400: Announcing The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars
About this episode
An exciting announcement reveals the upcoming book, 'The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars,' aimed at making the collector car world accessible to all. The author shares insights on the book's structure, which blends history, cultural context, and practical advice, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the emotional connections to cars and the belief that collector cars should be approachable, not exclusive. The episode also teases future volumes focusing on specific car types, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the collector car hobby.
This episode of The Collector Car Podcast marks a big personal milestone as I officially announce my upcoming book, The Enthusiast's Guide to Collector Cars. I share the inspiration behind the project, why I felt this book needed to exist, and who it's written for—from first-time enthusiasts to seasoned collectors.
I also highlight the incredible group of contributors who helped shape the book, including respected voices from across the automotive, motorsports, museum, and collector communities. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how the book came together and why it's ultimately about one simple idea: why cars matter.
#WhyCarsMatter #CollectorCars #CarCulture #AutomotiveHistory #EnthusiastCars #ClassicCars #CarCollectors #TheCollectorsCarPodcast #AutomotiveBook #CarCommunity
Do you need help buying or selling your collector car? Contact Greg directly at [email protected] or [email protected].
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!
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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 [email protected].
Interested in consigning a car at an RM Sotheby's auction? Contact Greg directly at [email protected].
Ford Mustang
"a Shelby Mustang roars with the rebellion of the 1960s."
The Shelby Mustang is a special version of the Ford Mustang that is faster and more powerful. It was created in the 1960s and is known for its sporty look and performance.
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, developed by Carroll Shelby. These cars are known for their powerful engines and sporty design, embodying the rebellious spirit of the 1960s.
tuner culture
"a Toyota Supra recalls the tuner culture that defined the early 2000s."
Tuner culture is when car enthusiasts modify their cars to make them faster or look cooler. This can include changing parts or adding new features.
Tuner culture refers to the automotive subculture focused on modifying cars for improved performance, aesthetics, and personalization. It often involves aftermarket parts and enhancements to create unique vehicles.
Toyota Supra
"a Toyota Supra recalls the tuner culture that defined the early 2000s."
The Toyota Supra is a sports car that many people like to modify to make it faster. It became very popular in the early 2000s and is known for its great performance.
The Toyota Supra is a sports car known for its performance and tuning potential, especially popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It has become an icon in the tuner culture, often modified for greater speed and handling.
matching numbers
"Auction headlines screened multi-million dollar sales. Insider jargon like matching numbers or bar and fine seemed cryptic and the market shifts faster than most can track."
Matching numbers means that the parts of a classic car, like the engine, are the same as when it was first made. This is important for collectors because it can make the car worth more.
Matching numbers refers to a classic car's components, such as the engine and transmission, having the same serial numbers as the original factory specifications. This is important for collectors as it can significantly affect the car's value and authenticity.
collector cars
"The enthusiast guide to collector cars is designed to make the collector car world accessible, engaging and inspiring. Each chapter blends history, cultural context and market insight..."
Collector cars are special cars that people like to buy and keep because they are rare or have a lot of history. Some people collect them as a hobby, and they can become more valuable over time.
Collector cars are vehicles that are sought after by enthusiasts for their historical significance, rarity, or unique characteristics. They can range from classic cars to modern hypercars and often appreciate in value over time.
hypercars
"This book takes you on a journey through the eras of collecting from brass era pioneers to modern hypercars while also diving into cultural forces that make certain cars icons from movies."
Hypercars are some of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world. They are built with the latest technology and are usually made in small numbers, which makes them very special and sought after.
Hypercars are high-performance supercars that push the boundaries of speed, technology, and price. They often feature advanced engineering and are produced in limited quantities, making them highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts.
Mazda Miata
"...siast a way to climb whether your first step is a miata, a Mustang or a Mercedes Gullwing. And this is o..."
The Mazda Miata is a small, fun sports car that seats two people. It's loved by many for being easy to drive and great for enjoying the open road.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, two-seater sports car that has been celebrated for its engaging driving experience since its introduction in 1989. Known for its balance and nimble handling, the Miata has become a favorite among driving enthusiasts and is often seen as an entry point into the world of sports cars.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"whether your first step is a miata, a Mustang or a Mercedes Gullwing."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that's fun to drive and not too expensive. It's a great choice for people who are just getting into cars.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its fun driving dynamics and affordability. It's often considered an entry point for car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
"whether your first step is a miata, a Mustang or a Mercedes Gullwing."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a famous old sports car with unique doors that open upwards. It's very valuable and loved by car collectors.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a classic sports car famous for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time. It's highly sought after by collectors.
modern classics
"Upcoming titles will focus on specific passions from Porsche to muscle cars and pony cars, modern classics, Ferraris and more."
