Inside Doug DeMuro's Extraordinary Subterranean Automotive Facility
Doug DeMuro's Cars and Bids headquarters is a remarkable subterranean complex, spanning three levels beneath the surface. This windowless marvel is accessed by a specialized car elevator, creating an environment akin to a hidden sanctuary for automotive enthusiasts. It seamlessly integrates vehicle storage, a corporate workspace, and a television production facility, showcasing an innovative approach to combining diverse functions within a single, extraordinary space.
The Unique Operations of a Subterranean Workplace
The vast, open-plan concrete structure of the Cars and Bids headquarters presents a unique challenge for daily operations. Without internal walls or soundproofing, the space experiences significant echo. When filming vehicle reviews under studio lighting, all employees must refrain from meetings or loud discussions to avoid disrupting production. This necessitates creative solutions for privacy, with staff utilizing parked cars—ranging from a BMW X5 to classic sports cars—as makeshift, high-value office cubicles for private calls and virtual meetings.
Operating within this windowless, multi-functional underground facility demands innovative workarounds. The inherent lack of sound barriers means that during active filming sessions, the entire team must adapt their work habits. Private conversations and virtual meetings are conducted within the confines of available vehicles, effectively transforming the diverse car inventory into temporary, sound-dampened meeting spaces. This ingenious solution highlights the adaptability of DeMuro’s team in maintaining productivity while accommodating the unique demands of their extraordinary workspace and media production schedule.
A Curated Collection of Automotive Gems
The Petersen Automotive Museum's YouTube channel offered a glimpse into Doug's garage, revealing an eclectic collection of vehicles housed beneath the bustling streets of San Diego. Far from focusing solely on high-priced exotic cars, the inventory features a fascinating array of low-mileage rarities and future classics. This rotating selection is constantly reviewed and prepared for auction, reflecting DeMuro's distinct taste for the unusual and significant in the automotive world. The diverse mix ensures there's always something new and intriguing within the underground lair.
Among the remarkable vehicles found in DeMuro's underground sanctuary are unexpected treasures like a pristine Nissan Pathfinder with minimal mileage and an exceptionally rare Lotus 340R, alongside a meticulously preserved third-generation Acura TL. The collection further boasts a low-mileage Pontiac Firebird Ram Air, a V12 Aston Martin Vanquish, a unique front-wheel-drive Lotus Elan, a powerful fifth-generation Dodge Viper SRT, and a vintage 1960s Alfa Romeo TZ. This captivating assortment also includes a Nissan Skyline R34, a robust turbo-diesel Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series, a right-hand-drive Ford Sierra Cosworth, and a 2009 Maserati GranTurismo, notably modified with a gated six-speed manual transmission. Beyond the auction inventory, DeMuro's personal collection includes a cherished Lamborghini Countach and a well-used 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet, alongside employee Ryan Lopez’s custom "Zesty" drift car. The facility also features a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom, supporting the team's round-the-clock operations and offering comprehensive amenities for their dedicated work.