Classic Car Buyers Beware — The Carmudgeon Show w Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 190
About this episode
Navigating the classic car market can be tricky, and Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott share their insights on avoiding pitfalls when buying. They discuss the importance of pre-purchase inspections (PPIs) and share personal anecdotes about near-misses with fraudulent vehicles. The duo also dives into the nuances of car authenticity, detailing how even minor discrepancies can significantly affect a car's value. With humor and expertise, they emphasize the need for thorough research and caution in the collector car world.
Porsche Cayman
"...ving Porsche. Fiber is giving away a 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4 in more color. Python green, which I felt lik..."
Dodge Viper
"... misspelling. It's a bad match. Okay, so can't be Viper green. It's Python green with a Y Python with a Y..."
The Dodge Viper is a super-fast sports car with a big engine that makes it very powerful. It's known for its bold look and is loved by people who enjoy driving really fast cars.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and aggressive styling. Produced from the early 1990s until 2017, it has a reputation for being raw and exhilarating to drive, appealing to enthusiasts who crave speed and performance.
Mercedes 190 E2.3 16
"Thus exposing my beautiful Mercedes 190 E2.3 16 in the background, glimmering with all the dust covering it because I haven't been driving it much."
The Mercedes 190 E2.3 16 is a sporty version of a small luxury car made by Mercedes-Benz. It has a powerful engine and was designed for better performance and handling.
The Mercedes 190 E2.3 16 is a high-performance version of the 190 series, known for its sporty characteristics and engineering. It features a 2.3-liter engine and was part of Mercedes-Benz's efforts to compete in the compact executive car segment during the 1980s.
BMW E23
"No, I like those. That's one of the few modern cars. Okay, you make fun of it. Great. We're going to move this down only because oh my god. It's very well made. Exactly. It's real real materials. Thus exposing my beautiful Mercedes 190 E2.3 16 in the background, glimmering with all the dust covering it because I haven't been driving it much. Well, I'm sure your old gas is helping that is my the only car that I have what's it's the car that is most irritable about California gas on a fresh tank of gas."
The BMW 7 Series is a large luxury car that is very comfortable and packed with high-tech features. It's designed for people who want a smooth and stylish ride.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that showcases BMW's commitment to innovation, comfort, and performance. It features advanced technology and luxurious materials, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium driving experience.
Stabil
"Have you tried Stabil or similar."
Stabil is a product you can add to your gas tank to keep the fuel fresh for a longer time. It's helpful for cars that sit unused for a while.
Stabil is a fuel stabilizer that helps prevent gasoline from degrading over time. It is particularly useful for vehicles that are not driven frequently, as it helps maintain fuel quality and prevents issues like hard starting.
fuel injector
"...the gas that's in the tank had gone off and the gas that was in the injector line hadn't."
A fuel injector is a part of the engine that sprays fuel into the engine so it can mix with air and burn properly. This helps the car run smoothly and efficiently.
A fuel injector is a component in modern engines that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber. It atomizes the fuel for better mixing with air, which is essential for efficient combustion and engine performance.
California gas
"...But it's California gas is not the stable list, stable list. Yeah, unless you put stable in it..."
California gas is a type of fuel that is made to be cleaner for the environment. However, it can go bad more quickly than gas from other places, which can cause problems if you leave it in your car for too long.
California gas refers to the specific formulation of gasoline that meets California's stringent environmental regulations. This type of gas often has additives to reduce emissions but can be less stable than fuels in other states, leading to issues like fuel degradation when stored for long periods.
Chevrolet Nova
"Like the Chevy Nova. Nova. It doesn't go."
The Chevrolet Nova is a small car that was made by Chevrolet a long time ago. It was known for being inexpensive and easy to drive.
The Chevrolet Nova was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1962 to 1979. It is known for its affordability and simplicity, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
pre-purchase inspections
"Pre-purchase inspections. And the importance thereof. I will tell some stories about this, but I'm sure you have some as well."
A pre-purchase inspection is when a mechanic checks a car for problems before you buy it. It's important to make sure the car is in good shape and doesn't have hidden issues.
A pre-purchase inspection is a thorough examination of a vehicle conducted by a qualified mechanic before buying it. This process helps identify any existing issues or potential problems, ensuring that the buyer is making an informed decision.
BMW 850
"I actually bought the 850 side unseen, which was... How is that working out for you?"
The BMW 850 is a fancy sports car made by BMW in the 1990s. It's known for being fast and comfortable, making it great for long drives.
