Brian Scotto: Mean Everything to 100 People or a Little to a Million
About this episode
Brian Scotto shares insights on the evolution of content creation in the automotive space, contrasting the deep engagement of podcast audiences with the broader reach of platforms like YouTube. He reflects on his journey from a Volkswagen enthusiast to a multifaceted automotive content creator, discussing the allure of project cars versus fantasy builds. The conversation dives into the nuances of audience demographics, the creative process behind podcasting, and the joy of researching and planning automotive projects, revealing the passion that drives enthusiasts.
Brian Scotto is the co-founder of Hoonigan, the creative force behind the 400 million view Gymkhana films with Ken Block, and one of the most influential voices in automotive media over the last 15 years. Before Hoonigan, he was the editor-in-chief of Zero to 60 and Rides magazines, shaping car culture through print well before YouTube existed.
He's a filmmaker, a Volkswagen kid who grew up in the scene before it was a scene, a dad with 26 project cars, and someone who walked away from the empire he built to figure out what actually matters. Now he produces films as 321 ACTION ACTION and hosts the VERY VEHICULAR podcast.
You can check it out on youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@brian_scotto
Support this show and get early access and more:
https://www.overcrestproductions.com
Audi Quattro
"...Like I have cars that were supposed to be really simple projects and then kind of became fantasy cars. My Audi Q Quattro is a good example of that."
The Audi Quattro is a famous car known for its four-wheel drive system, which makes it great for handling on different types of roads. It was very successful in rally racing and has a unique, classic look.
The Audi Quattro is a legendary all-wheel-drive sports car that was pivotal in the development of rally racing. Known for its distinctive boxy design and turbocharged engine, it helped Audi dominate the World Rally Championship in the 1980s.
Ford F-600
"Like I have this F 600, like an old 70s Ford that I have this ridiculous plan to build it into this ramp truck that's like Dormax powered."
The Ford F-600 is a strong truck from the 1970s, often used for heavy work. People sometimes change them to do special tasks, like carrying heavy loads.
The Ford F-600 is a heavy-duty truck that was produced in the 1970s, known for its robust build and utility. It's often used for commercial purposes and can be modified for various applications, such as ramp trucks.
Duramax
"that's like Dormax powered. And like it's got all these hydraulics on it to make like, make it do all these things that you want it to do."
Duramax is a type of strong diesel engine made by General Motors. It's used in big trucks and is known for being powerful and efficient.
Duramax is a brand of diesel engines produced by General Motors, known for their power and efficiency, particularly in heavy-duty trucks. They are often used in vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
hydraulics
"And like it's got all these hydraulics on it to make like, make it do all these things that you want it to do."
Hydraulics are systems that use liquid to move things. In cars, they help with lifting parts or steering, making it easier to control the vehicle.
Hydraulics refer to the use of liquid under pressure to create movement or force. In vehicles, hydraulic systems are often used for lifting, steering, and braking, allowing for more powerful and precise control.
project car
"But I think to rewind a bit, I really enjoy the paper build. I enjoy the fantasy of project car building. Like that's a big part of it for me."
A project car is a car that someone buys to work on and make better. People enjoy fixing them up and customizing them to their liking, which can take a lot of time and money.
A project car is a vehicle that an enthusiast buys with the intention of restoring, modifying, or improving it over time. This often involves a significant amount of personal investment in terms of time, money, and effort to achieve the desired outcome.
Mitsubishi 3000 Gt
"...cause I'll just find like, ooh, I think I want a Mitsubishi 3000 GT. After like 27 hours of research,"
Volkswagen Golf
"...of cool Volkswagen's. I ended up buying my first golf from his mechanic at a shop called ProWorx. I wa..."
Chevrolet
"...especially like American, you know, Chevy's sort of 70s and 80s kind of era stuff."
Chevrolet, or Chevy, is a well-known car brand in the United States. They make many types of vehicles, including popular classic cars from the 1970s and 1980s.
Chevrolet, commonly referred to as Chevy, is an American automobile brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, sedans, and sports cars. It has a rich history and is particularly famous for its classic models from the 70s and 80s.
muscle cars
"So like when we started getting, we moved to California, I had no interest in muscle cars. So much so that zero to 60 had a strict rule, which was like no muscle cars."
Muscle cars are powerful American cars that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s. They are known for having big engines and a sporty look.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American-made, known for their powerful engines and aggressive styling. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s and are often associated with a strong cultural identity.
zero to 60
"So much so that zero to 60 had a strict rule, which was like no muscle cars. Because to me, muscle cars was like boomer shit."
'Zero to 60' is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to going 60 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how fast a car can speed up.
