Classic Auto Mall - #219 - Stewart Howden with Guests Bruce Meyer + Keith Martin
About this episode
Stuart Howden hosts a lively discussion with automotive enthusiasts Bruce Meyer and Keith Martin, exploring the unique offerings of Classic Auto Mall and the Peterson Museum. Bruce shares insights on his impressive car collection, including rare models like the Ferrari Testarossa and the first Cobra. The trio delves into the evolution of car culture, the significance of hot rodding, and the impact of automatic versus manual transmissions in modern driving. With anecdotes from their experiences, this episode highlights the passion and camaraderie that define the automotive community.
Show #219 airdate 11-12-25 Bruce Meyer Co-Vice Chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum. They discuss the Museum "VAULT", Founding the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance and his collection including the very FIRST Shelby Cobra sold. Also joining is Keith Martin of Sportscar Market Magazine with his special subscription offer, adding A/C to a classic sports car and & Automatic vs. Stick shift. Petersen.org https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/events
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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.
YES...Classic Auto Mall is a REAL former shopping mall that covers almost EIGHT football fields with an average of nearly ONE THOUSAND classic vehicles under one, climate controlled roof and they're all FOR SALE!
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hot rod
"It's hard to, you know, there's a hot rod. I love hot rods."
A hot rod is an old car that has been changed to go faster and look cooler. People often modify them to make them more powerful.
A hot rod is a modified car, typically an older model, that has been enhanced for performance and speed. These modifications often include engine upgrades, weight reduction, and custom bodywork.
muscle car
"And then over here is a muscle car. It's just fabulous."
A muscle car is a fast American car with a big engine. They are designed to be powerful and are often used for racing.
A muscle car is a high-performance vehicle, typically American-made, known for its powerful engine and aggressive styling. They are often characterized by rear-wheel drive and a focus on straight-line speed.
Rolls Royce
"You know, I came from East Tennessee, which there was one Rolls Royce in the whole state, I think, you know, and I've never forget the first time I drove down Wilshire Boulevard."
Rolls Royce is a very expensive car brand that makes luxury cars. They are known for their quality and custom features.
Rolls Royce is a luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-end vehicles and bespoke craftsmanship. The brand is synonymous with luxury and prestige in the automotive world.
Ferrari 512 Berlinetta
"...doing those bonsai runs at about two in the morning and Countaches and 512 Berlinetta boxers. And it was just almost every night I would be driving home..."
The Ferrari 512 Berlinetta is a classic sports car with a powerful engine and a stylish look. It was made by Ferrari and is known for its speed and performance.
The Ferrari 512 Berlinetta is a high-performance sports car produced in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its powerful V12 engine and sleek design. It is part of Ferrari's legendary lineage of sports cars.
Lamborghini Countach
"...doing those bonsai runs at about two in the morning and Countaches and 512 Berlinetta boxers. And it was just almost every night I would be driving home..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car with a unique design and doors that open upwards. It was very popular in the 1980s and is still admired today.
The Lamborghini Countach is a classic supercar known for its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors. It was produced from the 1970s to the early 1990s and is often considered an icon of automotive design.
Camaro Nationals
"We do. We have the Camaro Nationals here every summer and they bring 700 Camaros to, to our facility here."
The Camaro Nationals is a big car show focused on the Chevrolet Camaro. It happens every summer and features many Camaros for people to see and enjoy.
The Camaro Nationals is an annual event that celebrates the Chevrolet Camaro, bringing together enthusiasts and showcasing a large number of these vehicles. It's a great opportunity for fans to connect and admire various models and modifications of the Camaro.
Chevrolet Camaro
"We do. We have the Camaro Nationals here every summer and they bring 700 Camaros to, to our facility here."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it has a long history of being a favorite among car fans.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been a favorite among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s, often competing with the Ford Mustang.
Ferrari GTO
"...if you're the last man on earth and you've got the Ferrari GTO"
The Ferrari GTO is a famous and rare sports car made by Ferrari. It's known for being very fast and is considered a classic among car enthusiasts.
The Ferrari GTO is a legendary sports car known for its performance and racing pedigree. It was produced in limited numbers and is highly sought after by collectors.
Porsche 935
"...e cars were a handful, apparently, especially the 935s. Oh, my God. Yeah."
The Porsche 935 is a special race car that was built to be really fast and win races. It’s based on another car called the Porsche 911 and is known for its success in competitions.
