{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"389: Original Owners-From Ford's 428 CJ to Lotus' Final Esprit","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/389-original-owners-from-ford-s-428-cj-to-lotus-final-esprit","audioUrl":"https://pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/autosausage/389_Original_Owners.mp3?dest-id=1205588","description":"Ever wonder what it's like to buy a dream car new—and still have it decades later? In this episode, Greg Stanley sits down with two remarkable enthusiasts who did just that. First up is Roger Parlett, original owner of a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback 428 Cobra Jet. As one of the Ford engineers who helped bring the 428 CJ to life, Roger offers a firsthand look at how this legendary muscle car came to be—and what it was like to drive one home from the factory. Then, Greg talks with John Janisch, who purchased his 2004 Lotus Esprit V8 Final Edition brand-new—the very end of Lotus' exotic, analog era. John shares what it's been like to live with and preserve one of the final examples of a truly driver-focused supercar. It's a rare glimpse into automotive history told by the people who were there from day one—still turning the keys to their own legends. #TheCollectorCarPodcast #GregStanley #RMSothebys #FordMustang #Mustang428CJ #CobraJet #LotusEsprit #LotusEspritV8 #LotusFinalEdition #OriginalOwner #CollectorCars #CarPodcast #AutomotiveHistory #MuscleCar #ClassicCar #Supercar #CarStories #CarCulture #FordPerformance #LotusCars #VintageCars #EnthusiastOwned Do you need help buying or selling your collector car?  Contact Greg directly at Greg@TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or GStanley@RMSothebys.com. This episode is sponsored by our friends at California Car Cover — my go-to source for custom-fit car covers and detailing gear. They've protected both my '66 GTO and Porsche Boxster S, and I trust them to keep your collector car safe, too. A special thank you to our new sponsor, Discover Once, curators of one-of-a-kind automotive adventures you'll never experience twice. Learn more at discoveronce.com/muscle. And as always, huge thanks to RM Sotheby's for their continual support and for making so many of these automotive dreams possible.   Listen to the \"Octane FM: Shift, Rev, Repeat\" album on Spotify! Stay connected with The Collector Car Podcast—find us on our Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or reach out to Greg directly via email. Join RM Sotheby's Car Specialist Greg Stanley as he brings over 25 years of experience and keen market analysis to the world of collector cars. Each week, Greg dives into market trends, interviews industry experts, and shares insights—with a little fun along the way. New episodes drop every Thursday and are available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at www.TheCollectorCarPodcast.com or email Greg at Greg@TheCollectorCarPodcast.com. Interested in consigning a car at an RM Sotheby's auction? Contact Greg directly at GStanley@RMSothebys.com.  "},"annotations":[{"startTime":9.04,"endTime":14.98,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustangs","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/1966_Ford_Mustang_coupe_white_001.jpg","quote":"...I talked a lot about Mustangs, but this one is truly spectacular...","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. The 1968 model year included various performance options, including the powerful Cobra Jet engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that many people love. The 1968 model is known for its strong performance and stylish design, making it a classic among car enthusiasts.","imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":15.7,"endTime":22.3,"type":"part","title":"big block engine","url":"/glossary/big-block-engine","quote":"...the introduction of the Cobra Jet big block 428 car...","canonicalId":"part:big-block-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A big block engine is a type of internal combustion engine characterized by a larger displacement and greater power output compared to small block engines. They are often used in performance and muscle cars for their ability to produce high horsepower.","simplifiedExplanation":"A big block engine is a powerful type of car engine that is bigger than most. It helps cars go faster and perform better, especially in racing."}},{"startTime":15.7,"endTime":22.3,"type":"term","title":"Cobra Jet","url":"/glossary/cobra-jet","quote":"...the introduction of the Cobra Jet big block 428 car...","canonicalId":"term:cobra-jet","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Cobra Jet is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, featuring a powerful engine designed for racing and performance driving. It was introduced in 1968 and is known for its impressive horsepower and torque.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cobra Jet refers to a special version of the Mustang that has a really powerful engine, making it faster and better for racing. It’s a favorite among car fans."