Michael Neighbors and Austin Moore - work as a duo
A slightly different way of painting
Road Scholars, a company specialising in Porsche restorations, is based in Durham, North Carolina. There, two exceptional talents handle their spray guns in a way you won’t see anywhere else. Michael Neighbors and Austin Moore work as a duo. And they transform bare metal into works of art. In a unique partnership based on rhythm, precision and trust.
Road Scholars has amassed over a hundred Concours wins over the years and is one of the few restorers to have won the coveted “Triple Crown”. In their case, with a rare Porsche racing car. The restored Porsche 356B Carrera Abarth – one of only 20 ever built – secured class victories at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
From mentor to partner
Their shared history goes back even further than their early days with Road Scholars. Austin joined Detroit Speed over ten years ago, working in the production of chassis components. There he met Michael, who was already working as a bodywork and paint technician. Austin was curious to know more about it … and from that moment on, he learnt everything there was to know about painting from Michael.
“At first, I just copied every move Michael made”, says Austin. Michael gives him credit for being a quick learner, but he jokes that Austin has become rather stubborn over the years. The two have found a rhythm that carries them through their work in the spray booth. Each of us takes one side and in the end, we meet in the middle. “Whether it’s bodywork, masking or painting – we just work well together”, explains Michael. “When we get too close, we just shift position – it’s like dancing.” The two of them are constantly joking and teasing each other, almost like an old married couple.
A look back
Michael took his first steps in the trade at a young age. With his mother’s help, he got a job at the local body shop. Later, she encouraged him to develop his skills – so he attended Randolf Community College, where he learnt a great many things besides welding. At the age of 30, he began working with Kyle Tucker who had the greatest influence on his career. “I was young and thought I knew it all. But he turned me into a professional. "I have the greatest respect for him."
Austin’s interest in painting began in secondary school, whilst working on his final project – designing a door for a racing car. His interest was sparked. After graduating, Austin went to the Automotive School in Mooresville, North Carolina, where he specialised in mechanics. The decisive turning point came when he met Michael. "I really look up to Michael. "He gave me a chance when I was a young lad and still had a lot to learn”, says Austin. “I’m so grateful.”
Finding your flow
They see every car that comes into the spray booth as an opportunity to do a better job than they did on the last one. Perfection is not merely an option – it is a requirement. In the world of Concours-style restoration, standards are high: the aim is not to achieve perfection according to today’s standards, or even the manufacturers’ original specifications. The aim is to paint in the same way as was done back then – in other words, to be period-correct.
They’ve been doing this for so long now that time spent in the spray booth is almost like relaxation for them. By the time a car rolls into the booth, they’ve already been working on it for three or four months. Painting means they’re on the home stretch – and they’re relishing it: seeing all that hard work, time and effort come to fruition.
Michael and Austin have both been using SATA spray guns for years; they grew up with the brand and rely on it for every project. Between them, they have around 15 spray guns in their collection, including a few special editions. For clearcoat, the SATAjet X 5500 RP 1.3 I is their favourite.
Another highlight of their collaboration: the 1969 “Black” Camaro, which was built for an appearance at the Ridler Awards. The car won the “Great 8” at the Ridler Contest, was named “Goodguys Street Machine of the Year”, secured the “Shades of the Past” Triple Crown and triumphed at the SEMA Battle of the Builders.
Ultimately, it’s not just the cars that define their work – it’s the trust between them and the love of the trade they share.
