Who is Michael Lam?
Born in Vietnam, Michael immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of one.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and entered the healthcare field after graduating from Western University of Health Sciences with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS).
His love of automobiles began at age 15, when he received his first hand-me-down car, a 1994 Acura Integra LS. This Integra led him deep into the San Gabriel Valley import-car scene of the 1990s, where it eventually received a JDM Integra Type R front-end conversion, TEIN suspension and a set of classic Racing Hart Type C wheels.
After graduating from college, he bought his first car, a 2005 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast trimmed in Redline Red. Shortly after driving off the Nissan lot, the car was modified with a VeilSide V1 front spoiler, an HKS Hi-Power exhaust, and a pair of BRIDE racing seats.
After earning his master’s degree, he was able to transition to a Maserati GranTurismo MC and a third-generation Toyota 4Runner, one serving as his daily driver and the other as his weekend warrior.
His future automotive goals include owning a car with a charging bull on the emblem and growing his personal brand, Gas & Gavel.
What is Gas & Gavel?
Gas & Gavel launched in 2025 and is Michael’s way of sharing his love and knowledge of all things automotive with the world. Each week, a new car is reviewed in depth, covering every aspect using a point-of-view camera style, then uploaded to his personal website and YouTube channel.
Gas & Gavel is a one-person operation. Michael sources the cars, films, writes the scripts, drives, researches, edits and uploads every video himself. As of 2026, Gas & Gavel has 70 full-length, hour-long car reviews, with more added every week. Michael’s car reviews are honest and unbiased because he personally finances every car currently reviewed on his website and YouTube channel.
Today, as a full-time automotive content creator, Michael is putting all of his past work experience, personal resources, time, sweat, energy and love into building Gas & Gavel into a brand recognized and respected throughout the automotive community.
Every Vehicle Has a Story.
Michael explores more than horsepower figures and performance statistics. Design, engineering, ownership, practicality, technology, history and human connection all influence how a vehicle feels and why it matters.
From practical daily drivers to collector automobiles, trucks, EVs and exotics, his goal is to create useful, entertaining content with substance and genuine enthusiasm.
Michael on YouTubeHave a Vehicle or Story to Share?
Manufacturers, dealerships, private owners, museums, event organizers and fellow content creators can connect with Michael about vehicle reviews and collaborative automotive projects.