418: Inside the Market with Stewart Howden of Classic Auto Mall

This segment is a trivia rundown tied to May 7th, mixing automotive history and a few broader car-related headlines. It functions as an intro before the main interview.

DKW is an early German automaker whose first production car completion in 1927 is often cited as a key ancestor of Audi. The brand’s history matters because it connects to how Audi’s corporate lineage formed over time.

Audi is the automaker the host ties to DKW’s early history. The point is lineage: DKW is described as an ancestor of Audi, connecting early German brands to today’s Audi.

The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine American sports car that became known for being an affordable, unusual layout choice for its era. Here, the episode mentions a 1979 full-size clay model, which highlights how car design prototypes were built before final tooling.

The Lamborghini Countach is one of the most iconic supercars from the 1970s–1990s, famous for its wedge shape and dramatic styling. The episode notes that the final Countach rolled off the line in 1990 as a 25th anniversary edition.

A “self-driving car fatality” refers to a crash where a driver-assistance or automated driving system is active and the incident results in a death. It’s often discussed as a safety milestone because it raises questions about how these systems behave in real-world traffic.

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan that became widely known for advanced driver-assistance features. The episode references a 2016 fatal crash involving a Model S using its automated driving system, which is a landmark event in the public debate over self-driving safety.

The Chevrolet Camaro is an American performance coupe (and sometimes convertible) known for its long-running lineup and strong collector appeal. In collector-car conversations, it often comes up as a “bread and butter” muscle car because there are many years, trims, and enthusiast communities to explore. That makes it a frequent topic when people discuss what’s popular, what’s collectible, and what to look for.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car that was offered in many body styles and performance levels. It’s often grouped with other popular muscle-era models because it has a large enthusiast following and a wide range of collectible variations. That makes it a frequent topic when people discuss what’s “bread and butter” in the collector market.

Hagerty is a classic-car insurance and media company, and its price guides are widely used by collectors to estimate market values. In this discussion, the guide is used as evidence that a specific Mustang’s pricing trend is moving downward.

“Tri-five” is the collector nickname for the 1955–1957 Chevrolet Bel Air/150/210 generation, known for its classic styling and huge parts/support ecosystem. Here, the speaker says prices are starting to go down for these fifties cars, indicating a market cooling in that segment.

The “39 Ford deluxe” refers to a 1939 Ford Deluxe, a specific trim level that collectors track because trim affects desirability and originality. The host mentions that the market started moving for these late-1930s cars, implying values have been changing over time.

In collector-car pricing, “low mileage” means the car has been driven relatively little compared with typical examples. It often boosts value because it suggests less wear and can preserve original components and condition.

“One-of-ones” are extremely limited or unique builds—cars that are effectively the only one of their exact configuration. In the collector market, uniqueness can create strong demand because there’s no direct alternative.

The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance M5 wagon, combining BMW’s M5 performance pedigree with a practical estate-body style. In this segment, it’s used to illustrate how rare, enthusiast-focused variants can sell for more than expected even when they’re technically “used.”

“One-of-fifty” describes a limited production run where only about 50 cars exist (or are allocated) in that specific configuration. Limited numbers can increase collector interest and pricing because the supply is capped.

In car-market talk, “sticker” refers to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price shown on the window sticker. Paying “over sticker” means the buyer paid a premium above that listed MSRP due to scarcity or demand.

The segment frames car value as a market outcome: a car is “worth” what a buyer is willing to pay. This is especially relevant in collector cars, where rarity, desirability, and buyer taste can swing prices more than objective specs.

“Red interior” refers to the cabin upholstery and trim color, which can be a major driver of collector demand. In classic-car markets, interior color rarity and buyer preference can outweigh mechanical differences when it comes to pricing.

Fender flares are body panels or add-ons that extend outward over the wheel area, often to accommodate wider tires or to create a particular look. In this segment, the speaker contrasts coupe fender flares with the convertible’s different rear styling, tying that visual difference to collector demand.

The Mazda Flair is a small Japanese kei-car/compact vehicle that’s notable for its distinctive styling and available body variations. The podcast points out differences between convertible and coupe versions, specifically mentioning the rear “haunches” design. That kind of detail matters to collectors because body style and trim can change how the car looks and how it’s identified.

A convertible is a car body style with a roof that can be lowered or removed, which often changes both desirability and styling details. Here, the hosts connect the convertible body to distinctive exterior features (like the “flair rear haunches”) that collectors may prefer over the coupe’s different fender treatment.

The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV built for off-road capability and rugged use. The podcast specifically references a 1996 Bronco Eddie Bauer, which is a trim level known for added comfort features compared with more basic versions. That kind of detail matters to collectors because trim and options can affect desirability and value.

A five-speed refers to a transmission with five forward gears, commonly used in manual gearboxes. In collector discussions, the specific gearbox choice (like a five-speed manual) can create a niche following because it affects driving feel and rarity within a model/trim.

