Classic Auto Mall - #246 Stewart Howden and Guest Kevin Mackay, Owner Corvette Repair, Inc.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car that’s well known for its performance options and collector interest. In the podcast, it’s included in the list of cars a Chevrolet restoration specialist works on, which signals it’s a common target for restoration and customization. Chevelles are often discussed because they have a big enthusiast following and lots of support in the classic-car world.

“Driver quality” is an enthusiast term for a car that’s good enough to be used and enjoyed regularly, without needing to be perfect. In this context, the speaker contrasts it with show-focused restoration—cars that look great but aren’t ideal for daily driving or frequent use.

A “showpiece” is a car restored primarily for appearance and presentation rather than everyday use. The speaker’s point is that some owners over-restore so the car becomes a display item, then the reality is it doesn’t match the buyer’s goal of using it as a driver.

The 1964 Corvette is a classic American sports car from Chevrolet, known for its early C2-era styling and strong enthusiast following. In this story, it’s important because it’s the speaker’s first Corvette purchase, and the conversation focuses on buying and inspecting the car.

A convertible is a body style where the roof can be removed or folded down, allowing open-air driving. On classic cars like the 1964 Corvette, the convertible version is a specific configuration that affects desirability, weather protection, and sometimes structural rigidity.

In Corvette circles, “Bloomington” is strongly associated with Bloomington Gold, a judging program focused on how accurately Corvettes match factory specifications. The speaker’s mention of traveling there and aiming for “gold” indicates they were pursuing that kind of award.

“M.I.” here refers to a judging/classification category used in car shows, where vehicles are scored against a standard. Winning a high score in an M.I. class implies the car performed well in that specific judging group.

Dave Burrows is named as one of the speaker’s mentors and a key figure in Corvette judging/knowledge. The speaker says Burrows “found a road gold” and coached him regularly, indicating Burrows’ expertise in Corvette correctness and history.

Kevin McKay is the guest being introduced in this segment. The conversation frames him as someone who learned Corvette history and correctness through early ownership and mentorship, including a 1965 Corvette.

Le Mans is an endurance race where cars must run for many hours with minimal downtime. Mentioning “25 hours” frames the Corvette’s significance as a long-distance race car, not just a fast street car.

“3300 horse car” is the speaker’s shorthand for a Corvette with relatively modest horsepower compared to special high-output versions. The key idea is that horsepower (engine output) is a major driver of collector value, even when the cars share the same basic body, frame, and interior.

“Tuxedo Block” is a specific paint color name used on classic Corvettes. Color and interior combination are part of how enthusiasts identify a car’s original specification and how desirable (and valuable) it can be when restored correctly.

“435” is shorthand for a high-performance Corvette engine rating/option package associated with 1960s big-block performance. In the transcript, it’s used as a marker of rarity and specialness—if it’s a “435 or something really special,” the car can be worth far more than a more common configuration.

“Side pipe” refers to exhaust outlets that exit along the side of the car rather than through the rear. On classic Corvettes, exhaust layout is a visible, enthusiast-recognized detail that often correlates with a particular performance setup and era-correct styling.

A “factory tank sticker” is an original label placed on the fuel tank area that documents the car’s build information. In classic-car restoration and valuation, these kinds of original documentation help verify what the car was when it left the factory.

“Suspended body exhibits” refers to vehicle body sections or cars displayed hanging in the air, typically to showcase structure, design, or engineering details. In automotive shows, this kind of display helps viewers see underbody and chassis-related information that’s normally hidden.

A cutaway car is a vehicle modified so part of the body is removed or sectioned to reveal internal components. It’s commonly used for education, displays, and marketing because it lets people see how systems are packaged and built.

“Aligned” here refers to wheel alignment, the process of setting suspension angles so the tires track straight and wear evenly. Shops often schedule alignments after repairs or restoration work to ensure the car drives correctly.

“Fraudulent tags” means license plates/registration identifiers that are fake or illegally obtained. In a classic-car repair context, this can be a red flag for legal trouble and can also make the car harder to insure, title, and sell.

“Two speed Power Glide” refers to a two-speed automatic transmission used in some classic Chevrolet applications. In restoration discussions, the transmission choice matters because it affects drivability, originality, and buyer desirability.

In classic-car repair and restoration, “documentation” usually means records that prove what parts the car has and how it was maintained or built. This helps determine originality and can strongly influence value and buyer confidence.

