All Fur Coat And No Knickers
About this episode
Max and Matt kick off season three with a celebration of the Mercedes W123, marking its 50th anniversary. They passionately defend its reputation as one of the best cars ever made, despite its perceived dullness. The duo also explores the 70s trend of transforming mundane cars into luxury versions, discussing models like the Riley Elf and the Van den Plas. With plenty of strong opinions and humorous banter, they delve into the evolution of classic cars and their market appeal, while also teasing future episodes about Triumphs and Datsun Z cars.
The boys are back for Season 3! Max and Matt discuss the snobbery of British car buyers opting for coach built specials made from run of the mill models. Plus they look at that cockroach of cars, the 1970's Mercedes W123 saloon, coupe and estate. Perhaps the greatest car of all time? They discuss.
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Mercedes W123
"happy 50th birthday to the Berlin taxi, the Mercedes W123. Some say it's boring, but we're going to argue that it's brilliant..."
The Mercedes W123 is a popular car model made by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It's well-regarded for being reliable and comfortable.
The Mercedes W123 is a mid-size luxury car produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1976 to 1985. It is known for its durability, comfort, and classic design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors.
Buick Century
"...e of the most influential model lines of the 20th century because, unlike lots of built-in obsolescence, t..."
The Buick Century is a comfortable car that has been around for a long time. It's known for being roomy inside and is a good choice for people who want a reliable car for everyday use.
The Buick Century is a mid-size car that was produced for several decades, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It played a significant role in Buick's lineup and is often recognized for its blend of practicality and classic American styling.
Austin Healey
"...classic cars that they're not like silly money. Austin Healey, for example, you know, you put an Austin Healey in a W123 together..."
Austin Healey is a brand of classic sports cars from the UK, famous for their stylish designs and fun driving experience. They were popular in the mid-20th century and are still loved by car fans today.
Austin Healey is a British sports car manufacturer known for its classic models, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s. The cars are celebrated for their design and driving experience, making them popular among classic car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz 200 D
"The most popular models for the 240 diesel, that was four hundred and fifty five thousand built, the 230 E, the petrol injection, four hundred and forty two thousand and the 200 D, that's taxi spec, three hundred and seventy eight thousand built."
The Mercedes-Benz 200 D is a diesel car that was commonly used as a taxi because it was reliable and efficient. It was part of the W123 series, which was popular in the 1980s.
The Mercedes-Benz 200 D is a diesel variant from the W123 series, often referred to as 'taxi spec' due to its popularity as a taxi vehicle. It is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz 230 E
"The most popular models for the 240 diesel, that was four hundred and fifty five thousand built, the 230 E, the petrol injection, four hundred and forty two thousand and the 200 D, that's taxi spec, three hundred and seventy eight thousand built."
The Mercedes-Benz 230 E is a car that uses petrol instead of diesel and is known for being comfortable and reliable. It was popular in the 1980s.
The Mercedes-Benz 230 E is a model from the W123 series, featuring petrol injection technology. It was known for its balance of performance and comfort, making it a popular choice among buyers.
diesel
"But the diesel obviously was the big seller because you could just run and run and run on them."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in some cars and trucks. Cars that use diesel engines usually get better fuel mileage and can run for a long time without needing to refuel.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel and the engines that use it. Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque, making them popular in larger vehicles and for long-distance driving.
Mercedes T123
"...the T one, two, three estate was the first factory built estate car Mercedes ever made..."
The Mercedes T123 is a model of car made by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1970s. It's known for being well-built and reliable, and it includes the first estate (station wagon) version they made.
The Mercedes T123 refers to the series of vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz, specifically the W123 model, which is known for its durability and classic design. It was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
paint thickness
"Yeah, the car's paint thickness is twice as thick as most modern cars. And it was one of the first mercs to use galvanized panels."
Paint thickness is how thick the layer of paint is on a car. Thicker paint can help protect the car from damage and rust.