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to a car. Checking the VIN helps confirm the car’s identity and can uncover issues like mismatched paperwork, incorrect ownership records, or even fraud.

Undercarriage photos show the underside of the car, including areas that are hard to inspect casually. For buyers, these images help reveal corrosion, damage, leaks, and condition of structural components.

A consignor is the person who brings a car to be sold on their behalf, typically through a dealer or auction-style marketplace. The consignor usually retains ownership until the car sells, and the seller/dealer handles listing, presentation, and negotiations.

A knock is a sharp, impact-like sound that can indicate mechanical looseness or wear. When someone mentions a knock in the rear end, it often points to issues in the rear suspension, differential, or related mounting points—especially if the sound changes with temperature.

The upper control arm is a suspension link that locates the wheel and helps control its movement and alignment. Rust or damage on an upper control arm can affect handling and can be a safety concern because it’s part of the car’s steering/suspension geometry.

A rust hole is advanced corrosion that has eaten through metal, often indicating the surrounding structure may be weakened too. In collector cars, rust holes are a red flag because repairs can be expensive and may affect safety and originality.

Buying a car online shifts the decision from seeing the car in person to relying on photos, descriptions, and third-party checks. The hosts describe how sellers must provide detailed listings so buyers can feel confident enough to purchase remotely.

Remote bidding lets buyers participate in an auction without being physically present. The key change is that the auction house must build trust through accurate listings and processes so bidders can confidently bid from afar.

Condition type inspections are third-party checks focused on the car’s overall state—what’s worn, damaged, or not functioning as expected. In the segment, these inspections are positioned as a way to reduce uncertainty when buying online.

Drive train inspections evaluate the components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels, such as the transmission and related drivetrain parts. The host mentions these as a paid service that helps buyers verify mechanical condition before committing.

A Google review is a public customer rating and written feedback shown on Google. In this context, the host uses it as a measurable reputation metric to show how hard it is to maintain trust while selling older cars.

The Volkswagen Rabbit is a compact car that’s often remembered as a practical, everyday model with a strong enthusiast following. In collector conversations, it can come up as a “rabbit hole” because there are many ways to get into the model—different years, trims, and modifications. That makes it a frequent topic when people talk about how collecting can branch into unexpected directions.

A “rabbit hole” is a metaphor for getting pulled into a deep, detailed topic where one question leads to many more. In car collecting, it often describes how researching a specific model or issue expands into related history, parts, and owner experiences.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car known for its retro styling and cult following. In collector-car conversations, it often comes up because parts, trim levels, and common issues create a “rabbit hole” for owners and enthusiasts.

The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan from the brand’s lineup, notable here because it’s being used as an example of a “daily driver” that doesn’t fit the usual classic-car stereotype. Its popularity among practical drivers is part of why it can show up in collector-car discussions.

“Twin turbo” means the engine uses two turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders. That typically improves power and torque compared with a naturally aspirated engine of similar size, but it also adds complexity and heat management demands.

Ceramic brakes use ceramic brake rotors instead of traditional cast-iron rotors. They can resist heat and fade better, but they’re often expensive to replace—especially the rotors—so maintenance costs can be a big deal on high-end cars.

The Mercedes GLS 580 is a large luxury SUV with a high-output engine meant for comfortable, long-distance driving. In this segment it’s positioned as the speaker’s most-used daily vehicle, emphasizing how they balance collection cars with something practical.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a performance-focused Aston Martin coupe known for its V8 power and classic British grand-touring feel. Here it’s mentioned as part of the speaker’s collection, specifically in a “DBR9 racing green” color reference.

The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG is a performance-oriented luxury coupe from AMG, Mercedes’ in-house performance division. In this segment it’s mentioned as part of the speaker’s multi-car lineup, reinforcing the theme of collecting different “personalities” of cars.

The Porsche 911 is the air-cooled-to-water-cooled evolution of a rear-engine sports-car formula that’s become a benchmark for handling and driver engagement. The speaker specifically mentions a 2006-era 911 with a six-speed manual, highlighting the “analog” driving appeal in their collection.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a classic American muscle-era platform, and the speaker is buying a convertible clone styled after the Hurst/Olds look. A “Hurstoles clone” is essentially a tribute build that copies the visual cues (badging, stripes, and spoiler) of the original Hurst/Olds cars.

A “his and hers” shifter is a two-lever gear selector setup, commonly associated with classic American cars. It’s a distinctive interior feature that can signal a particular style of transmission control or a custom/replica build.

“455” refers to the engine displacement: a 455 cubic-inch V8, a common big-block size in classic American muscle. In this context, it’s a key spec that affects how the car is perceived (power potential and authenticity of the build).

A “Hurst/Olds” badge refers to the branding associated with the Hurst performance package on certain Oldsmobiles. When a car is described as having a “Hurstoles badge,” it’s usually pointing to replica/tribute styling meant to evoke that original performance identity.

