Classic Auto Mall - #243 Stewart Howden and Guests Rick DeBruhl of Barrett-Jackson Auctions and Keith Martin of Sports Car Market

A restomod is a classic car that’s been restored but also modernized with updated mechanicals, electronics, or comfort features. The goal is usually to keep the original look while improving drivability and reliability versus a stock vintage car.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a long-running American sports car known for its performance and collectible appeal. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of auction prices, highlighting how certain Corvettes can command very high dollar figures. That kind of talk usually comes up when discussing which models are most desirable to collectors.

“Mid-year” Corvettes refer to cars built during the middle of a model year, often around transition periods when manufacturers update styling, trim, or mechanical details. Collectors sometimes treat these as distinct because changes can make them desirable or harder to find.

A rest-o-mod is a classic car that’s been restored but also modernized with newer mechanicals or upgrades for drivability and reliability. In the segment, the hosts describe how this trend started to appear and then pushed prices upward as more buyers wanted the blend of old styling and newer usability.

“Split window” refers to a specific body style on the Chevrolet Corvette where the rear window is divided into two sections. The speaker uses it as a reference point for how controversial certain modifications were in the past.

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV designed to be comfortable, upscale, and easy to live with day to day. The podcast compares getting out of a brand-new Escalade and into a much older performance-oriented car, emphasizing how different the driving experience can feel across eras. That kind of contrast often comes up when discussing classic cars versus modern daily drivers.

Air conditioning (A/C) is a climate-control system that cools and dehumidifies the cabin. The host lists it as one of the modern conveniences people expect when they compare classic cars to newer vehicles.

A straightaway is the section of a race track where the car is traveling mostly in a straight line, typically at higher speeds. Because there’s less steering input, drivers and engineers often focus on throttle response, engine speed (revs), and stability during these segments.

“Revs” is shorthand for engine speed, measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Race drivers often remember the exact rev range they were running because it affects acceleration, traction, and how the engine responds as the car moves down a straightaway.

The Porsche 917 is a legendary endurance-racing prototype built for top-level events like Le Mans. It’s especially famous for its high-speed performance and for being one of the most dominant cars of its era. When someone compares it to another supercar/racer, they’re usually talking about how radically different the engineering and driving feel can be between race cars.

The Ferrari 512 refers to Ferrari’s big-displacement V12 endurance racers from the 1970s. It’s known for its powerful engine character and for being a serious competitor in sports car racing. In a comparison like this, the key point is that the 512’s personality and engineering approach differ a lot from the Porsche 917.

Jump-starting is starting a car by using another battery (or a jump pack) to provide enough electrical power to crank the engine. Older race cars and classics can be sensitive to battery condition and wiring health, so jump-start stories often hint at how finicky the car could be when it sat for a while.

“Drive train” is the drivetrain system that transfers engine power to the wheels. In this story, the speaker is checking for movement or popping noises under acceleration and braking, which can point to loose mounts, worn joints, or other drivetrain-related issues.

“Getting it up on the rack” means lifting the car onto a vehicle service lift so mechanics can inspect the underside. It’s commonly used to observe suspension, drivetrain, and exhaust movement while the car is running or while the mechanic applies load.

A “blindfold feel the car” test is an auction-event challenge where participants evaluate a car’s characteristics by touch alone. The idea is to identify details like surface quality, panel fit, and overall build feel without seeing the car.

The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury personal car that’s especially known for its dramatic styling in certain model years. The podcast references a 1959 Eldorado and mentions its “tail fins,” which highlights why these cars are visually memorable. It’s the kind of classic that collectors and enthusiasts often discuss for design and presence.

The Cadillac ELR is a luxury plug-in hybrid coupe that’s known for combining a distinctive design with electric-assist driving. In the podcast, it appears in the same kind of “feel the car” classic discussion as other Cadillacs, even though the ELR itself is a modern-era model. It’s mentioned as part of the lineup of cars the hosts are evaluating and talking about.

"Feel the steel" refers to a hands-on identification game where people use touch (not sight) to determine what car they’re interacting with. In this segment, it’s used to highlight how experienced collectors can recognize cars by body contours and details.

The A pillar is the front support structure of a car’s body that sits between the windshield and the side window area. In this game, blindfolded participants use touch on the A pillar to start identifying the car’s make/model by its shape and construction.

