What happened to Gotham Garage after the last season of Car Masters: Rust to Riches aired on Netflix? Is the custom shop that brought outrageous builds to life still operating, or did it quietly shut down like many other reality-TV projects? Fans and automotive enthusiasts around the world especially in Canada have been asking one simple question in 2025: Is Gotham Garage still in business?
The answer is yes. Gotham Garage remains an operational and creative business in California, still engaged in building custom vehicles and actively exploring future projects. While their Netflix series has gone quiet since 2023, the garage itself is far from shut down.
In fact, the team behind the builds continues to bring new automotive concepts to life sometimes for entertainment, sometimes for clients, and often for pure artistic expression.
Let’s take a closer look at Gotham Garage’s business status, the evolution of their brand, their unique approach to car building, and what the future may hold.
What Is Gotham Garage and Why Did It Gain Popularity?
Gotham Garage is not just another car restoration business. Founded by designer and fabricator Mark Towle, the shop rose to fame through Netflix’s Car Masters: Rust to Riches, a show that documents the transformation of rundown cars into imaginative, high-concept builds.
Unlike traditional custom garages that stick to muscle cars, hot rods, or performance tuning, Gotham Garage is known for vehicles that often cross the boundary between practicality and fantasy. These builds are designed not just to run, but to turn heads and spark conversations. Their appeal lies in originality, creativity, and storytelling not just horsepower.
The shop’s work caught attention quickly because it filled a unique niche in the automotive world. Gotham Garage turned the idea of car building into a form of entertainment art, much like how movie studios create props for visual effect. That shouldn’t come as a surprise Towle himself has a background in building props for TV and film productions.
Through a combination of creative vision, mechanical skill, and camera-friendly charisma, the team became household names for car enthusiasts and Netflix subscribers alike.
Is Gotham Garage Still Operating in 2025?
Yes, Gotham Garage continues to operate in 2025. While the garage is no longer under the same media spotlight it once enjoyed, the shop remains active, functional, and committed to its unique brand of custom automotive design.
After the last season of Car Masters: Rust to Riches aired in 2023, the show’s official renewal status has remained unconfirmed. However, signs of life behind the scenes suggest that Gotham Garage never truly slowed down. The team continues working on commissioned builds, concept vehicles, and internal projects all from their long-standing location in Temecula, California.
Although their day-to-day activity may no longer be televised, Gotham Garage remains a legitimate and independently operating business that builds cars for more than just entertainment. The focus has shifted from on-camera drama to off-camera craftsmanship, but the creativity continues.
They’ve also hinted at developments that may include a return to streaming in the form of a fifth season of Car Masters, suggesting that production activities are ongoing albeit more discreet than before.
Is a New Season of Car Masters: Rust to Riches Coming?
While Netflix has not made any official announcement regarding a fifth season of Car Masters: Rust to Riches, several signs point toward a continuation of the series. Members of the Gotham Garage team have alluded to ongoing projects on social media, and various online forums have speculated that the show is currently in pre-production or internal development.
Whether or not Season 5 is officially confirmed, the team appears to be preparing builds that follow the same pattern and tone used in previous seasons. That, along with continued fan interest and international streaming demand, suggests there is still an audience for the show.
Moreover, the existence of new merchandise and promotional materials, as well as recent builds that follow similar styles to their TV projects, implies that Gotham Garage has not abandoned its role as an entertainment brand. Instead, the show may be transitioning into a more sustainable production model, possibly with fewer episodes or different distribution platforms.
For fans in Canada and other international markets, this means there may be more to look forward to both in terms of new vehicles and new content.
What Types of Vehicles Does Gotham Garage Build?
Gotham Garage’s vehicle builds differ significantly from those of traditional restoration shops. Their specialty lies in themed custom builds that are often conceptual, futuristic, or inspired by popular culture. These vehicles are designed as visual statements rather than performance machines.
Instead of restoring classic cars to factory specifications, Gotham Garage reimagines vehicles from scratch. They often combine parts from different car models, fabricate their own panels and frames, and incorporate unconventional materials. In some cases, they even create cars that are meant for film or promotional use not necessarily for everyday driving.
Past builds have included:
- A vintage Lincoln transformed into a futuristic concept car
- A 1970s pickup rebuilt into a hybrid electric vehicle
- A hot rod infused with steampunk elements and brass detailing
Each project begins with a concept, usually led by Mark Towle, and is developed collaboratively with fabricators, welders, mechanics, and designers. The end result is a showpiece something that belongs as much on a movie set or showroom floor as it does on the street.
Is Gotham Garage a Real Business or Just a TV Set?
Gotham Garage is a fully operational, real-world business. While it gained notoriety through Netflix, the garage existed before the show and continues to function independently of the series.
