Bruce Meyer on Collecting, Cobras, and Lowriders
About this episode
Bruce Meyer, a legendary figure in the automotive world, shares his journey from a young car enthusiast to a prominent collector and supporter of the Petersen Museum. He discusses his early experiences with cars, including his first Cobra and the thrill of the hunt for unique vehicles. The conversation delves into his eclectic collection, which includes significant Porsches and Cobras, and highlights his passion for the stories behind each car. Meyer also emphasizes the importance of community in the automotive world and his ongoing involvement with the Petersen Museum.
In episode 99 of the BaT Podcast, Randy visits the legendary Bruce Meyer's storied car collection in Los Angeles. They cover his early discovery of fellow enthusiasts at BaT; car collecting in the DNA; being born on the perfect day in history; his start as a corner paper boy; flipping and racing motorcycles while in college at Berkeley; buying his first Porsche via European Delivery in 1961; his "first, fastest, or prettiest" collection mentality; a predilection for race cars built by hot rodders; his lifetime of Cobra ownership, leading to acquisition of the very first production example; memories from 1960s Lake Tahoe, including the 327-powered Gullwing he picked up from the back of a wooden boat shop; watching out for "air cars"; his deep involvement as founding chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum; and his love of the LA lowrider community.
Follow along! Links for the listings discussed in this episode:
15:46 The Mustache and the Signal Yellow 911S
17:37 Ex-Duffy Livingstone ca.1971 FKE Mole Enduro Go-Kart
19:51 New RUF CTR and Freshly Restored CTR Yellowbird #001 Make U.S. Debut at Monterey Car Week Kahn Media
20:01 A Saga Of Audacity: The Aar Eagle Formula 1 Story Dan Gurney's All American Racers
20:05 First Production Cobra Petersen Automotive Museum on Instagram
27:47 Salon Retromobile - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
40:30 Petersen Automotive Museum
51:39 Hublot clock coming soon to BaT
Got questions for the BaT staff or suggestions for our next One Year? Don’t hesitate to let us know! Write to [email protected] and we’ll do our best to address them.
Bring a Trailer
"...you also tripped across and bring a trailer which was meaningful for me and then we got to meet after that. So I just wanted to say thanks for chatting with me."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell special cars. It's popular among car lovers because it helps them find unique vehicles.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and enthusiast cars. It has gained popularity for its community-driven approach to car sales, allowing enthusiasts to buy and sell unique vehicles.
Ferrari
"It raised against Maserati's and Ferrari's and all the so-called fancy, you know, foreign cars and one."
Ferrari is a famous Italian car brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are well-known for racing and luxury.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939. Known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, Ferrari is one of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world.
Maserati
"It raised against Maserati's and Ferrari's and all the so-called fancy, you know, foreign cars and one."
Maserati is a brand that makes fancy sports cars in Italy. They are known for their speed and stylish designs.
Maserati is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its stylish sports cars and high-performance vehicles. Founded in 1914, Maserati has a rich history in motorsport and luxury car production.
curated collection
"...you've obviously curated a collection of fun cars over the years..."
A curated collection is a group of cars that someone has picked out carefully because they really like them or they are special in some way.
A curated collection in the context of cars refers to a carefully selected group of vehicles that an enthusiast or collector has chosen based on specific criteria, such as historical significance, rarity, or personal preference. This reflects the owner's passion and knowledge about automobiles.
BSA
"...I bought a 1953 BSA. And I could hide these things in friends garage. So I was riding motorcycles, you know, from age 13 on."
BSA is a brand of motorcycles that was popular in the past. The 1953 model refers to a specific year when they made these bikes, which many people enjoyed riding.
BSA was a British motorcycle manufacturer known for its range of motorcycles, particularly during the mid-20th century. The 1953 BSA would have been part of their lineup during a time when they were popular among riders.
Chevrolet Biscayne
"I wanted to buy a Chevy Biscayne, which was the cheap model with a big engine and a four speed."
