Classic Auto Mall - #245 Stewart Howden and Guests Trey Dusek of Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance and Keith Martin of Sports Car Market

The Datsun 240Z is a classic Japanese sports car from the late 1960s, known for its long hood, compact size, and strong enthusiast following. It’s often discussed as an iconic “Z-car” that helped popularize affordable sports cars. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a model the host didn’t initially consider (or confused with a similar name).

A road course is a type of racing circuit that uses roads (either purpose-built or adapted from public roads) with lots of turns and varying surfaces. In this segment, the speaker emphasizes that Bridgehampton was once a literal road course through city streets.

Bridgehampton refers to the Bridgehampton area on Long Island, which has been associated with historic road racing events. The hosts describe it as a literal road course through the streets before it became a more formal racing venue, tying the location to the origins of their family’s road-racing passion.

Can-Am (short for “Canadian-American Challenge Cup”) was a racing series known for minimal technical rules and very high-performance cars. The host’s point is that the series was designed to let teams build the fastest possible machines rather than follow strict regulations.

In this context, “asymmetrical” refers to an unusual, non-mirrored setup on the car—something that can affect balance, aerodynamics, or packaging. The host mentions it as a Can-Am-era evolution, implying the car’s layout wasn’t always perfectly left-right identical.

3D printing is a manufacturing method that builds a part layer-by-layer from digital designs. In classic-car parts hunting, it can help recreate hard-to-find components when original parts are unavailable.

“Unobtainium” is a joking term for parts that are effectively impossible to source. It’s often used in the classic-car world when the original component is discontinued and no aftermarket replacement exists.

A water pump is the component that circulates coolant through an engine’s cooling system. If it fails—especially on an engine with a magnesium block—it can quickly lead to overheating and corrosion-related damage.

Chris Amon was a Formula 1 driver known for his speed and consistency, and he later became closely associated with Ferrari-era racing. In this segment, the host uses him as a “period-correct” connection to the car’s history—sharing the same seat Chris Amon sat in while driving it.

Formula One (often shortened to F1) is the top tier of open-wheel racing, with teams building highly specialized race cars under strict technical rules. Mentioning it here frames Chris Amon’s racing pedigree and why his seat time in a period car matters to collectors.

The Tasman Series was a historic racing championship held in Australia and New Zealand, especially popular in the 1960s. It’s referenced here to highlight Chris Amon’s breadth of top-level racing experience beyond Formula 1.

Ferrari is the Italian performance and racing brand most associated with Formula 1 and iconic sports-racing history. In this segment, it’s used to describe Chris Amon’s reputation as a driver connected to Ferrari-era greatness.

The Porsche Carrera T is a performance-focused 911 variant from Porsche, built around the idea of shedding weight and sharpening the driving feel. In enthusiast circles, it’s known for being a more driver-oriented take on the standard Carrera, which can make it especially desirable when supply is limited.

The Porsche Carrera RS is a performance-focused variant of the 911 line, known for being stripped down and tuned for spirited driving and track use. It’s frequently referenced when people talk about classic Porsche performance and special editions. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as an example of the kind of late-model performance car being considered.

The Ferrari Enzo is a landmark supercar from Ferrari, famous for its high-performance, limited-production status and strong collector demand. In this segment, the hosts use the Enzo as an example of how certain rare, high-end cars can see dramatic value spikes that are difficult to predict.

A pre-sale estimate is the auction house’s projected value range for a car before bidding starts. It’s used to set expectations, but the final price can still blow past the estimate when collectors aggressively compete for rare cars.

The dot-com bubble was a late-1990s/early-2000s period of heavy investment in internet-related companies, followed by a major crash. The speaker uses it to explain how wealth and buying power surged for certain generations, which then flowed into high-end collectible cars.

The Ferrari 288 GTO is a legendary 1980s grand touring car built around racing-derived homologation. It’s famous for its turbocharged performance and its place as one of the most collectible “serious” Ferraris—so it stands out even when the speaker compares it to newer hypercar-level icons.

