MotorTrend Roadkill: The Ultimate Guide to the Wildest Car Show on Earth
If you’re a gearhead who loves unfiltered, high-octane automotive chaos, then MotorTrend’s Roadkill is the show for you. Combining muscle cars, MotorTrend Roadkill junkyard finds, and outrageous challenges, Roadkill has become a cult favorite among car enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into:
- The origins and evolution of Roadkill
- The most iconic episodes and builds
- Behind-the-scenes insights
- Why Roadkill stands out in the automotive entertainment world
- How to watch and follow the latest Roadkill adventures
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, buckle up—this is everything you need to know about MotorTrend Roadkill!
What Is MotorTrend Roadkill?
Roadkill is a YouTube and MotorTrend TV series that follows hosts David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan as they take beat-up cars, trucks, and muscle machines on insane road trips, drag races, and mechanical experiments. Unlike polished automotive shows, Roadkill thrives on improvisation, breakdowns, and last-minute fixes—making it one of the most authentic car shows ever created.
Key Features of Roadkill:
- Junkyard builds – Turning scrap into speed.
- Cross-country road trips – Often with questionable reliability.
- Drag racing challenges – Pitting weird cars against each other.
- No script, no filters – Pure automotive madness.
The Origins of Roadkill: How It All Began
Roadkill started in 2012 as a YouTube series under Hot Rod Magazine (where Freiburger was editor-in-chief). The concept was simple: take old, neglected cars, fix them just enough to run, and drive them hard.
Why Roadkill Became a Hit
- Relatability – Unlike high-budget shows, Roadkill featured cars that real people could afford.
- Authenticity – Breakdowns and roadside repairs were part of the fun.
- Chemistry – Finnegan and Freiburger’s banter made the show endlessly entertaining.
By 2016, Roadkill became a flagship show for MotorTrend’s streaming service, gaining even more popularity.
Top 5 Most Iconic Roadkill Episodes
Over the years, Roadkill has delivered some unforgettable MotorTrend Roadkill moments. Here are five legendary episodes every fan should watch:
1. “The Rotsun Resurrection” (Episode 21)
- Car: Datsun 240Z with a junkyard V8 swap.
- Challenge: Drive it from L.A. to the Bonneville Salt Flats.
- Why It’s Great: A perfect mix of speed, breakdowns, and sheer determination.
2. “The Draguar” (Episode 29)
- Car: A rusted Jaguar XJ6 with a Chevy 350 engine.
- Challenge: Turn it into a drag racer in one day.
- Why It’s Great: The absurdity of a luxury sedan turned drag monster.
3. “The Muscle Truck vs. the General Mayhem” (Episode 34)
- Cars: A lifted Chevy C10 vs. a modified ’68 Charger.
- Challenge: A cross-country race with constant breakdowns.
- Why It’s Great: Pure automotive mayhem.
4. “The Roadkill Hooptie Challenge” (Episode 47)
- Concept: Buy $1,500 junkers and modify them for drag racing.
- Why It’s Great: Proves that budget builds can be insanely fun.
5. “The Roadkill Rally: 24 Hours of Lemons” (Episode 56)
- Challenge: Compete in the infamous 24 Hours of LeMons endurance race.
- Why It’s Great: Shows Roadkill’s ability to thrive in competitive chaos.
Behind the Scenes: How Roadkill Films Its Episodes
Unlike scripted car shows, Roadkill thrives on spontaneity. Here’s how the magic happens:
1. Minimal Planning
- Most trips start with a vague idea, like “Let’s drive a junkyard car across the desert.”
- No rehearsals—just real-time problem-solving.
2. Real Breakdowns, Real Fixes
- If a car breaks down, the crew films the repair process.
- Some of the best moments come from roadside welding and zip-tie fixes.
3. Fan Interaction
- Many ideas come from fan suggestions.
- The Roadkill community is a huge part of the show’s success.
Why Roadkill Stands Out in the Car Show World
In a sea of polished automotive content, Roadkill remains unique because:
1. It’s Unscripted & Unfiltered
- No fake drama—just real car culture.
2. It Celebrates Imperfect Cars
- Most shows feature flawless restorations; Roadkill loves rough-around-the-edges machines.
3. The Hosts Are Genuine Car Guys
- Freiburger and Finnegan aren’t actors—they’re lifelong gearheads.
How to Watch Roadkill in 2024
Roadkill is available on multiple platforms:
- MotorTrend+ (Streaming Service) – New episodes debut here.
- YouTube (MotorTrend Channel) – Select episodes and clips.
- Amazon Prime Video – Some seasons available for purchase.
Roadkill Spin-Offs & Related Shows
- Roadkill Garage – More in-depth builds with Freiburger and Steve Dulcich.
- Finnegan’s Garage – Mike Finnegan’s personal car projects.
- Hot Rod Garage – Similar vibe with different hosts.
The Legacy of Roadkill: Inspiring a Generation of Gearheads
Roadkill has influenced car culture by:
- Promoting DIY car builds over expensive restorations.
- Keeping muscle car culture alive with a modern twist.
- Proving that fun doesn’t require a big budget.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch Roadkill
If you love cars, humor, and unfiltered automotive adventures, Roadkill is a must-watch. It’s a show that proves passion beats perfection every time.