The Chevy Biscayne is a car made by Chevrolet that was affordable and had a strong engine. It was popular for people looking for a good deal on a car.
The Chevy Biscayne was a full-size car produced by Chevrolet from 1958 to 1972. It was known for being a budget-friendly option with a focus on performance, often equipped with powerful engines.
Porsche 356S
"You remember anything crazy from the European delivery story? I don't know if you see this on BET, but we list 356s and such."
The Porsche 356 is an older sports car that many people love because it's light and fun to drive. It was made a long time ago, from 1948 to 1965.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced from 1948 to 1965. It is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
smog pump
"And in 68, they came out with smog rules. And so they had to put a smog pump on it and wait down the front."
A smog pump is a part that helps make car exhaust cleaner by adding air to it, which helps reduce pollution.
A smog pump is an emissions control device that helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions from an engine by injecting air into the exhaust system.
Porsche 911
"So I wanted to get a 9.11 s, but they weren't not available in the US."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around since 1964. It's known for its unique shape and how it drives, which many people really enjoy.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, making it a staple in the sports car world.
BaT
"Well, we sell a lot of those on BAT now..."
BaT stands for Bring a Trailer, which is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars. It's popular among car lovers.
BaT, or Bring a Trailer, is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It has gained popularity for its community-driven approach to car sales.
Ford Model T
"...mous car called the Go Cart. It was a road racer, Model T, built by Duffy Livingston, who was one of the, r..."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually afford. It was made a long time ago and helped change how cars were built and sold.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often credited with putting America on wheels by making cars affordable for the average person. Its innovative assembly line production method revolutionized the automotive industry and made car ownership accessible to millions.
Shelby Cobras
"...gle, the form of the one cars, the first one, the cobras, the first one, and the CTR, the yellow birds, th..."
The Shelby Cobra is a super-fast sports car made in the 1960s. It's famous for being really light and powerful, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. It was developed by Carroll Shelby to compete with European sports cars and has since become a legendary icon in automotive history.
Le Mans
"And I love Le Mans. Le Mans is the World Cup Super Bowl Olympic Games of Motorsport."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. It's known for being very challenging and is a big deal in the racing world.
Le Mans is a prestigious 24-hour endurance race held annually in France. It is considered one of the most important events in motorsport, attracting top manufacturers and drivers.
Cobra
"Some are pretty well associated with you. People may have seen pictures of you with the yellow bird or with the silver Ferrari that was in the Peterson for a while. But the first Cobra, you call it the first Cobra, right? That is the first Cobra."
The Cobra is a classic sports car that is very fast and has a strong engine. It's famous for racing and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The AC Cobra is a British sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its lightweight body and powerful V8 engine. It is celebrated for its performance and racing pedigree.
CSX number
"the first thing they asked me is what you, what is your CSX number? Sure."
The CSX number is like a serial number for Shelby Cobras. It helps identify when the car was made and its place in the production line.
The CSX number is a unique identifier assigned to each Shelby Cobra, indicating its production sequence. A lower CSX number typically signifies an earlier and more significant car in the Cobra lineage.
Acura CSX
"... that car is the one. Even though it may have the CSX number, it just, it's just been to, it's too far ..."
The Acura CSX is a fancy small car that was made for people who want a bit more luxury. It's similar to the Honda Civic but comes with nicer features.
The Acura CSX is a compact luxury sedan that was produced from 2006 to 2011, primarily for the Canadian market. It is based on the Honda Civic but features more upscale amenities and performance enhancements.
Shelby American
"It's going to be featured next month in the Shelby American magazine."
Shelby American is a car company started by Carroll Shelby. They are known for making fast and powerful cars, especially the Cobra.
Shelby American is an automotive company founded by Carroll Shelby that specializes in high-performance vehicles, particularly the Shelby Cobra and various modified Ford models.