The BMW 850 is a luxury grand tourer produced by BMW in the early 1990s. Known for its powerful engines and elegant design, it represents a blend of performance and comfort.
PPI
"What I've realized is, as I've gotten older and lazier, I no longer do the PPI's that I used to do, but I'm also buying cars that I can afford to typically afford to fix or make right if there's something wrong."
A PPI is a check you can get on a car before you buy it to make sure everything is working properly and there are no hidden problems.
PPI stands for Pre-Purchase Inspection, which is a thorough examination of a vehicle before buying it. This inspection helps identify any potential issues that could affect the car's performance or safety.
Ferrari 308
"I had driven your Ferrari 308 GT4, and fell in love with it, and sort of saved up a bunch of money to drive one."
The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a sports car made by Ferrari in the 1970s. It's known for its unique look and how well it drives.
The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1973 to 1980. It features a distinctive design and is known for its performance and handling.
Alfa Romeo GTV
"I could buy either a Ferrari 308 GT4 or an Alfa GTV."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a sporty car made by Alfa Romeo. It's known for looking good and being fun to drive.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a series of sports coupes produced by Alfa Romeo, known for their stylish design and engaging driving experience. The GTV has had various engine options over the years.
Alfa Gtvs
"...an Alpha GTV. And I'd driven a bunch of two-liter GTVs. I liked them. I drove a bunch of 1750s."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a stylish sports car that many people enjoy driving. It has a cool design and is known for being fun to handle on the road.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a sporty coupe that has been praised for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. Produced in various forms from the 1960s to the early 2000s, it remains a beloved model among enthusiasts.
Toyota Corolla
"I had a Corolla that was red? 1994 Corolla DX. It was the one that I lemon-lawed."
The Toyota Corolla DX is a version of the Corolla from 1994. It's known for being a dependable and fuel-efficient car, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
The Toyota Corolla DX is a variant of the Corolla model, known for its reliability and efficiency. The 1994 model year is part of the eighth generation of the Corolla, which was popular for its compact size and fuel economy.
Nissan Sentra SE
"Technically, I bought a 91 Nissan Central SE in red. Technically."
The Nissan Sentra SE is a version of the Sentra from 1991. It's a small car that was designed to be affordable and easy to drive, making it a good option for many people.
The Nissan Sentra SE is a sportier variant of the Sentra model, known for its compact size and affordability. The 1991 model year is part of the fifth generation of the Sentra, which featured improved styling and performance.
suspension
"The suspension was perfect. The steering was great. I mean, this was easily, and by far away, the best GTV that I'd ever driven."
The suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It keeps the wheels in contact with the road for better control.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in handling, ride comfort, and stability during driving.
steering
"The suspension was perfect. The steering was great. I mean, this was easily, and by far away, the best GTV that I'd ever driven."
Steering is how you control where your car goes. When you turn the steering wheel, it helps the car turn left or right.
Steering refers to the mechanism that allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. It includes components like the steering wheel, column, and linkages that connect to the wheels.
Hagerty
"Perhaps cars for concours, including he did a couple videos for Haggerty. He did a McLaren F1 detailing video."
Hagerty is a company that helps people insure classic cars and also makes videos about taking care of them.
Hagerty is a well-known company that specializes in classic car insurance and automotive lifestyle content, including videos and articles about car care and restoration.
Mclaren F1
"He did a McLaren F1 detailing video. And in here, actually, he did an F40 video."
The McLaren F1 is a very famous and fast sports car made in the 1990s. It has a special design where the driver sits in the middle of the car.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar produced in the 1990s, known for its speed, advanced technology, and unique design, including a central driving position.
Ferrari F40
"And in here, actually, he did an F40 video. And he was like, why don't you have my friend Chuck look at the car?"
The Ferrari F40 is a very famous sports car made by Ferrari in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being really fast and having a cool design.
The Ferrari F40 is a high-performance sports car produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, celebrated for its raw performance and iconic design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
lift
"...we put it up on the lift. And there was a seam at the top of the middle of the rear wheel arch..."
A lift is a tool that helps raise cars into the air so mechanics can work on the bottom parts easily. It makes it safer and easier to see what's going on underneath the car.
A lift is a piece of equipment used in automotive repair shops to raise vehicles off the ground, allowing mechanics to access the undercarriage for inspections or repairs.
