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New wave of car clubs

COVID took a toll on all of us in the car industry, while most of us stayed at home an waited for our parts to finally show up, some of us decided to create something that they never had time for. For Ross Shapiro Burgh Built was just an idea in 2018, simply because he wanted a car banner that represented him. When COVID hit, Ross had extra time on his hands and decided this was a good time to follow through with the Burgh Built idea. He started an Instagram and Facebook and started tagging cars and people from around the Western PA area in his posts. In Ross’ words, “it took off from there.” The focus of the group is to bring the Pittsburgh community together and group and I agree that the car community in Pittsburgh is very fragmented. You have truck guys that only want to associate with truck guys and shocker, muscle car guys who only want to hang out with muscle cars. Their mission is to have meets and shows that represent the entire Pittsburgh car scene and welcome any type of car, truck, bike and even vehicles with no motors into the group and at their shows.

Similar to the guys from the EVIL episode, the only requirement into Burgh Built, as Vince put it was, “don’t be a dick to your team.” You also need to be willing to put in the time and work needed to help put on the large shows that the team hosts. To put it into perspective, the first show that Burgh Built hosted had around 600 cars show up the day of the event. As the team explained there is much more than just getting the word out and renting a parking lot. Most of us take for granted the work that is put into these shows as they go pretty seamlessly…you show up, park your car and have a great time! However, for the Burgh Built team they explained the countless hours of preparation, the cost associated and behind the scenes work that ensures that you the spectator have a good time. Insurance, meetings with company owners, sponsors, food and clean up are all items that are overlooked by the show goers. As Ross said, “as long as you can bring something to the table and help grow the team, you’re in!”

Most of the team was present during the podcast except for one and they range in all ages and gender. Ross, the creator of Burgh Built has a passion for Acura’s and owns a TL and TLX, both of which are in white. With numerous interior and exterior modifications Ross’ TL was the center piece of Burgh Built when he started it. By day Ross works in the heating and plumbing business and has worked in some cool places including PPG Arena where the Pittsburgh Penguins play.

Vince drive a 2019 Hood Civic Type R, which on there own is a fantastic ride. Vince has upgraded a few parts and is looking for some carbon pieces in enhance the aggressive look as well as lighten up the car. His modifications are not the focus right now as he will be going back to school. Vince has probably one of the coolest jobs where he’s a range officer at a firearms facility training to become a firearms instructor.

Dan is a man after my heart with a collection of, “shitboxes,” his words not mine. On his list of cars is a 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster, 2000 BMW M Coupe, 2006 160R, 2005 Volvo V70, 2009 Suzuki SX40 and a 1993 F150. A glutton for financial punishment Dan loves the early 2000s era of cars which is shown by his collection. He is currently working on the 93 F150 with a list of fantastic parts that have been swapped in. Dan pays for all these parts as an IT administrator and works on projects that include 3D scanning.

Nomi, who is the only girl on the team, puts up with the shenanigans of 6 car guys while rocking a 2018 Subaru WRX. The Halloween colored WRX is more custom outside than inside and absolutely loves driving it. During the day she is a hairdresser and judging by her hair during the podcast, a very good one! Her dream car right now is a 370z Nismo and her shitbox pick was a Fierro shooting off into space a la Fast and the Furious.

Jonas is the baby of the bunch and rides in a modified 2016 Mazda 3 with modifications to the tune and some tasteful exterior upgrades. He also is working on a 1985 C10 SWB 2 wheel drive that was stolen at a price point of $3K! He currently has the truck running and driving however barely. The truck will need new floors, suspension, brakes and a host of accessories to be show worthy. He is a photographer in his spare time @jon.nah.productions and takes great pics of rides all around the Pittsburgh area. During the day he is a metal worker, drafting, forming and welding for a local union and shows by the hand built sheet metal truck he helped build.

Corry is the old man at heart of the group and a former member of the US military. He currently has a heavily modified 2020 Honda Accord Touring that has used a host of parts from local tuner PRL Motorsports. When you listen to the podcast you’ll find out that he has some great stories about his days as a security guard tracking down old ladies at Macy’s, but now he in between jobs looking to work as a pharmaceutical auditor.

This motley crew gathered for the World of Wheels 2022 last week where the Burgh Built crew took home “Best Display” with 11 members cars. If you’ve ever been to a World of Wheels event you know there is some stiff competition and large groups that show up. Not only does the team put on shows and attend them they also do some great work for the community. During the podcast you’ll find out that most of the met at a food drive that the team does for the community to give back.

If you want to find out more about Burgh Built you can find them on instagram @burgh_built on Facebook under Burgh Built. Their first show for 2022 will be in April where they hope to have a large showing for the 2022 driving season! Thank you so much to the team for coming out, I can’t wait to see them around the show car circuit this upcoming year!