Paint thickness refers to the measurement of the paint layer on a vehicle's surface. A thicker paint layer can provide better protection against scratches and corrosion.
galvanized panels
"And it was one of the first mercs to use galvanized panels. Although, sadly, they didn't galvanize the whole shell, which is a bit of a mistake because they always rust from the inside."
Galvanized panels are metal parts of a car that have a special coating to stop them from rusting. This helps the car last longer without getting damaged by rust.
Galvanized panels are metal panels that have been coated with zinc to prevent rusting. This process helps improve the longevity of the vehicle's body.
rust
"which is a bit of a mistake because they always rust from the inside. Well, it's always the Achilles heels with Mercedes."
Rust is what happens when metal gets damaged by moisture and air, making it weak and crumbly. It's important to fix rust on a car to keep it safe and strong.
Rust is the corrosion of metal that occurs when iron reacts with moisture and oxygen. It can weaken a vehicle's structure and lead to significant damage if not addressed.
indicator stalk
"they're a massive indicator stalk. It's kind of a Mercedes thing, isn't it? It's all the all in one indicator store. If you ever noticed how that heavy that is, that you kind of clunk it up and clunk it down, that was sort of engineered into it."
The indicator stalk is the lever you use to signal when you're turning or changing lanes. It's usually found on the steering wheel and helps you communicate with other drivers.
An indicator stalk is a lever on the steering column that controls the turn signals and sometimes other functions like headlights or wipers. It's designed to be easily accessible for the driver while keeping their hands on the wheel.
product life
"I mean, Mercedes has estimated a product life of, what, 15 years on these cars."
Product life is how long a product is expected to last before it needs to be replaced. For cars, it means how many years or miles they can be used before they wear out.
Product life refers to the expected duration that a product will function effectively before it needs to be replaced. In the automotive context, it often relates to the longevity and durability of vehicles and their components.
classic car market
"...the kind of secondhand estate prices on the classic car market are crazy. I mean, the estates are a bit difficult because they've got different rear suspensions..."
The classic car market is where people buy and sell older cars that are special because of their history or rarity. These cars often cost a lot more than regular used cars.
The classic car market refers to the buying and selling of vehicles that are considered classic, typically due to their age, rarity, and historical significance. Prices in this market can be significantly higher than for regular used cars, especially for well-maintained examples.
petrol tank
"...the petrol tank's unique, so you can only get them repaired."
The petrol tank is where a car holds its fuel. If it's a special design, it can be harder and more expensive to fix or replace.
The petrol tank is a component of a vehicle that stores fuel for the engine. In some cars, the design of the petrol tank can be unique, making repairs or replacements more challenging and costly.
Mercedes-Benz 230 TE
"But this is a 1983 230 TE estate manual, 32,000 miles, and some dealer is asking 42,000 pounds for a Mercedes one, two, three."
The Mercedes-Benz 230 TE is a type of station wagon from 1983, known for being reliable and having a lot of space for passengers and luggage.
The Mercedes-Benz 230 TE is a model from the W123 series, known for its durability and practicality as an estate car. The 'TE' designation indicates it is a touring model with a spacious interior and cargo area.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...last generation Range Rover of its time, wasn't it? The posh people with posh estates had this as a kind of,..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV made by Land Rover. It's known for being very comfortable and good for off-road driving, making it popular among wealthy people.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its off-road capabilities and upscale features. It has been a symbol of status and luxury since its introduction in the early 1970s.
W123
"So I do like these W123s because they do drive really nicely."
W123 refers to a specific series of cars made by Mercedes-Benz between 1976 and 1985. These cars are known for being very reliable and comfortable.
The W123 is a series of mid-size cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1976 to 1985. It's known for its durability, comfort, and classic design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Mercedes 230 CE
"If you look at the next one on your screen, this is a 1985 Mercedes 230 CE. So this is the Coupe."
The Mercedes 230 CE is a two-door version of a classic Mercedes model from 1985. It's known for being well-built and comfortable to drive.
