Introduction
Steve Dulcich is a name that car enthusiasts across the world recognize instantly. Whether you know him from the popular MotorTrend series Roadkill Garage, the technically brilliant Engine Masters, or his long-running work as a journalist and magazine editor, Steve has carved out a genuinely unique place in American automotive culture. He is not just a TV host. He is an engine builder, a technical writer, an editor, and a working grape farmer all rolled into one. This article covers everything you need to know about Steve Dulcich, from his early life and career to his family, farm, and estimated net worth.
Steve Dulcich Wikipedia
Below is a quick-reference biography table with the essential facts about Steve Dulcich.
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Steve Dulcich |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1977 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 47 years old |
| Birthplace | United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (Croatian heritage) |
| Star Sign | Cancer |
| Education | University of Southern California (USC), Finance degree |
| Profession | TV Host, Automotive Journalist, Engine Builder, Grape Farmer |
| Famous For | Roadkill Garage, Engine Masters, Roadkill (MotorTrend) |
| Wife | Name not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Emily Dulcich (daughter), James Dulcich (son) |
| Farm Location | Earlimart, Tulare County, Southern California |
| Net Worth (est.) | Approximately $2 million |
| @stevedulcich (245K+ followers) | |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 146 lbs (66 kg) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
Who is Steve Dulcich?
Steve Dulcich is an American automotive expert, television personality, journalist, and grape farmer based in Earlimart, Tulare County, Southern California. He is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable engine builders in the country, with over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive industry.
Most fans first discovered Steve through his co-hosting role on Roadkill Garage alongside David Freiburger, where the two transform beat-up, budget-bought vehicles into surprisingly capable machines. His calm, methodical approach to engine building and his deep technical knowledge have earned him a loyal following among car enthusiasts of all ages.
Beyond television, Steve spent years as an editor and contributing writer for multiple publications including Hot Rod Magazine, Engine Masters Magazine, Hemi Muscle, Mopar Muscle, and Hot Rod Body and Paint. He is also a working grape farmer, with a large vineyard on his property in Earlimart that has been part of his family’s agricultural legacy for decades. His family connections include Dulcich and Sons, one of California’s most prominent table grape operations, known for the Pretty Lady brand sold worldwide.
How Old is Steve Dulcich? Age and Birthday
Steve Dulcich was born on July 16, 1977, which makes him 47 years old as of 2025. His star sign is Cancer, a sign often associated with dedication, loyalty, and a strong connection to home and family values, all qualities that seem to suit Steve well given how deeply rooted he is in both his farm and his craft.
He was born and raised in the United States, though his exact city of birth has never been publicly confirmed. Steve grew up in California and has spent the majority of his life in the state, particularly in the Central Valley region where his family has agricultural roots. Despite his growing public profile over the years, he has always kept details about his early family life and upbringing fairly private.
What is Steve Dulcich’s Net Worth?
Steve Dulcich’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million as of 2025, though some sources suggest it could range between $1 million and $3 million depending on the calculation method used.
His wealth comes from several income streams, including:
- Television hosting fees from MotorTrend productions including Roadkill Garage and Engine Masters
- Revenue from his grape farming and vineyard operations in Earlimart, California
- Earnings from magazine writing and editorial work over more than two decades
- YouTube channel income from automotive content
- Automotive consulting and brand collaborations with companies such as Mopar Muscle and Hemi Muscle
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What stands out about Steve is that he has never appeared to be motivated primarily by money. His social media presence, his workshop named “Slab City,” and the way he talks about his projects all reflect someone who genuinely loves his craft. The financial rewards appear to be a natural outcome of doing what he loves well.
Steve Dulcich’s Career
Early Career and Education
Steve Dulcich attended school in California before going on to graduate from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in finance. Despite studying finance, his passion for cars never took a back seat. During his time at USC, he took multiple engineering courses driven purely by his love for mechanics and engines.
After graduating, Steve took a job at a Dodge dealership parts counter, a role that gave him practical, hands-on exposure to the automotive parts world and helped sharpen his knowledge of vehicle components. It was an entry-level position, but it planted the seeds for what would become a deeply impressive career in the automotive industry.