The term 'zero to 60' refers to the time it takes for a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
hot rodding
"...there was tons of magazines talking about hot rodding."
Hot rodding means changing cars to make them faster and look cooler. People often add new parts or change the engine to improve performance.
Hot rodding is the practice of modifying cars to enhance their performance and speed, often involving engine upgrades, suspension modifications, and custom bodywork. It has roots in American car culture, particularly among enthusiasts who enjoy racing and personalizing their vehicles.
Chevrolet Nova
"I saw a Nova drive by me in Venice and I was like, I fucking need that. Like I don't know what it was."
The Chevrolet Nova is an older American car that many people liked for its speed and cool looks. It was especially popular during the time when muscle cars were really popular.
The Chevrolet Nova is a classic American car that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its performance and style. It is often associated with the muscle car era, which emphasized powerful engines and sporty designs.
provenance
"...records, provenance, where it's coming from, where it came from, every mile that you log, every oil change."
Provenance is like a car's history report. It tells you where the car has been, who owned it, and what work has been done on it, which helps you understand its value.
Provenance refers to the history of ownership and documentation of a vehicle, which can include maintenance records, previous owners, and any modifications made. This information is crucial for assessing a car's value and authenticity.
Nokia and Tires
"Nokia and Tires has officially launched their newest tire. And it's one we're especially excited about, as it's tailor made for the type of driving we like to do here at Overcrest."
Nokia and Tires is a brand that makes tires for cars. They have just introduced a new tire that is designed for specific types of driving, which is exciting for car enthusiasts.
Nokia and Tires is a company that has recently launched a new tire product. The company is known for its innovation in tire technology, aiming to meet the demands of various driving styles.
Surpass
"It's called the Surpass AS01. And what sets it apart is it's a high performance, all season tire."
Surpass is a brand that makes tires for cars. The Surpass AS01 is one of their models designed for better performance, especially in different weather conditions.
Surpass is a tire brand that focuses on producing high-performance tires, such as the Surpass AS01, designed for various driving conditions.
all season tire
"And what sets it apart is it's a high performance, all season tire. It's made specifically for drivers who want the most out of their cars..."
An all season tire is a type of tire that works well in different weather conditions, like rain and light snow, so you don't have to change them with the seasons.
An all season tire is designed to provide a balance of performance in various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow, making it versatile for everyday driving.
performance tire
"It offers the grip of a dedicated performance tire."
A performance tire is made to help cars handle better and grip the road more firmly, which is great for driving fast or on winding roads.
A performance tire is designed to provide enhanced handling, grip, and responsiveness compared to standard tires, often at the expense of tread life and comfort.
Nokian Tires
"...it also offers Nokia and Tires pothole protection. If you happen to damage your tire beyond repair, Nokian will replace it for free."
Nokian Tires makes tires that are designed to handle tough weather and road conditions. They have a special program that helps replace tires if they get damaged by potholes.
Nokian Tires is a Finnish tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires, particularly for winter conditions. They offer features like pothole protection, which can replace damaged tires under certain conditions.
0-60
"...was there with me at 0-60, was there with me through different moments at Hoonigan,..."
'0-60' is a way to measure how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how quick a car is.
The term '0-60' refers to the time it takes for a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
Hoonigan
"...at Hoonigan, stuff with Ken. That's someone who I met through the Volkswagen community..."
Hoonigan is a brand that celebrates car culture, especially things like racing and drifting. They have a popular YouTube channel where they share videos about cars and events.
Hoonigan is a brand and lifestyle centered around car culture, particularly focused on motorsports, drifting, and automotive entertainment. It originated from the popular YouTube channel that features automotive content and events.
Honda Civic
"...the reason I started my own car club, was that in the late 90s, civics or Hondas were it. Like sport compact cars were the movement..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many young people love for its speed and style. It was very popular in the late 90s, especially among car clubs.
The Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its reliability and performance, particularly among younger car enthusiasts. It became a symbol of the sport compact movement in the late 1990s.
sport compact cars
"...Like sport compact cars were the movement, and Volkswagen's felt really small and really niche..."
Sport compact cars are small cars that are made for speed and fun driving. Many young people liked to customize them in the late 90s to make them faster and cooler.
Sport compact cars are small, lightweight vehicles designed for performance and agility. They became particularly popular in the late 90s among car enthusiasts who modified them for racing and personal expression.
VR6
"...I posted something on like an email list for like the VR6 drivers list or whatever, and started a car club."
VR6 is a type of engine made by Volkswagen that has six cylinders. It's designed to be smaller and lighter while still providing good power and smooth driving.