The team operates out of their original facility in California, where they build cars, develop new designs, and manage client commissions. Unlike some reality TV garages that disappear after the cameras stop rolling, Gotham Garage has maintained its physical presence and online store, offering a variety of ways for fans and customers to interact with the brand.
They’ve even expanded their revenue channels to include eGift cards, allowing fans to purchase digital credits for merchandise or future projects. This flexibility suggests that the business is adapting to changes in the entertainment industry and consumer behavior.
Table: Gotham Garage – Real Business Credentials
| Element | Status in 2025 |
| Physical Workshop | Operating in Temecula, California |
| Custom Car Builds | Available by commission |
| Online Store | Active with apparel and merchandise |
| Gift Cards | Offered digitally through the website |
| Social Media Presence | Regular updates and project teasers |
These factors confirm that Gotham Garage is not just a fictional backdrop for TV. It’s a real, hands-on fabrication shop with both commercial and entertainment capabilities.
How Does Gotham Garage Stay Relevant Without New Episodes?
With the Netflix series paused or in development, Gotham Garage has found other ways to stay connected with its fanbase and customer base.
One way is through ongoing client work, where private commissions allow the team to build new vehicles even outside of the media spotlight. Another way is through their online presence. Gotham Garage uses platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to share behind-the-scenes videos, sneak peeks of current builds, and updates from the team.
Additionally, they’ve expanded their merchandise offerings to include apparel and collectibles, keeping fans engaged even between seasons.
Perhaps most notably, the launch of digital gift cards has given supporters a way to purchase and gift Gotham Garage experiences, whether it’s toward merchandise or project funding. These cards range in value from $25 to $200 and can be customized with a recipient name, email, and message. It’s a subtle but effective way to monetize brand loyalty.
This multi-pronged approach ensures that the garage maintains momentum even when not featured on screen.
What Makes Gotham Garage Different from Other Custom Shops?
Gotham Garage operates on a different wavelength than most custom car businesses. While others focus on performance tuning, traditional muscle car restoration, or high-end exotic conversions, Gotham Garage builds cars that are part sculpture, part storytelling device.
They do not aim to replicate the factory-fresh look or the race-ready finish. Instead, their goal is to push boundaries, both in terms of style and theme. This approach often appeals more to collectors, media producers, and show car enthusiasts than to racers or traditional car buyers.
Here’s a comparison to illustrate the difference:
Gotham Garage vs Traditional Custom Shops
| Feature | Gotham Garage | Traditional Custom Shop |
| Build Focus | Concept, art, themed | Restoration, performance |
| Target Audience | Entertainment & collectors | Racers, collectors, enthusiasts |
| Revenue Model | TV, merch, builds, gift cards | Builds and services only |
| Product Style | Visual storytelling builds | Function-first restorations |
| Customer Involvement | Limited due to creative control | Often client-specific |
This business model may not appeal to everyone, but it fills a unique niche one that blends automotive passion with entertainment design.
Can Customers Still Buy from Gotham Garage in 2025?
Yes, customers can still buy from Gotham Garage in several ways. While vehicle builds are done on a selective, commission basis, the garage maintains an active online storefront where fans can buy branded gear, accessories, and collectibles.
They also now offer eGift cards, which provide a flexible way for fans or clients to support the brand or gift others. Cards are delivered by email and allow for custom messaging and scheduling.
This keeps Gotham Garage connected to their community, providing products and engagement even when custom vehicle orders aren’t practical for the average fan.
Is Gotham Garage Still in Business and Moving Forward?
Absolutely. Gotham Garage remains in business, evolving from a Netflix-featured garage into a multi-channel creative brand. With ongoing builds, a still-active team, and signs of another season of Car Masters in development, Gotham Garage continues to be a relevant force in the custom automotive space.
They’ve adapted to changing media and customer expectations, expanded into new digital offerings, and refined their focus on imaginative, artistic car design. For fans, clients, and collectors, the Gotham Garage experience is still very much alive just perhaps a little less on-camera than before.
FAQs About Gotham Garage
Is Gotham Garage still taking custom build orders?
Yes, but they are selective. Builds are based on availability, budget, and project alignment with their creative direction.
Can I visit Gotham Garage in person?
The garage is not officially open to the public, but they occasionally appear at shows and events where you can meet the team and see builds.
Are Gotham Garage eGift cards available in Canada?
Yes, their gift cards are digital and available for Canadian buyers. They are delivered by email and usable online.
Is there an official date for Season 5 of Car Masters?
As of now, no official release date has been announced, but production appears to be in progress.
What kind of merchandise does Gotham Garage offer?
They offer apparel, caps, limited-edition prints, and now digital gift cards.
Are their cars street-legal?
Some builds are, while others are designed for show or media use. It varies by project.
How can I stay updated on Gotham Garage news?
Follow their official Instagram, YouTube, or visit their website for current updates and announcements.
