Bruce Meyer’s Love Affair with Porsches
About this episode
Bruce Meyer shares his deep passion for Porsches and the automotive world in this engaging conversation. From his first Porsche purchase in 1961 to his impressive collection today, Bruce recounts fascinating stories about iconic cars, including the legendary 917 and the unique history of his RSR and 935 models. He reflects on the evolution of car culture, the importance of hot rodding, and the thrill of driving. With insights into the Porsche community and his experiences with notable figures like Steve McQueen, this episode is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts.
On this episode, we’re at Bruce Meyer’s garage in Los Angeles, and we get to spend ninety-minutes talking about cars. Bruce is a fixture in the southern California car scene and is renowned for being the co-founder of the famous Peterson Automotive Museum. He is also a master at story telling and had us captured with the stories about his cars and how he found them. From Steve McQueen’s Speedster to a 910 that won Le Mans to the 935K3 that had an infamous history, you, like us, will be hooked on this episode.
Pirelli
"...especially Pirelli. Pirelli tires have to achieve the highest levels of performance, safety and noiselessness and grip on the road surface."
Pirelli is a famous brand that makes tires for cars and motorcycles. They are known for making high-quality tires that help cars perform better and stay safe on the road.
Pirelli is a renowned Italian tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires for various vehicles, including sports cars and motorcycles. They focus on innovation and safety, catering to both everyday drivers and motorsport enthusiasts.
PCA
"...what you've done for PCA in the short time as an official PCA member..."
PCA is a club for people who love Porsche cars. They have events and activities for members to enjoy and connect with other Porsche fans.
PCA stands for the Porsche Club of America, a club dedicated to Porsche enthusiasts that organizes events, drives, and gatherings for members to share their passion for the brand.
Kia Stinger
"The Stinger, yes."
The Kia Stinger is a type of car that combines sporty performance with a comfortable sedan design. It's known for being fun to drive and looks good too.
The Kia Stinger is a sports sedan known for its performance and sleek design. It offers a variety of engine options and has been well-received for its driving dynamics and styling.
hot rod
"But I know more of you from the hot rod side."
A hot rod is a type of car that has been changed to make it faster and more powerful. People often modify older cars to create unique and speedy vehicles, which is a popular hobby.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance and speed. The hot rod culture originated in the United States in the 1940s and is closely associated with car enthusiasts who enjoy customizing vehicles.
Ford Model 32
"...a hot rod. And I would draw pictures, you know, in the front of a 32 Ford is a pretty easy thing to draw."
The '32 Ford is a classic car from 1932 that many people love to modify and customize. It's famous in car culture, especially among hot rod enthusiasts.
The Ford Model 32, commonly known as the '32 Ford', is a classic American car that became iconic in the hot rodding community. Its design and performance made it a popular choice for customization and modification.
Ford Model T
"whether it was a, you know, a Model A or a Model T or a 32 or 34, you know, that's where it all started."
The Model T is another famous car made by Ford that changed the world because it was the first car many people could afford. It made it easier for families to own a car.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, making car ownership accessible to the general public. Its production revolutionized the automotive industry with assembly line manufacturing.
Model A
"whether it was a, you know, a Model A or a Model T or a 32 or 34, you know, that's where it all started."
The Model A is an old car made by Ford that people loved because it was affordable and reliable. It helped many families get around in the early 1900s.
The Ford Model A was a popular car produced by Ford from 1927 to 1931. It is known for its affordability and reliability, and it played a significant role in automotive history as one of the first cars to be mass-produced after the Model T.
Nethercutt Collection
"...had lunch every Friday at the Nethercutt Collection, which is classic cars. But Phil Hill told me about the Low Flyers..."
The Nethercutt Collection is a museum where you can see many old and classic cars. It's a place for car lovers to appreciate the history of automobiles.
The Nethercutt Collection is a renowned automotive museum located in Sylmar, California, showcasing a vast array of classic and vintage cars. It is known for its impressive collection of automobiles and its dedication to preserving automotive history.