Renault Wind
"... They just came into pictures. The man behind the wind of, you know, at Le Mans for Shelby was Phil Remi..."
The Renault Wind is a small car that you can take the roof off of, making it a fun choice for sunny days. It's designed to be sporty and enjoyable to drive.
The Renault Wind is a small convertible sports car that was produced from 2010 to 2012. It is known for its unique design and fun driving experience, appealing to those looking for an affordable open-top vehicle.
Chevrolet Corvettes
".... They did a lot of Maserati's. They actually did Corvettes in 1960, but Birdcafe's, they drove the white Bir..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that people really love. It's been around for a long time and is famous for being one of the best American-made sports cars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1953. Known for its distinctive design and powerful engine options, the Corvette has become an American icon and is often discussed for its role in the sports car market and motorsport history.
rack and pinion steering
"It has rack and pinion steering, which was converted in 6364."
Rack and pinion steering is a system that helps you steer the car. When you turn the steering wheel, it moves parts that turn the wheels of the car.
Rack and pinion steering is a type of steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into linear motion, allowing for precise control of the vehicle's direction.
Ford GT40
"...g, which was converted in 6364. It has, you know, GT40 wheels on it, a big back end like a 427, like an ..."
The Ford GT40 is a race car that became really famous for winning a big race called Le Mans in the 1960s. It was built to be super fast and is loved by racing fans.
The Ford GT40 is a race car that gained fame in the 1960s for its success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it famously defeated Ferrari. Its design and engineering were groundbreaking for the time, making it a significant part of motorsport history.
Cobra restorations
"...sent it over here to a funny Mike McCluskey who's kind of the guru of Cobra restorations. And we stripped it down..."
Cobra restorations are about fixing up old Shelby Cobra cars to make them look and run like they did when they were new. It's a careful job that makes sure everything is just right.
Cobra restorations refer to the process of restoring classic Shelby Cobra sports cars to their original condition or enhancing them while preserving their authenticity. This often involves meticulous attention to detail and sourcing original parts.
original body
"...we stripped it down. Absolutely. Positively the original body, original interior, original chassis..."
The 'original body' means that the outside part of the car is the same as it was when it was first made, which is important for keeping the car valuable and true to its history.
The term 'original body' refers to the car's body structure that has not been replaced or significantly altered from its factory specifications. Maintaining the original body is crucial for authenticity and value in classic cars.
original chassis
"...we stripped it down. Absolutely. Positively the original body, original interior, original chassis..."
The 'original chassis' is the main part of the car that holds everything together, and it hasn't been changed from how it was when the car was first built. This helps keep the car strong and valuable.
The 'original chassis' refers to the main frame of the car that supports its body and components, which has not been replaced or modified from its original design. This is important for maintaining the car's structural integrity and historical value.
260
"So it was born with a 260 and head at you just put a 289 before it went to Europe."
The 260 is another type of engine that was originally used in the Cobra before it got a more powerful engine. It's smaller and less powerful than the 289.
The 260 is a 4.3-liter V8 engine that was the original engine option for the AC Cobra. It was later replaced by the more powerful 289 engine.
289
"So it was born with a 260 and head at you just put a 289 before it went to Europe."
The 289 is a type of engine that was used in some classic cars, including the Cobra. It's known for being powerful and helping the car go fast.
The 289 refers to a 4.7-liter V8 engine produced by Ford, commonly used in the AC Cobra and other performance cars during the 1960s. It is known for its balance of power and weight.
Porsche
"I drove my Porsche back to Michigan. And so it was it was a Corvette or a Cobra, you know, and in 65 I bought a Cobra."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes fast and sporty cars. They are known for their quality and performance.
Porsche is a renowned German automobile manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, particularly the iconic Porsche 911. The brand has a rich history in motorsports and engineering excellence.
reverse lockout
"...and it had a reverse lockout like a Chevy engine. Oh, my God."
