At 82 minutes, the Switchcast interview with Jimmy Repasi is the most comprehensive deep-dive into CGT expertise ever recorded. Host Doug Tabbutt traveled to Connecticut specifically to capture this conversation at the Repasi Motorwerks facility, and the result is an unparalleled look at what it takes to become a world-class specialist in a single automotive niche.
This isn't just an interview about fixing cars—it's a case study in building expertise. Jimmy's journey from modifying Japanese imports in his parents' garage to becoming the person that owners trust with their million-dollar Carrera GTs offers lessons that extend far beyond the automotive world. The conversation reveals how passion, continuous learning, and willingness to tackle challenges others avoid can create genuine mastery.
Key Takeaways
- Jimmy's path started with Japanese tuner cars before discovering Porsche through the PTAP (Porsche Technical Apprentice Program)
- The CGT's clutch reputation is largely undeserved—proper throttle technique is the real solution
- Senior CGT-trained technicians largely moved on, creating a knowledge gap that Jimmy filled through dedicated study
- Pre-purchase inspections have prevented buyers from making six-figure mistakes on problematic cars
- Major service is designed to ensure engines won't need removal for 10-12 years when done properly
- Rising CGT values have changed the market, making proper service documentation more valuable than ever
- Jimmy prioritized learning over easy profits, turning away work he wasn't confident in until he mastered the platform
- The business was built on reputation and referrals, not marketing or advertising
Video Chapters
Introduction
Doug Tabbutt introduces the episode and explains why he traveled to Connecticut
Early Years
Jimmy's journey from Japanese tuner cars to Porsche apprenticeship
The Knowledge Gap
How senior technicians moving on created an opportunity for dedicated specialists
Clutch Truth
Debunking the CGT clutch myth and explaining proper driving technique
Pre-Purchase Process
What a thorough CGT inspection involves and why it matters
Major Service Philosophy
Why Jimmy's approach focuses on preventing future engine-out needs
Business Philosophy
Building expertise through dedication rather than shortcuts
Expert Commentary
The interview's extended format allows Jimmy to share context that shorter conversations miss. When discussing the CGT's clutch, he doesn't just say it's a technique issue—he explains the physics of why the car behaves as it does and how understanding this transforms the driving experience from stressful to satisfying.
Jimmy's discussion of the industry knowledge gap is particularly illuminating. When the Carrera GT was new, dealership technicians received factory training and gained experience through warranty work. As these cars aged out of dealership service and those technicians retired or moved into management, a vacuum formed. Jimmy filled this vacuum not by accident, but through deliberate effort to understand these cars at a level most technicians never pursued.
The conversation about pre-purchase inspections reveals the stakes involved. Jimmy describes examining cars that appeared pristine on the surface but concealed significant issues—problems that would have cost new owners hundreds of thousands of dollars to address. His inspections have stopped transactions where sellers misrepresented vehicle condition, protecting buyers from potentially devastating purchases.
Perhaps most interesting is Jimmy's business philosophy. Rather than accepting every job that came through the door, he turned away work on platforms he hadn't mastered. This approach prioritized long-term reputation over short-term revenue—a strategy that ultimately built the trust that allows owners to ship their cars across the country for service.
Why This Matters for CGT Owners
This 82-minute conversation provides something rare: genuine insight into building world-class expertise. For CGT owners and prospective buyers, it offers a masterclass in understanding what proper service looks like and why specialized knowledge matters so much for these cars.
For anyone interested in the automotive industry, Jimmy's story illustrates that expertise isn't just about technical skill—it's about dedication, continuous learning, and the integrity to admit what you don't know while working to fill those gaps.
The interview also demonstrates why certain specialists become trusted regardless of geography. Owners don't choose Repasi Motorwerks because it's convenient—they choose it because Jimmy's expertise is worth the logistics of shipping a car across the country.
Doug Tabbutt's Switchcast interview represents the definitive Jimmy Repasi conversation. At 82 minutes, it requires significant time investment, but that investment pays dividends in understanding. Whether you're a CGT owner, prospective buyer, automotive professional, or simply someone who appreciates genuine expertise, this interview delivers exceptional value. The combination of Jimmy's deep knowledge and Doug's thoughtful questions creates a resource that stands alone in CGT content.