This describes off-road rallying, where the course uses natural terrain and unpaved tracks. Compared with tarmac rally stages, off-road events demand different tires, suspension travel, and driving technique because traction and surface consistency change constantly.

Rally cars are purpose-built (or heavily modified) cars designed for timed stages on loose or uneven surfaces like dirt, gravel, and sometimes snow. They’re set up for traction and control over bumps and changing grip, not smooth pavement cruising.

In rallying, the navigator (co-driver) reads pace notes and directs the driver through the stage. The navigator’s job is to communicate upcoming turns, hazards, and timing so the driver can go fast while staying on the correct line.

The hosts are previewing an upcoming concours event in June and discussing how the show field is organized. They mention that the theme is Italian, with mostly Italian cars expected.

“Pontoon-fendered” refers to a bodywork style where the front fenders bulge outward like pontoons. On certain classic race cars, this shape was used to better package tires and airflow while maintaining aerodynamic and cooling needs.

A “removable nose” means the front body section can be taken off, typically to simplify access for maintenance, cooling-related work, or race-day service. On rare classic race cars, this kind of design detail can be part of why a specific example is historically notable.

The Ferrari 365 P2 (and related P2/P3 prototypes) is a mid-1960s Le Mans prototype built for Ferrari’s endurance-racing program. It’s notable because it represents Ferrari’s development work in the era of prototype racing, and the speaker ties it directly to Le Mans running.

Le Mans refers to the famous French endurance race (the 24-hour event) that’s a benchmark for prototype and sports-car performance. The host uses it to anchor the Ferrari prototype’s racing credibility and historical significance.

In this context, “nomenclature” means the naming system Ferrari used for its prototype race cars—how numbers and letters like P2 and P3 identify specific development stages or variants. The host is warning that the labels can look like random numbers to a casual listener.

The GT40 is a legendary Ford endurance race car that competed head-to-head with Ferrari at Le Mans in the mid-1960s. The host mentions it to place the Ferrari prototype era in the same competitive storyline as “Ford versus Ferrari.”

The Ferrari 250 GTO is a legendary mid-1960s race car and one of the most celebrated Ferraris ever built. It’s famous for its competition pedigree and for being extremely rare and valuable today. It’s the kind of car that would be highlighted at major shows because of its historical importance and collectability.

“Best in Show” is the top award at a concours d’elegance, given to the single most outstanding car in the entire event. It typically reflects a combination of originality, presentation, historical significance, and overall condition.

Audrain is a well-known concours and collector-car event brand in the U.S., associated with high-end judging and prestigious awards. When someone says they worked with a car “at Audrain,” it usually means the car was part of a major judged show field.

This appears to be a mis-transcription of “connoisseur” or “concourse,” referring to the idea that a show field has an ideal size for judging and logistics. The speaker’s point is that beyond a certain number of cars, you need more judges and it becomes harder to manage.

“Spa 1961” refers to the Belgian Grand Prix era at Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit famous for motorsport history. Mentioning “Spa 1961” in the context of photos suggests the images are from that specific time period of racing and car evolution.

Michael Furman is described as a photographer whose work focuses on classic cars, especially capturing details that are hard to see in person. The hosts credit him with photographing cars for the concours and emphasize his artistic approach to showing mechanical components and rear-end details.

The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is a mid-1950s Ferrari race car celebrated for its racing success and distinctive design. It’s a major showpiece in classic motorsport because of its historical significance and rarity. The podcast references it in the context of an event and ownership/availability for display.

“Paints with light” is a metaphor for using lighting and camera technique to create an artistic result rather than just a straightforward documentation photo. Here it’s used to describe Furman’s style of photographing classic cars so that mechanical details and shapes stand out visually.

This segment discusses a Ferrari electric car, which is notable because Ferrari’s brand identity has traditionally been tied to mechanical drama—how the car sounds and feels as you drive. The hosts are reacting to how an EV changes that “Ferrari” experience compared with a traditional internal-combustion setup.

