What it's like for a woman to break into the classic-car world - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Angella d'AvignonFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Carmen Vera has carved a unique niche in the male-dominated world of classic car restoration, defying stereotypes with her passion and skill. Growing up in Northeast Los Angeles, she was inspired by her father's involvement in the lowrider scene, which ignited her love for cars. Despite facing skepticism and condescending remarks from those who assumed her role was merely symbolic, Vera has built a successful career as a restoration expert and business owner. Her journey includes founding her own company and partnering with Sal Rivas at Pasadena Classic Car, where she restores vehicles like a 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck that had been destroyed in the Eaton fire. Vera's meticulous work on this project, which involved sourcing original parts and transforming the vehicle into a showpiece, highlights her dedication to preserving automotive history.
Vera's story is not just about cars; it's about breaking barriers as a woman in a traditionally male field. She attributes her success to her hands-on upbringing and the necessity of learning automotive skills as a single mother. Her restoration projects, such as the Chevrolet C10, are labor-intensive and often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Vera's team plays a crucial role in these
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026