The Challenger is a modern-era muscle car known for high-performance trims, including versions that can make very large horsepower. In the podcast, it’s brought up in a cautionary way—specifically about a 16-year-old wanting a Hellcat—because that kind of power can be a poor match for a new driver. The discussion is centered on safety and suitability rather than the car’s design details.

The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact, air-cooled classic that became famous for its simple design and long production history. In the podcast, it’s specifically mentioned in the context of someone wanting to put a person into a 1967 Beetle, which highlights how distinctive and tight the car’s packaging can be. That kind of conversation is common with classics because fit, safety, and usability matter when you’re modifying or using an older car.

“Resto mods” are restomods: classic cars that have been restored but also modified with newer technology or performance upgrades. The idea is to keep the classic look while improving drivability, reliability, or speed versus a fully original car.

“Stock” means the car is in factory-original configuration, with no aftermarket performance or appearance modifications. In collector talk, “stock” is often used as a value benchmark because originality can matter as much as performance.

An “original drivetrain” means the car’s engine and powertrain components are the factory ones (or factory-equivalent) rather than swapped or heavily modified. For classic cars, keeping the original drivetrain is a big part of maintaining originality and collector value.

Bowling Green is a major Corvette hub because it’s home to the National Corvette Museum. In the Corvette world, it’s treated like a “Mecca” for enthusiasts, with displays that highlight the car’s history and development.

A non-for-profit organization is one that isn’t run to distribute profits to owners or shareholders. In this context, the museum being non-for-profit is meant to explain how it’s organized and funded as a separate entity.

“America Sports Car” is being used as a shorthand for the Corvette’s identity as an American sports car—an enthusiast icon tied to American car culture. The speaker is emphasizing that the Corvette’s appeal is partly about what it represents.

A “running motor” means an engine that’s assembled and functioning well enough to start and operate under its own power. In a shop or display context, it usually implies the engine is not just a static mock-up—it can be demonstrated, filmed, and tested.

A “four-speed transmission” is a gearbox with four forward gear ratios. In classic Corvettes and other older performance cars, the exact number of gears and their spacing can strongly affect how the car accelerates and how it feels at different speeds.

“Le Mans C2 Corvette” is a specific Corvette variant/entry tied to the Le Mans race program. The “C2” label is used by enthusiasts to distinguish a particular Corvette racing configuration used in that era’s competition.

A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific vehicle or production unit. In collector-car contexts, it’s used to verify provenance—confirming that a documented car is truly the one associated with a particular history or race entry.

The hosts are discussing a collector-car auction where rare vehicles can sell for record-breaking prices. In this context, the “auction” is the mechanism that turns a specific car’s rarity into a market price.

“RM” here is shorthand for RM Sotheby’s, a major auction house that specializes in high-end collector cars. When someone says “RM called me,” they’re talking about being contacted about bidding or attending an auction event.

The Ford Bronco is a modern off-road SUV built around serious trail capability, not just highway comfort. In this segment, the host specifies a 2026 Ford Bronco with a four-door layout, which typically means more interior space and easier access than a two-door.

The Sasquatch package is an off-road trim package for the Ford Bronco that bundles upgrades aimed at tougher terrain. It’s designed to improve traction and capability, which is why the host connects it to climbing ability beyond just “vertical.”

A suspension package is a bundle of suspension-related upgrades (often including springs, shocks/struts, and sometimes control arms) designed to change ride height, handling feel, and how the car absorbs bumps. In this context, they’re talking about a specific set of suspension changes tied to the vehicle’s overall setup.

A differential is the gear mechanism that allows the driven wheels to rotate at different speeds—especially when turning. When someone mentions “differentials and all that” alongside a suspension package, they’re usually pointing to drivetrain/traction components that affect how power is distributed.

A “60th anniversary edition” is a special model/trim that commemorates a milestone year, typically with unique styling cues and sometimes equipment differences. Here, they’re using it to explain the car’s cosmetic changes rather than a mechanical overhaul.

“Wimbledon white” is a named paint color used on some vehicles, functioning like a specific factory color recipe rather than just “white.” In this segment, it’s part of the Corvette’s anniversary visual identity.

“375, 17” is shorthand for tire sizing: the tire’s width (375 mm) and the wheel diameter (17 inches). That size choice strongly affects grip and the car’s stance, which is why they’re calling the wheels “tall and big.”

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is a first-generation Camaro (1967–1969) that’s especially popular with classic-car restorers and collectors. In this case, the speaker describes a “SS Tribute” build finished in Palomino Ivory over Black, which is a common way to describe a car styled like an SS rather than necessarily being a factory SS.

