Name: Tex Mex Motors
Genre: Reality
Released: 2023-06-09T00:00:00+00:00

The first shot of Tex Mex Motors is a dusty 1964 Comet rumbling across the border, its Mexican plates glinting in the sun—a promise of transformation. This Netflix reality series follows car scouts Rob “Rabbit” Pitts and Sammy Maloof as they hunt for vintage vehicles south of the border, then hand them over to a team of mechanics in El Paso for restoration. It’s Pimp My Ride meets Antiques Roadshow, with a Southwestern twist.

What works is the show’s unapologetic love for automotive archaeology. The scouting episodes crackle with energy as Pitts and Maloof navigate bustling Mexican markets, haggling over rusted relics with local sellers. Pitts, in particular, brings charm and humor to these exchanges, his enthusiasm infectious even when a potential find turns out to be a lemon. One standout moment is his negotiation for a 1965 Volkswagen Bug, where his quick wit and rapport with the seller turn a tense standoff into a collaborative deal. These segments are where the show’s heart lies, capturing the thrill of discovery that drives car enthusiasts.

The garage segments, led by mechanic Jaime Hjelm and his team, are equally compelling. Watching them strip down decades of grime to reveal hidden gems is pure catnip for gearheads. The restoration of a 1969 Opel, in particular, is a highlight—each step meticulously documented as the car transforms from a basket case into a showroom beauty. The team’s expertise shines through, and their camaraderie adds a layer of warmth to the process.

The series also benefits from its authentic setting. El Paso’s desert landscape and the vibrant chaos of Mexican border towns add visual texture, making it clear this isn’t just another sanitized workshop show. The cultural exchange between the American crew and their Mexican contacts feels genuine, adding depth to what could have been a purely transactional premise. One memorable episode features the team navigating the complexities of importing a car with a murky history, highlighting the legal and logistical hurdles that come with cross-border deals.

Where Tex Mex Motors stumbles is in its pacing and structural repetition. Each episode follows the same formula: scouts find cars, garage team restores them, cars are sold. While the specific vehicles and challenges vary, the lack of narrative arcs or long-term goals makes it feel episodic to a fault. Some episodes also suffer from pacing issues, dragging during the restoration segments when the crew hits snags (like sourcing hard-to-find parts) that test viewer patience. The episode featuring the 1963 Chevrolet Carryall, for instance, spends an inordinate amount of time on the team’s struggle to locate period-correct components, making what should be a riveting challenge feel tedious.

The performances are serviceable but uneven. Pitts shines as the show’s heart and comic relief, his passion for cars evident in every frame. His storytelling segments, reminiscent of his YouTube channel VINwiki, add depth to the series. Maloof is a capable foil, though his role feels slightly underdeveloped compared to Pitts’ larger-than-life persona. The garage team members—Hjelm, Mike Coy, Wesley Zachary, Jenico Adame—exude authenticity as they work, but their personalities are often overshadowed by the process itself.

Originality is both Tex Mex Motors‘ strength and weakness. On one hand, its focus on Mexican imports and cross-border car culture sets it apart from other restoration shows. The episode where the team discovers a rare 1964 Comet hidden in a backlot, for example, showcases the unique finds that come with scouting in Mexico. On the other hand, the formulaic structure and lack of overarching tension mean it rarely surprises. The series also misses opportunities to delve deeper into the cultural significance of these cars or the stories behind their original owners.

Genre-wise, Tex Mex Motors fits comfortably within the reality TV landscape of car restoration shows. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid addition to the genre for fans who enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a well-executed rebuild. The show’s strengths lie in its authenticity and the genuine passion of its cast, making it a worthwhile watch for automotive enthusiasts.

In comparison to other car restoration series like Wheeler Dealers or Chasing Classic Cars, Tex Mex Motors stands out for its focus on Mexican imports and the unique challenges that come with them. However, it lacks the narrative depth and character development of shows like American Restoration, which weaves personal stories into each episode’s central project.

The Killer (Fincher) is a 6.8. Tex-Mex Motors is no The Killer. But if you’re a fan of automotive adventures, this show delivers on its core promise: the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of restoration.

Tags: Netflix, Mike Coy, Rob Pitts, Sammy Maloof, Tex Mex Motors