Matt D’Andria’s journey into automotive media didn’t follow a traditional path. Like many car enthusiasts, his love for cars started young, tinkering in the family garage and absorbing everything he could about vehicles.

However, before stepping into the media world, he founded a tech company that worked with major automotive brands like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. His expertise in tech and marketing eventually led him to an unexpected opportunity — co-hosting CarCast with Adam Carolla nearly 16 years ago.

One of the most recognizable aspects of Matt’s brand is the nickname “The Motorator.” In the latest episode of the Auto Transport Co-Pilot podcast, host Bek Abdullayev sat down with Matt to discuss his journey, the future of EVs, the enduring appeal of internal combustion engines, and the one car he knows he’ll regret selling.

The Evolution of Podcasting in the Automotive Space

When CarCast launched, podcasts were still a niche medium. Back then, there were only a few thousand podcasts compared to today’s millions. CarCast became one of the first mainstream automotive podcasts, allowing Matt and Adam to have in-depth, unscripted conversations with racing legends, engineers, and industry experts.

Some of Matt’s favorite moments? Interviewing Mario Andretti live at a car museum in Portland and watching Keanu Reeves fine-tune a film crew’s setup in eleven seconds flat before giving a one-take interview.

Can Muscle Cars Survive Electrification?

A hot topic in any automotive discussion is the rise of EVs and what it means for traditional muscle cars. Matt owns both a Ford Lightning EV and a 1995 Ford Lightning, appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms. While he acknowledges that EVs provide incredible performance and a gas-free experience, Matt also believes they shouldn’t be forced upon consumers as their only option.

Dodge and Chevrolet have introduced high-performance EV muscle cars, but Matt questions whether they will retain their soul. He cites Dodge’s decision to phase out the Challenger in favor of the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona, noting that it will likely alienate a significant portion of their fanbase. Interestingly, Dodge later announced plans for gas-powered variants, showing they recognize the importance of keeping combustion engines alive.

Porsche, initially committed to an 80% EV lineup by 2030, is also re-evaluating its stance due to demand for gas-powered and hybrid models. The key takeaway? Consumers want choice, not mandates.

Are Today’s Cars Future Collectibles?

For enthusiasts looking at cars as investments, Matt believes the key to future collectibility lies in limited-production, special-edition. Cars like the Porsche GT series and rare Mustangs will always hold value better than their standard counterparts.

However, when it comes to hybrid supercars like the LaFerrari or McLaren P1, he advises caution. Their expensive, complex hybrid battery systems might limit their long-term desirability until more cost-effective solutions are developed. 

At the same time, websites like Bring a Trailer have changed the game, making collector car sales a massive business: $1.2 billion in sales in 2023 alone. With the right picks, modern collectibles can be just as lucrative as classic ones.

Matt’s Entrepreneurial Side

Beyond cars, Matt has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching Bravago Hard Seltzer. His motivation? Most seltzers on the market tasted terrible. Instead of complaining, he set out to create a better alternative, one without the weird aftertaste of stevia and with bolder flavors, lower carbonation, and natural monk fruit sweeteners.

Bravago is currently available online and in select California stores, but it ships to 43 states. Matt’s approach to entrepreneurship mirrors his approach to cars — if something isn’t good enough, fix it yourself.

Matt admitted that his 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with twin turbos and carbon fiber upgrades is going up for sale soon. Despite knowing it’s the right decision, he can already feel the regret creeping in. Any true car fan can relate. Selling a car isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about the memories and the experience behind the wheel.

For enthusiasts who love hearing from industry insiders, Matt’s work on CarCast and his broader contributions to automotive media make him a must-follow. And if you’re considering selling that special car? Take Matt’s advice: think twice before letting it go because regret is real.

Matt’s Background 

Matt is an accomplished automotive media personality and entrepreneur with nearly three decades of experience in the automotive industry. Known professionally as “The Motorator,” he has established himself as a trusted voice in automotive entertainment and expertise. Beyond his media work, Matt founded Bravago, a premium hard seltzer company. Previously, he produced and hosted the Internet video show Car Collectors for GQ Magazine and is an Executive Producer on the documentary Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman. Additionally, he co-hosts Shift & Steer, a weekly podcast and Internet video show that focuses on the Racing, Rides, People & Places of the motorsport enthusiast lifestyle.

• Matt D’Andria on LinkedIn
• Matt D’Andria on Instagram
• CarCast Podcast
• Shift & Steer Podcast
• Bravago Bold Seltzer Website
• Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman Documentary
• The 24 Hour War Documentary
• Shelby American Documentary