Christmas Special with Gordon Murray! | The Car Podcast #67
About this episode
The Christmas Special features a lively discussion with automotive legend Gordon Murray, who shares insights on his favorite lightweight cars and his philosophy on driving. The hosts engage in a fun debate about their dream car garages, with a mix of classic and modern vehicles, while also reminiscing about the late Chris Rea and his love for cars. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a heartfelt tribute to the automotive community, making it a festive and engaging listen.
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This week, we have very special Xmas guest and special Xmas bonuses! We hope you enjoy.
(00:00) Intro
(00:06) You’re a very successful Scottish racing driver having family Xmas at your Verbier ski lodge - what is parked in 5 car underground garage
(12:37) Name the car equivalent of a Brussels sprout
(19:38) Name one aftermarket car accessory that you would like as a Christmas present that is for sale right now
(34:22) Special Xmas 2CG with Special Guest!
(52:10) You have to drive to Rome non-stop next week for New Year’s Eve party with Luca - choose a new Italian car to take you and your partner in comfort with enough luggage space for a week’s holiday
(1:06:29) 2CG by Car & Classic
(1:16:08) Music
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winter tires
"Sorry, Neil. For a moment there, I thought I heard you say winter tires. That couldn't possibly be the correct surely."
Winter tires help cars grip the road when it’s cold and snowy, making driving safer in winter weather.
Winter tires are specially designed for cold temperatures and snowy or icy roads, featuring softer rubber compounds that stay flexible in low heat and tread patterns optimized for traction on snow and ice.
summer tires
"I would just keep them on summer tires, because what could go wrong?"
Summer tires are best for hot or mild weather; they give good handling on dry roads but aren’t safe in snow or ice.
Summer tires are made for warm weather, offering better grip and handling on dry or wet roads but lose performance in cold temperatures.
Porsche 911 Stratos
"Either a Stratos, or a 250 short wheelbase. I don't know."
The 911 Stratos is a special version of Porsche’s famous 911 sports car. It was made for racing and has a shorter wheelbase, which makes it quicker to turn around corners. It’s famous among car fans for its speed and racing history.
The Porsche 911 Stratos is a legendary race car built in the early 1970s for hillclimb and endurance events. It featured a lightweight chassis, a mid-mounted flat‑six engine, and a short wheelbase for improved handling on tight courses.
Range Rover L322
"I think these are a bit 360, summer winter, summer autumn. I think a Range Rover L322, because I just love those."
The Range Rover L322 is a big, comfortable SUV made by Land Rover in the 1990s. It’s known for being good on rough roads and having a fancy interior.
The Range Rover L322 is the third generation of Land Rover’s flagship SUV, produced from 1994 to 2002. It features a robust off‑road chassis and luxurious interior, making it popular among enthusiasts.
Mini Cooper
"You'd have to have a mini-cooper, navy blue. I would getholstered with Kuyio inside."
The Mini Cooper is a small, fun‑to‑drive car from the UK that’s famous for its quirky look and good handling.
The Mini Cooper is a compact car produced by the British automaker Mini, known for its distinctive boxy design and front‑wheel drive layout.
four by four
"I thought about a panda four by four. And I thought, no, everyone's going to do that."
A 4×4 car can drive on all four wheels at the same time, which helps it go better in slippery or rough places like mud or snow.
"Four by four" (4×4) refers to a vehicle equipped with all‑wheel drive, allowing power to be sent to all four wheels simultaneously for improved traction.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 63 AMG
"in a G63 sadly, because that's what you go there and back in, isn't it?"
The G 63 is a big, strong SUV that can go off-road and still feel fancy inside. It’s expensive but very capable.
The G 63 AMG is a high-performance, luxury off‑road SUV from Mercedes-Benz. It combines rugged capability with powerful V8 engine and premium interior.
MST Mark II S-Court studs
"So I've gone for an MST mark two S-court on studs. One of those."
These are special tires with metal studs that help cars grip snowy roads better. They’re used when it’s very cold and icy.