Modern classics are newer cars that people really like and think will be valuable in the future. They often have cool designs or features.
Modern classics refer to cars that are relatively new but have gained a following among enthusiasts due to their design, performance, or technological innovation.
enthusiast guide
"...what is the enthusiast guide to collector cars and why did you feel this book needed to exist?"
An enthusiast guide is a book or resource that helps people who love cars learn more about them. It can include information about different types of cars, how to take care of them, and what makes them special.
An enthusiast guide is a resource designed to help car lovers understand and appreciate various aspects of automotive culture, including history, maintenance, and the nuances of different car models. It aims to engage newcomers and deepen their knowledge of cars.
Pontiac Gto
"... that I tried to teach them how to drive my 1966 Pontiac GTO that's unrestored because they would like to know..."
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American car that was popular in the 1960s. It’s known for being fast and powerful, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Pontiac GTO, introduced in the 1960s, is often credited with starting the muscle car era in America. Known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design, the GTO remains a classic symbol of American automotive performance.
Porsche 911
"we had a 996 had a ducktail spoiler so we would call it ducky and she would ask me well is that the same generation as ducky"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for many years. The 996 is a specific version made between 1999 and 2004, and it has some unique features compared to earlier models.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. The 996 generation, produced from 1999 to 2004, was the first to feature a water-cooled engine and modernized styling.
Chevrolet Corvettes
"it even went to Corvettes you know she started learning a you know what what's a c3 versus a c4"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a well-known sports car in America. The C3 and C4 are different versions of this car made in different years, each with its own unique features.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive styling. The C3 and C4 refer to different generations of the Corvette, with the C3 produced from 1968 to 1982 and the C4 from 1984 to 1996.
Porsche
"...I'll have one for Porsches for Ferraris for muscle cars for JDM cars so it just seems like natural progression..."
Porsche is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes fast and stylish cars. They are famous for their sports cars, especially the 911 model.
Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand is particularly famous for its iconic 911 model and has a strong motorsport heritage.
JDM cars
"...I'll have one for Porsches for Ferraris for muscle cars for JDM cars so it just seems like natural progression..."
JDM cars are cars made in Japan for the Japanese market. They are often special because they have features or models that you can't find in other countries.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles that are made specifically for the Japanese market. These cars are often known for their performance, unique features, and sometimes are not available outside Japan.
Mercedes-Benz
"...you can't just go to an auction and all of a sudden you see you know 1930s Mercedes Drive by you might think it's cool..."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand known for making luxury vehicles. They have been around for a long time and made many classic cars that people love to collect.
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury automobile manufacturer that has produced a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to sports cars. The mention of a 1930s Mercedes highlights the brand's long history and classic models that are often sought after by collectors.
collector's ladder
"...it kind of talks to the collector's ladder a little bit how I progressed with my mustangs in my personal life..."
The collector's ladder is like a path that car collectors follow as they start with simpler cars and eventually aim for more expensive and rare ones. It shows how collectors grow in their interests and investments over time.
The collector's ladder is a concept that describes the progression of car collectors as they move from owning entry-level vehicles to more prestigious and valuable ones. It reflects the journey and growth of a collector's knowledge and investment in the automotive world.
key collectible models
"...I'm just doing I don't know three to six you know known cars of that era that you might see at a local car show and talk about each one of those..."
Key collectible models are special cars from a certain time that many people want to own because they are unique or important. These cars are often shown at events where car enthusiasts gather.
Key collectible models refer to specific cars from a particular era that are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance, design, or performance. These models often appreciate in value and are featured prominently at car shows and auctions.
quarter mile times
"times now it's like the quarter mile times and lateral grip and all sorts of different things so I do have a performance of the era for each chapter which is really interesting when you"
Quarter mile times show how fast a car can go from a stop to a quarter mile distance. It's a popular way to compare how quick different cars are.
Quarter mile times refer to the time it takes a vehicle to travel a quarter mile from a standing start. This metric is commonly used in drag racing to measure a car's acceleration performance.
lateral grip
"times now it's like the quarter mile times and lateral grip and all sorts of different things so I do have a performance of the era for each chapter which is really interesting when you"
Lateral grip is how well a car can hold onto the road when going around corners. Better grip means the car can turn faster without losing control.
Lateral grip refers to a vehicle's ability to maintain traction while cornering. It is a crucial factor in determining how well a car can handle turns at speed.
classic era cars
"and you're reading this book you know why would I care about the classic era why would I care about post-war American icons you know and this kind of gives a little snapshot as far as why a new enthusiast should care about these generation of cars"
Classic era cars are older cars that many people find interesting because of their unique styles and stories. They are often collected and admired for their history.