The Porsche 935 is a race car that was developed in the 1970s, based on the Porsche 911, and is known for its impressive performance on the track. It became famous for its success in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 935's engineering and design have made it a significant model in Porsche's racing history.
Bonneville
"Make sure you're going laser straight, you know, in the same at Bonneville..."
Bonneville is a place in Utah where people race cars really fast on a flat area made of salt. It's known for setting speed records.
Bonneville refers to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a famous location for land speed records and racing events. The flat, hard surface allows vehicles to achieve high speeds in a controlled environment.
horsepower
"Because with a 935, you got about 800 horsepower that wants to pass the front and give it any opportunity."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
200 mile an hour club
"I saw that what's interesting is the 200 mile an hour club. It's not it's not just going 200 miles an hour."
The 200 mile an hour club is a term used for cars that can go really fast—200 miles per hour or more. To be part of this group, drivers usually have to break a speed record, which is a big achievement.
The 200 mile an hour club refers to a group of vehicles that have achieved speeds of 200 miles per hour or more, often in a controlled environment like a racetrack or during record attempts. To join this club, drivers typically need to break existing speed records, particularly at venues like the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Sunbeam 1000 horsepower
"...I just saw I just got an email this morning that Pebble Beach is going to have the Sunbeam 1000 horsepower land speed record car from 1929..."
The Sunbeam 1000 horsepower is a very old car that was designed to go really fast. It set a speed record back in 1929, which means it was one of the fastest cars of its time.
The Sunbeam 1000 horsepower is a historic land speed record car that was built in 1929. It was notable for its powerful engine and was part of the early era of automotive speed records.
Daytona
"And that car went 203 in Daytona in like 1928 or 29 somewhere in that era, probably with a big arrow engine."
Daytona is a well-known racetrack in Florida where many car races take place, including the famous Daytona 500.
Daytona refers to the Daytona International Speedway, a famous racetrack in Daytona Beach, Florida, known for hosting the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious events in NASCAR.
autobahn
"Yeah, crazy. And I mean, people say, well, you go to the autobahn and run unlimited. Well, you can, but you really can't."
The autobahn is a famous highway system in Germany where there are parts that don't have speed limits, so cars can go really fast.
The autobahn is a network of high-speed highways in Germany known for sections without speed limits, allowing drivers to travel at very high speeds under certain conditions.
aerodynamics
"Well, also, you know, what what I realize how important aerodynamics are, right? You know, like, like, like Alois Roof, when he built the Yellowbird, right?"
Aerodynamics is about how air moves around cars when they drive. Good aerodynamics helps cars go faster and use less fuel by reducing wind resistance.
Aerodynamics refers to how air interacts with moving objects, particularly vehicles. It plays a crucial role in vehicle performance, affecting speed, fuel efficiency, and stability at high speeds.
Porsche 911 Turbo (Yellowbird)
"...like Alois Roof, when he built the Yellowbird, right? He used the narrow body, he took the drip rails off."
The Yellowbird is a famous version of the Porsche 911 Turbo that was built for speed. It's known for being very fast and having a unique design that helps it cut through the air better.
The Porsche 911 Turbo, often referred to as the Yellowbird, is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car. It is known for its exceptional speed and handling, largely due to its aerodynamic design and powerful turbocharged engine.
qualify
"You can be, you know, Jimmy Johnson and you have to qualify in that car. And you've got to go 125 and you've got to go 150 and 175."
Qualifying is like a test for race car drivers. They need to drive fast enough to earn a good spot at the start of the race.
In racing, to 'qualify' means to complete a timed lap that determines the starting position for a race. Drivers must achieve a certain speed to secure a good position on the starting grid.
fire truck
"Yeah, I just thought because you're a long way from a fire truck."
A fire truck is a vehicle that helps put out fires. In racing, they are there to help if a car catches fire during a race.
In racing, fire trucks are stationed nearby to respond quickly to any fire incidents during a race. Their presence is crucial for driver safety, especially in high-speed motorsport events where the risk of fire is elevated.
shut off the fuel and the battery
"They watch you to make sure you shut off the fuel and the battery. And, you know, because they want you to I mean, my biggest fear was fire."
After a crash, drivers need to turn off the fuel and battery to stop any chance of fire or electrical problems. It's an important safety step.
Shutting off the fuel and battery is a safety procedure in racing to prevent fires and electrical hazards after a crash or during an emergency. It ensures that the car is safe for both the driver and rescue personnel.