“Manual trans” refers to a manual transmission, where the driver selects gears using a clutch and gear lever. The hosts mention it as part of Ferrari’s traditional “mechanical drama,” meaning the driver’s involvement and the physical feel are central to the experience.

A “gated shifter” describes a gear lever mechanism that has defined positions (“gates”) for each gear. It creates a more precise, tactile feel than a looser shifter, reinforcing the driver-focused character the host associates with Ferrari.

“Prius” is being used as a shorthand for a mainstream, efficiency-focused hybrid look. The host says the Ferrari EV “sort of looks like a Prius,” meaning the styling feels more mass-market/utility than classic Ferrari.

The Toyota Prius is a compact hybrid car known for using an electric motor along with a gasoline engine to improve fuel economy. It often comes up in conversations about early mainstream hybrids and how design and technology evolved around efficiency. In a classic-car or auction setting, it may be mentioned because it’s recognizable and represents a major shift in everyday vehicle powertrains.

The iPhone is used as a reference point for design influence, since the host says Johnny Ive designed iPhones. This is a branding/design comparison rather than a car-specific technical detail.

Johnny Ive is a designer best known for shaping Apple’s product design language. The hosts connect him to Ferrari’s electric-car design, implying Ferrari is borrowing a tech-style approach to make the EV look and feel different.

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a modern Ferrari known for its mid-engine layout and hybrid-assisted performance. In this segment, it’s being compared to an LM-style look, highlighting how newer designs sometimes echo classic racing silhouettes.

“LM” is shorthand for Le Mans, referencing the classic endurance-racing look associated with cars built to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When someone says a modern car “looks like an LM,” they usually mean it has a similar racing-inspired silhouette and proportions.

“12th Cilindry” appears to be a transcription of “12-cylinder,” referring to an engine with twelve cylinders. In performance-car talk, cylinder count is a quick way to describe engine character—smoothness, complexity, and how the power is made.

Drogo refers to Carrozzeria Drogo, an Italian coachbuilder known for crafting and modifying Ferrari and other Italian cars’ bodies. In concours and classic-car circles, coachbuilders like Drogo are important because their work strongly affects originality, aesthetics, and collector value.

Maranello is Ferrari’s home base in Italy and the location most associated with the brand’s factory and heritage. The host uses it as a shorthand for being “transported” to Ferrari culture—especially meaningful when discussing a concours-style show field.

Lamborghini is an Italian supercar brand mentioned as part of the cluster of famous Italian manufacturers associated with Maranello-area automotive culture. It’s name-dropped to emphasize how dense the region’s performance-car heritage is.

“Classic K division” refers to Ferrari’s classic-car restoration and customization program (often associated with the “K” moniker) that handles heritage work. The host is highlighting that the factory’s classic division does real, hands-on craftsmanship rather than generic refurbishing.

The Ferrari Luce (spelled as “Luce” in the podcast) is referenced as a new release, indicating it’s a modern Ferrari model being discussed in the context of current news. In a classic-auto show setting, mentioning it highlights how Ferrari’s lineup continues to evolve alongside historic models. The podcast treats it as part of a broader Ferrari discussion.

“G wagon” refers to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a boxy, off-road-capable luxury SUV. Here it’s mentioned alongside Tesla to illustrate the host’s observation that people seem to fall into distinct camps about electric cars.

The G-Class is a rugged, boxy luxury off-road vehicle known for its distinctive styling and off-road capability. It’s often discussed as a “standout” alternative in the luxury SUV space because it’s built to handle rough terrain while still feeling premium. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a quick comparison about popular choices.

An electric motor is the component that turns electrical energy into motion in an EV or hybrid. The host mentions using an electric motor on the rear wheel as part of a hybrid setup that still preserves some driving character.

Hybrid technology combines a combustion engine with an electric system (typically a battery and electric motor) to improve efficiency and enable electric-only operation in some conditions. The host says they have no problem with it, contrasting it with fully electric cars.

