Design and Empathy with Raffi Minasian

Please help us extend a warm welcome to one of BaT's favorite designers, teachers, sellers, and all-around renaissance men: Raffi Minasian, known in these halls as @raffi. He talks with Alex about his father's "trial by fire" mechanical training program; the roots of his obsession with car design; learning to drive in a 1952 Crosley (with doors!); human- and object-based empathy; a novel way to stay calm in the BaT comments; accidentally becoming a star seller for other people's cars; the odd calmness that 1,200 live BaT auctions can provide; his unorthodox, Pegaso-centric introduction to Art Center College of Design, his future alma mater; his 16 years in die cast design at Franklin Mint; insights into shifts in popular culture; embracing the ridiculous; and the Beetle as a gateway drug.

The pair close out talking about Raffi's efforts in nontraditional, hands-on education for young children, his recent foray into TV writing and acting, and his numerous, fascinating upcoming projects.

Links for things mentioned in this episode:

1:05 Listings and Car Stories Contributed by Raffi 

9:18 39k-Mile 1985 Ford Mustang SVO

13:47 1-of-52 1967 Ghia 450SS

18:58 Car Stories: Raffi’s 1953 Pegaso Z-102–The “Thrill” of a Lifetime

27:28 Franklin Mint 1970 Datsun 240Z

28:35 BaT Limited Edition Hot Rod and BaT Limited Edition 1972 Chevrolet K10 Tow Rig and Trailer Combo

31:36 1958 Chris-Craft 26′ Continental Hardtop

31:50 Coronado Boats on BaT

54:32 It's a Lot TV pilot trailer

59:52 1990 Yugo Cabrio 5-Speed

Got suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community or One Year Garage episode? Let us know at [email protected]!