David Grainger

David Charles Grainger is a Canadian television presenter, automotive restorer, and former journalist recognized as the co-founder and president of The Guild of Automotive Restorers and as host of the documentary series "Restoration Garage." Before focusing on automotive restoration, Grainger pursued a diverse early career, writing columns on wildlife and the environment for major publications, working as a zookeeper, snake handler, big cat handler, commercial diver, and truck driver, and founding a sanctuary for injured birds. He also established himself as a wildlife artist with solo exhibitions. Grainger's interest in automobiles began in his teens through street racing and track driving, shaping his professional path in the automotive industry.

Grainger transitioned into the film and television industry, specializing in special effects before moving into scriptwriting and producing. He later founded The Guild of Automotive Restorers, a facility known for restoring a range of vehicles from brass-era cars to custom hot rods and re-bodied Ferraris. Under his leadership, the Guild has completed more than 2,000 restoration projects for clients worldwide. Grainger first appeared on television in a 26-part series documenting his restoration of the George Barris Supervan, which aired on Speed Channel, before hosting "Restoration Garage"—also known as "Guild Garage"—on Motor Trend, Velocity, and Discovery.

"Restoration Garage" ran for nine seasons and became a fixture in automotive television, noted for its documentary approach and focus on restoration craftsmanship. Among the Guild's significant projects is the recreation of the 1935 Bugatti Aerolithe Coupe, built from a handful of original Bugatti parts using the oldest known Type 57 Bugatti chassis, which won the International Historical Car of the Year Award and was featured on "Jay Leno's Garage." Grainger also restored the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Pinin Speciale, which earned a top award at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy, and led more than 200 Pinin Farina-designed cars through the streets of Turin for the design house's anniversary celebrations. Vehicles restored by the Guild have appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Grainger has contributed automotive journalism to National Post, The Globe and Mail, and Octane magazine, offering restoration insights and analysis of the classic car collector market. After "Restoration Garage," he launched the Guild's Garage YouTube channel and the Guild's Garage Podcast, co-hosted with Jess Kinkade, providing behind-the-scenes restoration content and industry commentary. Grainger is a keynote speaker on topics including classic car restoration and collector market trends, recognized for his expertise, television presence, and record of internationally recognized automotive projects.