The VR6 is a type of engine configuration developed by Volkswagen, featuring six cylinders arranged in a 'V' shape. It is known for its compact design and smooth performance, often found in various Volkswagen and Audi models.
Volkswagen community
"...And the Volkswagen community was actually massive."
The Volkswagen community is made up of people who love Volkswagen cars. They often come together for events and discussions about their favorite models and modifications.
The Volkswagen community refers to the group of enthusiasts and fans who share a passion for Volkswagen vehicles. This community often engages in events, car shows, and online forums to celebrate and modify their cars.
Volkswagen Rabbit
"...I grew up a Volkswagen kid too. My first car was a rabbit. You know, it was Volkswagen forever."
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car that many people loved in the past. It was known for being fun to drive and very practical for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a compact car that was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its practicality and fun driving experience. It was part of the first generation of the Golf, which replaced it in many markets.
Volkswagen Beetle
"Like the Beetle, the bus, I mean, that had its own audience. And then obviously, you know, the Mark I, the Mark II, the Mark III, the Mark IV,"
The Beetle is a famous car made by Volkswagen that has a unique round shape. It became very popular in the 1960s and is loved by many people around the world.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was originally designed in the 1930s. It became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture and is known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout.
Volkswagen GTI
"...they talk about, you know, the GTI and, you know, in their history. And it's like, guys, like stop living off laurels."
The Volkswagen GTI is a sportier version of the regular Golf car. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance version of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and performance.
Porsche Macan
"... like, there was like a Targa that changed into a Macan EV. It's like, what is the vector of that?"
Volkswagen Passat
"Like I'm telling, my grandma bought a Volkswagen Passat. They owned nothing but American cars until I convinced them to buy a Passat."
The Volkswagen Passat is a family car that is roomy and comfortable. It's a good choice for people who need space for passengers and luggage.
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size car that has been in production since 1973. It is known for its spacious interior, comfort, and advanced technology features, making it a popular choice for families.
Volkswagen GLI
"...what do you think of the new GLI? I'm like, I think you should buy an Elantra N."
The Volkswagen GLI is a sportier version of the Jetta, which is a compact car. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it more fun to drive than the regular model.
The Volkswagen GLI is a performance-oriented version of the Volkswagen Jetta, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It's popular among enthusiasts looking for a compact sedan with a fun driving experience.
Hyundai Elantra
"...I think you should buy an Elantra N. It's less money, it is way more fun to drive..."
The Hyundai Elantra N is a sportier version of the regular Elantra, with a more powerful engine and features that make it more exciting to drive. It's aimed at people who enjoy a sporty driving experience.
The Hyundai Elantra N is a high-performance version of the Elantra, featuring a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling. It's designed for driving enthusiasts who want a fun and engaging compact car.
Toyota Camry
"...for it. Like, and it doesn't feel like a bloated Camry. It feels like a young company trying to do some..."
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...nk Volkswagen suffers from that too. I mean, the ID buzz is a different example of that. Like that, the r..."
Volkswagen Vanagon
"Like I didn't grow up loving buses. I have a Vanagon now, which I think is pretty sick. Yeah."
Porsche 944
"...ork on stuff and we'll put the motor back in the 944 together. I'm like, all right, that's cool."
Porsche 911
"Like, we'll hold on to it for that. I had a revelation the other day when, you know, I always start the 9-11. It's winter."
Subaru Brat
"...et standards. Looking at this, this Subaru, this brat, by the way, I have on the map in Oregon, from w..."
Ferrari F40
"...att. Today, Vinny asked, so my son has a Ferrari F40 model. And Vinny asked him, what's your favorite..."
Ford Probe
"...nd drove that, which was actually I think a Ford probe, if I recall correctly. Yeah, yeah, yeah."
Buick Rendezvous
"there's so many of them, right? Like rendezvous, like, you know, Friends Connection. I mean, the..."
Land Rover Discovery
"...that even though I've got, you know, a Land Rover Discovery, I've got my crazy Euconoline van, I got my van,..."
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Really like high-end things. You get into an S-Class now and you're like, Yep."
Ford Mustang
"... served an algorithm of like a guy that has a 289 Mustang. And it is like the, and I've heard one at Road ..."
Mercedes-Benz 190E
"... I don't know even what Mercedes, I mean, I love 190Es. I really love the, what's the, is it W123 is th..."
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...he five speeds like $4,000 and only belongs in an SL. And I called up Mike Burroughs and I was like, ..."
Toyota Corolla
"It's all bad. So, you know, I've got a Toyota Corolla A86. I have a VR6 swap, four."
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