THE CAR COLLECTOR'S WORKSHOP

The 4th garage on Gene Ponder's automotive compound is actually his workshop, or "Mechanic's Garage," located at the back of the estate. And it comes with a personal mechanic, Harold Rogers, who performs maintenance and restorations on Gene's collection.

The workshop is fully loaded with just about every piece of equipment and tool you could ever hope for. Complete restorations are performed out here as well as body work and detailing on Gene's cars. Tracking down parts is half the battle and Gene spends hours pouring over guides and searching online.

Says Harold, "The first time Gene and I met, he had purchased an old Jaguar, and he brought it into the shop where I was working with my father. We told him it needed a major overhaul and that it would be very expensive. He just started his business and couldn't afford the restoration, so he had to sell the car. He felt so bad after selling it that he vowed that he would never have to sell a favorite car again, so I like to say that I helped to inspire his success."

Click through the PHOTOS at right to get ideas for your own shop.