Journalism and Writing
Steve’s first major step into the automotive media world came through writing. He became a contributor for High-Performance Mopar Magazine and quickly built a reputation as a technically sharp and reliable writer. Over the years, his byline appeared in Hot Rod Magazine, Super Chevy, Hemi Muscle, Hot Rod Body and Paint, Mopar Muscle, and most notably Engine Masters Magazine, where he eventually rose to the role of Editor in Chief.
His editorial work covered the technical side of hot rodding in depth, from engine builds and dyno testing to valvetrain mechanics and performance tuning. His writing combined real hands-on experience with genuine expertise, which is exactly what gave it credibility among enthusiast readers.
Television Career
Steve Dulcich’s transition from print journalism to television came through his involvement with Engine Masters, a show that tested automotive components and modifications using dyno technology to deliver verifiable performance data. The scientific format suited his methodical mind perfectly, and he quickly became one of the show’s most respected voices.
He also became a familiar face on Roadkill, the flagship MotorTrend show hosted by David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, where he made multiple guest appearances. His breakthrough as a full-time co-host came with Roadkill Garage, which launched in 2016 and was filmed at his property in Earlimart. The show ran for multiple seasons on the MotorTrend platform before MotorTrend Productions announced its closure in November 2024.
Steve appeared in 63 episodes of Roadkill Garage between 2016 and 2023 and also appeared as a guest host on Hot Rod Garage and Roadworthy Rescues. He participated in the Engine Masters Challenge for approximately 15 years, a prestigious competition where engine builders from around the world competed using dyno testing to prove which builds performed best.
YouTube and Current Projects
Steve launched his personal YouTube channel on April 20, 2016, and uploaded his debut video on January 2, 2021. The channel grew to over 149,000 subscribers and features content about engine building, car restorations, and life on the farm. One of the channel’s most popular recurring subjects has been his daughter Emily’s 1967 Dodge Dart restoration project. Steve has also collaborated with Wiley Stevens on the Shifted channel, which covers automotive builds and car culture content.
His Instagram account at @stevedulcich has attracted over 245,000 followers, making him one of the more followed figures in automotive media on that platform.
Farming Operations
In addition to everything else, Steve Dulcich is a working farmer. His vineyard in Earlimart, Tulare County, Southern California produces high-quality California table grapes and has been central to his family’s agricultural identity for decades. The farm also served as the filming location for Roadkill Garage, with abandoned and project cars often sourced directly from the property. His workshop, Slab City, sits on the same grounds, allowing Steve to switch seamlessly between tending to his vines and working on engines.
Is Steve Dulcich Married? Wife and Relationship Status
Steve Dulcich’s wife has never been publicly named, and Steve has gone to great lengths to keep his personal relationships away from the public eye. He is a very private person when it comes to family life, and his wife has not appeared in his television shows or social media posts in any official capacity.
Some sources suggest Steve may have been previously married and that his former wife was originally from New Zealand, with the couple spending time there before returning to California to raise their family. However, these details remain unconfirmed. What is clear is that Steve has two children and that family is evidently important to him, even if he chooses not to share much of it publicly.
Steve Dulcich’s Children
Steve Dulcich has two children, a daughter named Emily Dulcich and a son named James Dulcich. Both were raised on the family vineyard property in California.
Emily Dulcich
Emily Dulcich is Steve’s daughter and the more publicly visible of his two children. She was born in the late 1990s or early 2000s and is currently in her mid-to-late 20s. Emily has appeared in content on Steve’s YouTube channel, most notably in connection with her 1967 Dodge Dart restoration project, which has delighted fans who see her following directly in her father’s footsteps.
Emily has her own presence on Instagram where she has built a following of over 6,000 followers. She shares her father’s enthusiasm for automobiles and has shown a real aptitude for car building. Steve occasionally shares photos of Emily on his social media, giving fans a glimpse into their bond as a father-daughter duo with a shared passion for cars and the mechanical world.
James Dulcich
James Dulcich is Steve’s son, and he has maintained an almost entirely private life. Very little information is publicly available about James, and he does not appear regularly on Steve’s social media platforms. Some sources indicate that James has spent time between California and New Zealand. Beyond these fragments, Steve has kept his son’s life well away from the public spotlight, a decision that appears consistent with the family’s overall preference for privacy.
