The hosts share their experience at Matlock Bath, a unique landlocked seaside town buzzing with bikers and goths. They explore the Great British Car Journey museum, highlighting rare British cars like the Mark III Escort and an original Aston Martin Lagonda with its iconic cathode ray dashboard. The conversation weaves through quirky observations about special edition cars, nature like the ancient monkey puzzle tree, and amusing anecdotes about insects and wing walking. The episode blends car culture with offbeat humor and local charm, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Jonny and Richard are in Matlock Bath in Derbyshire enjoying its two most abundant things. Also in this episode, monkey puzzle trees, pangolin dust, Great British Car Journey, letting a falcon out for a plop, various Zoes, Burton Coggles and Walton Goggins, pre-war jaw, a Star Wars Celica, dry slaps and wet storage, sitting on a Gold Wing, and coupe wars in Small Prophets.
"It's sailed out, which is great because it's in aid of an excellent cause, Mission Motorsport."
Mission Motorsport is a group that helps injured soldiers feel better by letting them take part in car racing and other car activities.
Mission Motorsport is a UK-based charity that supports wounded, injured, or sick veterans through motorsport activities, helping with rehabilitation and personal development.
"And we have just been to the Great British Car Journey where we're doing the show."
The Great British Car Journey is a place where you can see lots of old and famous British cars all in one spot.
The Great British Car Journey is a museum in the UK that showcases a collection of British cars, celebrating the history and heritage of the British automotive industry.
"looking at a Mark III escort, like a 1.3L, I think it was original shape, not the 86 facelift."
The Ford Escort Mark III is a type of small car made by Ford in the 1980s. It had different engine sizes, like a 1.3-liter engine, which means the size of the engine inside the car.
The Ford Escort Mark III is a generation of the popular compact car produced by Ford in the early 1980s. It featured a more modern design compared to previous versions and was available with various engine options, including a 1.3L variant.
"why haven't you got a Cosworth in here? Can I see them?"
Cosworth is a company that makes very strong and fast engines for cars. When people talk about a 'Cosworth' car, they mean a car that has been made faster and more powerful by this company.
Cosworth is a British automotive engineering company famous for producing high-performance engines and tuning kits, especially for Ford cars like the Escort. A 'Cosworth' Escort refers to a tuned, high-performance version with a more powerful engine.
"It was, you know, the 80 special editions, the names and the bad stripes and things they added. But so lazily done. So lazy."
A limited edition car is a special kind of car made in small amounts, with different looks or features than the regular ones.
A limited edition car is a special version of a model produced in restricted numbers, often with unique features or cosmetic changes to make it more exclusive or appealing to collectors.
"Long before the king of lazy limited editions, the Citroen Saxo, as we know, was unassailable as every single Saxo was a special edition somehow."
The Citroën Saxo is a small car from France that had lots of different versions with small changes, like different colors or stripes.
The Citroën Saxo is a small hatchback car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was known for having many special edition variants, often with cosmetic changes.
"...ong before the king of lazy limited editions, the Citroen Saxo, as we know, was unassailable as every single Sa..."
The Citroen Saxo is a small, simple car that was easy to drive and didn’t cost much. Many people used it to get around town because it was cheap and reliable.
The Citroen Saxo is a compact hatchback produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for its affordability and efficient use of space. It was popular among young drivers and city dwellers. It might be mentioned for its numerous special editions and role as a practical everyday car.
"And the Astro, the Mark II Astro and the Nova of the time, I think, were actually the 80s champions of special editions that were."
The Chevrolet Nova is a small car made by Chevrolet. It was popular for special versions that had extra features or looked different.
The Chevrolet Nova is a compact car produced by Chevrolet, known for its various special editions especially in the 1980s. It was a popular model for performance and customization.
"And the Astro, the Mark II Astro and the Nova of the time, I think, were actually the 80s champions of special editions that were."
A special edition car is a car that has extra or different features than the normal one. They are often made in small numbers so they are special.
A special edition car is a version of a model that has unique features, styling, or equipment not found on the standard versions. These editions are often produced in limited numbers to create exclusivity.
"And the Astro, the Mark II Astro and the Nova of the time, I think, were actually the 80s champions of special editions that were."
The Chevrolet Astro is a type of van made by Chevrolet. It was popular a long time ago and people used it for carrying family or stuff.
