TMCP #635: ASK RICK! – FIFTY YEARS of National Parts Depot! The REAL Story of Surviving and Thriving in Restoration Parts
National Parts Depot is celebrating an incredible milestone — 50 years in business — and we’re sitting down with Rick Schmidt for a special Ask Rick episode to talk about the journey that built one of the most respected names in classic car restoration. From its humble beginnings in a family basement to becoming a global leader in restoration parts, Rick shares the story of how his father Jim Schmidt built NPD through hard work, vision, and a relentless commitment to serving enthusiasts. We also dive into Rick’s leadership philosophy, the evolution of the restoration market, and what the next fifty years may hold.
It’s also auction season, and Rick is ready to help us make some money. We break down what it takes to buy right, sell smart, and turn a profit with a quick flip. With a goal of keeping the upfront cost under $30K, Rick walks us through which cars make sense to chase at the January auctions — and which ones to leave on the block. If you’re looking to sharpen your auction strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
TMCP #631: Ask Rick – The Year In Reivew and the Year to Come: Restoration Parts Prices, Online Auctions, and Great Cars for Investment!
In this Christmas edition of Ask Rick, we sit down with Rick Schmidt to talk holiday traditions, family time, and how he celebrates the biggest day of the year. Rick shares what Christmas looks like in the Schmidt household—good food, classic movies, and quality time with the people who matter most. As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate another great year in the world of Muscle Cars.
Rick also gives his year-end perspective on the shifting automotive landscape, from the sharp rise in restoration part prices to the evolving future of EVs, hybrids, and traditional fuels. He weighs in on the booming online auction scene and whether the growing number of platforms is helping or hurting sellers. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at where the hobby is heading as we roll into 2026—one that every enthusiast will want to hear.
TMCP #627: SEMA 2025 Show Spectacular #1 – Steve and Kenly with RetroSound Radio, – Dave Kass with QA1/Speedtech/Detroit Speed, Todd Andrews new ’67 GT500’s with Superformance/High Tech Legends, Jason and Matt with Coker Group / Coker Tires!
SEMA 2025 delivered big moments, bigger stories, and some truly unforgettable conversations—and in this episode, we’re bringing you the first wave of highlights straight from the show floor. Rob and the TMCP team hit Vegas wide open, reconnecting with industry friends and discovering new innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world. From modern tech hidden inside classic radio faces to the future of suspension engineering, to a brand-new ’67 Shelby GT500 built entirely from fresh parts, the range of insights and creativity on display this year was off the charts.
You’ll hear directly from the people building, engineering, and preserving the cars we love—Steve and Kenley from Retro Manufacturing, Dave Cass from QA1 and Detroit Speed, Todd Andrews from Superformance/High Tech Legends, and Jason and Matt from the Coker Group. Each brings a unique perspective on where the industry is heading and how today’s products are reshaping the driving experience for classic-car enthusiasts. This episode is packed with stories, passion, and behind-the-scenes details that set the stage for a multi-part SEMA series you won’t want to miss.
TMCP #619: Ask Rick — OEMs, Politics, and Profits; Plus Cars You Can Flip for Fun (and $$) at Football Tailgates
In this episode of The Muscle Car Place, Rick takes us inside the impossible yet fascinating world of OEM leadership—where shifting politics and billion-dollar bets make or break the future of the industry. Then, in true “Rick’s Take” fashion, he shifts gears to the fun side: which ’90s icons and classic rides make the best tailgate companions—and the smartest flips for ROI. From Corvettes and Cobras to Broncos and Foxbody Mustangs, Rick breaks down which cars will impress your buddies, hold value, and maybe even make you money after football season.
TMCP #616: ASK RICK – Restoration Sheetmetal for 80’s Cars, Fox Body Mustangs Values On the Rise, and the Mustang GTD as the Best MidLife Crisis Car Investment?