MST is a tire brand; the Mark II S-Court is a studded winter tire designed for snowy or icy conditions. Studs improve traction on hard-packed snow.
Audi RS6
"[1139.2s] It's to me, it's the Audi RS6, because I've owned a number of these cars, and they stink like a Brussels Sprout inside."
The Audi RS6 is a sporty version of the regular Audi A6 car. It has a big engine that makes it go fast and looks very flashy.
The Audi RS6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6 sedan, featuring a powerful V8 engine and all-wheel drive. It’s known for its aggressive styling and strong acceleration.
Land Rover Defender
"So for me, the ultimate Marmite car, and if a fish could come out of the screen and punch me, it would now. It's the Land Rover Defender because so many people love the defender, that they"
The Defender is a tough, off‑road vehicle that many people love. It’s famous for being able to handle rough terrain and has a long history of reliable performance.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off‑road SUV known for its durability and versatility. It has been produced in various generations since 1983, with the latest models featuring modern technology while retaining classic styling.
Silverstone Circuit
"[1320.3s] So I've gone for Silverstone Circuit. Oh. [1326.1s] It's definitely after market."
Silverstone is a famous race track in the UK where cars and bikes compete in big races like Formula 1. It’s a popular spot for racing fans and drivers.
Silverstone Circuit is a world‑famous motor racing track in the United Kingdom, best known for hosting the British Grand Prix and many other touring car and motorcycle events.
Lola
"I really thought about this and there is something that I love to put into Lola"
Lola makes race cars in the UK, used by drivers who compete in speed competitions.
Lola Cars Ltd is a British company that designs and builds racing cars, especially for sports car and endurance events.
chrome pedals
"I just love chrome pedals and that's one thing I don't have. I don't have chrome pedals in the car"
Chrome pedals are the metal foot switches in a car that look shiny. They can break and be dangerous.
Chrome pedals are the foot controls in a car that have a shiny metal finish; they can be fragile and may pose safety risks if broken.
rubber pedals
"[1443.7s] They are rubber. I had new rubber ones put in, but I just think just it will look great."
Rubber pedals are the soft, rubbery parts you step on in a car. They’re easier to grip than metal ones.
Rubber pedals are the foot controls made of rubber, offering better grip and comfort compared to metal. They’re common in many cars.
brake pedals
"in other brake pedals ever? My yellow car has metal pedals and yeah, it's fine."
The brake pedal is the part of a car you push with your foot to make the car stop.
Brake pedals are the controls inside a vehicle that activate the braking system when pressed, allowing the driver to slow or stop the car.
automatic
"I think with an automatic, you're not a big risk."
An automatic car changes gears by itself, so you don't have to press a clutch or shift gears manually.
An automatic transmission shifts gears automatically, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal and manual gear changes.
C-Tech
"And I have all sorts of weekend dilemmas about C-Tech and what's that other one?"
C-Tech makes aftermarket power kits that add more speed to a car’s engine.
C-Tech is a manufacturer of aftermarket turbocharger and supercharger kits designed to boost engine performance.
G-Y-S Pack Pro 800
"So if anyone is listening to welding, the G-Y-S pack pro 800. Chargers, boosters. Yeah. ... It starts motorbikes, cars, motorhomes."
This is a charger you can plug into an outlet to recharge the battery in a bike, car, or motorhome. It also gives extra power if the engine is having trouble starting.
The G-Y-S Pack Pro 800 is a high‑power battery charger and booster designed for use on motorbikes, cars, and motorhomes. It can quickly recharge depleted batteries and provide a surge of power to start engines that are struggling.
QuadLock
"...two people had quad locks in their rally cars. ...the only downside is the case is quite heavy because it's got a magnet in it."
QuadLock makes special holders that let you stick your phone or other gadgets to the car’s dashboard or cup holder with a magnet, so they stay in place while you drive.
QuadLock is a company that designs modular mounting systems for phones and accessories, using magnetic attachments to secure devices in vehicles.
McLaren F1
"I think we all like a McLaren F1 in there or your current supercar."
