Galpin Auto Sports | |
Type: | Spare Parts Shop and Automotive Company |
Foundation: | California, |
Founder: | Frank Galpin |
Location City: | Van Nuys |
Location Country: | California |
Area Served: | United States |
Key People: | Bert Boeckmann, Chairman Beau Boeckmann, President |
Industry: | Automobile |
Revenue: | $750,000,000 |
Galpin Auto Sports (or GAS) is an American custom car and automobile repair shop located in the Van Nuys region of Los Angeles, California, which specializes in customizing and remodeling vehicles specifically for their drivers. They also provide specialty parts and accessories. The shop was founded in 1946 by Frank Galpin and later purchased by Bert Boeckmann.[1] Galpin Auto Sports is the car garage featured on MTV's Pimp My Ride hosted by Xzibit.[2] [3] [4] [5] The show was moved from West Coast Customs to GAS in the 5th and 6th seasons. They also own a second-hand car shop. On site at the main garage is an extensive array of customized cars which can be bought direct from the garage.
GAS's work could also be seen on the 2008-2009 television show Knight Rider. They were asked to create the star of the show, a new version of the 2008 Ford Mustang called the GT500KR. "GAS had one week to create the new KITT, and they pulled out all the stops. Six people worked full time to create the Mustang that would be sent over to Picture Car Warehouse as the father of all the KITT derivatives and stunt cars."
"Galpinized" custom-designed vehicles have won national attention and awards.[6]
Galpin Auto Sports is part of Galpin Motors, Inc. which is the number one volume Ford dealership in the world and one of the top California car dealerships with more than $700 million in annual sales. In addition to Ford, Galpin brands include Lincoln, Mazda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Aston Martin, Lotus, Honda and Volkswagen.