Stuart Howden and Steve Saffier dive into a lively discussion about classic cars, including Stuart's recent purchase of a BMW Z3 and the unique stories behind the cars sold at Classic Auto Mall. They reminisce about car culture in Los Angeles, share anecdotes about classic films like Cannonball Run, and explore the evolution of automotive technology. The episode features engaging banter about the challenges of selling classic cars and the importance of patience in the market, along with insights into the diverse inventory available at the mall.
Archive Show #081 airdate 03/25/23 - Stewart and Steve talk all things automotive including the "status cars of their time" like the Mercedes 450SL and the Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible. Plus diesel fuel trucks, electric lawn tools and amateur vs. professional restoration. NOTE: some consignment details may vary since the airdate.
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Recorded in our Showcase Studio just inside the entrance of the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA, Host Stewart Howden, Classic Auto Mall President and Classic Car Specialist Steve Saffier talk about this unique and amazing place often with amazing guests.
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"...for a real true Roadster sports car. I found a BMW Z3 2000 with 28,000 miles on it. And what color is it?"
The BMW Z3 is a small sports car that seats two people. It was made by BMW and is loved for its fun driving style and stylish looks.
The BMW Z3 is a two-seater sports car produced by BMW from 1995 to 2002. It is known for its classic roadster design and engaging driving experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
"Let's get into the show today. Cannonball Run and Cannonball, Cannonball Run 1 and Cannonball Run 2."
Cannonball Run is a movie about a race across the country where drivers compete to see who can get from one place to another the fastest. It's funny and has a lot of different characters and cars.
Cannonball Run is a series of movies that revolve around illegal cross-country races, inspired by the real-life Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. The films are known for their comedic elements and ensemble casts, featuring various cars and characters racing across the United States.
"I almost rented Le Mans because I've seen the whole thing."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Teams of drivers take turns racing their cars to see who can go the farthest in that time.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance racing event held annually in France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, where teams compete to see who can cover the most distance in 24 hours.
"I mean, I don't know what the fees and the duties and all that are. I'm sure that is another thing all in and of itself, however, just to get it from here to there."
Duties are taxes that you have to pay when you bring goods, like cars, into a country. These taxes can make the total cost of getting a car much higher when shipping it from one country to another.
Duties are taxes imposed by a government on the import and export of goods. When shipping a car internationally, duties can significantly increase the overall cost due to tariffs based on the vehicle's value and country of origin.
"I mean, I don't know what the fees and the duties and all that are. I'm sure that is another thing all in and of itself, however, just to get it from here to there."
Dealer fees are extra charges that car dealerships might add when you buy a car. They can include costs for paperwork and other services, and they can change from one dealership to another.
Dealer fees refer to the various charges that a dealership may add to the price of a vehicle, which can include documentation fees, processing fees, and other administrative costs. These fees can vary significantly from one dealer to another and can impact the overall cost of purchasing a vehicle.
"So, we sold a G-55 AMG Mercedes, the black box. You know what those are. They look like a box."
The G-Class is a rugged and luxurious SUV from Mercedes-Benz. The G-55 AMG is a powerful version that is great for off-roading and has a distinctive boxy design.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G-55 AMG variant, is a luxury SUV known for its boxy shape and off-road capabilities. The AMG designation indicates a high-performance version with enhanced power and features.
"Not yet. We got a Tacoma and something else, Toyota, that are all off-road..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a small truck that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. People like it because it's tough and can carry a lot of stuff while still being easy to drive.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has a strong reputation among enthusiasts and is often discussed for its reliability and versatility in various driving conditions.
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many different types of cars and SUVs. They are known for offering good value for the price and have a strong warranty.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. They are known for their value, warranty offerings, and improving quality over the years.
"So like, I know the Corvette ZR1s had a key that would disable some of the power or some of the cylinders. And then there was valet keys on high-dollar sports cars..."
The Corvette ZR1 is a special version of the Chevrolet Corvette that is designed for high performance. It has a more powerful engine and better features than the regular Corvette, making it faster and more fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a high-performance variant of the Corvette sports car, known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It often features enhancements that allow for greater speed and handling compared to standard models.