The Mercedes 230 CE is a coupe variant of the W123 series, known for its classic styling and solid build quality. It features a comfortable interior and is often appreciated for its reliability and driving experience.
cloth interior
"...and it's an auto, which is good, cloth interior. That is peak W123 for me..."
Cloth interior means the seats and inside of the car are covered with fabric instead of leather. It's usually softer and can be cooler to sit on in warm weather.
Cloth interior refers to car upholstery made from fabric rather than leather or synthetic materials. It is often considered more comfortable and cooler in hot weather.
coupé
"...if I lived abroad, or if I lived here, I'd want the coupé just because it's a bit cooler."
A coupé is a type of car that usually has two doors and a sporty design. They are often seen as cooler or more stylish than regular four-door cars.
A coupé is a car design characterized by a fixed roof, two doors, and a sporty appearance. Coupés typically have a more stylish silhouette compared to sedans, making them popular for those seeking a sportier driving experience.
saloon
"...this is quite a good buy. This is a saloon,..."
A saloon is a type of car that has four doors and a separate trunk for storage. It's designed to be comfortable and is often used as a family car.
A saloon, also known as a sedan, is a car with a three-box configuration, typically featuring separate compartments for the engine, passenger, and cargo. Saloons are designed for comfort and practicality, making them popular family vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz 230E
"so it's a 230E four-cylinder fuel injection, and it's in a gorgeous blue with a factory sunroof. So it's the four-door, and this one is, I'm just scrolling to the price here, this is 10995."
The Mercedes-Benz 230E is a luxury car known for being comfortable and reliable. It has a four-cylinder engine and is part of a series of cars made by Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz 230E is a model from the W124 series, known for its reliability and comfort. It features a four-cylinder engine and is part of the mid-size luxury car segment.
factory sunroof
"so it's a 230E four-cylinder fuel injection, and it's in a gorgeous blue with a factory sunroof."
A factory sunroof is a sunroof that comes built into the car from the manufacturer. It's made to fit perfectly with the car's design.
A factory sunroof is a sunroof that is installed by the manufacturer during production, rather than added later as an aftermarket modification. It typically integrates better with the vehicle's design.
fuel injection
"so it's a 230E four-cylinder fuel injection, and it's in a gorgeous blue with a factory sunroof. So it's the four-door, and this one is, I'm just scrolling to the price here, this is 10995."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into a car's engine. It helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently than older systems.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into an engine's combustion chamber, improving efficiency and performance compared to carbureted engines. It allows for better control of the air-fuel mixture.
tinworm
"the most expensive car you can buy is a cheap Bentley, and I think you don't want to even say he's too cheap because, as you say, the tinworm and stuff is the worst thing on these."
'Tinworm' is a funny way to talk about rust that can eat away at cars. It's important to check for this in older vehicles.
'Tinworm' is a colloquial term for rust, particularly in cars. It refers to the corrosion that affects metal parts, especially in older vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...is the same sort of era as your car. This was an SL, it would be double the price, wouldn't it? Almo..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy two-seater car that is both fast and comfortable. It's known for looking really nice and being fun to drive, making it a favorite among people who like luxury cars.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that has been in production since the 1950s, known for its performance, elegance, and advanced engineering. It represents a blend of sporty driving and high-end comfort, making it a desirable choice among enthusiasts.
MG MGB
"...tter. I mean, if you want to do a rest of modern, MGB is a good place to start, but it's still an MGB ..."
The MG MGB is a small, sporty car that people loved to drive in the past. Many fans like to fix them up and make them look nice again, which is why it's a good choice for car projects.
The MG MGB is a classic British sports car that was produced from the 1960s to the 1980s, known for its affordable price and enjoyable driving experience. It has a simple design and is often restored by enthusiasts, making it a popular choice for vintage car projects.
restomod
"...if you want to do a restomod, MGB is a good place to start, but it's still an MGB interior, isn't it? It's not that special..."