The McLaren F1 is a very fast, expensive sports car that only a few people own. It’s famous for being one of the best cars ever made.
The McLaren F1 is a mid‑engined, three‑seat supercar produced from 1992 to 1998. It was the fastest production car of its time and is highly prized by collectors.
secondary ride
"...German cars are terrible for that. The secondary ride of German cars is just dreadful usually."
Secondary ride is how well a car stays smooth when you hit bumps after the first shock absorber has already taken care of it. It makes driving feel more comfortable on rough roads.
Secondary ride refers to the vehicle's ability to absorb bumps and road irregularities after the primary suspension has already managed initial shock. It affects comfort and handling over uneven surfaces.
longitudinal compliance
"...over 20 millimeters of longitudinal compliance, which is for a sports car is really a lot."
Longitudinal compliance is how much the front and back of a car can move separately when going over bumps. More movement means better grip and a smoother ride.
Longitudinal compliance measures how much a suspension can flex along the vehicle's length, allowing wheels to move independently in front and rear. High compliance improves traction and ride quality.
Zagato
"you know Zagato just built 19 A1 10s with a long tail. Well, I ordered one of those"
Zagato is a company that makes special, custom cars with unique looks and performance features.
Zagato is an Italian automotive design and coachbuilding company known for creating bespoke, high-performance cars with distinctive styling.
emissions regulations
"...adds 40 million to the budget to go to the US. 40 million. Wow. It's a lot of a key difference, is Gordon. What is it? Mainly a different emissions. So you've got to remap the engine completely,"
Cars must follow rules that keep the air cleaner. These rules say how much smoke and bad gases a car can produce, so makers have to change the engine or add parts to stay within limits.
Emissions regulations are government rules that limit the amount of pollutants a vehicle can emit. They require manufacturers to adjust engine tuning, add catalytic converters, or use cleaner fuels to meet legal standards.
Lotus
"...go-to car for taking out on special days, holidays and high days would be a series three or four Lotus Alain fixed head coupe..."
Lotus makes small, fast cars that are very good at turning and feel like a motorcycle on wheels. They’re popular among driving enthusiasts.
Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer famous for producing lightweight, high‑performance sports cars with exceptional handling characteristics.
Alpha Holics
"my alpha, alpha holics. It's essentially a GTA R, but in a Zagato junior body."
Alpha Holics makes custom cars that look old but run like new.
Alpha Holics is a specialty automotive company that builds custom restomod vehicles, often combining modern performance with classic styling.
S-core twin-cam
"that S-core twin-cam that Retro Power built me."
It’s a powerful engine that can make a car go faster, built by a company called Retro Power.
An S-core twin-cam is a high-performance, dual overhead camshaft engine built by Retro Power for racing or track use.
F1
"he wanted to be an F1 journalist"
F1 is a type of car racing where very fast, special cars race on tracks around the world. It’s known for being the most prestigious and competitive in motorsports.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seat auto racing sanctioned by the FIA, featuring highly advanced cars and top drivers.
Ferrari 550 Maranello
"driving his 550 Maranello"
The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a very fast, luxury sports car made by the Italian company Ferrari. It has a big V12 engine and is known for its beautiful design.
The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a mid‑engine, V12 sports car produced from 1996 to 2001. It’s celebrated for its powerful engine and classic Italian styling.
tire pressures
"go and check your tire pressures, go and do stuff that you don't normally do"
The air inside your car’s tires needs to be at the right level. If it’s too low or too high, your car might not drive well and could wear out faster.
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air inside a tire, measured in PSI or bar. Maintaining proper pressure ensures optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
auto reordering
"you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down you count on Granger for auto reordering."
It’s a system that automatically orders car parts when they run low, so factories never run out of what they need.
Auto reordering is a supply chain process where parts and materials are automatically reordered based on inventory levels, ensuring continuous production without manual intervention.
Granger
"you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down you count on Granger for auto reordering."
Granger is a business that sells parts for cars and factories, helping them keep everything running smoothly.
Granger is a company that specializes in providing automotive parts and supplies, often focusing on industrial and manufacturing needs.
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