The Chevrolet Astro is a mid-size van produced by Chevrolet, popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It was known for its versatility and was often used as a family or utility vehicle.
"But like, except I have this feeling, if you look at it, there's certain things on that car that are factory fit, like it has a proper factory tilt slide sunroof."
A factory tilt slide sunroof is a window on the roof of the car that can open a little or slide back. It is put in by the car maker, not added later.
A factory tilt slide sunroof is a sunroof installed by the manufacturer that can tilt open or slide back to allow fresh air and light into the car. It is a more refined and integrated option compared to aftermarket or cut-out sunroofs.
"...is an original Aston Martin Lagonda. Oh shit, yeah. But like a really original one with the cathode ray instruments."
The Aston Martin Lagonda is a fancy car made by Aston Martin. It was special because it had cool digital screens inside when most cars had regular dials.
The Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury sedan produced by Aston Martin, known for its futuristic design and advanced technology for its time, including digital instrument panels with cathode ray tube displays.
"...really original one with the cathode ray instruments."
Cathode ray instruments are old-style digital screens in some cars that showed things like speed. They worked kind of like old TV screens.
Cathode ray instruments refer to early digital display technology using cathode ray tubes (CRTs) to show information such as speed and engine data, used in some vintage cars like the Aston Martin Lagonda.
"It's quite narrow as a B pillar to sort of rear footwells. It's not over, but maybe that's deliberate because that car was targeted at the US and the Middle East."
The B pillar is the strong post between the front and back doors of a car that helps keep the car safe and sturdy.
The B pillar is the vertical support structure located between the front and rear doors of a car. It provides structural integrity and safety, especially in side impacts.
"... great sort of, you know, oil shake with a with a falcon on his arm. Yeah."
The Ford Falcon is a big car made by Ford that lots of people used for everyday driving a long time ago. It was known for being strong and reliable, so many families liked it.
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car that was produced by Ford in various markets, most notably in the United States and Australia. It gained popularity for its durability and was often used as a family or fleet vehicle. It might be mentioned for its iconic status or nostalgic value.
"The Renault Zoe and I have one of those and I was good friends with it. Which David Tuhigg, chief engineer of the Zoe."
The Renault Zoe is a small electric car made by Renault. It runs on electricity instead of gasoline and is good for city driving.
The Renault Zoe is a popular all-electric supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. It is known for its compact size, electric powertrain, and suitability for urban driving.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a fast and sporty car made in America. People like it because it looks cool and can go really fast.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engine options and sporty design. It has been a popular model since its introduction in the 1960s and is often associated with performance and style.
"Would he ride the same kind of Harley as we saw earlier on with the most extraordinarily terrible graphics all over it?"
Harley-Davidson makes big motorcycles that are easy to recognize because of their loud sound and cool style. Many people love riding them for fun and adventure.
Harley-Davidson is a famous American motorcycle manufacturer known for its heavyweight cruiser motorcycles with distinctive design and sound. The brand has a strong cultural following and is often associated with freedom and the open road.
"A couple of pre-war cars out on the road looking really..."
Pre-war cars are old cars made before World War II, so they look very different from modern cars and are often very special or collectible.
Pre-war cars refer to automobiles manufactured before World War II, typically before 1940. These cars often have distinct vintage designs and are considered classic or antique vehicles.
A roadster is a small car that usually only has two seats and no roof, so you can drive with the wind in your hair.
A roadster is a type of car body style that is typically a two-seat convertible without a fixed roof, emphasizing sporty and open-air driving experience.
""I mean, those cars, they vibrate a lot surely. They do. And the ride quality is going to be poor. Yeah, there's a lot of lateral shudder.""
Lateral shudder is when a car shakes side to side while driving, making the ride uncomfortable. It usually happens because something is off with the car's wheels or suspension.
Lateral shudder refers to side-to-side vibrations or shaking experienced in a vehicle, often caused by imbalances or issues in the suspension or tires. It can affect ride comfort and handling.
"It's got a 1.5-litre Coventry Simplex engine. That's it. Yeah. Recursor of Coventry Climax."
This was an old type of engine made in Britain a long time ago. It was simple and worked well for the cars back then.
The Coventry Simplex engine was an early 20th-century British engine known for its simplicity and reliability. It was a precursor to the more famous Coventry Climax engines.