A reverse lockout is a safety feature in some cars that stops you from accidentally putting the car in reverse when you don't want to. It helps prevent accidents and damage to the car.
A reverse lockout is a mechanism in some vehicles that prevents the driver from accidentally shifting into reverse while the car is in motion. This feature is important for safety and to prevent damage to the transmission.
327 Chevy
"Factory Rudge wheels, 327 Chevy. Probably I'm guessing 35400 horsepower light."
The 327 Chevy is a type of engine made by Chevrolet. It's known for being powerful and was used in many cars in the 1960s.
The 327 Chevy refers to a small-block V8 engine produced by Chevrolet, known for its balance of power and efficiency. It was popular in various Chevrolet models during the 1960s.
Ford Mustang
"...r a big company and he get insurance insured as a Mustang. Then my other roommate went out in 1966 and boug..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular and powerful car that many people enjoy driving. It first came out in the 1960s and is known for its cool looks and speed.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that debuted in 1964 and quickly became a symbol of freedom and performance. Its combination of powerful engines and sporty design has made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and a significant part of automotive culture.
Peterson Museum
"But the Peterson is near and dear to your heart. The Peterson Museum. I wanted to make sure we chat about that. We did a BET event at the Peterson."
The Peterson Museum is a famous car museum in Los Angeles where you can see many different cars and learn about their history. It also holds events to raise money for good causes.
The Peterson Museum, located in Los Angeles, is renowned for its extensive collection of automobiles and automotive history. It hosts various events, exhibitions, and charity functions, making it a central hub for car enthusiasts.
Hot Rod Magazine
"But now, Randy sadly, he aged out. Am I young anymore? Yeah, I don't know if I'm young anymore. But I was a member of YPO. I joined it in 1977. And one of our members was Robert E. Peterson, Bob Peterson. And Peterson was like one of my heroes, an awesome guy. He created Hot Rod Magazine, published it."
Hot Rod Magazine is a well-known magazine about cars, especially fast and customized ones. It has been around for a long time and is popular among car lovers.
Hot Rod Magazine is a prominent automotive publication that focuses on hot rods, custom cars, and motorsports. It has played a significant role in car culture since its inception, influencing enthusiasts and builders alike.
General Motors
"...they couldn't call Rob Walton or General Motors or Jim Farley at Ford and say we want to come by..."
General Motors is a big car company that makes many different types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They own several well-known brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. It has a significant history in the automotive industry and is involved in various automotive innovations.
Peterson Automotive Museum
"...what's really working as the Peterson Automotive Nissan. And I credit that with Terry Cargus..."
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a place in Los Angeles where you can see many interesting cars and learn about their history. It's a fun place for car lovers.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located in Los Angeles, California, and is dedicated to the history and art of the automobile. It features a vast collection of cars and exhibits that showcase automotive design and innovation.
low rider
"...it's just an awesome genre of cars. You know, they just, there's nothing like a low rider. It's a very L.A. thing, right?"
A low rider is a type of car that has been modified to sit very low to the ground. They often have colorful paint and special designs, and they are popular in certain communities, especially in Los Angeles.
Low riders are customized vehicles that are designed to have a lowered suspension, allowing them to ride closer to the ground. This style is often associated with the Chicano culture and emphasizes artistic paint jobs and unique modifications.
Dodge Neons
"It was given to me by Pierrot Ferrari for a favor I did for him. I just look at it. I don't know where to put it. And I see, you know, things appearing on bring a trailer like Neon's and, you know, owner's manuals and things that I just, I think are very interesting. So I think, and we'll find out that it should hopefully somebody will see the beauty in it, because I think it's a beautiful thing."
The Dodge Neon is a small and affordable car that was made in the 1990s and early 2000s. It's known for being easy to drive and a good choice for people looking for a budget-friendly vehicle.
The Dodge Neon was a compact car produced from 1994 to 2005, known for its affordability and practicality. It gained popularity among young drivers and was often praised for its fun-to-drive nature.
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