Classic Auto Mall - #231 - Stewart Howden with Guests Steve Erlichman + Keith Martin
About this episode
Stewart Howden hosts an engaging discussion with guests Steve Erlichman and Keith Martin, diving into their experiences at the Rolex 24 race and the intricacies of endurance racing. Steve shares his personal journey of driving a Porsche to Daytona in 1979, recounting humorous and challenging moments, including a close call with law enforcement. The trio reflects on the significance of endurance racing victories and the unique atmosphere of events like the Rolex 24, emphasizing the camaraderie and accessibility of the sport compared to others like NASCAR and F1.
Show #231 airdate 02-18-26 Stewart welcomes Automotive Enthusiast Steve Erlichman As they discuss his lifelong involvement in cars in general and race cars in particular including such prestige events as the #Rolex24 @Daytona, working for @Porsche, @Mercedes-Benz @MercedesAMG and with such notables as @RickMears, #DannyUngias, #DanGurney and more. Plus SportsCar Market's #KeithMartin brings his blog to life as he ponders convertible top replacement cost. www.Cavallino.com @Hagerty @VW @IMSA #TransAm @Audi #DerekBell #DocBundy #HolbertRacing #BobHolbert #AlHolbert
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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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Buick Grand National
"It's like a 231. A Buick at a V6 Grand National."
The Buick Grand National is a fast car made by Buick in the 1980s. It has a powerful engine and is known for its black color, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Buick Grand National is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and distinctive black exterior. It gained popularity in the 1980s for its impressive speed and power, becoming an icon among muscle car enthusiasts.
Porsche 907
"Oh, it's a Porsche reference there. I'm going to go 907."
The Porsche 907 is a classic race car from the 1960s. It's famous for being very light and fast, and it competed in many important races.
The Porsche 907 is a race car produced by Porsche in the 1960s, known for its lightweight design and aerodynamic shape. It was successful in various racing events, including endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Rolex 24
"Yeah, fresh from the Rolex 24. Were you there this year?"
The Rolex 24 is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. It takes place at a big racetrack in Daytona, Florida, and many different types of race cars compete in it.
The Rolex 24 is a prestigious endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway. It is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and features a variety of sports cars racing for 24 hours straight.
24-hour race
"...the significance of how hard that is to do on a 24-hour race to win it three years in a row."
A 24-hour race is a car race that lasts for a full day. Teams of drivers take turns racing the cars, and it's very difficult to win because of how long and challenging it is.
A 24-hour race is a motorsport endurance event where teams of drivers race continuously for 24 hours. Winning such a race multiple times in a row is a significant achievement due to the extreme conditions and challenges involved.
Porsche 911
"22 years old, stupid. So, I, you know, grabbed the 9-11 and ran home, grabbed a bag and my camera and drove nonstop. Well, I stopped for about two hours because I was being chased by a cop."
cam chain tensioner
"...I hear that telltale sound coming from the back of an old 9-11 of a cam chain tensioner collapsing. No."
A cam chain tensioner helps keep a part of the engine tight so it works properly. If it breaks, it can cause big problems for the engine.
A cam chain tensioner is a component in an engine that maintains the proper tension on the camshaft chain. If it fails, it can lead to engine timing issues and potential damage.
Porsche 935
"And just then, Al and Bob Holbert come driving out of the tunnel. Al and Doc Bundy were driving at 935 for another driver that broke."
The Porsche 935 is a special racing car that was built to compete in races. It's based on a popular model called the Porsche 911 and is known for being very fast and successful in competitions.
The Porsche 935 is a race car based on the Porsche 911, known for its success in endurance racing during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features a distinctive aerodynamic body and was designed for high performance on the track.
drag racing
"That's, you know, it's, it's one of the things that separates some racing forms from other drag racing always comes to mind because they were always so good at opening up the pits..."
Drag racing is a fast car race where two cars go straight down a track to see which one is faster. It's all about how quickly they can go from start to finish.
Drag racing is a type of motorsport that involves two vehicles racing down a straight track, typically a quarter-mile long, to see which can reach the finish line first. It emphasizes acceleration and speed over distance, making it a thrilling spectator sport.
F1
"...NASCAR, you don't get to do that. F1 doesn't, NASCAR doesn't, but sports car racing..."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a very fast and high-tech type of car racing. The cars are specially built to be super quick and compete on different tracks around the world.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features the fastest road course racing cars and is known for its advanced technology and engineering.
NASCAR
"...NASCAR, you don't get to do that. F1 doesn't, NASCAR doesn't, but sports car racing..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing where specially designed cars race on circular tracks. It's very popular in the U.S. and known for exciting races and fast cars.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. It features races on oval tracks and is characterized by high speeds and close competition.
Holbert
"...selling cars for Holbert back in 79, you almost been moving a lot of iron back then."
Holbert was a car dealership that sold many cars, especially sports cars, and was well-known in the automotive community.