}},{"startTime":15.700000000000001,"endTime":22.32,"type":"car","title":"Shelby Cobra","url":"/cars/shelby/cobra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/1964-05_Training_-_Shelby_Cobra_v._Bondurant_u._Neerpasch.jpg","quote":"...s about a 1968 and a half the introduction of the Cobra jet big block 428 car  But not only is this the o...","canonicalId":"car:shelby:cobra","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its powerful engine and lightweight design. The introduction of the Cobra Jet big block 428 engine in 1968 enhanced its performance capabilities, making it a significant model in the muscle car era. It is often discussed for its iconic status and influence on American automotive culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car from the 1960s that is famous for being very fast and exciting to drive. It was made to compete with European sports cars and is considered a symbol of American muscle. People talk about it because of its unique design and powerful engines.","imageAttribution":"Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem (CC BY-SA 2.0 de)"}},{"startTime":63.3,"endTime":68.3,"type":"car","title":"Ford Thunderbird","url":"/cars/ford/thunderbird","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/1957_Ford_Thunderbird_%2828911503716%29_%28cropped%29.jpg","quote":"...dreamed of having a 1957 Thunderbird or Chevy Chevy Bel Air typically you are liquidating those at this point just because it's a generational shift going on...","canonicalId":"car:ford:thunderbird","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that was first introduced in 1955 and is known for its stylish design and performance. It has gone through several generations and remains a symbol of American automotive history.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Thunderbird is a classic car that started in the 1950s and is famous for its stylish design. Many people admire it for its history and unique look.","imageAttribution":"Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":68.3,"endTime":75.7,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Bel Air","url":"/cars/chevrolet/bel-air","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/1955-1957_Chevrolet_Bel_Air_in_the_SunRice_Festival_parade_in_Pine_Ave.jpg","quote":"...dreamed of having a 1957 Thunderbird or Chevy Chevy Bel Air typically you are liquidating those at this point just because it's a generational shift going on...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:bel-air","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car that was produced from 1950 to 1981, known for its distinctive styling and popularity in the mid-20th century. It's often associated with the golden age of American automobiles and is a sought-after model among collectors.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Bel Air is an iconic car from the 1950s that many people love for its classic look and history. It's a popular choice for collectors and car enthusiasts.","imageAttribution":"Bidgee (CC BY-SA 3.0 au)"}},{"startTime":317.8,"endTime":321.7,"type":"company","title":"RM Sotheby's","url":"/glossary/rm-sotheby-s","quote":"RM Sotheby's is the world's largest collector car auction house by total sales. They are the preeminent market maker of high-quality collector cars and collections.","canonicalId":"company:rm-sotheby-s","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"RM Sotheby's is the largest collector car auction house in the world, known for its high-quality auctions and extensive client network. They specialize in selling rare and valuable cars, making them a key player in the collector car market.","simplifiedExplanation":"RM Sotheby's is a company that auctions off expensive and collectible cars. They are very well-known and have a lot of clients around the world looking to buy or sell special cars."}},{"startTime":400.7,"endTime":406.3,"type":"term","title":"NHRA","url":"/glossary/nhra","quote":"To get them to dealers Before NHRA would let them race at the winter national so they got the 50 cars out, but","canonicalId":"term:nhra","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The NHRA, or National Hot Rod Association, is the governing body for drag racing in the United States, overseeing various racing events and regulations.","simplifiedExplanation":"NHRA stands for National Hot Rod Association, which is an organization that manages drag racing events in the U.S."}},{"startTime":440.0,"endTime":447.1,"type":"term","title":"390","quote":"...that car was a 390 car...","canonicalId":"term:390","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The '390' refers to the Ford 390 cubic inch V8 engine, which was also a popular engine in the 1960s, known for its balance of power and drivability. It was used in various Ford models, including the Ford Thunderbird and Ford Galaxie.","simplifiedExplanation":"The '390' is another type of engine made by Ford, which is slightly smaller than the 428 but still provides good power for cars."}},{"startTime":440.0,"endTime":447.1,"type":"term","title":"428","quote":"...I can't even imagine a 428 like this...","canonicalId":"term:428","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The '428' refers to the Ford 428 cubic inch V8 engine, known for its power and performance, particularly in muscle cars during the 1960s. It was a popular choice for high-performance variants of several Ford models.","simplifiedExplanation":"The '428' is a type of engine made by Ford that is known for being very powerful. It was often used in fast cars in the 1960s."