Ambulances, Hearses, And Minivans, Oh My!
About this episode
Richard Tomlin joins the discussion to share insights about the Wrench Rally 3, a unique charity event where participants buy cars for $2,250 and embark on a fun-filled road trip from Detroit to College Station. The rally emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving through riddles and challenges along the route. The episode also features a review of the Ford Bronco Strobe Edition, highlighting its impressive performance and eye-catching design. Listeners can expect entertaining anecdotes and a glimpse into the camaraderie of automotive enthusiasts.
Ever wondered what happens when you hand a team $2,200, drop them in Detroit, and tell them to chase riddles across America for a good cause? We sit down with organizer Richard Tomlin to unpack Wrench Rally 3, a back-roads, no-interstate adventure where budget beaters become charity champions. From the thrill of the hunt on Facebook Marketplace to the tight ten-minute evening check-in window, Richard explains how a gimmick rally blends navigation puzzles, teamwork, and roadside repairs into a road trip you’ll tell stories about for years.
The format is simple and brilliant: buy under the cap, pass a safety check, then follow clue sheets that lead to hyperlocal landmarks you can’t game with AI. Each team proves progress with photos, helps others under the Kansas Rule when breakdowns strike, and rolls into nightly meetups that sometimes turn into pop-up car shows. The route celebrates history and scenery—Appalachian stretches, Route 66 nods, the Ouachita Mountains—before winding into Possum Kingdom Lake and a finish at Bryan–College Station. Every vehicle is sold at the end on platforms like eBay Motors or Cars & Bids, with proceeds going to Parkinson’s research. Think diesel ambulances, white stretch limos, faithful minivans, and the kind of unexpected finds only Detroit can deliver.
We also take the Ford Bronco Strop Edition for a spin and talk heritage. The two-door Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost and 10-speed auto deliver stout torque and surprisingly composed ride quality, while the red, white, and blue livery honors Bill Stroppe’s desert legacy. We compare it to segment staples like the Jeep Wrangler and off-road-leaning alternatives, and share why this Bronco pulls thumbs-up everywhere it goes. Rounding things out, Jeff’s Motor Minute sparks nostalgia with favorite car films and motorsport heroes, reminding us why car culture is as much about stories as specs.
Ready to rally for a reason or just want the perfect excuse to wrench with friends? Hit play, subscribe for more car stories every week, and tell us: what $2,200 ride would you trust on a cross-country charity run?
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Ford Bronco
"Yeah. I'll review the Bronco Stroke Edition. Plus, Jeff has this week's Motor..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV designed for off-road adventures, and it's known for its cool, classic look. Recently, Ford brought it back with new technology and features, making it popular among people who love outdoor activities.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that has been reintroduced to the market with modern features while retaining its rugged, off-road capabilities. It is significant for its heritage and popularity among off-road enthusiasts, making it a hot topic in automotive discussions. The Bronco Stroke Edition likely refers to a special variant that emphasizes performance or unique styling.
Route 66
"...once we've done four days traveling across the great United States and round route 66, that we can sell on eBay motors or cars and bids."
Route 66 is a famous road in America that people often travel for fun. It's known for its beautiful sights and history, making it a popular choice for road trips.
Route 66 is a historic highway in the United States that runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, known for its cultural significance and scenic views. It represents the classic American road trip experience.
eBay Motors
"...that we can sell on eBay motors or cars and bids. And then all that money gets donated directly to the charity."
eBay Motors is a part of eBay where you can buy and sell cars and car parts. It's like an online marketplace just for vehicles.
eBay Motors is a section of eBay that specializes in buying and selling vehicles and automotive parts. It provides a platform for individuals and dealers to list cars for auction or sale.
Cars & Bids
"...that we can sell on eBay motors or cars and bids. And then all that money gets donated directly to the charity."
Cars & Bids is a website where people can auction and buy interesting cars, especially ones that are a bit older or unique. It's a place for car lovers to find special vehicles.
Cars & Bids is an online auction platform specifically for enthusiast vehicles, allowing users to buy and sell cars with a focus on modern classics and unique vehicles.
road trip
"...this is about going out having fun with friends on the road and then selling a car at the end for charity..."
A road trip is when you travel a long distance by car, usually for fun. People often stop at different places to see sights and enjoy the journey.
A road trip is a journey taken by car over a long distance, often for leisure or adventure. It typically involves multiple stops and experiences along the way.
1997 Lincoln limousine
"...they found a 1997 Lincoln limousine, white limousine. And it actually did both of the first two rinse rallies."