Electric battery chargers are devices that replenish the energy stored in a vehicle’s battery pack. The host frames charging infrastructure as a positive enabler for EVs and electrified racing.

The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is a global endurance racing series focused on long races where teams manage fuel, tires, and driver stints. The host connects Ferrari’s electrified direction to WEC results, using the 499P as an example.

The Ferrari 499P is Ferrari’s modern top-level endurance prototype built for the World Endurance Championship (WEC). It’s notable here because the host credits it with Ferrari’s recent success, including winning the last three years.

The Toyota GR86 is a modern, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe built around a lightweight, driver-focused chassis. It’s known for being fun to drive in a “real sports car” way without being exotic, and this speaker specifically mentions it as a manual with a premium package and aftermarket exhaust.

A “premium package” is an equipment bundle Toyota (or any automaker) offers that adds higher-end features beyond the base trim. It can include things like upgraded interior materials, convenience features, and sometimes driver-assist or audio options, depending on the model year.

A catback exhaust is an aftermarket exhaust system that replaces everything from the catalytic converter back (pipes, mufflers, and tips). Enthusiasts choose it to change sound and sometimes improve exhaust flow, while keeping the factory catalytic converter in place.

The Cadillac de Ville is a classic American full-size luxury sedan known for its big, comfortable ride and traditional “land yacht” styling. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the speaker’s next car after their college-era Toyota GR86.

The BMW 4 Series is a compact luxury coupe/gran coupe line known for sporty steering and a more driver-focused feel than many mainstream sedans. Here, the speaker describes having a 4 Series in the driveway and highlights that it’s fun and comfortable for daily commuting.

The AMC AMX (from 1970) is a classic American muscle car built around a 360 cubic-inch V8 and a manual gearbox, making it a standout alternative to the more famous Chevys and Fords of the era. In this segment, the host highlights that this specific AMX has a correct 360 V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and a Borg-Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission, plus notable AACA senior judging and a Grand National win.

The AMC Matador is a full-size American car from the 1970s, known for its role in the era’s muscle and family-car mix. The podcast references a specific Matador listing with mileage and color details, suggesting it’s being highlighted as a notable example. It’s discussed because certain Matadors are collectible due to condition, originality, and documented mileage.

The Buick Grand National is a performance-focused model from Buick’s lineup, known for strong acceleration and its reputation as a serious muscle car. The podcast mentions it in connection with awards and racing success, which adds to its desirability. It’s brought up because it’s an unusual or notable pairing in the context of another car’s history.

AACA “Senior First” refers to a top award in the Antique Automobile Club of America’s judging program. It’s typically given to cars that score extremely well in condition and correctness, often at higher judging levels than basic participation awards.

A “Grand National” win is a major concours-style recognition in the classic-car world, typically tied to top overall judging results. In this context, it signals that the 1970 AMC AMX isn’t just rare—it’s been judged as one of the best examples.

“Z28” started as an option code (for Chevrolet) rather than a standalone model name. The host’s point is that what began as a package/option label later became a brand-like identity for the car line, changing how people talk about it.

The Oldsmobile F85 is a classic Oldsmobile model associated with the early-to-mid 1960s muscle and personal-car era. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside a specific 1964 Cutlass F85 442 hardtop, including paint and restoration details like “frame off.” That kind of detail matters because it signals a high-quality, collector-grade example.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass F-85 442 (1964) is a classic performance variant associated with the 442 badge, which historically denoted a higher-output muscle-car package. In this segment it’s mentioned as another “new arrival,” implying it’s part of the same classic-car lineup and likely a notable, enthusiast-targeted example.

A “12-bolt” refers to a GM rear axle assembly with a 12-bolt cover pattern, commonly associated with stronger rear-end setups in classic performance cars. “Posi” is shorthand for a limited-slip differential, which helps both rear wheels share torque for better traction.