In online or broadcast auctions, a “delay” means the bidding feed isn’t live—so the seller’s status can change before your bid is placed. That can cause missed opportunities or bids on items that have already closed.

“Keep cash or crush” is a game format where a host presents three cars and the participant chooses one to keep forever, one to sell for cash, and one to destroy (“crush”). It’s a way to force quick value-and-preference decisions that mirror how collectors weigh rarity, desirability, and market liquidity.

The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a classic muscle car built around the Boss 302 V8, aimed at performance and track-style credibility. In collector circles, the Boss 302 is especially known for its specific factory package and strong enthusiast following, which affects how its prices move over time.

The 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda hardtop is a rare muscle car tied to the AAR (All American Racers) program and homologation-style racing heritage. Its collector appeal is driven by limited production and the way specific factory configurations—like body style and color—show up in the market.

The 1967 Jaguar XKE Series 1 Roadster is a legendary British grand touring car, famous for its elegant styling and performance character. The “Series 1” detail matters to collectors because early XKEs are often treated as more desirable and are tracked closely by model-year-specific features.

The AC Cobra MkIII is a continuation of the classic Cobra concept, built around the lightweight roadster formula and typically associated with high-performance V8 power. It’s discussed in collector circles because the Cobra nameplate has become a benchmark for what people want in a classic American performance roadster. The podcast’s mention of pricing highlights how certain Cobra variants can command very high values today.

In collector-car markets, “replicas” are cars built to resemble a famous model rather than being the original manufacturer’s production car. A high number of replicas can dilute buyer confidence and complicate pricing for genuine examples.

The Shelby Cobra is a legendary American sports car famous for its lightweight design and powerful engine setup. It’s frequently discussed in collector circles because the name is strongly associated with high-performance road racing heritage. The podcast’s “Cobras” reference points to how these cars are a major part of the collector-car conversation.

Trumpet exhaust refers to exhaust tips shaped like flared “trumpets,” often associated with louder, more visually dramatic styling. The speaker uses it to describe the 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass’s distinctive sound and look—part of why the car became a personal inspiration.

The Stinger hood is a specific hood design associated with later Chevrolet Corvette styling, recognizable by its raised center section. The speaker points out that the car has a Stinger hood even though it wasn’t used until 1967, which is part of why they call the build “modified, not correctly.”

Patina is the worn-in look a car develops over time—fading paint, minor surface dullness, and general “lived with” character. In the segment, the speaker values patina because it makes the car feel authentic and usable rather than overly restored or pristine.

Turbine wheels are a wheel design with many thin spokes that resemble a turbine, commonly linked to certain GM styling trends. The speaker mentions them as part of what makes the Corvette’s modifications feel like they belong to a particular era, even if other details are off.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a long-running American sports car, and the 1980 model is notable for being from the late-1970s/early-1980s era when many cars were detuned for emissions and fuel economy. In this segment, the host points out that enthusiasts often dismiss the 1980 Corvette for not feeling “powerful,” even though it still has strong visual appeal.

“Malaise era” is an enthusiast term for roughly the late 1970s through early 1980s, when U.S. cars were often less powerful due to emissions regulations, detuned engines, and fuel-economy priorities. The host uses it to explain why people overlook cars from that time—even if the styling is still appealing.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 D is a diesel-powered luxury sedan known for durability and a reputation for long-term ownership. In this segment, the host highlights a 1975 example offered at $10,000, framing it as a bargain and tying it to personal history (a repaint in the 1970s).

The Ferrari F40 is a famous, high-performance supercar built by Ferrari and widely regarded as one of the brand’s most iconic models. It’s often mentioned alongside other legendary Ferraris because it represents a specific era of extreme performance and limited production. In collector discussions, the F40 is a benchmark “obvious candidate” for people building a dream list.

The Ferrari F50 is a supercar from Ferrari that’s often mentioned as part of the brand’s most celebrated modern-era lineup. In collector discussions, it’s grouped with other headline Ferraris because it’s associated with limited production and strong performance credentials. The podcast’s reference to the F50 alongside the F40 and other icons reflects that it’s considered a top-tier “obvious candidate.”

“Restomads” are restyled and refreshed versions of classic American muscle cars, typically combining vintage styling with modern drivability and upgrades. The host argues that people buy them for nostalgia, but they can be disappointed by how they actually drive compared to what they remember—like expecting a relaxed ride and easy gearing but getting a rougher, older-car experience.

The Cadillac Escalade is a modern full-size luxury SUV known for a comfortable ride and relaxed driving manners. The host contrasts it with an older muscle car to illustrate how expectations change when you switch between modern gearing/comfort and older-car behavior.

A “four-speed” refers to a transmission with four forward gears, which can make older cars feel busy because you may need to shift more often to stay in the right engine speed range. In this segment, it’s part of the complaint that the car doesn’t have enough usable gearing for relaxed driving.