Ferrari 275 GTB
"...the two seven five GTB and yellow fly the yellow Ferrari. I think you did OK on that one."
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a famous sports car made by Ferrari in the 1960s. It's loved for its beautiful looks and strong engine, and many people want to own one today.
The Ferrari 275 GTB is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari from 1964 to 1968. It is known for its elegant design and powerful V12 engine, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.
GTO
"...you could buy a GTO in the eights for 8,000, 8,500. Right. So and I remember when I bought the car..."
GTO stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, and it's a special type of Ferrari that was made for racing. The 250 GTO is particularly famous and very valuable today.
The GTO refers to the Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most iconic and valuable classic cars ever made. It is renowned for its racing pedigree and limited production, making it a coveted collector's item.
Testarossa
"So sure. That I think the two seventy five is just one of the most sublimely beautiful cars. Absolutely. And yeah, although, you know, the the Testarosa isn't too shabby either, though, that silver color."
The Testarossa is a famous sports car made by Ferrari, known for its unique look and powerful engine. It's a classic car that many people dream of owning.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a mid-engine sports car that was produced from 1984 to 1996. It is known for its distinctive design, particularly its side strakes, and its powerful flat-12 engine, making it a symbol of 1980s and 1990s automotive performance.
Porsche
"I bought a Porsche in 1960 from a fellow named John Von Neumann. And he was the Porsche distributor."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes high-performance sports cars. They are known for being fast and stylish.
Porsche is a renowned German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, including the iconic 911. The brand has a rich history in motorsport and is synonymous with luxury and performance.
Max Hoffman
"He was kind of the Max Hoffman on the West Coast. Right. Max Hoffman did so much for Porsche and Mercedes and so forth out of the on the East Coast."
Max Hoffman was a key figure who brought European car brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz to America. He played a big role in making these cars popular in the U.S.
Max Hoffman was a prominent automotive importer and dealer in the mid-20th century, known for introducing European brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz to the American market. His influence helped shape the automotive landscape in the U.S.
bonded warehouse
"And Interpol had seized the car and it was sitting in some kind of bonded warehouse for years."
A bonded warehouse is a special storage place where items, like cars, are kept until the owner pays the necessary taxes. It's a way to keep things safe until they can be sold legally.
A bonded warehouse is a secure storage facility where goods are kept under customs control until duties and taxes are paid. This is often used for vehicles that are imported but not yet cleared for sale.
Targa Florio
"And by Ferrari's records, it never raced at the Targa Florio or or or any of the big time European races just was local."
The Targa Florio was a famous car race that took place on public roads in Italy. It was known for being very difficult and beautiful at the same time.
The Targa Florio was a historic open-road endurance race held in Sicily, Italy, known for its challenging mountain roads and picturesque scenery. It was a significant event in the motorsport calendar, particularly for manufacturers like Ferrari.
Ken Miles
"...with the Ken Miles connection, also you have Cobra, the first retail Cobra ever CSX 2001."
Ken Miles was a famous race car driver who helped make the Cobra sports car successful. He is well-known in the racing world for his talent and achievements.
Ken Miles was a renowned British-American race car driver and engineer, known for his contributions to the development and racing of the Shelby Cobra. His skills and achievements in motorsport have made him a legendary figure in automotive history.
Retrobobile
"I was at an event in Europe called Retrobobile. Sure. About again, about 20 years ago."
Retrobobile is a car event in Europe where people showcase and admire classic cars. It's a place for car lovers to gather and celebrate older vehicles.
Retrobobile is a classic car show held in Europe that focuses on vintage and classic automobiles. It attracts enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate automotive history and design.
Shelby Cobra
"...d I and I love that picture behind you. I I love Cobras. I knew Carol Shelby very, very well."
The Shelby Cobra is a very fast and powerful sports car that was made in the 1960s. It’s known for being lightweight and great for racing, which is why many car lovers admire it.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. Developed by Carroll Shelby, it became a dominant force in racing and is celebrated for its speed and agility. The Cobra's legacy continues to influence sports car design and performance.
BMW M6
"... got a Harley. He's got a muscle car. He's got a M6 being, you know, it runs the gamut. Guys are jus..."
The BMW M6 is a fancy and fast car that is part of the BMW family, designed for people who want a mix of luxury and performance. It’s known for being fun to drive and very comfortable.