A Muncie M20 is a specific GM four-speed manual transmission used in many classic muscle cars. “Correct” here means the car’s drivetrain matches the original specification for that model/era, which is a big deal for authenticity.

“330” refers to a 330 cubic-inch V8 displacement, which is a specific engine size used in certain classic GM applications. Saying it’s “rebuilt” indicates the engine was restored with refreshed internal components rather than left untouched.

A 221 cubic-inch flathead V8 is a specific classic Ford engine configuration where the valves are located in the engine block (“flathead”). Flatheads are known for their distinctive design and sound, and the displacement helps identify the exact engine variant.

The 1978 Buick Electra 225 Landau hardtop is a late-1970s full-size Buick known for its luxury styling and long-wheelbase “land yacht” character. The host calls out the specific Landau hardtop body style and treats it as a rare, desirable classic to find today.

The 1977 Buick Le Sabre is a full-size Buick from the late 1970s that the speaker says they’re looking for because it reminds them of their parents’ cars. It’s mentioned as a personal “want,” not as the main restoration being discussed.

The 1974 Buick Le Sabre Luxus is a luxury-trim version of Buick’s full-size Le Sabre. The host also mentions it came with a 455 V8, tying the Luxus trim to a more powerful engine option in that era.

“Stage One” refers to a performance package/trim level associated with certain 1970s Buick models, typically tied to stronger engine calibration and supporting hardware. In this context, it’s mentioned as an option that some Le Sabres could be ordered with.

The McLaren Sabre is a modern McLaren supercar referenced in the podcast as part of a broader discussion about notable cars. It’s the kind of vehicle that tends to come up because McLarens are known for advanced engineering and limited production. Here, it’s mentioned as a point of comparison to other cars the host encountered.

A “four-barrel V8” refers to a V8 engine equipped with a four-barrel carburetor (or four-barrel intake setup), which typically supports higher airflow than a two-barrel. It’s a common way enthusiasts describe classic engine breathing and performance potential.

The Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (often shortened to TH400) is a three-speed automatic transmission used widely in GM vehicles. When the host says “numbers matching turbo hydromatic 400,” they mean the transmission is the original-spec unit that came with the car.

“Numbers matching” means key components (like the engine and transmission) retain the original identification numbers from the factory. In classic-car collecting, it’s a major authenticity marker because it suggests the car hasn’t been heavily modified or rebuilt with different parts.

The Lexus SC430 is a grand touring convertible built around a 4.3-liter V8 with a double overhead cam (DOHC) layout, paired to a 5-speed automatic. It’s known for its retractable hardtop, which lets it feel like a coupe when closed and a true convertible when open.

“Double overhead cam” (DOHC) means the engine uses two camshafts located in the cylinder head to control the intake and exhaust valves. In a 4.3-liter V8, that setup is aimed at improving valve timing control for smoother operation and responsiveness.

A retractable hardtop is a roof that physically moves and stores like a coupe roof, rather than folding fabric. It’s more complex than a soft-top, but it can reduce wind noise and improve weather protection while still giving convertible-style access.

The Jensen Interceptor is a classic British grand tourer, and the 1974 version is notable for its big V8-era performance and distinctive styling. In this segment, the host highlights a 440 cubic inch V8 and period-correct upgrades like electronic fuel injection, which help explain why it’s such a standout “numbers-matching” auction arrival.

“Cubic inch” is an engine displacement measurement; 440 cubic inches is a very large V8 size by modern standards. The point of calling it out is that displacement strongly influences how much air/fuel the engine can move, which typically correlates with strong low-end torque in big V8s.

MSD is a performance-focused brand known for ignition and fuel-injection components. In this context, “MSD atomic electronic fuel injection” refers to an aftermarket-style electronic fuel-injection system intended to improve fuel delivery compared with older carburetion setups.

“Power disc brakes” use a booster (often vacuum-assisted) to reduce pedal effort, while “disc” refers to the brake rotor type. “Four wheel” means all axles use disc brakes, which was less common on some 1970s cars, making this configuration a notable spec.