"...a Mercedes 450 SEL would get parked way down our way, you know."
The Mercedes 450 SEL is a fancy car that was made a long time ago. It's known for being very comfortable and is often seen as a symbol of wealth.
The Mercedes 450 SEL is a luxury sedan that was part of the W116 series, known for its comfort and advanced features for its time. It was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, often associated with high status and luxury.
"...ed by the ugliest Rolls-Royce, in my opinion, the Camargue. Remember that?"
The Rolls-Royce Camargue is a very expensive and fancy car that was made a long time ago. It's known for its unique look and is considered a special collector's item.
The Rolls-Royce Camargue is a luxury coupe produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its distinctive design and opulent features. It is often discussed for its unique styling and status as a rare classic.
"...about 928s, portion 928s, very, very good conversation. I have a whole thing of 928s here."
The Porsche 928 is a type of sports car made by the German company Porsche. It was built to be both fast and comfortable for long drives, and it has a unique design with the engine in the front.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was notable for its front-engine layout and was designed to be a grand tourer, combining performance with comfort.
"Had I not purchased the BMW Z3, you have a beautiful little Mazda RX8."
The Mazda RX-8 is a sporty car made by Mazda that has a special type of engine called a rotary engine. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique look.
The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car produced by Mazda from 2002 to 2012, known for its unique rotary engine and balanced handling. It offers a distinctive design and a fun driving experience.
"Now we've got a regular RX7 93 and it's a little pricier than that. Well, of course, that's a little more desirable body style."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that uses a unique rotary engine instead of a traditional piston engine. The 1993 version is popular among car enthusiasts for its fun driving experience.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its rotary engine and agile handling. The 1993 model is part of the third generation, which features a more refined design and improved performance compared to earlier models.
"400 horsepower V8, which is probably not enough power for a Mazda. Is it?"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It helps to determine how fast a vehicle can accelerate and its overall performance.
"I don't know. Some of it was all GM with the Grand National and then eventually Typhoon and the Cyclone, the..."
The Buick Grand National is a fast car from the 1980s that looks really cool with its black color. It's special because it has a powerful engine and is loved by car fans.
The Buick Grand National is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal, produced in the 1980s, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and blacked-out styling. It has become a classic among muscle car enthusiasts.
Car
Chevrolet Grand National
"...some of it was all GM with the Grand National and then eventually Typhoon and the Cyclone, they detuned them."
The Chevrolet Grand National is a powerful version of a car called the Buick Regal, made in the 1980s. It has a turbocharged engine, which makes it very fast.
The Chevrolet Grand National is a performance variant of the Buick Regal, produced in the 1980s. It is known for its turbocharged V6 engine and was a significant player in the muscle car revival of that era.
"...l GM with the Grand National and then eventually Typhoon and the Cyclone, they detuned them. They lowered..."
The GMC Typhoon is a powerful SUV that can go really fast, kind of like a sports car but with more space. It was made in the 1990s and is special because it was one of the first SUVs designed for speed.
The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance SUV that was produced in the early 1990s, known for its turbocharged engine and sporty handling. It stands out as one of the earliest examples of a performance-oriented SUV.
Car
Chevrolet Cyclone
"...eventually Typhoon and the Cyclone, they detuned them. They lowered the horsepower rating so that the Corvette was not overshadowed."
The Chevrolet Cyclone is a fast pickup truck made in the early 1990s. It has a turbocharged engine, making it quick like a sports car.
The Chevrolet Cyclone is a high-performance pickup truck produced in the early 1990s, featuring a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It was designed to compete with sports cars in terms of performance.
Car
Chevrolet Typhoon
"...eventually Typhoon and the Cyclone, they detuned them. They lowered the horsepower rating so that the Corvette was not overshadowed."
The Chevrolet Typhoon is a fast SUV made in the early 1990s. It has a turbocharged engine, which helps it go really fast for an SUV.
The Chevrolet Typhoon is a high-performance SUV produced in the early 1990s, known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It was part of a small group of performance SUVs that gained popularity during that time.