A 1997 Lincoln limousine is a long, luxury car made by Lincoln, designed to carry more passengers comfortably. It's often used for events like weddings or parties.
The 1997 Lincoln limousine is a full-size luxury vehicle known for its spacious interior and elegant design, often used for special occasions like weddings and proms.
Lemons Race
"So this is a combination of a gumball rally and a lemons race. Kind of, yeah, kind of."
A Lemons Race is a car race where teams use very cheap cars, usually costing $500 or less, making it a fun and silly event rather than a serious competition.
A Lemons Race is a unique motorsport event where teams race cars that cost $500 or less, emphasizing creativity and humor over traditional racing. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of racing without the high costs associated with typical motorsport events.
Gumball Rally
"So this is a combination of a gumball rally and a lemons race. Kind of, yeah, kind of."
The Gumball Rally is a fun car event where people drive fancy cars across different locations, enjoying the journey and parties rather than just racing.
The Gumball Rally is a famous international rally that involves driving exotic cars over a set route, often with a focus on fun and adventure rather than strict competition. Participants usually drive high-performance vehicles and enjoy a series of social events along the way.
Gambler 500
"Gambler 500, the off-road guys. They actually may be partaking with us this year on rinse rally"
The Gambler 500 is an off-road event where people drive old, beat-up cars on tough trails, and they often help clean up the environment while having fun.
The Gambler 500 is an off-road rally that encourages participants to drive beat-up vehicles on challenging terrain, often with a focus on adventure and environmental cleanup. It's a fun way to engage in off-roading while promoting a good cause.
Bristol Bullet
"Okay. Mine would be Bullet. I'd have to go with Bullet too."
The Bristol Bullet is a fancy sports car from a small British company, known for being stylish and fast. It's not very common, so people who like special cars often talk about it because of its unique look and high quality.
The Bristol Bullet is a luxury sports car produced by the British manufacturer Bristol Cars, known for its unique design and high-performance capabilities. It stands out for its combination of classic styling and modern engineering, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate exclusivity. The Bullet is often discussed for its rarity and the craftsmanship that goes into its production.
Ford Mustang
"...the soundtrack of the Mustang and Bullet, all the shifting and all that stuff, was actually used in the movie Seven Ups."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car in America, famous for its powerful engine and cool design. It has appeared in many movies, making it a symbol of American car culture.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been featured in numerous films, including 'Bullitt', where it gained significant fame due to its high-speed chase scenes.
Ford F-150
"At the time, they were building Ford F-150 pickup trucks."
The Ford F-150 is a popular truck that people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being strong and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability, often used for both work and personal purposes.
trim levels
"Available trim levels, the base, the big bend, the outer banks, the badlands, heritage edition, the strobe edition, and the Raptor."
Trim levels are different versions of a car that have various features. You can pick one that has what you want.
Trim levels refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features and options, allowing buyers to choose based on their preferences and budget.
off-road
"...that made a name for the Ford Bronco, off-road stuff. And so they've kind of recreated that in many ways."
Off-road means driving on surfaces that aren't paved, like dirt or rocks. Some cars are specially made to handle these tough conditions.
Off-road refers to driving on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, mud, rocks, and sand. Vehicles designed for off-road use typically have features like higher ground clearance and four-wheel drive to handle rough conditions.
strobe edition
"...that I was going to play that explained everything about Mr. Strobe and the strobe edition."
A Strobe Edition is a special version of a car that has unique designs or features. It's made to stand out and is often linked to a specific theme or event.
The Strobe Edition refers to a special variant of a vehicle, often featuring unique styling or performance enhancements. These editions are typically created to celebrate a specific theme or event, enhancing the vehicle's appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.
Ford Motor Company
"Thank you, Ford Motor Company, to putting it up on YouTube that we couldn't download it, jacked up."
Ford Motor Company is a big car company in America that makes many types of vehicles, including popular cars and trucks.
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. They are particularly famous for models like the Ford Mustang and F-Series trucks.
EcoBoost
"It's got a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that turns out 330 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque"
EcoBoost is a special engine technology from Ford that helps make engines more powerful while using less gas.
EcoBoost is a technology developed by Ford that combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection to improve fuel efficiency and performance in their engines. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is designed to deliver a balance of power and efficiency.
horsepower
"It's got a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that turns out 330 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In this context, 330 horsepower indicates the engine's ability to perform work, particularly in terms of speed and acceleration.
pound-feet of torque
"It's got a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that turns out 330 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque"
Pound-feet of torque measures how much twisting force an engine has. More torque means a car can start moving faster and pull heavier loads.