TMCP #616: ASK RICK – Restoration Sheetmetal for 80’s Cars, Fox Body Mustangs Values On the Rise, and the Mustang GTD as the Best MidLife Crisis Car Investment?
TMCP #611: ASK RICK – Is the New EV Dodge Charge Now a Collectible…Failure? Plus, Interesting Classics for the Collection – ROI Be Damned!
ASK RICK – Is a New EV Dodge Charge Now a Collectible…Failure? Plus, Interesting Classics for the Collection – ROI Be Damned!
TMCP #581: ASK RICK – Independence Day Special Edition! Growing Up Inside an All American Business – $25K American Investment Cars
It is JULY and time for another riveting Ask Rick segment where I ask him the tough questions! Happy Independence Day and make sure you stay safe with the fireworks. The Fourth is when we celebrate our independence and our freedom from oppression of the English monarchy by blowing up some stuff! This month I askeded Rick what his most memorable family tradition around this holiday and then I traveled with him down memory lane where he recalled his younger days and the early start of NPD. Growing up inside the All American business wasn’t always what it appears to be on the outside…and there are lessons to learn here about tenacity and the true cost of success. We also reviewed about all American vehicles to buy (for lest that $25,000) and hold for the best ROI in 5 years. Here’s a hint: Lil’ Red Express!
TMCP #572: Tom Scarpello of Revology Cars – Bringing New “OEM” Quality ’65-’68 Mustangs into the 21st Century
This week I spoke to Tom Scarpello, President and founder of Revology in his facility in Orlando Florida! Revology is seemingly doing the impossible; creating a profitable company that survives (and thrives) by bringing a single classic Mustang platform into a 21st Century as a capable daily-driver by modern standards. There are a few other companies doing things like Revology, but to my knowledge this is the only company striving to be good at the “boring” stuff like reducing wind noise, squeaks, rattles, and creating high end comfortable interiors from OEM stock materials. Their door gaps are specifically set for long term use – not just awesome looking floor appeal. They’re building the quality of cars far closer to a new Porsche than a Pro-Touring old Mustang. For all of this, I had to see it in person!
TMCP #565: Rides By Engel – The Yoda to to Building, Marketing, Operating a Profitable Production Car Business!
This week I have the pleasure to talk to long time friend of the show, Jason Engel. At SEMA 2023 I learned that Jason had entered the consulting business and was also he representative to vet licensure requirements for Shelby!
What was he consulting in, specifically? Well….consulting in the entire process of owning, operating, producing, marketing, and leading a production car business where the production car is unique to the business itself. In addition, it might be a car that needs to be licensed by an OEM or other “Hollywood” style entities. Examples include companies like Classic Recreations (which he founded), Revology, Velocity Restorations, Anything Scout, etc. In a nutshell, Jason was taking on clients to teaching them the business of PROFITABLY running such a venture. For this, I needed a full length interview…and this is out!
TMCP #552: Ask Rick – Is it Wise (or Possible) to Have Collector Cars as Your Retirement Investment?
It is September and football is back!!! It is also time for another riveting Ask Rick segment were I ask him the tough questions that not everyone wants to hear. As always Rick delivers sage advice and wisdom founded in years of buying and selling classic vehicles. When it comes to cars as investment, possibly a with a great ROI, Rick has strong opinions and advice here. Can it be done? Short answer; yes! Should it be done? Long answer……maybe.
As with all things, it depends what you understand and where you can make your gain on the purchase of the car initially. For Rick and his dad, their collection has immense value today of course, but every car in inventory was chosen for it’s specialness to the Schmidt’s not as a hedge on a great investment. They chose high quality low mile original cars and didn’t just stick to muscle cars. Their collection has many examples of unique rare American cars that have less than 1000 miles (think Rivieras, Eldorado’s, and Lincoln’s).. Some have interiors with the delivery plastic still in place! Others are beautifully restored treasures. Today, it’s paid off. Technically, it could payoff if they ever chose to sell….which they almost never do!