About this episode
A lively Christmas-themed episode features Richard Porter and Johnny Smith reminiscing about the 90s while dressed in retro attire. They share humorous anecdotes about their past, including fashion faux pas and memorable moments from their time on automotive shows. The duo also discusses quirky traditions, such as the Catalan Yule log, and engages in playful banter about kit cars and their absurdities. With a mix of nostalgia and light-hearted comedy, the episode captures the essence of holiday cheer and friendship.
In front of an audience in Bristol, Jonny and Richard discuss dressing for the 90s, Britpop Demon Hunters, Orson Welles and his sozzled attempts to sell Champagne, a confusion about Last Christmas, windows down cold weather drivers, basically changing song lyrics, the problem with the BYD Dolphin Surf, the most stressful thing in modern driving, and a new game involving kit cars.
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oversteer
"Things became uncontrollable to the point where there was a combination of buka oversteer."
When a car turns, the back end can swing out more than the front. This is called oversteer and can make the car feel like it's spinning if you don't steer or brake properly.
Oversteer occurs when a vehicle's rear wheels lose traction before the front wheels, causing the car to turn more sharply than intended. It can lead to a loss of control if not managed correctly.
Mercedes A-class
"[713.0s] So I can be a Mercedes A-class. [715.0s] Oh, wow."
The Mercedes A‑Class is a small, fancy car made by the German company Mercedes‑Benz. It’s popular for its sleek look and high-tech gadgets inside.
The Mercedes A-Class is a compact luxury car produced by German automaker Mercedes‑Benz, known for its modern styling and advanced technology features.
Citroen DS
"[742.0s] I was passing one of those, [744.0s] and there was somebody in it repairing a puncture on their car. [747.0s] But their car was a Citroen DS."
The Citroën DS is a famous old French car from the 1950s and 60s. It was known for its sleek look and smooth ride, thanks to special design features that were ahead of its time.
The Citroën DS, produced from 1955 to 1975, is a classic French car celebrated for its aerodynamic styling, front‑wheel drive layout, and advanced suspension system that made it feel very smooth on the road.
BMW XR3
"[1403.0s] My XR3 was on fire."
The XR3 is a special version of the BMW 3 Series that’s faster and more fun to drive because it has a stronger engine and better handling.
The BMW XR3 is a high‑performance variant of the BMW 3 Series, featuring a powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension for spirited driving.
Venturi
"[1464.0s] Yeah, it's a Venturi."
Venturi is a small car company from France that makes fast, sporty cars. They’re not as famous as big brands like Ford or Toyota, but they have a niche following among car enthusiasts.
Venturi Automobiles is a French manufacturer known for producing lightweight, high-performance sports cars and racing vehicles.
heater crank
"unless they've got the heater crank. Because, you know, if anyone has had a convertible, you can do that thing."
In a convertible car, you can open the roof. The heater crank is a button that turns on the heater so it stays warm even with the top off.
The heater crank is a small lever or switch inside the cabin of a convertible that activates the vehicle’s heating system. When engaged, it forces warm air into the passenger compartment to keep occupants comfortable even when the roof is down.
XC90
"Some dickhead can't read what's written on the side of an F-ing XC90."
The XC90 is a big family car from Volvo that can seat up to seven people. It’s popular for its safety and roomy inside space.
The Volvo XC90 is a mid‑size luxury crossover SUV introduced in 2002. It’s known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a range of powertrains including gasoline, diesel, and plug‑in hybrid options.
kit cars
"[2785.0s] Who wants to talk about kit cars? [2793.0s] Let's talk kit cars."
A kit car is like a DIY project for cars. You buy the parts and instructions, then put it together yourself to make your own car.
Kit cars are vehicles built from a set of parts and instructions that the buyer assembles themselves, often using a donor car’s chassis or a custom frame. They allow enthusiasts to create unique cars at lower cost than buying a factory‑built model.
kit cart
"So when you see a kit cart, no offense to anyone that owns one"
A kit car is a car you can build yourself from parts that come in a box. People often call it a "kit cart" because you can drive it once it's assembled.
A "kit cart" is a colloquial term for a kit car—a vehicle built from a set of parts supplied by a manufacturer, often replicating classic or exotic models.
DeVrian
"The flaccid devrian"
DeVrian makes cars that look like old sports cars, but you build them from parts they provide. They’re popular because they’re cheaper than buying a real classic car.
DeVrian is a British kit car manufacturer known for producing replicas of classic sports cars, such as the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar E-Type.
replicas
"[2995.0s] Yeah, they're not kit cars. [2996.0s] No. [2997.0s] They're replicas."
Replicas are cars made to look like a particular model, but they might not be the exact same car. They’re often built by enthusiasts to race or show off.
Replicas are cars built to closely imitate the design and appearance of a specific model, but they may use different mechanical components or be constructed from scratch. They are often used in racing series that allow non-original cars.
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