Coventry Climax was a company that made special engines that were light and powerful, often used in race cars.
Coventry Climax was a British engine manufacturer famous for producing lightweight and high-performance engines, especially used in racing and industrial applications.
"I think one of those voxel crasters was the car that they were all sitting in, singing in ghost town by the specials. Oh no wait, because look here, it's come up. It was a 1961 or 62 voxel crasta PA. Bang, there we go. That is the one with the wraparound front of this house."
The Vauxhall Cresta PA is a car made in Britain around 1961 or 1962. It looks like the big American cars from the 1950s with a special curved front window.
The Vauxhall Cresta PA is a British car produced by Vauxhall Motors in the early 1960s. It features a distinctive wraparound front windshield and was designed to evoke the style of American cars from the 1950s.
"Yeah, a big, a big. And they're a bit of Matador. And they're like, what the hell's going on here..."
The AMC Matador is a medium-sized car made in America many years ago. It came in different styles and was known for looking a bit different from other cars at the time.
The AMC Matador was a mid-size American car produced in the 1970s by American Motors Corporation, known for its distinctive styling and availability in sedan, coupe, and station wagon forms. It is sometimes noted for its appearances in films and TV shows. It might be discussed for its unique place in American automotive history.
"a solid contender for silica lady excellence would be Joanna Lumley, except that I think she is more Triumph T-R6 kind of lady. Yeah, she was."
The TR6 is an old British sports car that’s fun to drive and looks very stylish. People who like classic cars often enjoy owning one because it feels special on the road.
The Triumph TR6 is a British sports car produced from 1968 to 1976, celebrated for its classic roadster styling and lively performance. It remains a favorite among classic car enthusiasts for its driving experience and vintage charm. It might be mentioned in relation to iconic British sports cars.
"... in that thing on early Top Gear where she had a Capri. Did she?"
The Ford Capri is a small, sporty car that was popular in Europe many years ago. People liked it because it looked cool and was fun to drive without costing too much.
The Ford Capri was a sporty coupe produced by Ford Europe from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. It was marketed as a European pony car, offering stylish looks and affordable performance. It is often discussed for its cultural impact and popularity in classic car circles.
"... reason why I think Princess Leia is the original Celica lady, she didn't actually drive the Celica spoil..."
The Toyota Celica is a small, sporty car that lots of people liked because it looked good and was easy to take care of. It was made for people who wanted a fun car without spending too much money.
The Toyota Celica is a sporty compact car produced from the 1970s through the early 2000s, known for its sharp styling and reliable performance. It became a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking an affordable sports coupe. Its mention could relate to its iconic design or cultural references.
"...the UK in the 80s or early 90s had a Peugeot 205 GTi to give away, which they accidentally failed to g..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that lots of people like because it’s easy to drive and good for everyday use. It’s been made for many years and is known for being reliable and comfortable.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car introduced in the 1970s that became one of the best-selling cars worldwide due to its practicality, build quality, and driving dynamics. It has evolved through many generations and remains a benchmark in the hatchback segment. It is often discussed for its cultural impact and versatility.
"...nization in the UK in the 80s or early 90s had a Peugeot 205 GTi to give away, which they accidentally failed ..."
The Peugeot 205 CTI is a small car with a roof that can open up, so you can enjoy fresh air while driving. It was popular because it was easy to drive and fun to use on nice days.
The Peugeot 205 CTI is a convertible version of the popular 205 hatchback, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It combined the fun of open-top driving with the 205's nimble handling, making it a beloved classic in Europe. It might be discussed for its charm or as a notable 80s/90s car.
"This is an old clock out. Oh, I was told a story about a media organization in the UK in the 80s or early 90s had a Peugeot 205 GTi to give away, which they accidentally failed to give to a natural competition winner."
The Peugeot 205 GTi is a small, sporty car made in the 1980s and 1990s. People liked it because it was fun to drive and quick for its size.
The Peugeot 205 GTi is a hot hatch produced by the French automaker Peugeot during the 1980s and early 1990s. It is well-known for its sporty performance and handling, making it a popular enthusiast car.
"...e me realise that when we talked about Gulliver's Alphard for a long time. No."
The Toyota Alphard is a big, fancy van that can carry lots of people comfortably. It’s like a moving living room, great for families or groups who want to travel in style.