}},{"startTime":476.9,"endTime":481.08,"type":"concept","title":"heavily modified","url":"/glossary/heavily-modified","quote":"...what I didn't know was how heavily modified the car...","canonicalId":"concept:heavily-modified","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'heavily modified' car refers to a vehicle that has undergone significant changes to its original design or components, often to enhance performance, aesthetics, or functionality. This can include upgrades to the engine, suspension, exhaust system, and more.","simplifiedExplanation":"When a car is 'heavily modified', it means that many parts of it have been changed from how it originally was, usually to make it faster or look different."}},{"startTime":518.1,"endTime":521.88,"type":"term","title":"VIN","url":"/glossary/vin","quote":"Okay, and then these are also known by their VIN.","canonicalId":"term:vin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code assigned to each vehicle for identification purposes. It contains information about the car's make, model, year, and place of manufacture.","simplifiedExplanation":"VIN means Vehicle Identification Number. It's a special number that helps identify each car and tells you details about it, like what kind it is and when it was made."}},{"startTime":567.14,"endTime":571.5,"type":"term","title":"staggered shocks","url":"/glossary/staggered-shocks","quote":"The Pontiac had gone to a staggered shock at the rear. And so this car had that change made.","canonicalId":"term:staggered-shocks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Staggered shocks refer to a suspension setup where the rear shocks are of different lengths or types compared to the front shocks. This can improve handling and ride quality by allowing the suspension to react differently to road conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Staggered shocks are a type of car suspension where the shocks in the back are different from those in the front. This can help the car handle better on the road."}},{"startTime":592.5,"endTime":599.7,"type":"term","title":"hood scoop","url":"/glossary/hood-scoop","quote":"...this hood scoop is specific to this car or to the 428 and a half. Yes. So they make coupes...","canonicalId":"term:hood-scoop","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hood scoop is an opening on the hood of a car that allows air to flow into the engine compartment. This can help improve engine performance by providing cooler air to the engine or increasing airflow for better combustion.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hood scoop is a feature on some cars where there's a raised section on the hood that lets air in. This helps the engine get cooler air, which can make it run better."}},{"startTime":609.54,"endTime":614.2,"type":"car","title":"Ford Boss 429","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/1969_Ford_Boss_429_Mustang_%2840311226414%29.jpg","quote":"It's not the same as a boss 429. It's specific to the 68 and a half. Correct","canonicalId":"car:ford-boss-429","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Boss 429 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful 429 cubic inch V8 engine. It was produced in limited numbers and is highly sought after by collectors.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Boss 429 is a special version of the Mustang that has a very powerful engine. It's rare and many car enthusiasts want to own one.","imageAttribution":"Bob P. B. (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":653.9,"endTime":659.64,"type":"term","title":"RPM","url":"/glossary/rpm","quote":"...because you're spinning like 4500 rpm probably at 60 miles an hour something crazy","canonicalId":"term:rpm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how fast the engine or wheels are turning. Higher RPMs typically indicate more power but can also lead to increased wear and fuel consumption.","simplifiedExplanation":"RPM means how many times the engine or wheels spin in one minute. Higher numbers usually mean the car is going faster but can also use more gas."}},{"startTime":723.0,"endTime":731.9,"type":"term","title":"original paint","url":"/glossary/original-paint","quote":"...because I do see the slight fading which makes sense if it's an original paint car on the other side...","canonicalId":"term:original-paint","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Original paint refers to the paint that was applied to the car at the factory when it was first built. Cars with original paint are often considered more valuable, especially if the paint is in good condition.","simplifiedExplanation":"Original paint is the paint that was put on the car when it was first made. If a car still has its original paint and it's in good shape, it can be worth more money."