Steve Dulcich’s Farm and Vineyard
Steve Dulcich’s farm is located in Earlimart, Tulare County, in California’s Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. The property is large and serves a dual purpose: it functions as a working grape vineyard and as the home base for Steve’s automotive operations, including his workshop, Slab City.
The farm is tied deeply to the Dulcich family’s agricultural history. The Dulcich family has Croatian heritage, and relatives established Dulcich and Sons, one of the largest table grape growing operations in California. Founded in 1960 when Jakov Dulcich immigrated from Croatia to California, the company produces the Pretty Lady brand of table grapes that are exported worldwide. Steve grows multiple varieties of grapes on his vineyard, including red, green, and black seedless varieties. The operation requires year-round attention covering pruning, irrigation management, and harvest.
The farm became famous among car fans as the backdrop for Roadkill Garage. Many of the vehicles featured in the show were sourced directly from the property, which has accumulated various project cars and classics over the years. The picturesque setting of the California Central Valley combined with the presence of rusting automotive treasures gave the show a distinctive visual identity that fans came to love.
Steve also keeps a pack of dogs on the property, which became a beloved running element of Roadkill Garage, with the dogs frequently appearing in episodes.
Fast Facts About Steve Dulcich
- Born on July 16, 1977, Steve’s star sign is Cancer
- He graduated from the University of Southern California with a finance degree
- Steve is a certified engine expert with over 20 years of hands-on automotive experience
- His workshop is named “Slab City” and is located on his farm in Earlimart, California
- He co-hosted Roadkill Garage for 63 episodes between 2016 and 2023
- He was part of the Engine Masters Challenge for approximately 15 years
- Steve has written for Hot Rod Magazine, Mopar Muscle, Hemi Muscle, Super Chevy, and Engine Masters Magazine
- His farm grows table grapes for local and international markets
- He has a nephew named Greg Dulcich, a professional footballer who played at UCLA
- His Instagram account has over 245,000 followers
- Steve owns a notable personal car collection including a 1968 Charger and a C5 Corvette
- Roadkill Garage and all MotorTrend Productions shows were cancelled in November 2024 following the closure of MotorTrend Productions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Steve Dulcich?
Steve Dulcich was born on July 16, 1977, making him 47 years old as of 2025. He celebrates his birthday in July each year.
What is Steve Dulcich’s net worth?
Steve Dulcich’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million as of 2025, earned through television hosting, magazine writing, and his grape farming operations in California.
Who is Steve Dulcich’s wife?
Steve Dulcich has kept his wife’s identity entirely private throughout his career. She has not appeared publicly on his shows or social media, and her name has not been confirmed in any public source.
What shows has Steve Dulcich appeared in?
Steve Dulcich is best known for co-hosting Roadkill Garage and Engine Masters on MotorTrend. He also appeared as a guest host on Roadkill, Hot Rod Garage, and Roadworthy Rescues.
Where is Steve Dulcich’s farm located?
Steve Dulcich’s farm and vineyard are located in Earlimart, Tulare County, in Southern California’s Central Valley. The property also houses his automotive workshop, Slab City.
Does Steve Dulcich have children?
Yes, Steve Dulcich has two children. His daughter Emily Dulcich has a shared passion for cars and has appeared in content on his YouTube channel. His son James Dulcich maintains a very private life.
Is Steve Dulcich still active in 2025?
Yes, Steve Dulcich remains active through his personal YouTube channel and Instagram presence. Though Roadkill Garage was cancelled following the closure of MotorTrend Productions in November 2024, Steve continues to share automotive and farm content with his audience online.
Conclusion
Steve Dulcich is one of the most genuinely multidimensional personalities in American automotive media. He is an engine expert who can explain the technical details of a valve timing adjustment, a television host who made Saturday garage sessions look irresistible on screen, a journalist with over two decades of published work, and a grape farmer who grows produce sold around the world. What makes him particularly compelling is that none of these identities feel performed. Steve has always come across as someone who is simply living his life on his own terms, in his workshop, on his farm, and in front of a camera when the opportunity presents itself.
With a net worth around $2 million, two grown children, a loyal following of over 245,000 on Instagram, and a YouTube channel continuing to grow, Steve Dulcich’s story is still very much in progress. For fans who grew up watching him build engines and fix cars on the MotorTrend platform, it is genuinely exciting to see what he does next.
