New Episodes of Anthology Series ‘AUTO BIOGRAPHY’ Begin Streaming March 8 on discovery+
The Untold History of Famous Cars and Their Owners:
New Episodes of The Anthology Series
Auto Biography
Begin Streaming March 8 on Discovery+
Cars have become much more than simply a mode of transportation or a piece of metal that gets us from place to place. Each car has its own story and unique history to tell. For decades, cars have inspired people around the world and left a lasting impact on our lives and in history books. AUTO BIOGRAPHY, the new anthology series on discovery+,explores the history of some of the world’s most famous cars through the lens of the people behind the wheel.
Through the first-hand accounts of drivers, industry experts, and others lucky enough to have experienced them at their peak, AUTO BIOGRAPHY reveals the inspiring stories and cultural impact these famous automobiles leave behind. These cars and their owners changed the automotive industry and have left behind legacies that continue to touch the lives of millions.
The final three episodes of AUTO BIOGRAPHY begin streaming Monday, March 8 on discovery+, the definitive non-fiction, real-life subscription streaming service. In addition to watching AUTO BIOGRAPHY on discovery+, viewers can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #AutoBiography and following discovery+ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In each episode, AUTO BIOGRAPHY spotlights an important story from the auto industry, spanning from the 1920’s up through the modern day. From the backyard engineering project turned fastest jet powered car on the planet, to the tale of “the snake” and “the mongoose” and their faceoff that catapulted drag racing into public consciousness, each episode of AUTO BIOGRAPHY details the history of cars that inspired millions and changed the auto industry forever.
When The Cannonball Run premiered in 1981, lines circled the block as thousands of people came out to see it in theatres. But many were not aware that the film was inspired by a real-life illegal street race held in protest by car journalist Brock Yates. The true story behind the film is far stranger and much more unbelievable. The race, held in secret across the United States, had almost no restrictions with participants free to modify their car anyway they saw fit. When Hollywood caught wind of the race from New York to California, they invited Brock to Tinseltown to pitch him a movie. Driving cross country in his own souped-up car, he didn’t know at the time that hitting it big in LA would come at an even bigger price.
It’s 1960 and young Californian Fireman, Craig Breedlove, is bored. He’s a hot-rod enthusiast with a need for speed. When he reads about the world record speed attempts that are to take place at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, he immediately quits his job and sets himself an impossible goal – to drive the fastest car on Earth. With little money and no formal engineering education, he begs his Dad for the cash to buy a scrapped jet engine. His Dad lets him use his backyard garage and with a group of friends, they set about achieve the impossible. Craig designed and built the world’s fastest jet powered land vehicle, Spirit of America. Reaching top speeds of over 500 mph, Craig Breedlove dances with death as he becomes the fastest man on wheels.
Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “the Mongoose” McEwan changed drag racing forever with their famous rivalry that drew thousands of eyes to the sport. Don “the Snake” Prudhomme is known as the fastest and fiercest racer on the track at any given time. His winning went largely unchallenged until Tom “”the Mongoose”” McEwan, a fan favorite, began to beat him consistently. It was almost as if McEwan was Prudhomme kryptonite, the mongoose to the snake. Their races drew in large crowds, boosted the sports notoriety, and even launched a hit kid’s toy. Together, the Mongoose and the Snake boosted drag racing from the underground scene to the big time.
AUTO BIOGRAPHY takes viewers along for the ride, highlighting how cars and driving legends are not born, they’re made.
AUTO BIOGRAPHY is produced by Raw TV; with Sam Maynard and Mike Griffiths as executive producers. Howard Swartz and Igal Svet are executive producers for Discovery.
About discovery +:
discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service. discovery+ features a landmark partnership with Verizon that gives their customers with select plans up to 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. discovery+ has the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service at launch, featuring a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular, passion verticals in which Discovery brands have a strong leadership position, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. For more, visit discoveryplus.com or find it on a variety of platforms and devices, including ones from Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Roku and Samsung.
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Jessica Driscoll
Jessica_Driscoll@Discovery.com
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