Ryan Carter - boss man, head cheese, supreme (and fearless) leader, bill paying deity
Ryan set up United Speed Shop in December 2014 and he’s put together a highly talented team of guys dedicated to building killer street cars… and drinking beer… and talking utter nonsense. Here is our five minutes with the busiest man in Newcastle.
What’s your background?
I’m a graphic designer by trade and I’ve done nearly 20 years as a freelance designer doing work for Street Machine in their Expression Session section. I moved on to managing my mate’s shop for 2 years before setting up United to build my dream shop.
Where is your home town?
I was born in Gosford, NSW, but I call my home town Newcastle as I’ve lived here on and off for 20 years.
What’s your ride?
It’s a 1955 Chevy 3100 sitting on a ’55 Chevy sedan frame with an LS1 and 6-speed manual from a VX SS Commodore, four-link rear-end and 17inch steel wheels. All the patina on the body is genuine and I want it to feel much more like a hard and fast shop truck, unlike my last ’59 Chevy pick-up which was dark green and more show-style.
Who inspires you?
Definitely my dad, he was a major inspiration growing up. There is a lot of guys out there doing cool stuff but my main one is Chip Foose – he is where he is because of what he does and, as a designer, his drawings were awesome.
What grinds your gears?
Sydney traffic, tomato falling out of my toasted sandwich while I’m trying to eat it, and laziness. Particularly if someone has taken needless shortcuts while making something they’ll later sell. Just do it right the first time.
What is the coolest car ever?
There’s so many good ones but Terry Cook’s Lincoln “Scrape” comes to mind.
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke (and Bundy, which is the only reason Coke exists)
What’s your five year plan?
Basically doing what we’re doing but on a bigger scale, just build on what we’re doing now!
If you had to choose between watching Nicky Minaj drown or eating the tastiest sandwich in the world, what would you put on that sandwich?
Lots of cheese!