"...they didn't want to pick up truck or an SUV to kick the Corvette, which it did. They did. Yeah, they were all wheel drive quicker and they were rated at 280 horsepower."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car can get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability. It is particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions and off-road situations.
"...nowadays that they have eight speed automatic or nine speed automatic transmissions, or they have the automatic shutoff..."
An automatic transmission helps a car change gears by itself, so the driver doesn't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without manually shifting gears. Modern automatic transmissions can have multiple speeds for improved efficiency and performance.
"...they're cramming for fuel mileage. They're doing their best because they had, they know they had the stuff that's never going to be good."
Fuel mileage tells you how far a car can go using a certain amount of gas. Better fuel mileage means you can drive farther without needing to fill up.
Fuel mileage refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel, usually expressed in miles per gallon (MPG). Manufacturers often implement technologies to improve fuel mileage to meet regulations and consumer demand for efficiency.
"Well, fuel mileage, like the Escalade Cadillac or the big Silverados."
The Cadillac Escalade is a large, fancy SUV that offers a lot of space and luxury features. It's often used by families or people who want a comfortable ride with lots of room.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful performance, and premium features. It's a popular choice among those looking for a high-end vehicle with ample room for passengers and cargo.
"...making some exceptions to the all electric rule in 2035 that they can't sell combustion engines."
Combustion engines are the engines that run on fuel like gas or diesel. They work by burning the fuel to create power to move the car.
Combustion engines are internal combustion engines that generate power through the burning of fuel, typically gasoline or diesel. They are the traditional engine type used in most vehicles before the rise of electric vehicles.
"Now they're saying if it's a zero emissions, blah, whatever, then there."
Zero emissions means that a vehicle doesn't produce any harmful gases while it runs. This is important for reducing pollution and is often used when talking about electric cars.
Zero emissions refers to vehicles that do not emit any pollutants from their operation, typically associated with electric vehicles. This term is significant in discussions about environmental regulations and the future of transportation.
"...lost 3.2 billion in the electric car department."
An electric car is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are considered better for the environment because they produce fewer emissions.
An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They are seen as a more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
"Now, obviously they're in the R&D development early stages of that."
R&D means Research and Development. It's when car companies work on new ideas and technologies, like electric cars, to make them better.
R&D stands for Research and Development, a crucial phase in the automotive industry where companies invest in creating new technologies and improving existing ones, especially for electric vehicles.
"I mean, like the 58 in Palo was a one year only body style."
Body style is the shape and design of a car's outside. It affects how the car looks and how it works. There are different styles like sedans and coupes.
Body style refers to the design and shape of a vehicle's exterior, which can influence its aerodynamics, aesthetics, and functionality. Different body styles include sedan, coupe, hatchback, and more, each catering to different consumer preferences and needs.
"Now the solution will be the fast chargers. I mean, I wonder what the goal is for charging."
Fast chargers are special charging stations for electric cars that can fill up the battery much faster than regular chargers. This helps drivers recharge quickly when they're on long trips.
Fast chargers are high-powered charging stations that can significantly reduce the time it takes to recharge electric vehicles compared to standard chargers. They are essential for long-distance travel in electric vehicles, allowing drivers to quickly recharge their batteries and continue their journey.
"Plus, you're always confused whether you're putting death, the diesel fuel supplement that you put in there, if it's already in the fuel, because on my truck, you have to put it in separately..."
A diesel fuel supplement is a special liquid you add to diesel fuel to help the engine run better and last longer. It can fix problems like keeping the fuel clean and helping it work in cold weather.
Diesel fuel supplements are additives used to improve the performance and longevity of diesel engines. They can help with issues like fuel stability, injector cleanliness, and cold weather performance.
"...I mean, just to say, I don't care if you bought a Caprice, a 77 Caprice, if you came from Yanko Chevrolet,..."
The Holden Caprice is a big, comfortable car made in Australia. It's known for having a lot of space inside, making it nice for long drives.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced in Australia, known for its spacious interior and comfort. It is often discussed for its unique place in the automotive market and its appeal to those seeking a large, comfortable car.