Holbert was a notable car dealership known for selling high-performance vehicles, particularly Porsches, during the late 20th century.
Brumos
"...we were probably the third most famous dealership in the country. Behind Brumos and Vashik Polak."
Brumos is a well-known car dealership that sold Porsches and was also involved in racing, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
Brumos is a famous car dealership and racing team known for its association with Porsche and its success in motorsports.
ring and pinion
"Well, how about running out to Lamont Gear out in wherever and pick up this ring and pinion? Oh, okay."
The ring and pinion are gears that help your car's wheels turn. They work together to move power from the engine to the wheels, making your car go forward or backward.
A ring and pinion is a set of gears used in the differential of a vehicle. They help transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. The ring gear is larger and attached to the wheels, while the pinion gear is smaller and connected to the driveshaft.
Porsche 924
"...And was part of the 924 project. The DP 924?"
The Porsche 924 is a car made by Porsche that was built between 1976 and 1988. It's known for being a more affordable sports car with the engine in the front, unlike many other Porsches that have engines in the back.
The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1976 to 1988. It was designed as an entry-level model and featured a front-engine layout, which was a departure from the traditional rear-engine design of earlier Porsche models.
bulletproof
"...Reliable? Extremely. Yeah. They were bulletproof. Yeah. They were bulletproof."
When someone says a car is 'bulletproof', they mean it's very reliable and won't break down easily. It's like saying the car is tough and can handle a lot of use without problems.
In automotive terms, 'bulletproof' refers to a vehicle's reliability and durability, suggesting it can withstand significant wear and tear without major issues. It's often used to describe cars that require minimal maintenance and have a reputation for longevity.
rotisserie
"...the car was on a rotisserie and with torches and scrapers, we'd scrape off the undercoating..."
A rotisserie is a tool that helps you turn a car over so you can easily work on the bottom of it. It's like a big stand that holds the car and lets you spin it around.
A rotisserie is a specialized stand that allows a car to be flipped upside down or rotated for easier access to all parts during restoration or repair. This is especially useful for working on the underside of a vehicle.
roll cage
"They put a roll cage in it, got an engine from a guy named Caldwell..."
A roll cage is a strong metal frame inside a car that helps keep people safe if the car flips over or crashes. It makes the car stronger and safer for racing.
A roll cage is a framework of metal bars installed in a vehicle to protect occupants in the event of a rollover or crash. It adds structural rigidity and safety to the car, especially in racing applications.
horsepower
"There was a horsepower of that car back there. I think they estimated that the racing engine was about 175."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, affecting a car's acceleration and top speed.
Porsche 944
"...if you take all the heavy stuff out of a 9.4, it's probably fairly light."
The Porsche 944 is a type of sports car made by Porsche. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique look. It was made in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The Porsche 944 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. It is known for its balanced handling and performance, featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a distinctive design.
GTP
"...what happened there was Al drove the 9.24 GTP, part of a three car team at LeMolne..."
GTP is a type of racing for very fast sports cars that are built specifically for competition. These cars are designed to be super quick and are often seen in long races.
GTP stands for Grand Touring Prototype, a category of sports car racing that features high-performance vehicles designed specifically for racing. These cars are known for their speed and advanced technology, often competing in endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Le Mans
"...part of a three car team at LeMolne, and he was supposed to drive with Peter Gray."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track, and the goal is to go as far as possible in that time.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an annual endurance race held in France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, where teams compete to see who can cover the greatest distance in 24 hours.
Ford Maverick
"...d ran it at Daytona in 81 with Al, Doc, and Rick Maverick. And then the plan was to race that in the Trans..."
Daytona
"...and ran it at Daytona in 81 with Al, Doc, and Rick Maverick."
Daytona is a well-known racetrack in Florida where many important car races happen. It's famous for events like the Daytona 500, which is a big race in NASCAR.
Daytona refers to the Daytona International Speedway, a famous racetrack in Daytona Beach, Florida, known for hosting various prestigious motorsport events, including the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Trans Am series
"...the plan was to race that in the Trans Am series with Doc..."
The Trans Am series is a type of car racing in North America where different cars compete against each other. It's popular and has been around for a long time, showcasing many different kinds of cars.
The Trans Am series is a North American auto racing series that features production-based cars competing in various classes. It has a rich history and is known for its exciting races and diverse range of vehicles.
Nissan Gtr
"...we're going to take a GTR, 9.24 GTR and improve it. So they actually raced both cars..."
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a powerful sports car that is famous for its speed and performance. It's well-known in car racing and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a high-performance version of the Nissan Skyline, known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It gained fame in motorsports, particularly for its success in the Japanese Touring Car Championship and other racing series.
Ferrari
"There's a Ferrari magazine called Cavalino. Is it still around?"
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are known for their bright red color and racing heritage.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and rich motorsport history. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939, it has become synonymous with speed and luxury.
Hagerty
"It's owned by Hagerty now. No kidding."
