There’s no denying it, eBay has changed the way gearheads shop and buy motor parts forever. The auction house giant is home to literally millions of car-related auctions every year, and so important has the car business become to eBay that the company has even started adding contests and web videos to its lineup.

eBay just this week announced the beginning to the “BUILT” web series, which gives eBay Motors fans a chance to interact with four top-notch shops across the country. Indeed, it will be voters who ultimately decide the winning vehicle, and all the rides will be auctioned off for charity.

So who are the contestants? Well representing the West Coast is Mackey’s Hot Rods, which will be customizing…wait for it…a 1968 Chevrolet G20 van. Yes, you read that right, a van. The van will be auctioned off to benefit the Marine Semper Fi Fund, and Mackey plans to use an aircraft carrier for influence.

Then there is Duran’s Quality Painting, which will work with a ‘66 El Camino and will likely go with a lowrider theme. There is also GSR Motorsport and Off Road Evolution, who will be modifying an ‘84 Porsche 911 and 1970 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando, respectively. The series began on Wednesday, and runs through August 27th, when the rides will be revealed. If you want to vote for your favorite, check out the “Built from eBay” website and follow along.

According to the folks at eBay, The series is part of eBay Motors’ larger strategy of developing engaging, unique content to provide enthusiasts with more than just a marketplace for vehicles and parts, but also provide them with inspiration for their next project, and entertainment that fits their passions. This also includes content that is designed specifically for eBay Motors’ iPhone app, such as “World’s Fastest Car Show,” starring former Le Mans winner Justin Bell,  and live streaming from automotive events such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and NASCAR events.

Official Release

eBay Motors Launches “BUILT” Video Series

Four World Class Garages Compete in Charity Vehicle Build-Off; Fans Tune Into Action Online, Vote for Weekly Winners

What’s going on?
eBay Motors is launching “BUILT,”a new web video series taking car fans behind the scenes as four of the best garages in the world compete to build four unique vehicles with the base vehicles and parts sourced entirely from eBay. There are more than bragging rights at stake – each vehicle will be auctioned off on eBay with the proceeds being donated to charities chosen by each of the participating garages.

Fans will play a big role in the series – The winner of BUILT will be chosen by viewers, who will vote on their favorite garage following each episode. The completed builds will be revealed in episode nine, and the winner of BUILT will be revealed in the tenth and final episode. The vehicles will then be auctioned for charity on eBay, and displayed at SEMA, the world’s largest automotive aftermarket event.

When Is This Happening?
From July 18 to August 27, car junkies can tune in each week to watch the ten-episode BUILT series airing on a brand new eBay Motors content hub, www.builtfromebay.com, to see every aspect of the build, from frame delivery to the final paint job. Each garage, all based in the Los Angeles area, will be coached along the way by  experts from Hot Rod, Lowrider, European Car, and Four Wheeler magazines to help make sure the builds go smoothly.

Who’s Building What?

The 1968 Chevy G20 Van that will be transformed by Mackey's Hot Rods

Project: 1968 Chevy G20 Van
Team: Mackey’s Hot Rods
Located in Huntington Beach, CA – the home of hot rod culture – Mackey’s Hot Rods will take on a 1968 Chevy G20 Van. The auction will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which aligns with Mackey’s plans to model the van after an aircraft carrier.

The '66 El Camino will be built by Duran's Quality Painting.

Project: 1966 Chevy El Camino
Team: Duran’s Quality Painting
Duran’s Quality Painting and owner Rico Duran have painted some of the most pristine lowriders in the world for the likes of David Beckham and several NFL players. Employing nearly a dozen family members, Rico will have plenty of help, which is a good thing: The 1966 El Camino he’s building will be undrivable when it rolls into the shop. Auction proceeds will benefit the SEMA Scholarship Fund.

The '84 Porsche 911 that will be Built by GSR Autosport

Project: 1984 Porsche 911
Team: GSR Autosport
As the only duo in the series, Michael Essa and Nick Richards are the co-owners of GSR Autosport. GSR specializes in European cars, which they also race professionally. The challenge – stretching their dollar: the purchase price of the Porsche and the parts they’ll need are much more expensive than the other garages’ projects. Auction proceeds will benefit SEMA Cares.

The '70 Jeep Commando that will be built by Off-Road Evolution

Project: 1970 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando
Team: Off Road Evolution
Tasked with building a 1970 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando, Mel Wade and his team at Off Road Evolution know how to go big. They’ve got the biggest shop and they specialize in the biggest vehicles: 4x4s. Their plans for the Jeep include ensuring it tops off at 100mph, on the road and in the desert. Fitting then that their vehicle will be auctioned to benefit the California Trail Users Coalition.

For more information on eBay Motors, visit: www.motors.ebay.com
For more information on BUILT, visit: www.builtfromebay.com