Restomod is when you take an old car, fix it up, and add modern parts to make it better while still looking like the classic car it is. It's a way to enjoy the old style with new technology.
Restomod refers to a vehicle that has been restored and modified to improve performance and comfort while retaining its classic appearance. This often includes modern upgrades like engines, suspension, and interiors while keeping the original aesthetic intact.
Ford Mustang
"...somebody's got an old Sixties Ford Mustang. And not only did they blow the tyres up to stop flat spotting..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that has been around for many years. It's known for being powerful and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its performance and iconic design, it has become a symbol of American automotive culture.
Stag
"...it's really, really usable, the stag, actually, because of the automatic..."
The Triumph Stag is a classic car from the 1970s that is known for being stylish and fun to drive. It's a convertible, which means you can take the roof off and enjoy the open air.
The Triumph Stag is a classic British sports car produced in the early 1970s, known for its unique styling and V8 engine. It was designed as a luxury convertible and has a loyal following among classic car enthusiasts.
Aston Martin Db6
"... M1 last week and I saw somebody was driving the Aston Martin DB6 up the motorway while I was following a gritter...."
The Aston Martin DBX is a fancy SUV that was made to combine luxury with the space and comfort of an SUV. It's a new type of car for Aston Martin, known for being stylish and powerful.
The Aston Martin DBX is the brand's first luxury SUV, launched in 2020, combining Aston Martin's signature performance and elegance with the practicality of an SUV. It represents a significant shift for the brand, appealing to a broader audience while maintaining its high-end image.
Land Rover
"...one of our listeners has talked about using these Land Rover in the winter and just washing it off, you know, with a hose when you get back..."
Land Rover is a brand that makes tough SUVs that can handle rough roads and weather. They're great for driving in winter because they can go off-road and are built to last.
Land Rover is a British brand known for its rugged SUVs, designed for both on-road and off-road capabilities. They are popular for their durability and performance in various terrains, including winter conditions.
Volkswagen Beetles
"...at just looked fantastic. I remember those super beetles because they were, I think there was 1600s, rath..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very unique with its round shape. It became really popular a long time ago and is still loved by many people for its fun design.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was first produced in the late 1930s. Known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, it became a symbol of the counterculture movement in the 1960s and remains a beloved classic today.
BMW Z3
"...o me, those cars, I can't get excited. I mean, a Z3, maybe, but that's about it. I think, I think for..."
The BMW Z3 is a small, sporty car that looks cool and is fun to drive. It became famous when it was featured in a James Bond movie, which made many people want one.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that was produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for its sporty handling and stylish design. It gained popularity after appearing in the James Bond film 'GoldenEye' and is appreciated for its fun driving experience.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
"... know, the rolls of the silver cloud and then the silver shadow was seen as the thing. And these are trying to b..."
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a very fancy car that was made for people who want the best in luxury. It's known for being very smooth to drive and looking really elegant.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury sedan produced from the 1960s to the 1980s, known for its opulent design and smooth ride. It represents the pinnacle of British automotive craftsmanship and is often sought after by collectors for its classic status.
Land Defenders
"...re's even the better one. And it's happened with defenders and all that sort of stuff, hasn't it over time. ..."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough car made for driving on rough roads and in the countryside. People love it because it can handle tough conditions and has a very strong, boxy look.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. Originally designed for agricultural and military use, it has gained a cult following among adventure enthusiasts and is celebrated for its classic boxy design.
Cadillac BLS
"... they were the ones that are blinged up. I mean, BLs you say used to like doing it. I mean, there was ..."
The Cadillac BLS is a smaller luxury car that was made for people in Europe. It combines nice features with a more manageable size, making it a unique option for Cadillac.
The Cadillac BLS is a compact luxury sedan that was produced in the mid-2000s, aimed at European markets. It is notable for being one of the few Cadillacs designed for a smaller segment, blending luxury with practicality.
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