“Base price” is the starting manufacturer price for a car before adding optional equipment. The discussion contrasts the Corvette’s starting cost with how expensive options can become.

The hosts are describing how adding multiple factory options can quickly raise the total transaction price. They’re arguing that you don’t necessarily need to buy every option to get a great Corvette.

The podcast specifically calls out a “10 year old Z06 Corvette,” emphasizing that it’s a lot of car for the money. The Z06 is a performance-focused Corvette variant, so the discussion is likely about value and capability rather than just general Corvette history. That’s why it comes up in a buying-focused conversation.

The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance, track-oriented Mustang variant discussed as an extreme example of what the model can be. The podcast reacts strongly to it, describing it as “stupid” in a way that signals how intense and over-the-top it feels. That kind of mention usually points to its power and special purpose nature.

The Nürburgring is a famous German race track (often called “the Ring”) where manufacturers and media measure lap times. Because it’s so well-known, “beating records” there is a major marketing and engineering benchmark.

The Volkswagen bus (often called a VW bus or camper) is a classic van platform known for long-distance road trips and a strong enthusiast culture. Here, the host describes using a Volkswagen bus for cross-country travel, emphasizing how it drove and lived with it over long distances.

The Shelby Cobra is a legendary American sports car associated with lightweight performance and a strong racing heritage. The podcast groups it with other famous performance icons, indicating its status as a highly recognizable collector car. It’s often discussed because certain Cobra variants are extremely sought after.

The segment describes how auction pricing can jump beyond expectations when two bidders compete directly. That “bidding escalation” is driven by emotion and rivalry, not just the car’s baseline estimate.

The Pontiac Trans Am is a classic American muscle car, and the 1979 model is especially known for its late-’70s styling and collectability. In this segment, the host highlights how easy it is to buy the wrong car at auction even when it looks right on the surface.

A “Carfax” report compiles a vehicle’s reported history—such as title issues, accidents, and mileage events—based on data from various sources. A “bad” report is a red flag because it can indicate problems that reduce value or suggest the car isn’t as described.

A car card is the auction listing sheet that summarizes a vehicle’s details—like condition, history, and claims about originality. In this segment, the auction’s internal experts verify that the statements on the car card are correct and can be backed up.

“Matching numbers” means the engine and/or other major components have the same identification numbers as documented for that specific car. Collectors care because it supports originality and helps prove the car is what the listing claims it is.

The Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 is a high-performance muscle car variant known for its big-block V8 and factory performance package. In this segment, the host uses a physical inspection trick—checking for holes under trim near the door—to help determine whether a car truly is an LS6 convertible.

The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a performance-focused Camaro trim that became a benchmark for American muscle-car handling and power in its era. The speaker mentions knowing specific details about a “69 Camaro Z28,” highlighting how auction experts can identify correctness down to model-specific features.

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car that’s often remembered for its classic styling and big, comfortable presence. The podcast mentions opening the hood on a Caprice and suggests that car people will recognize what they’re looking at, implying it’s a meaningful classic to enthusiasts. It’s brought up as part of the broader “what’s under the hood” culture at events.

Classic car auctions often run on very tight timing per lot, so bidders and staff need to inspect key areas quickly. This segment highlights that if you can’t open the hood fast, you lose the limited window to look at the engine compartment before bidding moves on.

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize family SUV known for practicality and everyday usability. The podcast mentions it in the context of someone’s recent daily-driving choices, which suggests it’s being used as a reliable, go-anywhere type of vehicle. That’s a common reason the Highlander comes up in car conversations.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports coupe that’s especially popular in convertible form for open-air driving. In this segment, the host calls out the Mustang convertible as a “daily driver” choice, emphasizing how it balances fun with everyday usability.

EcoBoost is Ford’s branding for turbocharged engines designed to improve fuel economy without giving up all the power. In the transcript, it’s used to describe an “entry level” Mustang option.

In the podcast context, “Golf” is mentioned alongside other performance and trim options, indicating it’s being used as a shorthand for a specific car model people compare when shopping. The mention of “EcoBoost basic level” and “GTD” suggests the discussion is about different power levels and how buyers choose between them. It’s included as part of a broader comparison of what’s available.