A “383 Stroker” (here spoken as “383 Stoker”) is an engine build based on a 383 cubic-inch V8 that uses a crankshaft and other internal parts to increase displacement—commonly by “stroking” the crank. It’s a popular hot-rod approach because it can boost torque compared with a stock configuration.

An “inline six” is an engine layout where six cylinders are arranged in a single straight line. The speaker is contrasting it with the later mention of the 383 Stoker, implying the car’s current engine setup isn’t the original configuration.

Cylinder heads are the top castings of an engine that contain the combustion chambers and valve passages. “Aluminium cylinder heads” are a common performance upgrade because aluminum is lighter than cast iron and can help with heat management, depending on the exact design.

A “turbo” (turbocharger) uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces more air into the engine. That extra air can allow more power from the same displacement, but it also changes how the engine needs to be built and tuned.

A “12 bolt axle” refers to an axle assembly that uses twelve bolts to attach or secure key components (commonly the differential/axle housing interface). The bolt pattern is a practical identifier used by restorers and parts suppliers to make sure the correct axle/differential setup is matched.

The 1963 Crofton Brawny Bug is a rare, small vehicle that’s being discussed here as a collectible classic, and it’s specifically mentioned alongside its trailer. The host highlights its distinctive “fire engine red over black” look and notes it was built in very low numbers, making it notable for rarity and period-correct character.

“53 cubic inch” describes engine displacement, which is the total volume swept by the pistons. “Inline four cylinder” means the engine has four cylinders arranged in a single row, which affects how it runs and how it’s packaged in the vehicle.

Overhead cam (OHC) means the camshaft is located in the cylinder head rather than in the engine block. This layout can improve valve timing precision and packaging, and it’s a key detail when comparing engine designs.

A “compound three speed manual” refers to a manual transmission that uses a compound gearset strategy to effectively provide multiple gear ratios beyond a simple three-forward-speed layout. In this context, “compound” is the key jargon term the host and guest are unsure about, suggesting it may involve additional gearing (like a compound planetary or gear reduction) to reach the usable ratio spread.

The Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury car that became especially popular in the classic era, including convertible versions. In the podcast, the Thunderbird convertible is called out as being in a great color and described as popular, which is typical of how these cars are discussed at classic shows and auctions. Color, condition, and whether it’s a convertible are major factors for collectors.

A soft top is a convertible roof made from fabric or other flexible materials, rather than metal. It’s typically lighter and easier to package, but it can be more sensitive to wear and weather sealing over time.

A hard top is a convertible roof made from rigid materials like metal or composite panels. Compared with a soft top, it usually provides better structural stiffness and can reduce wind noise, but it may be heavier and less convenient to remove.

A five-speed select-shift automatic is an automatic transmission with five gear ratios that also lets the driver manually choose gears using a selector (often for more control). It’s still an automatic, but it can behave more like a manual when you select a gear.

“3.9 liter” refers to engine displacement, meaning the total volume of all cylinders combined. Larger displacement often correlates with more potential torque, though actual output depends on the engine design and tuning.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that’s widely used for work and everyday driving. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as a reference point for a “special edition” idea—specifically pairing the concept of a Raptor-style truck with a Thunderbird theme. That kind of comment typically highlights how people imagine combining recognizable styling cues with different vehicle platforms.

“Raptor Thunderbird” is a playful mash-up reference, combining the Ford Raptor off-road brand identity with the Thunderbird name. It’s not a standard factory model designation; it’s more of a hypothetical “what if” about making a classic Thunderbird with modern off-road styling.

The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV designed for off-road capability and outdoor use. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of a “Raptor Bronco” idea, which suggests combining a high-performance off-road truck concept with Bronco styling and purpose. That’s the kind of conversation people have when discussing hypothetical builds or themed vehicles.

“Design to ride rough” describes a suspension/ride-tuning philosophy where the vehicle is intentionally set up to feel less smooth. Enthusiasts sometimes prefer this for durability, off-road capability, or a more connected feel, even if it’s not comfortable in the usual sense.

The 2020 Kia Stinger GT2 is a performance-oriented sedan built around a more driver-focused chassis than typical mainstream sedans. The “GT2” trim is Kia’s higher-spec Stinger, and the host highlights its color and mileage as part of what makes this particular arrival notable.

