Longtime Malibuite Fireball Tim Lawrence is known around town for his friendly disposition and passion for automobiles. The car aficionado managed to turn his love for cars into a full-fledged career — ranging from designing the Batmobile for the 1989 Batman flick, to directing commercials and designing project vehicles for the likes of BMW and Mini Cooper — all of which Lawrence attributes to his upbringing and influence from his accomplished Hollywood parents. His father is one of the most published writers in the industry, having penned great television classics such as the original “The Outer Limits,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Hawaii 5-0” and “Gunsmoke.”
“I grew up in a Hollywood family with parents who were writers and producers in television,” Lawrence told The Malibu Times.
And, with his Hollywood parents came a very Hollywood name — Fireball. At first introduction, one would assume it was just a tag or stage name, but it was given to Lawrence at birth.
“The joke was, it’s what my mom yelled when I was coming out,” Lawrence said. “To me, it represents a state of mind and a passion for what you do. Anyone can be a ‘fireball’ — if you love golf, mountain climbing or even photography.
“A ‘fireball’ represents a tremendous amount of energy and passion, and being a bright light to the world,” he continued. “It’s something positive that leans people towards growth and advancement.”
Today, he’s calling the shots on projects that resonate with him personally — combining his passions for living life to the fullest, automobiles and his beach community.
Lawrence kicked off his annual automotive series Wheels & Waves two Sundays ago at the Malibu Country Mart. Community members and car enthusiasts had the opportunity to inspect the designs of 60 eclectic vehicles — including a 24 million dollar Ferrari — as they conversed over a cup of coffee.
“A typical first show is about 20 cars and we started with 60, so that was a pretty good start.
Contrary to what most may think, Wheels & Waves isn’t exclusive to those who own expensive rides,” Lawrence said.
According to Lawrence, all automotive enthusiasts are welcomed — even if the only vehicle you own fits in a toy box.
“It’s certainly not for people who come with a vehicle. We want people to come and be inspired,” he described. “You have car collectors, people who are builders, designers and everything in between.”
Growing up in Southern California, the young car enthusiast took his interest for Hot Wheel Cars, art supplies and filmmaking, and advanced to a level that his college professors didn’t even think was attainable.
Lawrence attended both Ventura College and the Art College Center of Design in Pasadena in search of a career that would allow him to mix all of his strong suits. But, once he realized his educational track would land him a career as a car designer in Detroit, the enthusiast self-created a minor in entertainment — which is said to be the Art Center’s largest division today.
“I got a lot of flack for it,” Lawrence said. “What we did back then shifted the course of the school, to where I give talks when I go up there about how automotive design really influences the world.”
That same determination would land Lawrence at Disney, where he designed cars and a slew of rides for the amusement park. The company laid off about 300 workers in 1991, sending Lawrence off to a life of freelancing.
Lawrence works to extend his reach far beyond Malibu as well. He inspires over 30 million viewers between his YouTube channel and The Auto Channel television show “Fireball Malibu Vlog” — which airs along the East Coast, from Boston to Miami. The show is tailored just for those who love cars and beachlife, and will give those who do not live close to the coastal town a front row seat to what the monthly Wheels & Waves events will offer.
But, if you have the opportunity to attend Wheels & Waves in person, you’ll be in for quite a treat.
“One thing you’ll get at Wheels & Waves that you won’t get anywhere else — not only will you get a cup of coffee, but you’ll also get a Hot Wheels,” Lawrence said.
Wheels & Waves takes place every third Sunday of the month from 7-9 a.m. at the Malibu Country Mart.