Classic era cars refer to vehicles produced during a specific historical period that are often valued for their design, engineering, and cultural significance. Enthusiasts appreciate them for their history and unique characteristics.
blue chip car
"...what's a mid-level car and then what's a blue chip car..."
A blue chip car is a type of car that is very valuable and sought after by collectors. It's like a safe investment because it tends to hold its value well.
A blue chip car refers to a vehicle that is highly desirable and considered a solid investment, often due to its rarity, performance, or historical significance.
Ford Gt350
"...and now you go into my garage and not that it's a GT350 which would be the ultimate but it is a 65k code..."
The Ford GT350 is a special version of the Mustang that is built for speed and performance. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, making it popular among car fans.
The Ford GT350 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, originally introduced in the 1960s for racing purposes. Known for its powerful engine and sporty handling, the GT350 has a strong following among muscle car enthusiasts and collectors.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg
"...experts that maybe manage the Auburn Cord Dusenberg Museum or the celebrity folks like Jay Leno..."
Auburn Cord Duesenberg is a famous old car brand that made luxury cars a long time ago. People who love cars often admire these because they are beautifully designed and well-made.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg is a classic American automobile manufacturer known for producing luxury cars in the early 20th century. Their vehicles are highly regarded among collectors for their design and engineering excellence.
Supercar Blondie
"...folks like Supercar Blondie who she has a global audience in which she can get the word out..."
Supercar Blondie is a well-known person on social media who makes videos about supercars, which are very fast and expensive cars. She helps more people learn about cars and car culture.
Supercar Blondie is a popular automotive content creator known for her engaging videos showcasing supercars and luxury vehicles. She has a large following and plays a significant role in promoting car culture to a wider audience.
Isuzu iMark
"...it could be a 1983 Isuzu iMark diesel that's not worth anything and I bring that car up because I would love to have one of those in my collection..."
The Isuzu iMark is a small car made by the brand Isuzu in the early 1980s. It was not very expensive and was often chosen by people who needed a reliable vehicle.
The Isuzu iMark is a compact car produced by Isuzu in the 1980s. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers at the time.
analog cars
"I want to call it 2000 to 2016 call it the last of the analog cars the last of the you know not overly controlled by computers..."
Analog cars are vehicles that use more traditional, mechanical parts instead of relying heavily on computers and electronics. They are often easier to work on and provide a more direct driving experience.
Analog cars refer to vehicles that rely more on mechanical systems rather than digital technology and electronics. This era is characterized by simpler controls and a more direct connection between the driver and the car.
horsepower
"...manual with solid horsepower and a ton of fun and I think that is a snippet of time that we will continue to look back on..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster and more powerful it can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work the engine can perform over time, and is a key factor in determining a car's performance.
American muscle cars
"the demons and you know us muscle cars mustangs kameros whatever but I think that is one of the last great eras of cars we will see for a very very long time this is positioned as the first in a series..."
American muscle cars are fast cars made in the U.S. that usually have big engines. They became famous in the 1960s and 70s for their speed and power.
American muscle cars are high-performance vehicles that originated in the United States, typically featuring powerful engines and a focus on straight-line speed. They became particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, representing a cultural icon of American automotive engineering.
Chevrolet Bel Air
"...1950s American iron I want to include a 57 Chevy Bel Air try to include some of the iconic cars that every..."
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic car from the 1950s that many people love for its stylish look and smooth ride. It’s a symbol of the fun and flashy cars from that time.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car produced from the 1950s to the 1970s, with the 1957 model being particularly iconic. Known for its stylish design and comfortable ride, the Bel Air represents the golden age of American automobiles.
Lamborghini Countach
"... your wall I had a poster of a white Lamborghini Countach what's one car you regret selling part of me reg..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a flashy sports car known for its unique shape and doors that open upwards. It was very popular in the 1980s and is still admired for its cool looks and speed.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar that gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s for its striking design and powerful performance. With its distinctive angular shape and scissor doors, the Countach has become an icon of automotive design and a symbol of luxury.
Ferrari 250 GTO
"...ment that gives me chills is when I can sign the 250 GTO and we snuck it into Monterey and we rolled it up..."
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a very rare and expensive sports car from the 1960s. It's famous for its beautiful looks and success in racing, making it a dream car for many people.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most iconic and valuable sports cars ever made, produced in the early 1960s. With its stunning design and racing pedigree, it has become a symbol of automotive excellence and is highly sought after by collectors.
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