the show so appealing to both car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The show has also inspired many, particularly women, to pursue their passion for cars and automotive repair. The Philadelphia native appreciates the platform Garage Squad gave her to inspire other females who are fascinated with the auto industry. As she mentioned, in the beginning, she didnt think about it so much that way, and then she was like, 'oh this is great, what an opportunity to have a good influence on young girls,' she said. Through the show, women have found the encouragement and support they need to pursue their automotive dreams.

The essence of "Garage Squad" often boils down to the personal stories behind the cars. It's about the connections people have with their vehicles and the memories they represent. One episode featured two best friends from high school who spent their youth working on Mopars together. Now young men, they were reunited with the squad to rescue a '71 Dodge Dart. These narratives add an emotional layer to the show, making it more than just a display of mechanical skill. It's about friendship, perseverance, and the enduring power of the automobile.

The challenges that the "Garage Squad" face are not always limited to technical problems. Sometimes, the cars themselves are victims of circumstance. In one instance, the "flood garage" became the final resting place for good Fords. Another episode featured Chris' 1963 Galaxie, which needed a complete overhaul, and his son Greg, who was struggling with a 1966 Mustang. The episode posed the question: could the Garage Squad rescue two classic American cars at once, or would they crack under the strain? The series premiere episode showcased the Flood family's story, tackling two iconic 1960s Fords that had been sitting in their garage for decades. Chris, the family patriarch, was born in Ireland before immigrating to the U.S. in the 1960s and being immediately drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. These personal stories add depth and context to the automotive challenges, highlighting the human element behind each restoration project.