Shelby Cobra
"... bell, but Phil Remington is like. You watch the Cobra documentary with Adam Carolla, you see it. Exact..."
The Shelby Cobra is a fast sports car from the 1960s that is famous for being lightweight and powerful. People love it for its looks and its success in racing.
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 has become a legendary vehicle in automotive history, celebrated for its racing pedigree and classic styling.
Hillborn Injection
"...Stu Hillborn, Hillborn Injection, Travers and Coons. They built all the Jim Travers and Coons, Traco."
Hillborn Injection makes special fuel systems that help engines run better, especially in race cars. They help deliver fuel more effectively to the engine, which can make it faster.
Hillborn Injection is a company known for its innovative fuel injection systems, particularly in racing applications. Their products have been widely used in performance engines to improve efficiency and power delivery.
SoCal Speed Shop
"That was the first speed shop in Southern California, the SoCal speed shop."
SoCal Speed Shop is a famous car shop in Southern California that helps people build and customize fast cars. It's well-known in the car community for its history and contributions to car racing.
SoCal Speed Shop is a historic automotive speed shop located in Southern California, known for its role in the hot rod and custom car culture. It has been influential in the development of performance parts and custom builds since its inception.
P-38 Lightning
"That car is an actual, it's a belly tank from a P38 fighter plane and, and, you know, Alex got out of the service and thought, you know, that's aero, you know, right?"
The P-38 Lightning is a famous fighter plane from World War II. Its fuel tanks were used to create special race cars called belly tanks, which are designed for speed.
The P-38 Lightning is a World War II-era fighter aircraft known for its distinctive twin-boom design and versatility in combat. Its fuel tanks were often repurposed for building belly tank race cars.
belly tank
"That car is an actual, it's a belly tank from a P38 fighter plane and, and, you know, Alex got out of the service and thought, you know, that's aero, you know, right?"
A belly tank is a special kind of race car made from old fuel tanks of fighter planes. They are designed to be very fast and are often used in racing events.
A belly tank is a type of race car built using the fuel tanks from military aircraft, particularly World War II fighter planes. These tanks are streamlined and lightweight, making them ideal for speed racing, especially at events like Bonneville Salt Flats.
Bonneville
"...I don't want to go too deep into Bonneville. We're really not here about Bonneville, but, but the idea at Bonneville, these guys aren't..."
Bonneville is a place in Utah known for car racing. It's where many cars go to see how fast they can go on a flat, dry area.
Bonneville refers to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a famous location for land speed records and racing. It has a long history of automotive events where vehicles are tested for speed on a flat, dry surface.
dry lake
"So if something works and it goes down the salt flat straight or the dry lake straight..."
A dry lake is a lake that has no water in it, and the flat ground can be used for racing cars because it's smooth.
A dry lake is a lake that has dried up, leaving a flat surface that can be used for various activities, including land speed racing. Like salt flats, they offer a smooth area for high-speed runs.
salt flat
"So if something works and it goes down the salt flat straight or the dry lake straight..."
A salt flat is a flat area covered with salt, and it's used for racing because it's very smooth and allows cars to go really fast.
Salt flats are flat expanses of ground covered with salt and other minerals, often used for land speed racing due to their smooth surface. They provide ideal conditions for achieving high speeds.
land speed racing
"So if something works and it goes down the salt flat straight or the dry lake straight..."
Land speed racing is a type of racing where cars try to go as fast as they can on flat land. It's usually done on places like salt flats.
Land speed racing is a motorsport where vehicles compete to achieve the highest speed over a measured distance on land. It often takes place on flat surfaces like salt flats or dry lakes.
Tom Thumb Special
"...it was called the Tom Thumb Special, it's still painted with yellow kind of weird kind of tribal, you know, art on the side."
The Tom Thumb Special is a special car that has a unique look and is known for racing. It has interesting designs on it and is part of racing history.