Chevrolet Camaros
"it's very easy to, or it's very tempting to make fakes out of them. And so this could happen with like Camaro's or Corvettes, right? And this is why Corvette guys are like vintage Corvette guys are so, so particular because a 63 split window,"
Chevrolet Corvettes
"...m. And so this could happen with like Camaro's or Corvettes, right? And this is why Corvette guys are like vi..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for being powerful and fun to drive, and it's been around for a long time, making it a classic choice for car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, distinctive styling, and rich history. It has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in 1953, often celebrated for its powerful engines and agile handling.
horsepower
"...if it's a 0, 6 is worth very differently than if it's a 250 horsepower automatic originally car."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster and perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. Higher horsepower typically means better performance and acceleration in vehicles.
carbon fiber chassis
"...this doesn't happen with McLaren F1s because where you're going to find a carbon fiber chassis car that is the same chassis."
A carbon fiber chassis is a strong and light frame that helps cars go faster and handle better. It's made from a special material called carbon fiber.
A carbon fiber chassis is a lightweight and strong structure made from carbon fiber material, often used in high-performance cars to reduce weight and improve handling. This technology is common in supercars and racing vehicles.
Porsche Carrera RS
"...nsive version of it, you know, Porsche 911 versus Carrera RS or Camaro or... This is not a disease."
The Porsche Carrera RS is a special version of the Porsche 911 that is made for speed and racing. It's lighter and faster than regular models, making it very popular among car collectors.
The Porsche Carrera RS is a high-performance version of the Porsche 911, renowned for its lightweight design and racing pedigree. Introduced in the early 1970s, it has become a highly sought-after collector's item due to its performance capabilities and limited production numbers.
Porsche 911
"...e rare expensive version of it, you know, Porsche 911 versus Carrera RS or Camaro or... This is not a d..."
Ferrari 250 GTO
"Is it like a 250GTO that has one more that have been documented?"
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a very rare and valuable classic car made by Ferrari in the early 1960s. It's famous for its racing history and is one of the most expensive cars ever sold.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world, produced between 1962 and 1964. It is renowned for its racing pedigree and has fetched record prices at auctions, often exceeding $40 million.
Pontiac Gtos
"... track because there were, I think, over maybe 20 GTOs on the track at once racing because it was Ferrar..."
The Pontiac GTO is an early muscle car that became famous for being fast and powerful. It was popular in the 1960s and is now considered a classic car.
The Pontiac GTO is often credited as one of the first muscle cars, introduced in the 1960s. Known for its powerful engines and performance, it has become a classic symbol of American automotive culture.
Alfa Romeo 8C
"Per song does this with Grand Prix Bugatti's and Alpha 8C's"
The Alfa Romeo 8C is a stylish and fast sports car from Italy. It's known for its beautiful design and great performance on the road.
The Alfa Romeo 8C is a high-performance sports car that combines Italian design with powerful engineering. It is celebrated for its aesthetics and driving dynamics.
ignition system
"and they make two or three meaningful changes to the ignition system"
The ignition system helps start the car's engine by creating a spark that ignites the fuel. It's an important part of how cars work.
The ignition system is a crucial component in internal combustion engines, responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture to start and run the engine.
magneto
"so that it's not magneto-based. I think you probably could do a magneto one if you wanted"
A magneto is a device that helps create the spark needed to start an engine. It's often found in older cars.
A magneto is a type of electrical generator that produces high-voltage electricity for the ignition system, often used in older or simpler engines.
distributors
"but they use distributors instead."
Distributors are parts that help send electricity to the engine to start it. They make sure the spark goes to the right place at the right time.
A distributor is a component in the ignition system that directs the high-voltage current from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder at the right time.
restoration
"the parts are good enough that you can use them in a restoration of a genuine car"
Restoration is when you fix up an old car to make it look and work like it did when it was new. It can involve a lot of work and special parts.
Restoration refers to the process of returning a vehicle to its original condition, often involving repairs, replacements, and refinishing.
valve cover
"if your car is missing a valve cover or a whatever,"
A valve cover is a part on top of the engine that keeps dirt out and helps the engine run smoothly. It's important for protecting engine parts.
The valve cover is a component that sits on top of the engine and protects the valve train, preventing dirt and debris from entering.
copies of original cars
"those cars are sold as new cars that are very clearly copies of original cars"
Copies of original cars are new cars that look like old classic cars. They are made to resemble the originals but are not the same.
Copies of original cars refer to vehicles that are designed to resemble classic or vintage models but may not be authentic or produced by the original manufacturer.
Bugatti owner's club
"and Bugatti owner's club doesn't grant those cars."
The Bugatti owner's club is a group for people who own Bugatti cars. They have events and help members connect with each other.