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the BMW 6 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It combines luxury with performance, making it a desirable choice for enthusiasts who appreciate both comfort and speed. The M6's reputation for driving dynamics often leads to discussions about its place in the luxury sports car market.
Volkswagen Beetle
"... be a Pantera and tomorrow it may be a Volkswagen Beetle and AMC Pacer rolls it."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that has a unique, round shape and was very popular for many years. It’s known for being fun to drive and has a lot of history, which is why people still talk about it today.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was first produced in the late 1930s and became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. Its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout made it a favorite among many drivers worldwide. The Beetle's significance lies in its long production run and cultural impact, making it a topic of discussion in automotive circles.
American Motors Corporation (Amc) Pacer
"...d tomorrow it may be a Volkswagen Beetle and AMC Pacer rolls it. We just we're like kids in a candy sto..."
The AMC Pacer is a small car from the 1970s that is known for its funny shape and roomy inside. It’s often talked about because it looks different from most cars and has a unique history.
The AMC Pacer is a compact car produced in the 1970s, known for its unique design and spacious interior. It became a symbol of the quirky automotive designs of its era and is often discussed for its unusual styling and cultural references. The Pacer's distinct look and history make it a notable mention in automotive conversations.
GMC Typhoon
"...utash and the and the, you know, cyclone and the typhoon and all that stuff. But anyways, so we have that..."
The GMC Typhoon is a sporty SUV from the early 1990s that is known for being fast and powerful. It’s special because it combines the features of an SUV with the performance of a sports car.
The GMC Typhoon is a high-performance SUV produced in the early 1990s, known for its turbocharged engine and sporty handling. It was one of the first SUVs to combine performance with utility, making it a unique offering in the automotive market. The Typhoon's rarity and performance capabilities make it a topic of interest among collectors.
Ford Model T
"It's because, remember, the old days, a car museum was 20 a row of 20 Model T's in black, dimly lit and real dusty. And so not very exciting."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually afford to buy, made a long time ago from 1908 to 1927. It changed how cars were made and helped more people own cars.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, making car ownership accessible to the masses. Its simple design and mass production techniques revolutionized the automotive industry and laid the foundation for modern manufacturing. The Model T's significance in automotive history makes it a frequent topic of discussion.
Ford Mustang
"...t. And automatic transmissions, you know, Shelby Mustangs with an automatic transmission, you should be ab..."
The Ford Mustang is a sporty car that has been around since the 1960s and is famous for being fast and stylish. People love Mustangs for their powerful engines and cool looks, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that debuted in 1964, known for its powerful performance and stylish design. It has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion, often associated with the American car culture. The Mustang's various models, including the Shelby versions, are frequently discussed for their performance and racing heritage.
Ford Thunderbird
"...hops? No different than Amos Mintner and the the Thunderbirds and and the amphicars when they went over a hund..."
The Ford Thunderbird is a stylish car that was first made in the 1950s and is known for being comfortable and luxurious. It’s often talked about because of its unique design and place in American car history.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that was first introduced in 1955, originally designed as a personal luxury vehicle. Over the years, it has undergone several redesigns and has become a symbol of American automotive history. Its stylish design and comfortable features make it a popular topic among classic car enthusiasts.
Pontiac Trans
"...I mean, listen, I, you know, I grew up loving 70s Pontiac Trans Ams and a 79 Trans Am 404 speed."
Pontiac Trans Ams
"...I mean, listen, I, you know, I grew up loving 70s Pontiac Trans Ams and a 79 Trans Am 404 speed."
The Pontiac Trans Am is a powerful and stylish car that was very popular in the 1970s. It’s known for its speed and cool looks, and many people love it because of its appearances in movies.
The Pontiac Trans Am is a classic American muscle car that gained fame in the 1970s, particularly for its performance and distinctive styling. It became a cultural icon, especially after its appearance in films and television shows. The Trans Am's powerful engines and sporty design make it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
Tesla Semi
"...letely run over, you know, Pac-Man by the by the semi truck coming up at 80 miles an hour behind you a..."
The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck made by Tesla that is designed to carry heavy loads. It’s important because it uses electricity instead of gas, which can help reduce pollution.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric truck designed for freight transport, aiming to revolutionize the trucking industry with its efficiency and lower operating costs. It features advanced technology, including autopilot capabilities and impressive acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The Semi represents Tesla's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
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