The Tom Thumb Special is a specific vehicle known for its unique design and history in land speed racing. It features distinctive tribal art and is part of the lore surrounding early racing vehicles.
aerodynamics
"They were sharing ideas, be it aerodynamics or engine or whatnot to go faster and faster."
Aerodynamics is about how air flows around cars. Good aerodynamics helps cars go faster and use less fuel by reducing wind resistance.
Aerodynamics refers to how air moves around objects, particularly vehicles. In automotive design, improving aerodynamics can reduce drag, increase fuel efficiency, and enhance stability at high speeds, which is crucial for performance cars.
Singer
"...one of the leading, you know, design people were Singer. And I remember when they came out and they were reimagining the car..."
Singer is a company that takes old Porsche 911 cars and makes them look and drive even better. They add special features and designs that make the cars unique and stylish.
Singer Vehicle Design is a company known for its high-end restorations and modifications of classic Porsche 911s, particularly focusing on enhancing performance and aesthetics while maintaining the original character of the vehicle.
choppers
"But I remember when the guys were building choppers and cafe bikes. And Harley just didn't get it until maybe the late 70s..."
Choppers are specially modified motorcycles that look different from regular bikes. They often have longer front ends and unique designs, making them stand out.
Choppers are custom motorcycles that have been modified to have extended front forks and a unique design, often emphasizing aesthetics over practicality. They became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in the custom motorcycle culture.
cafe bikes
"But I remember when the guys were building choppers and cafe bikes. And Harley just didn't get it until maybe the late 70s..."
Cafe bikes are a type of motorcycle designed for speed and style. They usually have a simple look with low handlebars and are inspired by racing bikes.
Cafe bikes, or cafe racers, are a style of motorcycle that emphasizes speed and style, often featuring a minimalist design, low handlebars, and a racing-inspired look. They originated in the 1960s in the UK as a way for riders to race between cafes.
Porsche 911
"There's just something that seems like wrong about a wooden dash. But then I have a friend of mine that has a wooden dash in his 9-11. Is it that's under wishes or whatever you call it?"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people love because of how it looks and drives. It has been around for a long time and is known for being fast and stylish.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a symbol of performance and luxury since its introduction in 1964, making it a frequent topic of discussion among car enthusiasts.
Porsche 917
"...ht, you got the wooden year shift knob out of the 917. That does not qualify you."
The Porsche 917 is a super-fast race car that became famous for winning big races in the late 1960s. It is known for its unique design and amazing speed.
The Porsche 917 is a race car that gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s for its dominance in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its innovative design and powerful engine made it a significant milestone in automotive engineering.
Porsche 944
"maybe you're restoring a 944 Turbo or maybe you need a part for one of these cars back here..."
The Porsche 944 Turbo is a sporty car that has a turbocharged engine, making it faster than the regular 944. It's known for being fun to drive and is often sought after by car fans.
The Porsche 944 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the Porsche 944 sports car, known for its turbocharged engine and balanced handling. It was produced during the 1980s and early 1990s and is popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and design.
Chevrolet Biscayne
"I wanted a Chevy Biscayne, the cheap post with a big engine, 409 and a four-speed, you know."
The Chevy Biscayne is a car made by Chevrolet that was popular in the 1960s. It was known for being a budget-friendly option with a lot of space.
The Chevy Biscayne is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet from 1958 to 1972. It was known for its affordability and was often used as a base model for various configurations.
Porsche 1961
"So I bought the Porsche in 1960. It was the 61 Porsche."
The speaker bought a Porsche car in 1960, which is from the year 1961. This was an important time for Porsche as they were starting to become well-known for their sports cars.
The speaker mentions purchasing a Porsche in 1960, specifically referencing the model from 1961. This period is significant in Porsche's history as it marks the early years of the brand's iconic sports cars.
Porsche 356
"...ryone had a camera to say, look at this guy, it's 356. All you have to do is look, Roger, did anyone s..."
The Porsche 356 is an older car that was the first one made by Porsche. People admire it for its beautiful design and its importance in the history of the company.