The Bugatti owner's club is an organization for enthusiasts and owners of Bugatti vehicles, often providing resources, events, and community for members.
BOC serial number
"They're called a BOC serial number, a Bugatti owner's club serial number. And if the car is like a replica that's based off of some original parts..."
A BOC serial number is like a special ID for Bugatti cars that helps prove they are real and can make them worth more money.
A BOC serial number refers to a unique identifier assigned by the Bugatti Owners Club for authenticating Bugatti vehicles. It can increase the value of a car, especially if it has original components.
Le Mans
"...it was raced at Le Mans, it was wrecked, and then completely destroyed..."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track to see which one can go the farthest in that time.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance racing event held annually in France. It is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, where teams compete to see who can cover the most distance in 24 hours.
Jaguar Mark I
"I did it for my Daimler. I want to do one for my Mark I, I just haven't yet. Although I learned that that..."
The Jaguar Mark I is a classic luxury car from the 1950s that is known for its beautiful design. It helped make Jaguar famous for making stylish and fast cars.
The Jaguar Mark I is a luxury saloon car produced in the 1950s, known for its elegant design and advanced engineering for its time. It played a significant role in establishing Jaguar's reputation for producing stylish and high-performance vehicles.
Lamborghini Miura
"...any other cars. There's one about the Lamborghini Miura. By this, I mean a book, I mean a book that lists..."
The Lamborghini Miura is a very famous supercar from the 1960s that is known for its beautiful looks and incredible speed. Many people consider it one of the best cars ever made.
The Lamborghini Miura is a groundbreaking supercar that debuted in the 1960s, often considered the first true supercar due to its mid-engine layout and stunning design. Its influence on the automotive world is immense, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.
Ferrari Dino
"...here's one about the Miura, there's one about the Ferrari Dino, the 246, and 206, called the Dino Compendium, th..."
The Ferrari Dino 208 GT4 is a special version of a Ferrari that has a smaller engine but still offers great performance. It's known for its unique look and is popular among Ferrari fans.
The Ferrari Dino 208 GT4 is a variant of the Dino series, known for its smaller V8 engine and distinctive design. It represents Ferrari's efforts to create a more accessible sports car while maintaining the brand's performance heritage.
Honda S500
"... different for, you know, whatever. Like the W140 S500 has in late years has a, they 600 interior from t..."
The Honda S500 is a tiny sports car made in the 1960s that is known for being fun to drive. It's special because it was one of Honda's first attempts at making a sports car.
The Honda S500 is a small sports car produced in the early 1960s, notable for its innovative engineering and chain-driven rear wheels. It represents Honda's early foray into the sports car market and is cherished by collectors today.
Porsche 356
"...I've recounted the story about my friend with the 356 who I managed to get a copy of the actual cardex."
The Porsche 356 is an early sports car made by Porsche that started production in the late 1940s. It's known for its beautiful design and is loved by many car fans for how well it drives.
The Porsche 356 is the first production car from Porsche, introduced in the late 1940s and produced until the mid-1960s. It is celebrated for its classic design and is considered a significant model in the history of sports cars, often praised for its handling and performance.
BMW E30
"the guy died a year before I bought the car. E30 touring, I've had that car for 22 years and have ..."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that has been popular for many years. It's known for being fun to drive and having nice features, making it a favorite among people who want a stylish and comfortable ride.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a staple of the BMW lineup since the late 1970s. Known for its sporty handling and premium features, it has become one of the best-selling luxury cars in the world.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"because she said the coolest things. I said, you know, why, when this was the same price as an S-Class, why did you buy it?"
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy and comfortable car that is known for having the latest technology. It's often seen as one of the best luxury cars you can buy.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It often sets the standard for luxury vehicles and is favored by those who seek the highest level of refinement and prestige in their cars.
Opel Senator
"...worked with Leno's guys who were working with the senator to push this through."
The Opel Senator is a comfortable car from the 1980s that is designed for people who want a nice ride. It's known for having a lot of space inside and being well-built.
The Opel Senator is a mid-size executive car produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its comfort and spacious interior. It was aimed at the luxury market and is appreciated for its solid build and performance.
BMW E30M3
"...rend classic feature of that car together with an E30M3. That plate is the plate that will stay on the fr..."
The BMW M3 is a super sporty version of the BMW 3 Series that is made for speed and fun driving. It's popular among car lovers because of how well it performs on the road.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. Since its introduction in the 1980s, it has become a benchmark for performance cars and is celebrated by enthusiasts around the world.
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