“Aerocorrect” here refers to a specific transmission/shift-control setup name associated with the car’s automatic gearbox. The key idea is that the host is describing the exact transmission configuration, not just that it’s an automatic.

“Faking cars” refers to creating or altering vehicles to look like a more valuable, rarer, or historically significant model. The episode describes how fraud can be hard to spot because modern testing methods (like steel analysis) can reveal whether the car’s materials truly match the claimed era.

Steel analysis is using lab testing to determine the material’s characteristics—like composition and sometimes age—to verify whether a car’s metal matches the era it claims. In this context, it’s used to detect fakes by comparing the steel’s age to the supposed production period.

Suwannee, Tennessee is presented as an “oddball” auction location—highlighting how classic car sales can pop up far from major collector hubs. The episode uses it to set up the idea that these auctions can be surprising and hard to predict.

The Alfa Romeo Milano is mentioned as part of a dealer/collector story connected to the Alfa 164, including an auction listing that prompted questions. It’s discussed because the Milano name is associated with Alfa’s mid-1980s era and can be less common in the U.S. collector market. The podcast focuses on the unusual number of cars in the listing rather than performance specs.

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique 17-character code used to identify a specific car for registration, insurance, and service records. The speaker says a chip software update made the car “forget” its VIN, which then prevented it from passing the required inspection process.

DEQ refers to a state inspection/verification process where a vehicle is checked and its data is read (often including VIN) to confirm it meets requirements for registration or emissions compliance. Here, the car failed because the VIN couldn’t be read, forcing a trip to a distant dealer to reprogram it.

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car line that the host uses as a daily driver example, citing ownership mileage and time. In the podcast, it’s brought up to illustrate practical, real-world use rather than show-car value. That makes it relevant to listeners who want dependable everyday transportation.

The “engine light” is the check-engine indicator, triggered when the car’s onboard diagnostics detect a fault. In this case, the shop diagnosed it as a loose gas cap, which can cause fuel-system pressure readings to look wrong.

The Mercedes 250C is a classic Mercedes-Benz coupe from the W111 “fintail” era, known for its elegant styling and straight-six smoothness. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how even a well-chosen classic can still suffer mechanical failures on a trip.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a compact car line that includes sporty variants like the Giulietta Sprint Veloce. It’s often discussed in classic circles because certain trims are collectible and tied to Alfa’s racing-era styling and performance. The podcast mentions a specific Sprint Veloce example and its place in a numbered series.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce is a classic Italian coupe celebrated for its sporty character and period design. Here it’s mentioned as part of a Tennessee collection listing, with the hosts focusing on whether the car is truly complete and correct.

A chassis number (VIN or vehicle identification number in many eras) uniquely identifies the vehicle’s body/chassis. Collectors use it to confirm the car’s identity and to cross-check against title and registration documents.

“Rockers” are the lower side panels along the car’s body, typically near the pinch points and sills. They’re a common rust area on many classic cars, so checking below the rockers can reveal hidden corrosion or structural issues.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is an Italian compact sedan line known for its sporty character and classic styling. Different versions exist, including higher-performance “Super” models and even four-door variants mentioned in the podcast. It’s discussed because it represents Alfa’s approach to making everyday cars feel more performance-oriented.

“Giulia Supers” refers to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Super, a classic Italian sedan. In this segment they’re discussed as four-door cars and the host notes some examples have Weber carburetors while others don’t, which affects how they run and how they’re restored.

Weber typically refers to Weber carburetors, which are mechanical fuel-mixing devices used on many classic performance cars. Whether a car has Weber carburetors can change throttle response, tuning approach, and how the engine is maintained/restored.

The Alfa Romeo 164 is a mid-1990s Italian executive sedan, and it’s being referenced here as part of the “field auction” backstory. Mentioning a specific model like the 164 helps listeners understand the kind of Alfa Romeo cars being found and sold in that setting.