The Porsche 356 was the first production car by Porsche, introduced in 1948. It is highly regarded for its classic design and is often celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts for its role in establishing the brand's reputation.
Porsche Speedster
"...we're looking at the black 300 here. You bought Steve McQueen's Black Speedster."
The Porsche Speedster is a special version of Porsche cars that is lighter and designed for better performance. It's famous for its classic look and is loved by car fans.
The Porsche Speedster is a lightweight, high-performance variant of the Porsche 356 and later the 911, known for its minimalist design and sporty driving experience. It has become an iconic model among car enthusiasts and collectors, often associated with classic automotive culture.
Porsche 906
"...they had the 904 and the 906, but those cars really had a lot of like production car bits, the wheels, so forth."
The Porsche 906 is another classic race car from the 1960s, known for being very light and successful in races. It was designed to be fast and competitive on the track.
The Porsche 906, also known as the Carrera 6, is a race car produced in the mid-1960s, notable for its lightweight design and success in various racing events. It was built to compete in sports car racing and is recognized for its engineering excellence.
Porsche 904
"...they had the 904 and the 906, but those cars really had a lot of like production car bits, the wheels, so forth."
The Porsche 904 is a classic sports car from the 1960s that was designed for racing. It's known for being lightweight and fast, making it a significant model in Porsche's history.
The Porsche 904 is a sports car produced by Porsche in the 1960s, known for its lightweight construction and racing pedigree. It was one of the first cars to use a fiberglass body, which contributed to its performance on the track.
Chevrolet Corvette
"everything. Except for your Corvette. Not the C6."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a popular sports car from America that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a symbol of American car culture.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that has been in production since 1953. Known for its powerful performance and sleek design, it represents the pinnacle of American automotive engineering.
Porsche Carrera Rsr
"... to keep moving forward. Backstory on the 73-911 Carrera RSR 2.8. How did you come across that one?"
The Porsche Carrera RS is a special version of the 911 sports car that was made for racing and is very light. It's very popular with collectors because of its history and performance.
The Porsche Carrera RS, introduced in 1973, is a lightweight and high-performance version of the 911 that has become a classic among collectors. Its combination of racing pedigree and road usability makes it a highly sought-after model.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...e Aventador is just stunning. Absolutely. And the Huracan is amazing. It's a great car. And you look at th..."
The Lamborghini Huracan is a fancy sports car that looks really cool and is super fast. It has a powerful engine and is known for being one of the best luxury cars you can buy.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a luxury sports car that was introduced in 2014 as the successor to the Gallardo. It is celebrated for its striking design, advanced technology, and powerful V10 engine, making it a standout in the supercar market.
Ford Mustangs
"...Am used to be, is Trans-Am. Corvettes, Pontiacs, Mustangs, Camaros. So, Porsche builds this... Now, I have ..."
Chevrolet Camaros
"... be, is Trans-Am. Corvettes, Pontiacs, Mustangs, Camaros. So, Porsche builds this... Now, I have a theory ..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks tough and is built for speed. It came out in the 1960s and is often compared to the Ford Mustang.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a muscle car that was first introduced in 1966 as a competitor to the Ford Mustang. It is known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Jaguar Dtypes
"old chassis, they just said, here's the new one. Because they didn't think it was going to be worth anything. Yeah. And Jaguar, we've, you know, D-types, you know, you had the rear suspension, the monocoque and the front suspension, you know, and any, those were throwaway parts."
The Jaguar D-Type is an old racing car from the 1950s that is famous for its sleek shape and winning races. Many people think it's one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
The Jaguar D-Type is a racing car that was produced in the 1950s and is renowned for its aerodynamic design and success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is considered one of the most beautiful and significant racing cars in automotive history.
Chevrolet Suburbans
"...it, it could have been a feature film. Full, full Suburbans, guys in black. He hired the, like this speciali..."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's been around for a very long time and is great for families or anyone needing extra space.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production since 1935, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. It is known for its spacious interior and versatility, often used for family transport and commercial purposes.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.