1987 Buick Grand National gets makeover in Naples on TV show 'Ride of Your Life'
Harriet Howard Heithaus
Because the creator and executive producer — and narrator — of MotorTrend TV's "The Ride of Your Life" lives here, it was only fair that the show's premiere episode be bathed in a tropical glow. Naples-based Courtney Hansen even brought a Naples designer, Wilfredo Emanuel, in to produce and design the restoration of a first-love 1987 Buick Grand National for the owner who had to sell it during hard times.
The show's premiere had a red carpet reception at CMX CinéBistro Coastland on Wednesday with Hansen and other celebrities, plus a preview airing of the show's inaugural episode, "Dedrick's Grand Slam."
Hansen grew up with autos: Her family owned Brainerd International Raceway, near Hansen’s hometown of Orono, Minnesota. Her father, Jerry Hansen, holds 27 Sports Car Club of America national titles, and Courtney Hansen has done auto work herself as co-host of TLC’s car-makeover show “Overhaulin," as well hosting as other auto-centric TV series.
The show airs on MotorTrend TV at 10 p.m. Wednesdays.
Harriet Howard Heithaus covers arts and entertainment for the Naples Daily News/naplesnews.com. Reach her at 239-213-6091.