If you’re a fan of rusty barn finds, roaring engines, and second chances for old cars, then Roadworthy Rescues (2025) is probably your jam. The show stars Derek Bieri (yep, the same guy from Vice Grip Garage on YouTube), who travels across America breathing new life into forgotten classics.
But wait—where exactly is all this magic happening? Let’s dig into the filming locations of Roadworthy Rescues, why they’re special, and why these spots are perfect for car adventures.
Quick Filming Locations Overview 🛠️
| 📍 Location | 🚘 Why It’s Special | 🌟 Fan Perks if You Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (Derek’s Shop) | Home base of the show, southern car culture | Car museums, Tail of the Dragon highway |
| Black Hills, South Dakota | Scenic mountain backdrops, tricky rescues | Needles Highway, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum |
| Kentucky Barns | Rural barn finds, hidden treasures | Bourbon distilleries, Bluegrass driving routes |
| Detroit, Michigan | Birthplace of American cars | Henry Ford Museum, factory tours |
| North Carolina | Antique car hunts, historic roads | Blue Ridge Parkway, Charlotte Speedway tours |
Where Was Roadworthy Rescues Filmed?
The show isn’t stuck in one garage—it’s a road trip through America’s car heartland. Derek and his crew filmed across Tennessee, South Dakota, Kentucky, Detroit (Michigan), and North Carolina.
Each spot has its own vibe, its own car culture, and plenty of reasons why producers picked it.
🚦 Tennessee – Derek’s Shop
This is where Roadworthy Rescues started. Derek’s garage in Tennessee is packed with tools, parts, and decades of southern car culture. Wide highways and small-town barns make it the perfect backdrop.
👉 Why chosen? Tennessee has one of the strongest car scenes in the U.S.—from muscle cars to classic cruisers. Plus, it’s Derek’s home base, so the vibe feels authentic.
👉 Fan perks if you visit:
- Cruise the famous Tail of the Dragon (US 129) with 318 curves—epic for car lovers.
- Stop at the Memphis Car Museum for inspiration.
- Explore local swap meets for rare parts.
🌲 Black Hills, South Dakota
Season 2 gave us breathtaking shots of the Black Hills. Imagine Derek wrenching on an old truck while giant granite cliffs and pine forests surround him—cinematic gold.
👉 Why chosen? Those dramatic landscapes add adventure to the rescues. South Dakota also has a lot of old farm trucks just sitting and waiting for revival.
👉 Fan perks if you visit:
- Drive Needles Highway with its tunnels carved through rock.
- Hit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum for bike and car history.
- Go hiking or camping after a day of car spotting.
🏡 Kentucky Barn Finds
This one feels like treasure hunting. Kentucky farms and barns hide some of the coolest old rides—like the Chevy Bel Air Derek dug up.
👉 Why chosen? Kentucky brings that “American barn find” authenticity. Rolling fields, tobacco barns, and rural charm make it feel real, not staged.
👉 Fan perks if you visit:
- Take a Bluegrass cruise through horse country.
- Stop at bourbon distilleries—many also showcase vintage cars.
- Small-town auctions often have surprise car gems.
🏭 Detroit, Michigan
No car show is complete without Detroit, the Motor City. It’s where legends like Ford, Dodge, and GM were born. Derek’s episodes here connect directly with America’s car roots.
👉 Why chosen? Detroit is the heart of the auto industry. It offers junkyards, factories, and a community that lives and breathes cars.
👉 Fan perks if you visit:
- Explore the Henry Ford Museum and see how it all started.
- Join a workshop at Motor City Garage for hands-on restoration.
- Tour old factories and auto heritage sites.
🛣️ North Carolina Backroads
The season finale brought Derek to North Carolina—barn finds, antique dealerships, and winding backroads made this a perfect wrap-up.
👉 Why chosen? North Carolina has deep roots in racing (NASCAR, anyone?) and tons of old cars tucked away in barns and sheds.
👉 Fan perks if you visit:
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for epic views.
- Tour the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
- Hit antique car rallies in Asheville.
Why These Locations Work for the Show 🏆
- Authenticity – Real barns, real junkyards, no fake props.
- Car Culture – Each state has a strong auto history.
- Visuals – From mountains to highways, the scenery makes every episode pop.
- Tourism Boost – Fans can actually visit these places.
Final Thoughts 💭
Roadworthy Rescues (2025) is more than fixing cars—it’s a road trip through America’s automotive soul.
Each location was chosen because it offers not just old cars, but also history, community, and killer scenery.
Whether you’re dreaming of tackling the curves of Tail of the Dragon, exploring the Motor City, or hunting barns in Kentucky, these filming spots are a fan’s dream road map.
So next time you watch Derek turning rust into gold, remember—you can visit those exact places and maybe even find your own barn find waiting.
Where was Roadworthy Rescues filmed?
Across Tennessee, South Dakota’s Black Hills, Kentucky, Detroit (Michigan), and North Carolina.
Why were these locations chosen?
Each location has a strong car culture, authentic barn finds, and scenic views that add to the storytelling.
Can fans visit these places?
Yes! You can drive Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee, tour Detroit factories, or explore the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
When was it filmed?
Seasons filmed during spring–fall to capture both car events and perfect driving weather.
Where can I watch the show?
On MotorTrend+ or the MotorTrend channel in the U.S. and Canada.