The Toyota Alphard is a luxury minivan primarily sold in Asian markets, known for its spacious interior and premium features. It is often used for comfortable family or executive transport. Its mention might relate to its reputation as a high-end people carrier.
"...ve a smaller car. He could, you know, Gulliver's Serena. Yeah, what about the..."
The Nissan Serena is a big van that can carry many people and their stuff. Families like it because it’s roomy and comfortable for trips.
The Nissan Serena is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or minivan primarily sold in Asian markets, known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It is popular for transporting larger groups comfortably. It might be mentioned in discussions about practical family cars.
"I don't know. The Suzuki Hustler is kind of an MPV. It's not the super sort of up..."
The Suzuki Hustler is a small car that looks a bit like a tiny SUV. It’s easy to park and good for driving around the city.
The Suzuki Hustler is a compact crossover SUV with a retro-inspired design, marketed mainly in Japan as a small, practical urban vehicle. It blends the characteristics of a mini SUV with the convenience of a kei car. It might be mentioned for its quirky styling and efficient use of space.
"and just 25 were made. So it's a rare thing. That is a rare thing. That is a rare and a cool thing."
Limited production run means the car was only made in small numbers, so not many exist, which can make it special and more valuable.
A limited production run means only a small number of a particular car model or variant were made, increasing its rarity and potential value among collectors.
"Of part sharing. Neptune used to own this Rover ST1 and he went, I'll put that way, no one will find..."
The Zenvo ST1 is a very fast and rare sports car made in Denmark. It’s special because only a few were made, and it can go really, really fast.
The Zenvo ST1 is a high-performance supercar produced by Danish manufacturer Zenvo Automotive, known for its extreme power and rarity. It represents cutting-edge engineering and exclusivity in the hypercar market. It might be mentioned for its uniqueness and impressive specifications.
""...this tidy MX-5. First generation. I bury it on a beach. You know, he's safe there.""
The Mazda MX-5 is a small, sporty car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. The first version came out in the late 1980s and is well-loved by car fans.
The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight, two-seat roadster known for its excellent handling and fun driving experience. The first generation, also called the NA, was produced from 1989 to 1997 and is famous for its pop-up headlights.
"Stereo, input for CB radio. It had corded mics and receivers for both rider"
A CB radio is a small radio that lets drivers talk to each other over short distances. It's often used by truckers and motorcyclists to share information while on the road.
CB radio (Citizens Band radio) is a short-distance radio communication system commonly used in vehicles, especially trucks and motorcycles, for communication between drivers.
""I really, really want a flat six. But our contact, again, I won't name them because they don't want to get me in trouble...""
A flat six is a type of engine with six parts that make power, arranged flat and opposite each other. This helps the bike or car stay balanced and run smoothly.
A flat six is an engine configuration with six cylinders arranged horizontally in two banks of three, lying flat and opposed to each other. This design helps lower the center of gravity and provides smooth power delivery.
"that actual Capri has, I think, a 24 valve. ... And it's because it's got a Granada or Scorpio. Yeah. A 24 valve cosmos in it."
A 24-valve engine means the engine has 24 little doors (valves) that open and close to let air and fuel in and out. This helps the engine work better and makes the car more powerful.
A 24-valve engine refers to an internal combustion engine with 24 valves in total, typically meaning 4 valves per cylinder in a 6-cylinder engine. This design improves airflow, efficiency, and performance compared to engines with fewer valves.
"...if you look closely. And it's because it's got a Granada or Scorpio. Yeah."
The Ford Granada is a big car that was made to be comfortable and roomy. Many people used it for work or family trips because it was easy to drive and had plenty of space.
The Ford Granada was a large executive car produced by Ford Europe from the 1970s to the 1990s, known for its comfortable ride and conservative styling. It was popular among professionals and families needing a spacious vehicle. It may be mentioned for its classic British or European presence.
"or I haven't seen it yet. But he looks like a Manta guy. Oh."
The Opel Manta is a small, sporty car made in Germany a long time ago. People liked it because it looked cool and was fun to drive on twisty roads.
The Opel Manta is a sporty coupe produced by German automaker Opel from the 1970s to the late 1980s. It was designed to compete with cars like the Ford Capri and became a cult classic for its styling and driving dynamics. It is often referenced in discussions about European sports cars of that era.
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