ERIC J. LAESCH

Eric is the brains of Chase Classic Motors. An ASE certified mechanic for over 20 years, Eric was formerly lead instructor at the Baker College Automotive Skills program in Clinton Township, Michigan (2009-2019). Eric is a lifelong fan of Chrysler automobiles and began his journey to becoming an expert in automobile mechanical and electrical systems by repairing his own Plymouth in the 1990s when some professional shops were unable to meet his high standards. 

 

After getting his hands dirty in the family garage, Eric graduated school and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Automotive Technology. He currently holds both a Michigan teaching certificate and a Motor Vehicle Mechanic Certificate (#M252117). Eric recently accepted a new part-time teaching position at a local public school and he serves on the advisory board for the auto service program here in SE Michigan.

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Eric was featured in a 2022 documentary film produced by Hagerty which profiled the work he did bringing a rare Mopar muscle car back to life. After that success, he began hosting and documenting his own automotive repair projects in the "Chase Classic Motors" video channel on YouTube and other media sites. Eric enjoys showing viewers the hands-on steps needed in reviving and preserving classic cars. However, he also believes that his videos should encourage classic car owners and fans to have the confidence to take on repair and restoration work themselves. As a teacher, Eric feels that his video series is less about showing off his talents and more about providing insight, information, tips, and tricks to help fellow car enthusiasts keep their classic cars on the road. 

 

Eric is also an expert model car builder and has an impressive classic car collection including: a 1965 Checker Marathon Station wagon, a 1967 Chrysler New Yorker, a 1980 Plymouth Gran Fury, a 1981 Imperial by Chrysler, a 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Funeral Coach by Eureka, a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1, and a 2003 Saab 9-5. However, his favorite is the Michigan State Police car he painstakingly restored over several years: a 1984 Plymouth Gran Fury AHB Police Pursuit pkg. Eric regularly brings his vintage cars to local car shows and charity events here in Michigan and he donates his extra time to his community and his church.

 

For years, Eric’s dream was to own a classic car repair and specialty workshop and as co-owner of Chase Classic Motors, LLC his dream is finally coming true!