}},{"startTime":744.1,"endTime":749.7,"type":"term","title":"aftermarket wheels","url":"/glossary/aftermarket-wheels","quote":"...you'll notice these are not the original wheels. These are aftermarket wheels, but you have the originals at home...","canonicalId":"term:aftermarket-wheels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aftermarket wheels are wheels that are not made by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. They are often chosen for aesthetic reasons or to improve performance, but they may not always match the original specifications of the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aftermarket wheels are wheels that you can buy separately from the car's original manufacturer. People often choose them to change the look of their car or to make it perform better."}},{"startTime":861.8,"endTime":868.5,"type":"term","title":"quarter mile time","url":"/glossary/quarter-mile-time","quote":"...what was the quarter mile time in one of these back in the this in pure stock? It ran 13.49 seconds 105...","canonicalId":"term:quarter-mile-time","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Quarter mile time is a standard measurement of a car's performance, indicating how long it takes to travel a quarter mile from a standing start. It's often used in drag racing to assess speed and acceleration capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Quarter mile time tells you how fast a car can go in a straight line for a short distance. It's a popular way to measure how powerful a car is, especially in racing."}},{"startTime":913.4,"endTime":916.7,"type":"car","title":"Ford Cobra Jet","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/1969_Ford_Mustang_428_Cobra_Jet_Sportsroof.jpg","quote":"...you can see the r for the cobra jet...","canonicalId":"car:ford-cobra-jet","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Cobra Jet is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, designed for drag racing with enhanced power and performance features.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Cobra Jet is a special version of the Mustang that is built for racing. It has more power and better features for going fast in a straight line.","imageAttribution":"Sicnag (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":943.0,"endTime":947.0,"type":"term","title":"crankshaft failure","url":"/glossary/crankshaft-failure","quote":"...I didn't mention that the crankshafts were failing...","canonicalId":"term:crankshaft-failure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Crankshaft failure refers to the breakdown of the crankshaft, which can lead to engine failure. It can be caused by excessive stress, poor lubrication, or manufacturing defects.","simplifiedExplanation":"Crankshaft failure happens when the part that helps the engine turn breaks down. This can cause serious problems for the engine and may require expensive repairs."}},{"startTime":947.7,"endTime":951.4,"type":"term","title":"numerical axle ratios","url":"/glossary/numerical-axle-ratios","quote":"Oh, okay with the high numerical axle ratios. Yeah, okay","canonicalId":"term:numerical-axle-ratios","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Numerical axle ratios refer to the ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear to the number of teeth on the pinion gear in a vehicle's differential. A higher numerical ratio typically means better acceleration but lower top speed, while a lower ratio can enhance fuel efficiency and top speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Numerical axle ratios are a way to describe how the gears in a car's differential work together. A higher number means the car can accelerate faster, but it might not go as fast overall."}},{"startTime":959.7,"endTime":964.1,"type":"term","title":"gauge cluster","url":"/glossary/gauge-cluster","quote":"Now just for folks to know that tack and that gauge cluster is very very rare","canonicalId":"term:gauge-cluster","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The gauge cluster is the panel in front of the driver that displays important information about the vehicle, such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. It often includes various dials and digital displays to convey this information.","simplifiedExplanation":"The gauge cluster is the part of the car where you see all the important numbers and lights, like how fast you're going or how much gas you have left."}},{"startTime":968.8,"endTime":974.3,"type":"term","title":"radio delete","url":"/glossary/radio-delete","quote":"This is cool radio delete. That's from the factory that way radio delete.","canonicalId":"term:radio-delete","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Radio delete refers to a factory option where a vehicle is produced without a radio or audio system. This option is often chosen for weight savings or for a more performance-oriented build, especially in racing or enthusiast models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Radio delete means that the car was made without a radio. Some people choose this option to save weight or because they want a more focused driving experience without distractions."