It’s Disneyland for dads; the ultimate man-cave, featuring a big bar, upper mezzanine, solid sound system, and even a guest bedroom, full bath, and kitchen.
Oh, and it’s also stocked with a massive car collection that’s downright priceless to him.
“We drive everything in here at least every 10 days, unless they are mounted on the walls. Some things can't be driven simply because of rarity," said Mike Lovell, the Valley based husband, dad, custom car builder and collector.
“When I was a kid, we were always working on cars and going to car shows. Now, my girls are really into it; in fact, my oldest races professionally in the Toyota GR Cup Series.”
Any onlooker would find Lovell's garage surreal. His custom-built showroom is a guy’s dreamland, and it neighbors his massive workshop.
“We have a shop next door where we build cars and bikes. We’ve bought things in boxes that have taken years to put back together. We're getting ready to build a 1978 Trans Am with a crate motor and Roadster Shop chassis.”
Lovell has a pure love for his ’69 Camaro as part of what he dubs his “blue collar collection” of vintage and contemporary cars and motorcycles. His 10,000-square-foot standalone car barn houses his prized possessions.
“I have a unique GSXR that was never sold in the United States, Europe only. I have two GSXRs that are limited edition; they only made 500 total in the world. One of my babies is an original 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 with 26,000 original miles. It's the holy grail of cars because it changed the course of automotive history.”
His eclectic collection includes his oldest car, a rare 1932 Packard; a 2014 1,800-mile Aston Martin Vanquish; and a 1920 Indian.
“I still have my first car, a ’67 Camaro we got when I was 14 years old. It did not look like it does now; it was white, rusted out and total junk. It’s one of my babies for sure.”
The car connoisseur says he’s not trying to collect anything specific; it’s simply a room full of cars he loves and drives regularly.
“On one of my Hummers, our team installed a supercharged LT1, putting out about 800 horsepower. My other Hummer was used by the military.”
And the luxe cars live in luxury. Lovell’s swoonworthy man-cave is utterly awesome, flaunting a big bar, comfy seating, and a floating mezzanine with TVs. The entire setup is climate controlled through six air-conditioning systems.
“My favorite thing is anything I drove last, although our ‘67 Corvette means a lot to me because we’ve had this car since my wife and I were young and broke.”
Mike and his wife Stacy live with their three children in a home on an additional five acres separated from the garage. Their property also flaunts a dirt bike track and skateboard park built for their oldest daughter, a top-ranked competitor.
“You make up for things you didn't have as a kid, and you get to a point in life where you can have them. It’s rewarding and fulfilling.”