Hagerty is a company that helps people insure their classic cars. They also have magazines and events for car lovers.
Hagerty is a well-known company that specializes in insurance for classic and collector cars. They also provide resources for car enthusiasts, including valuation tools and automotive events.
Mercedes-Benz S65 Coupe
"...I just sold my S65 Coupe Twin Turbo V12 and I'm kicking myself every day for doing black, black, 16, black, black."
The S65 Coupe is a fancy car made by Mercedes-Benz. It's known for being very powerful and luxurious, often featuring a big engine and lots of high-end options.
The Mercedes-Benz S65 Coupe is a high-performance luxury vehicle known for its powerful engine and premium features. It is part of the S-Class lineup, which represents the brand's flagship models.
Mercedes-Benz CL 55
"I have a CL 55, 2006, I like them is that not many people really know what they are. They're one of those cars that people look at and go, oh, okay."
The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 is a fancy two-door car from 2006 that looks normal but can be very fast. Many people don't realize how powerful it is just by looking at it.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 is a luxury coupe that combines performance with elegance. It features a powerful engine and is often considered a 'sleeper' due to its understated appearance compared to its performance capabilities.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...California are Tesla, Coop or Tesla Sedan, Tesla Cybertruck and G-Wagon. I know. It's goes from."
G-Class Gwagon
"And we were talking about the pecking order of cars that you see in California are Tesla, Coop or Tesla Sedan, Tesla Cybertruck and G-Wagon. I know. It's goes from."
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"They widened it. They put independent suspension on the front and put a nice e-class interior in it. But still three locking diffs and all that."
Mercedes-Benz Gclass
"Yeah, right there. I mean, they know how to market the G-Class and then a lot of them. Yeah. And I mean, I don't think they, you know, that's not where"
Chevrolet Corvette
"...hem. Well, yeah, because I mean, that's like the Corvettes. I remember there was a time when you could cert..."
MSRP
"...suggest that you don't mark up a car, but you know, its manufacturers suggested retail price. And it still says that to this day. That's suggested."
MSRP is the price that car makers suggest dealers sell their cars for. It's just a suggestion, so dealers can charge more or less if they want.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It serves as a guideline for dealers and consumers, but dealers can choose to sell the car for more or less than this price.
Porsche 356
"And we sold a lot of them. I have a blue 356. Excuse me, because it was, it was $99.95 was th..."
Mitsubishi Lancer
"...ed Railton, who was the guy who designed a lot of Lancers. Right. Yeah, that'd be interesting."
SEMA show
"...after the war that today is the SEMA show. Wow. Just after the war that today is the SEMA show. Wow."
The SEMA show is a big event where companies show off new car parts and accessories. It's important for people who work in the car industry to see what's new and exciting.
The SEMA show, or Specialty Equipment Market Association show, is an annual trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, showcasing new products and innovations. It has grown significantly since its inception and is a key event for manufacturers, retailers, and enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz C 43
"My C 43. Nice. Those are great cars."
The Mercedes-Benz C 43 is a sporty version of the C-Class sedan. It has a stronger engine and better handling, which makes it fun to drive while still being comfortable for everyday use.
The Mercedes-Benz C 43 is a performance-oriented version of the C-Class, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier handling compared to the standard models. It's designed for both comfort and performance, making it suitable for daily driving and spirited driving alike.
Dodge Polara
"...go, you'll never get through. How about the 1964 Dodge Polara four door sedan? This is a great starter classic..."
Ford Mustang Gt
"...bout a great car for a starter classic car. 1986 Ford Mustang GT convertible. Blackover charcoal, 46,000-inch-one..."
Chrysler 300
"Unbelievable. How about the 1964 Chrysler 300 convertible. Rosewood poly over white and black."
Ford Thunderbird
"...into. And then last but not least, the 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertible, Corinthian wide over black, long te..."
Lotus Elise
"Yeah. And it's license plate reads Elise. Oh, I like it."
Alfa Romeo Spider
"It's for a 91 alpha spider. Ah, the S4 spider. I've had the top spin on th..."
Chevrolet Spin
"Ah, the S4 spider. I've had the top spin on the car for 36 years. Cars always been inside..."
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
"...onfiguration. They do for the earlier Giulia and Giulietta because the structure of the top and the top bow..."
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"...he duetto configuration. They do for the earlier Giulia and Giulietta because the structure of the top an..."
Chevrolet Chevy II
"...s of the same type of top. Well, I restored a 62 Chevy II noble wagon and the, That sounds so far from you..."
Chevrolet Nova
"You take it to Barrett Jackson. I had the only Nova wagon that wasn't raised 13 feet in the air with ..."
Datsun 510
"...t about the, we've talked about this, the Datsun 510 is the same thing. It's a pretty car in a boxy c..."
Citroen Ds21 Citroen
"So I agree. So you had a little jaunt in the DS21 Citroen last week, right? Well, the story with that was ..."
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