The Ferrari 288 GTO is a homologation-style supercar built around Ferrari’s turbocharged racing technology. It’s especially notable because it’s one of the most famous 1980s-era “GTO” Ferraris and a benchmark for collectible turbo performance.

The Ferrari 308 is a classic Italian V8 sports car line known for its mid-engine layout and distinctive styling. In collector talk, “308” is often used as shorthand for the specific 308-era models that became icons in the late 1960s/1970s.

The BMW Isetta is a tiny microcar that’s become famous for its unusual design and limited size. The podcast points it out directly (“that’s an Isetta right there”), which fits how rare and distinctive it is at classic events. It’s often discussed because it’s a conversation piece as much as a vehicle.

A microcar is an extremely small, lightweight vehicle designed for basic transportation rather than speed or comfort. The Isetta is a famous example because its size and layout make it feel more like a novelty than a traditional sports car.

The Isetta is a tiny microcar best known for its unusual “bubble” body and front-opening door that swings outward like a refrigerator door. It became an iconic oddball classic because it was built to be extremely small and efficient—so it stands out even decades later.

The 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis is a classic American cruiser built around a large V8 engine and a comfortable, long-distance focus. In this segment, the hosts highlight it as a “ghoulishly cool cruiser” with a five-liter EFI V8, which is the key enthusiast detail about why this particular car draws attention at auction.

“Five liter” refers to engine displacement, meaning the total volume swept by the pistons in the engine. On a V8, a five-liter displacement is a common way enthusiasts quickly communicate how large the engine is and roughly what kind of power/torque character to expect.

EFI (electronic fuel injection) is a fuel-delivery system that uses sensors and an electronic control unit to precisely meter fuel into the engine. Calling it an “EFI V8” emphasizes that this V8 is fuel-injected rather than carbureted, which typically improves drivability and consistency.

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 is a compact roadster built around a supercharged 2.3-liter inline-four, giving it punchy acceleration for its size. In this listing, the “compressor” refers to Mercedes’ factory supercharger setup, and the car is described as a convertible with a manual gearbox.

“Double overhead cam” (DOHC) means the engine uses two camshafts—one to operate the intake valves and one for the exhaust valves. DOHC setups are common because they can improve valve timing control and help the engine breathe better at higher RPM.

A supercharger is an engine-mounted forced-induction device that increases power by pushing more air into the cylinders. More air (and fuel) generally means more combustion and higher output than the same engine without boost.

The 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe is a performance-focused Corvette built around a supercharged V8, which is why it’s known for big power for its era. In this segment, they highlight its LS V8 with the LSA block and a manual gearbox, plus the idea that it’s “a lot of car” for the money.

“LS V8” refers to the GM LS-family of V8 engines, which became popular because they’re compact, efficient, and have strong aftermarket support. In this Corvette Z06 context, it’s the engine platform they’re using to deliver high output.

The “LSA block” is the engine block used for the supercharged LSA variant of GM’s LS V8 family. “Sleeved” means the cylinder walls are reinforced with additional material, typically to improve durability for higher boost and power levels.

The Tremec T56 is a well-known six-speed manual transmission used in many performance cars. Pairing a T56 with a high-power V8 is a common enthusiast setup because it’s built for spirited driving and aftermarket upgrades.

The 1931 Ford Model A sedan is an early-1930s Ford that represents the classic Model A era of simple, mechanical driving. Here, the hosts call out its basic specs—like the 201 cubic inch four-cylinder and a three-speed manual—emphasizing it as a straightforward, traditional example.

“201 cubic inch” describes engine displacement, meaning the total volume swept by the pistons. A “four cylinder” engine uses four cylinders to produce power, and displacement is one of the key specs used to compare older engines.

“Entry level” here means a classic car that’s approachable for new hobbyists—typically easier to maintain, with lots of parts available and a straightforward restoration path. The hosts frame it as a way to “get into the hobby” without immediately needing advanced skills or rare components.

In this context, “390” most likely refers to a 390 cubic-inch V8 engine displacement used in some Ford models. Engine displacement is a key spec for classic cars because it strongly influences how the car makes power and how it feels compared with smaller engines.

“Cruzomatic automatic” refers to an automatic transmission setup used in some early-1960s Ford vehicles. Instead of a manual gearbox, it uses hydraulic controls and a torque converter to shift gears automatically, which makes the car easier to drive for beginners.

