The votes are in, the builds are complete, and the AutoBidMaster Rebuild Challenge has officially wrapped. What started as burnt metal, crumpled frames, and salvage yard hopefuls ended with jaw-dropping transformations that pushed the limits of what’s possible with determination, skill, and a solid salvage car restoration challenge.
The 2025 competition didn’t just break records—it shattered them. We’re talking 100,000 views! The AutoBidMaster Rebuild Challenge proved once again that the car restoration contest has become the ultimate proving ground for builders who turn wrecked cars into remarkable builds.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Ten finalists. Countless hours in the garage. And one impossible-to-ignore stat: 112 votes for a single build. That’s the kind of support that makes a People’s Choice Award car contest more than just a competition—it becomes a movement.
The voting went wild. Builders rallied their communities. Friends tagged friends. Social media exploded with before-and-after shots that seemed impossible. This wasn’t just about cash prizes. It was about proving that salvage vehicles deserve a second chance and that the people rebuilding them deserve recognition.
The Premium Membership AutoBidMaster giveaway added another layer of excitement. One lucky voter walked away with $350 worth of benefits, showing that supporting great builds pays off, literally.
Meet AutoBidMaster Winners 2025
First Place – $2,000: Caleb Benjamin’s Phoenix Rising
2022 MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR
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Caleb didn’t just rebuild a bike—he brought a fire-damaged MV Agusta back to life. Burnt fairings, melted components, catastrophic damage—most people would’ve parted it out. Caleb saw potential. His auto rebuild competition entry became the gold standard for what’s achievable when you refuse to give up on a build. The MV Agusta Brutale transformation from charred wreck to showroom-worthy machine earned him top honors and proved that sometimes the most damaged projects create the most stunning results.
Second Place – $1,000: Matthew Jenson’s Prom Night Miracle
2015 Chevrolet Corvette
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Five days. That’s all Matthew gave himself to rebuild a Chevrolet Corvette and drive it 1,100 miles to prom. Not as a trailer queen. Not as a gamble. As a fully sorted, reliable car that completed the entire journey without a single issue.
The build challenge was insane. Most builders take months. Matthew had less than a week. And he didn’t just finish—he dominated. His build captured the most votes in the People’s Choice Award car contest, making him both the Second Place overall winner AND the People’s Choice champion. That’s $2,000 total, a Premium Membership AutoBidMaster package, and the kind of street cred that money can’t buy.
Third Place – $500: Justin Dorsa’s Gran Turismo Dream
2011 Lotus Evora S
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Justin’s vehicle restoration competition entry started in a video game. As a kid playing Gran Turismo, the Lotus Evora S was his dream car. Years later, he found one at auction—damaged, challenging, and perfect. Nine months of problem-solving, parts hunting, and late-night wrenching later, Justin drives his childhood dream every single day.
We sat down with Justin for an exclusive interview where he shared the full story of his custom car build contest journey. From the moment he placed his bid to the challenges he faced during the rebuild, Justin’s experience proves that these competitions aren’t just about crossing finish lines—they’re about fulfilling automotive dreams.
Watch the full interview here.
The Competition That Kept Us Watching
Beyond the podium finishers, the 2025 finalists represented the incredible diversity of auto auction restoration projects happening across the country
FINALIST #5: 2016 Audi S5/RS5 – 42 votes
German engineering meets American determination in this car transformation project.
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FINALIST #3: 2022 Porsche Cayman – 26 votes
Modern Porsche performance rescued from salvage status.
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FINALIST #9: 2018 Infiniti Q50 – 20 votes
Luxury sedan rebuilt with precision and attention to detail.
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And several other incredible builds that pushed boundaries and expanded what we thought possible with salvage vehicles.
What Made 2025 Different
In 2025, participants saw new opportunities. A burnt motorcycle became a masterpiece. A rush rebuild became a reliability statement. A video game fantasy became a daily driver reality.
The prize money certainly motivated builders. But there’s something bigger happening behind the scenes: people are getting inspired. They’re learning. They’re realizing that the salvage vehicle sitting in an auction lot could be their next build, passion project, or triumph.
Ready to Find Your Next Project?
Register for free on AutoBidMaster and explore thousands of salvage vehicles today. Your winning build might be waiting in tomorrow’s auction!
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