"Not like the S65, the twin turbo V12 with 638 horsepower and 700 and God knows what foot pounds of torque, but anyway..."
The S65 is a luxury car made by Mercedes-Benz that has a very powerful engine. It can go really fast and is designed for comfort and style.
The Mercedes-Benz S65 is a high-performance luxury sedan equipped with a twin-turbocharged V12 engine, producing 638 horsepower. This model is known for its powerful performance and luxurious features.
"...or me to pick, is that there's a 20, we got a 27 Ford Model T Roadster. This thing is about the nicest Model..."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually afford. It was made a long time ago and changed how cars were built and sold.
The Ford Model T is a historic vehicle that revolutionized the automotive industry by making cars affordable for the average person. Produced from 1908 to 1927, it is often regarded as the first mass-produced car.
"...he Model T Roadster. So anyway, how about the 73 Bronco? Right."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love for going off-road. It was first made a long time ago and has come back recently, making it exciting for fans of adventurous driving.
The Ford Bronco is a classic SUV that has gained legendary status for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. Originally introduced in the 1960s, it has recently been revived, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
"...the future shows. Really amazing little 61 Buick Skylark coupe. And you say, Hmm, what a 61 Skylark?"
The Buick Skylark is an older car that many people think looks nice and is comfortable to drive. It was made for several decades and is popular among collectors.
The Buick Skylark is a classic car that was produced from the 1960s through the 1990s, known for its stylish design and comfortable ride. It is often discussed for its vintage appeal and significance in American automotive history.
"... buying them and saying, okay, I want to buy a 67 Mustang GTA 390, but we're not doing that."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that is fast and sporty. It's famous for its cool looks and powerful engine, and many people dream of owning one.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive design. It has been a symbol of American automotive culture since its introduction in the 1960s, making it a frequent topic of discussion among car lovers.
"...hink you missed this or that color is not called Bolero Red. It's called Ruby Red, right?"
The Mahindra Bolero is a tough SUV made for driving on rough roads. It's popular in India because it can handle tough conditions and is useful for many people.
The Mahindra Bolero is a rugged SUV popular in India, known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It is often discussed for its practicality and value in challenging driving conditions.
"This was cool. There's a Lamborghini Countach in it. There was all kinds of cool cars."
The Lamborghini Countach is a really flashy and fast sports car that looks like something out of a movie. It's famous for its unique shape and powerful engine.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its striking design and high performance. Produced from the 1970s to the early 1990s, it has become a symbol of luxury and speed.
"...Yeah. 25 hours and 30 minutes in 2020, 2016 Audi S6. Nice."
The Audi S6 is a fancy car that goes really fast and feels nice to drive. It has a lot of cool features and is made for people who want both speed and comfort.
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, known for its powerful engine and luxurious features. It combines sporty performance with the comfort and technology expected from a premium sedan.
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This is the Classic Automall Show.
Broadcast from the studios inside the Classic Automall in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.
Just one hour west of Philadelphia at Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 298.
Featuring nearly 1,000 classic vintage and barbed-fide vehicles for sale under one climate-controlled roof.
Now, here's your host, Classic Automall President and the man with all the toys, Stuart Howden.
Good morning, listeners, and good morning, Steve.
Good morning.
March the 28th is the day we're recording.
We'll air this first on April 1st.
Well, April Fool's Day.
And this is show number 81, so we're old hat at this.
We got this down to a well-oiled machine.
Right?
So you bought a new car?
Yes.
What'd you get?
I'm just making sure my mic is on.
Check, check.
I hear you.
Okay, good.
What'd you get?
Well, you know, as a member of the Old York Road Sports Car Club.
Right.
It started in 1952-53.
I'm probably the only one in the club who didn't have a sports car.
And while they appreciate my performance truck, it really didn't fit in.
So I've always been soft searching for a couple of years for a real true Roadster sports car.
I found a BMW Z3 2000 with 28,000 miles on it.
And what color is it?
It's a Topaz Blue.