The Cadillac CTS-V is a performance sedan from Cadillac, built to deliver high horsepower and a more aggressive driving experience than a typical luxury CTS. The podcast specifically mentions a 2009 CTS-V with 556 horsepower, which is a key selling point for enthusiasts. It’s discussed because it represents a modern-era classic performance Cadillac.

“LS” refers to GM’s LS-series V8 engine family, known for strong aftermarket support and compact packaging. A 6.2-liter LS is a common displacement for high-output variants, and it’s the foundation for the CTS V’s performance character.

A triple-disc clutch kit uses three friction surfaces instead of one, allowing higher torque capacity and better durability during aggressive launches and hard shifts. It’s a common upgrade on performance manuals because it can handle more heat and load than a single-plate clutch.

A “six-speed” refers to a manual gearbox with six forward ratios, which helps keep the engine in its power band. The “Tremac” mention is describing the transmission brand/model used in this CTS V setup, which matters because transmission design affects shift feel and durability under hard driving.

“3.73” is the axle (final drive) ratio, which multiplies torque to improve acceleration at the cost of higher engine RPM at highway speeds. A “limited-slip” differential helps both driven wheels provide traction when one starts to lose grip, improving launch and corner-exit behavior.

A limited-slip differential is designed to reduce wheelspin by biasing torque toward the wheel with more grip. It’s especially useful in performance cars because it improves traction during acceleration and helps maintain control when road conditions change.

The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian roadster known for its open-top driving experience and distinctive styling. The podcast references having a similar Spider and going on tours, which points to its use as a fun, characterful car rather than a purely practical one. It’s often discussed in classic circles because it has a dedicated enthusiast following.

Double clutching is a manual-transmission technique used during downshifts to better match engine speed to the transmission’s input speed. The driver briefly shifts to neutral, revs to bring the gearbox internals up to the right speed, then selects the lower gear for a smoother, quieter engagement.

Downshifting is changing to a lower gear to increase engine speed, typically for acceleration or to keep the engine in a useful power band. In a manual gearbox, downshifts require careful speed matching to avoid harsh engagement and drivetrain noise.

PDK refers to Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission. Because it uses clutches to pre-select gears and manage engine speed automatically, it can make downshifts smoother and reduces the need for driver techniques like double clutching.

Heel towing is a driving technique where you use your left foot to brake while your right foot blips the throttle (often while downshifting). The goal is to match engine speed to the lower gear so the car stays smooth and the drivetrain isn’t shocked by a big RPM drop.

A double-clutch blip is a downshifting method where you briefly disengage the transmission (clutch in/out) and then “blip” the throttle to raise engine RPM before engaging the next gear. It’s used to help synchronize engine speed with the gearbox so the shift is smoother and easier on the drivetrain.

Formula One (F1) is a top-level open-wheel racing series where drivers and teams optimize braking and cornering. The speaker uses F1 as an example of where passing often happens: late braking into a turn while keeping the car stable.

A “flat spot” on a tire happens when the tire stops rotating smoothly during braking (often due to excessive lock-up), creating a temporary or permanent uneven contact patch. That hurts grip and can make the car unstable, which is why the speaker emphasizes braking while maintaining control.

“Fettled” means the car has been worked over and sorted—typically with repairs, adjustments, and upgrades to get it into good running condition. Here it’s contrasted with spending months “fixing little shit,” implying they want a car that’s already been gone through.

In classic-car talk, “mechanicals” means the car’s functional systems—things like the engine, drivetrain, brakes, and suspension—rather than appearance. The idea here is to prioritize a car that starts, runs, and stops reliably over cosmetic perfection.

The Alpine A106 is a small French sports car known for its lightweight character and classic rally-era appeal. The podcast downplays the need to focus on looks or “best performance,” suggesting they’re discussing it in terms of what it represents and how it fits their collecting or driving goals. It’s mentioned as part of the classic sports-car conversation.

Convertible roof stowage describes where the roof ends up when folded—either fully tucked away or leaving a visible structure behind the seats. This affects rearward visibility, trunk/boot usability, and the car’s silhouette.

The Rolls-Royce Corniche is a luxury Rolls-Royce grand tourer known for its distinctive convertible/roof design. Here it’s used as a comparison for a convertible roof structure that can block rear visibility, making it “barely” possible to see out the back.