Pound-feet of torque is a unit of measurement for rotational force, which is important for understanding a vehicle's acceleration and towing capacity. In this case, 415 pound-feet of torque indicates strong pulling power.
10-speed automatic transmission
"through a 10-speed automatic transmission, till ratings $3,500, but that's not what you want it for."
A 10-speed automatic transmission is a system in a car that helps it change gears automatically, making it easier to drive and often improving how much gas it uses.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears in a vehicle, allowing for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. More gears can help optimize engine performance across a range of speeds.
miles per gallon
"17 miles per gallon city, 18 on the highway, because it is a hot rod."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. Higher numbers mean better fuel efficiency.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency that indicates how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. In this case, the ratings of 17 MPG city and 18 MPG highway show the vehicle's fuel consumption in different driving conditions.
Ford Maverick
"It's like I said with the Ford Maverick. You know, when it comes to Ford Motor Company, they know how to build pickup trucks."
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that is easy to drive in the city and can handle some off-road conditions. It's known for being practical and fuel-efficient.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that combines utility with efficiency. It's designed for urban driving while still offering features suitable for light off-road use.
suspension travel
"so we can handle that off-road bouncing stuff. So lots of suspension travel."
Suspension travel is how much the car's suspension can move up and down. More travel means a smoother ride over bumps and rough roads.
Suspension travel refers to the distance the suspension can move up and down, which affects ride comfort and handling. More suspension travel generally allows for better absorption of bumps and rough terrain.
base trim price
"Base trim price, $77,630."
Base trim price is the starting cost of a car without any extra features or upgrades. It's the price for the simplest version of that car.
The base trim price refers to the starting price of a vehicle model without any additional options or upgrades. It represents the most basic version of the car.
Jeep Wrangler
"Obviously Jeep Wrangler, it starts at $32,095."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough and popular SUV that people love for off-roading. It's designed to handle rough trails and has a loyal fan base.
The Jeep Wrangler is a well-known off-road vehicle that is popular for its ruggedness and ability to handle tough terrains. It has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts.
Scout Traveler
"because in this group of vehicles, I picked the Scout Traveler. It doesn't come out until 2028. It's under $60,000 is what they're shooting for."
The Scout Traveler is a new electric vehicle that will be available in 2028. It's designed for off-road use and is expected to cost less than $60,000.
The Scout Traveler is an upcoming all-electric vehicle expected to launch in 2028, targeting a price point under $60,000. It represents a revival of the Scout brand, which is known for its rugged, off-road capabilities.
Subaru Outback
"Then we have the Subaru Outback, and you're going, well, how could he compare that to it? Well, you know, that off-road edition that they have, I think."
The Subaru Outback is a type of SUV that is great for both on-road and off-road driving. It's known for being reliable and having good traction in various conditions.
The Subaru Outback is a popular crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities. It is often compared to other vehicles in the segment for its versatility and reliability.
wilderness
"I think it's a wilderness. Subaru is pretty strong in that market."
The Wilderness is a special version of some Subaru cars that makes them better for off-road driving. It has features that help the car handle rough terrain more easily.
The Wilderness trim for Subaru vehicles is designed for enhanced off-road capability, featuring upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, and additional protective elements to improve performance in rugged conditions.
ceramic coating
"...whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like-new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film..."
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that you put on a car's paint to protect it. It makes the car easier to clean and helps keep it looking shiny and new.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle, creating a protective layer that enhances the paint's durability and shine. It helps repel water, dirt, and contaminants, making it easier to clean and maintain the vehicle's appearance.
paint protection film
"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tint..."
Paint protection film is a clear layer you put on a car's paint to keep it safe from scratches and damage. It helps the car look good for a longer time.
Paint protection film is a transparent, durable material applied to a vehicle's surface to protect it from scratches, chips, and environmental damage. It helps maintain the car's finish and can be removed without damaging the paint underneath.
ExoShield
"...or a new windshield protection called ExoShield, Gulf Coast AutoShield is where Houston's car people go."
ExoShield is a special film you can put on your car's windshield to help protect it from getting damaged. It makes the glass stronger and safer.
ExoShield is a brand of windshield protection film designed to prevent chips and cracks from impacting the glass. It provides an additional layer of security for the windshield, helping to maintain visibility and safety.
radar detector
"...How about a professionally-installed radar detector? Gulf Coast AutoShield does that, too."
A radar detector is a gadget that tells you if police are checking how fast you're going. It helps you slow down before you get a speeding ticket.
A radar detector is a device used in vehicles to detect if police are using radar to measure speed. It alerts the driver, allowing them to slow down and avoid potential speeding tickets.
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