We exchanged emails about classic cars, transmission swaps and being a role model for a new generation.
Sydney Sweeney rides high these days. This is not just a reference her 1969 Ford Bronco. Although she is a star in HBO’s hit drama Euphoria, the 24-year-old actress is a master actor. She still finds time to drive her classic off-roader. The restoration was documented by her on TikTok, which is available for all to see.
We met up with the final product in person at the eBay Auto Parts Show, New York. Sweeney was also available for a followup chat.
She has a strong passion for classic cars, and a slight nod to Ford. She teases a 1965 Ford Mustang Mustang on her TikTok channel, syds_garage. Her family has a deeper connection to Ford than her Ford ties.
My great grandfather’s 1965 Ford truck was the first car I learned to drive. Ford has been a part of my family for a while,” she explained. “I am very into classic cars right now. While I think that there are some very hot exotic cars today, I prefer to buy vintage.
We were inspired to inquire about possible future projects, including a Porsche. A story about Sweeney was published Vanity Fair. It also mentioned Rod Emory, a well-known Porsche restorer who Sweeney is close friends with. His shop was the location of her Bronco project, and she suggested that a classic Porsche build might be in her future. Our direct question about that topic received a positive response from her: “Maybe .”
We’ll have to wait to see, but the ellipsis offers us some hope.
She’s eager to apply the lessons she learned in her first restoration on her next project and continue to wrench. Even if that means she has to upset her mom by doing a manual-to auto swap, just like she did with the Bronco. Sweeney mentioned it in an earlier build video. We asked Sweeney what her mom thought about the transmission change.
Sweeney stated that it was “just one of those things which feel sacrilegious do to a vehicle.” She drives a stick in Los Angeles, so she’s not going to change that!
It is rare to see a young celebrity get involved in the restoration side of the car scene instead of just hiring out the work. We admire her for all she does, and how she reaches other women who are interested in restoring classic cars.
“I really did the videos to document it for my parents. It’s amazing to see how it has grown.” “I see young girls commenting that they want to learn or feel inspired.”
We are available for Syd’s next project.