Long Beach is a dream destination for car lovers. Home to the iconic Grand Prix of Long Beach, a thriving classic car scene, and a vibrant automotive culture, it offers numerous opportunities for enthusiasts to turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re into high-performance vehicles, classic cars, or simply enjoy driving, there are plenty of flexible side hustles that let you make extra income while doing what you love. Here are some of the best side gigs for car enthusiasts in and around Long Beach.
1. Renting Your Car on Turo
If you own a desirable car—especially a classic, performance, or manual transmission vehicle—you can make passive income by renting it out on Turo. Many tourists and car enthusiasts visit Long Beach and are willing to pay a premium to drive a unique vehicle while in town. Plus, with local events like the Long Beach Grand Prix, demand for specialty rentals spikes throughout the year.
2. Teaching Manual Driving at Manual Driving Academy
One of the most rewarding and flexible side hustles is becoming a manual driving instructor at Manual Driving Academy. This gig allows you to set your own schedule and help others learn a valuable skill. Many drivers in Long Beach are eager to master stick shift for work, travel, or car restoration projects. If you own a manual transmission vehicle, this is a fantastic opportunity to make extra income while sharing your passion for driving. Apply here.
3. Working at Car Shows and Auto Events
Long Beach is known for its incredible car events, from the Long Beach Auto Show to the Japanese Classic Car Show. Many of these events hire temporary workers for ticketing, parking management, and vendor support. If you love being around cars and networking with fellow enthusiasts, this is a great way to earn money while staying connected to the industry.
4. Flipping Car Parts
With a strong demand for aftermarket and classic car parts in Long Beach, flipping automotive components can be a lucrative side hustle. Local junkyards, Facebook Marketplace, and swap meets like the Pomona Swap Meet offer plenty of opportunities to buy low and sell high. Whether you’re restoring vintage parts or reselling high-performance components, this side gig can be highly profitable.
5. Offering Private Rides for Special Events
Many Long Beach visitors and locals seek unique transportation for weddings, proms, and corporate events. If you own a luxury, classic, or exotic car, you can offer private ride services. Websites like Getaround and DriveShare allow you to list your vehicle for chauffeured events, creating an easy side income stream.
6. Creating Automotive Content
If you love talking about cars, why not monetize your passion by creating automotive content? You can start a YouTube channel, TikTok account, or blog focused on Long Beach’s car culture. From reviewing vehicles to covering local car shows, there’s an audience eager to consume automotive-related content. You can earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Conclusion
From renting out your car to flipping parts and teaching stick shift, Long Beach offers countless side hustle opportunities for car enthusiasts. Whether you prefer hands-on gigs or passive income streams, there’s something for every skill level and interest. If you’re looking for a rewarding and flexible way to make money while sharing your love for driving, consider becoming an instructor at Manual Driving Academy. Apply today and turn your passion into profit!