Oh, that's a good color.
It's a good color for that car.
Yeah.
One of the better colors, I think, for that car, really, truly.
It's just, it's iconic for that car.
When you think of that car, you think of that color.
That car or the light blue that apparently was in a James Bond movie.
Again, I'm not a movie guy.
Yeah.
We're documented and are well aware of that now.
So, and we're going to talk about a couple of movies.
Okay.
Let's get into the show today.
Cannonball Run and Cannonball, Cannonball Run 1 and Cannonball Run 2.
I almost rented Le Mans because I've seen the whole thing.
And I wasn't sure if I, I didn't, you know, at nine o'clock at night, do I want to start
an hour?
And it's really, it's a long two hours because there's a lot of very dry, you know, movie
making back in the 60s was not quite what it is today.
It's not, you know, in your face action every second, every minute of it.
It's very drawn out.
Things that take 10 seconds in a current movie are like two minutes in that movie.
But the racing and the sounds is amazing.
People had a longer attention span back then.
So seems to be longer.
They're more dialogue.
Well, you didn't have a cell phone in your pocket.
I mean, I can, we'll be watching a movie at home and I'll look over and my wife is on
her cell phone.
She's doing something or on her iPad or whatever and not even listening or watching the movie.
Hey, did you enjoy that movie?
Oh, it's fantastic.
Well, how do you know?
Cell phones, man.
I know they're the scourge of the earth, but, you know, can't live without them, can't
live with them, you know, whatever the saying is.
I, I love my cell phone because there are so many things that I can do with that that
don't require me to have, you know, a whole traipse of either people following me or a
whole box with wheels on it that I roll around all my stuff.
I love having everything in my hand, you know.
Think about it.
You don't have to carry an address book.
You don't have to carry it.
I mean, there's just so many things.
Remember math books?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
The Thomas map in, in Los Angeles, Thomas guide.
If you lived in Los Angeles, maybe not just Los Angeles, probably any big city, more than
likely though, Los Angeles, the Thomas guide was like a phone book that you sat on the
passenger seat of your car and everybody had one and that was the way to find your way
around Los Angeles because Los Angeles was spread out and back in the day when I lived
there in the early 80s, you know, everything you had to do was always, you know, three
towns over and, and there was 42 main streets and there was 42, you know, of the same name
road and you had to know exactly where you were going and then you'd run out of page
because you'd have to flip the page to see where you were going next and God forbid there
was a, you know, a left and an immediate right.
You could miss that pretty easily.
It's intriguing.
It's basically a giant map cut into squares and then you don't just pay.
It wasn't just page by page.
It would say go to page 32.
Yeah.
And look at F three, which so the F on the left side and the three, you know, the numbers
on the bottom and the, and, and then you would find what you were looking for and then you'd
had to backtrack to figure out how to get to that point because now you've found where
you're going, but you're way far, you're on page 77 and this is on page 130.
How do you get from 77 to 30?
My first job in LA was delivering flowers, which was actually a good, you learned a lot
about it.
Where was the flower shop?
Beverly Hills.
Oh, well.
I told you, I delivered to some celebrities.
That's true.
Apollonia.
Yeah.
Steve Perry and a whole bunch of people.
Yeah.
Steve Perry ruined journey.
No, he didn't.
Yeah.
He's a kid.
I don't know.
We don't know what the true story of that is.
Nor do we care because this is a car show, not a Steve Perry journey show.
But anyway, had a good week last week selling cars.
We sold them while all over the place.
How about Brisbane, Australia?
Wow.
Yeah.
Sold a car to Australia.
Australia, which is not inexpensive to get the car there.
I mean, I don't know what the fees and the duties and all that are.
I'm sure that is another thing all in and of itself, however, just to get it from here
to there.
And the timing it takes, it takes a long time to get it there.
Anyway.
Well, there's a lot of American cars and it's like a hobby.
I have a friend of mine who lives in Australia and a big car collector over there.
And yeah, they get them over there.
They figure it out one way or another.
They're like degenerate, you know, car guys just like the rest of us.
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