EcoBoost is Ford’s branding for turbocharged engines. The idea is to use turbochargers to make a smaller displacement engine feel stronger (“it’ll boost”) while improving economy compared with a larger naturally aspirated engine.

An eight-speed automatic transmission uses eight forward gears to keep the engine operating closer to its most efficient or powerful range. More gears can help with smoother acceleration and better fuel economy, depending on the calibration.

The 1965 Shell Valley Cobra is a classic American performance car built around the iconic Cobra formula: lightweight bodywork with a big V8 and a driver-focused setup. In this segment, the host specifies a 428 cubic inch V8, a Tremac TR3550 five-speed manual, and a Ford 8.8 rear axle—details that define how this particular Cobra drives and what parts it uses.

The Ford 8.8 rear axle is a widely used rear-end assembly known for being strong and relatively easy to support with aftermarket parts. In a classic Cobra context, it’s often chosen because it can handle spirited driving and makes gear swaps and upgrades more straightforward.

The Tremec TR3550 is a five-speed manual transmission used in many performance cars. It’s known for being a robust, enthusiast-friendly gearbox that can handle higher torque loads compared with many older manual transmissions.

Holley Sniper EFI is an aftermarket electronic fuel-injection system. EFI replaces carburetors with electronically controlled fuel delivery, and the host’s comments (“They’re all injected”) point to how this setup helps modernize drivability and tuning.

The 1977 Chevrolet Nova Concorde is a classic American two-door sedan that’s being framed as a sleeper—its appearance hides serious performance. In this segment, the host highlights a built 383 stroker and a rebuilt 700R automatic, plus a 10-bolt spooled axle, which is why it can surprise people who assume it’s just a rusted “barn find.”

The Chrysler Concorde is a full-size sedan from Chrysler’s lineup, and the podcast references a 1977 Chevrolet Nova Concorde two-door sedan. That phrasing suggests the discussion is about a specific car listing or a particular model/trim name used in that context. It’s brought up as a visual/condition example—described as looking like a barn—typical of how classic-car hosts comment on styling and presence.

A sleeper is a car that looks ordinary—or even worn out—but has been modified to make strong performance. The point is to fool onlookers who judge by appearance, like thinking it’s “junk,” before it proves itself.

A 383 stroker refers to a small-block V8 build that increases displacement to 383 cubic inches by using a longer-stroke crankshaft (and matching rotating parts). It’s a common hot-rod recipe because it boosts torque and makes the engine feel stronger at lower RPMs.

A “10-bolt” axle refers to GM’s 10.5-inch rear axle family commonly found in many classic cars, and it’s often swapped or upgraded in performance builds. A “spooled” axle typically means the differential is locked (or effectively locked), which improves traction off the line but can make the car behave more aggressively in turns.

The 700R is a GM automatic transmission (often called the 700R4) that’s popular in classic hot-rodding because it can handle power and provides overdrive for better cruising. Saying it’s “rebuilt” implies the internal wear items were refreshed to make it reliable behind a built engine.

Bucket seats are individual, contoured seats designed to hold you in place, usually with a higher side bolster than a bench seat. In performance builds, bucket seats are often chosen for better support during hard driving.

A “barn find” is a car that’s been stored away for a long time—often in a barn or similar outbuilding—before being discovered and sold. These cars can be exciting because they may have low use, but they also often need significant recommissioning and repairs after long storage.

“Project cars” are vehicles that need work—mechanical repairs, rust repair, or restoration—before they’re road-ready or fully finished. They’re typically bought by enthusiasts who plan to invest time and money to bring the car back.

“Matching numbers” means the car’s key components (most notably the engine and sometimes the transmission) have identification numbers that correspond to the original factory numbers. Collectors value it because it suggests the car hasn’t been heavily swapped or altered over its life, which can affect authenticity and resale value.

The Porsche 911 is Porsche’s iconic rear-engine sports car, and it’s being referenced as the speaker’s car that will be featured “in the 911.” In enthusiast circles, the 911 is a benchmark for handling and long-term parts support, which matters in a repair-shop context.

“Three pedals” is a common way to describe a manual-transmission car layout: typically clutch, brake, and accelerator. It’s a quick enthusiast shorthand for how the car is driven, and it often signals a more engaging driving experience than an automatic.

McLaren Racing is the motorsport division of McLaren, best known for Formula 1 competition. Mentioning the CEO of McLaren Racing ties the guest to high-level racing leadership rather than the specific cars in the shop’s inventory.