}},{"startTime":1055.6,"endTime":1063.9,"type":"term","title":"swiss cheese approach","url":"/glossary/swiss-cheese-approach","quote":"Obviously to lighten the hood. It was an engineering challenge to take as much weight out of the front end as they could. So they did that swiss cheese approach.","canonicalId":"term:swiss-cheese-approach","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 'swiss cheese approach' refers to a method of weight reduction in automotive design where holes are drilled into components, resembling Swiss cheese, to save weight without compromising structural integrity. This technique is often used in racing and performance vehicles to enhance speed and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 'swiss cheese approach' is a way to make car parts lighter by drilling holes in them, similar to how Swiss cheese has holes. This helps improve the car's performance by reducing weight."}},{"startTime":1091.14,"endTime":1097.0,"type":"term","title":"brass tag","url":"/glossary/brass-tag","quote":"This brass tag here. I know those are pretty rare on these cars. You know why it's on this one?","canonicalId":"term:brass-tag","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A brass tag is a metal identification tag used in automotive engineering to track specific details about a vehicle, such as its production number and category. These tags are often rare and can be valuable for collectors or restorers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A brass tag is a small metal label on a car that helps identify it and keep track of its details. It's not very common, especially on older cars, which makes it special."}},{"startTime":1147.7,"endTime":1153.3,"type":"term","title":"DSO","url":"/glossary/dso","quote":"DSO stands for domestic special order. Okay, and It's it's very rare and it was put on there","canonicalId":"term:dso","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"DSO stands for Domestic Special Order, a designation used by Ford to indicate vehicles that were specially ordered with unique features or options not typically available in standard production. This can make such vehicles more desirable to collectors.","simplifiedExplanation":"DSO means Domestic Special Order, which is a label Ford uses for cars that were specially ordered with unique features. These cars can be more valuable because they are different from regular models."}},{"startTime":1266.28,"endTime":1272.64,"type":"car","title":"Pontiac Gto","url":"/cars/pontiac/gto","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/00_2510_Pontiac_GTO.jpg","quote":".... Okay  Your car deserves the best. That's why my Pontiac GTO and Porsche boxer s are wrapped in california car...","canonicalId":"car:pontiac:gto","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"W. Bulach (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1266.28,"endTime":1272.64,"type":"car","title":"Porsche Boxer","url":"/cars/porsche/boxster","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Porsche_718_Boxster_GTS_4.0_1X7A0320.jpg","quote":"Your car deserves the best. That's why my Pontiac GTO and Porsche boxer s are wrapped in california car covers","canonicalId":"car:porsche:boxster","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. It was first introduced in the 1960s and has become a symbol of American automotive culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Pontiac GTO is a famous muscle car from the 1960s known for its speed and power. It's a classic car that many enthusiasts admire.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1266.3,"endTime":1285.8,"type":"company","title":"California Car Cover","url":"/glossary/california-car-cover","quote":"Since 1989 they've been family owned and focused on quality offering more than 100 000 patterns plus fully custom options","canonicalId":"company:california-car-cover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"California Car Cover is a company that specializes in high-quality car covers designed to protect vehicles from the elements. They offer a wide range of patterns and custom options to fit different car models.","simplifiedExplanation":"California Car Cover is a company that makes protective covers for cars. These covers help keep cars safe from dirt and weather damage."}},{"startTime":1305.14,"endTime":1308.38,"type":"car","title":"Lotus Esprit","url":"/cars/lotus/esprit","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/1982_Lotus_Esprit_3.jpg","quote":"... about the car?  All right. Well, uh to to me the esprit is  Started out as the poor man's Ferrari. I thin...","canonicalId":"car:lotus:esprit","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car that was produced from 1976 to 2004, often recognized for its sleek design and agile handling. Initially marketed as a more affordable alternative to Italian sports cars, it gained a reputation for performance and was featured in popular culture, including James Bond films. Its significance lies in its blend of style and engineering, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors alike.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Lotus Esprit is a stylish sports car from Britain that was made for nearly 30 years. It was known for being fun to drive and looked great, often compared to more expensive cars like Ferraris. People like to talk about it because it combines good looks with impressive performance.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Greg Stanley","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/389-original-owners-from-ford-s-428-cj-to-lotus-final-esprit/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}