Classic Car Road Trips - Aimee and John - Family Adventures & Automotive Love Story
About this episode
Aimee and John Russell share their heartfelt automotive journey, highlighting the significance of cars in their lives and relationships. They reminisce about their first cars, including a 1973 Oldsmobile convertible and a 70s Chevy Malibu, and discuss their adventures on road trips across the U.S. The couple also dives into their unique experiences restoring a lighthouse and their passion for classic Fiats. Their stories reflect the deep connections formed through shared automotive experiences and the life lessons learned along the way.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Aimee and John share a unique dual-perspective tale of love, family, and vintage steel. This husband-and-wife duo fell for each other and for cars, embarking on what they call a “vintage lifestyle” centered around their shared automotive passion. They spin the odometer back to the ’70s with memories of cruising in a classic Chevy Malibu and wrenching together on a Datsun 240Z – a car that taught them both the art of patience and restoration. The heart of their story is a retro Chevy Suburban camper-edition, which became the ultimate family road-trip vehicle.
John and Aimee had a hard time with picking their favorite, but turns out Joe - a friend from HS is number one on their list - "Wanderlust on Wheels – Joe’s Westfalia Camper Tales and Sporty Miata Memories" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15521761-driving-a-1971-vw-westfalia-bus-joe-s-vw-tales-and-sporty-miata-memories
From cross-country camping adventures with their kids (and even a tale of a lighthouse restoration project where the Suburban hauled supplies! Aimee and John illustrate how car culture can weave into the fabric of family life. This episode delivers plenty of classic car talk – engine sounds, vintage design quirks, and road trip tips – but it’s also brimming with romance and humor (imagine a couple navigating map directions and carburetor tuning in equal measure!).
By the end, listeners will feel like part of the family, inspired by how a shared love of cars can strengthen bonds and create a legacy of adventures for generations to come.
*** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! ***
Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive.
Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.
Volkswagen Bus
"You know, Joe mentioned that that Volkswagen bus, which I do remember, and John, you know, the thing I always remember about John is that he had this, he shows up one day with this four door convertible, Oldsmobile, which they didn't make four door Oldsmobile."
The Volkswagen Bus is a famous van known for its boxy shape and spacious interior. It was used by families and travelers, especially during the 1960s and 70s, and is still loved by many car enthusiasts today.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the Type 2, is a classic vehicle that became iconic for its unique shape and versatility. It was popular for both personal and commercial use, often associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Chevrolet Malibu
"But my first car was given to my mom by her best friend's husband. And it was about a 70s Chevy, early 70s. Yeah. OK. Malibu."
The Chevrolet Malibu is a car that was popular in the 1970s. It was known for being spacious and comfortable, making it a good choice for families.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was first introduced in 1964. The early 70s models are known for their classic styling and were popular among families and young drivers alike.
Ford Mustang
"...my mom's buying him a brand new flanella ice, five liter convertible Mustang. And he had a man triple white with a blue interior."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car in America. A 'five liter convertible' means it has a powerful engine and a roof that can be opened, making it fun to drive.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. The mention of a 'five liter convertible' refers to a specific engine size and body style, highlighting its sporty characteristics.
water tank
"...I installed a 30 gallon water tank next to the forty four gallon diesel tank."
A water tank holds fresh water for use in the camper, like for washing hands or cooking. This camper has a 30-gallon tank, which is a good size for trips.
A water tank in a camper is used to store fresh water for various needs, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In this context, a 30-gallon water tank was installed to enhance the camper's functionality.
diesel tank
"...next to the forty four gallon diesel tank."
The diesel tank holds fuel for the engine to run. This camper has a large 44-gallon tank, which means it can go far without needing to refuel often.
The diesel tank in a vehicle stores diesel fuel, which powers the engine. In this case, the 44-gallon diesel tank provides a significant range for the Chevrolet Suburban, especially useful for long trips or off-road adventures.
Ford Expedition
"...s complete, a complete under complete under cover expedition camper. And we we took off and we drove we drove ..."
The Ford Expedition is a big car that can fit a lot of people and their gear, perfect for family outings or camping trips. It has a powerful engine and comes with lots of features to keep everyone safe and entertained.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers a combination of spaciousness, power, and advanced technology, making it suitable for both family use and off-road adventures. It features a strong towing capacity and is often equipped with modern safety and entertainment features.
Detroit diesel
"that kind of bastardized Detroit diesel started as the six two and then it went to a six five turbo."
Detroit Diesel is a company that makes powerful engines for trucks. Their engines are built to last and work well, especially for heavy work.
Detroit Diesel is a brand known for its diesel engines, particularly used in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. The engines are recognized for their durability and performance in demanding conditions.
5.9 Cummins
"the performance of like a five nine Cummins or a Duramax or, you know, a super duty Ford."
The 5.9 Cummins is a type of strong diesel engine made by Cummins. It's popular in big trucks because it can handle a lot of work and last a long time.
The 5.9 Cummins refers to a specific diesel engine produced by Cummins Inc., known for its reliability and high torque output, commonly found in heavy-duty trucks.
Duramax
"like a five nine Cummins or a Duramax or, you know, a super duty Ford."
Duramax is a type of diesel engine made by General Motors for their big trucks. It's known for being powerful and efficient.
Duramax is a brand of diesel engines developed by General Motors, primarily used in their heavy-duty trucks. These engines are known for their power and efficiency.
super duty Ford
"like a five nine Cummins or a Duramax or, you know, a super duty Ford."
Super Duty Ford trucks are heavy-duty vehicles made by Ford. They are built to carry heavy loads and are very strong.
Super Duty Ford refers to a line of heavy-duty trucks produced by Ford, designed for towing and hauling heavy loads. They are known for their robust construction and powerful engines.
Chevrolet Suburban
"...rything. He comes in, he's like, is that a diesel suburban? And he was in a nice truck, too."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large vehicle that can carry a lot of people and stuff, making it great for families or trips. It's been around for a long time and is known for being tough and good at pulling heavy things.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and versatility, making it a popular choice for families and those needing ample cargo space. It has a long history, dating back to 1935, and is often recognized for its durability and capability, especially in towing and off-road situations.
Oldsmobile Aurora
"I drive a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora and the symbol on the hood is, you know, different. And this kid grabbing cars is like, what kind of car is that?"
The Oldsmobile Aurora is a type of car made by the Oldsmobile brand. It was a luxury sedan that had a unique look and was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Oldsmobile Aurora was a full-size luxury sedan produced by Oldsmobile from 1994 to 2003. It was known for its distinctive styling and advanced features for its time.
BMW 5 Series
"And, you know, the BMW five series and Lincoln's and Lexus, they were all in there. And I bought this car."
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury car that is known for being comfortable and fun to drive. It's popular among people who want a nice car that also performs well.
The BMW 5 Series is a line of executive cars produced by BMW, known for their performance, luxury, and technology. The model has been popular among enthusiasts and is often praised for its driving dynamics.
V6
"That, my particular one has the 3.5 liter V6, which only the only GM I know of."
A V6 is a type of car engine that has six cylinders. It's shaped like a 'V' and is popular because it gives a good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, which allows for a compact design while providing a good balance of power and efficiency.
Northstar V6
"That, my particular one has the 3.5 liter V6, which only the only GM I know of. That's the that's the six cylinder version of the North Star."
The Northstar V6 is a type of engine made by GM. It's known for being powerful and running smoothly, and it's part of a family of engines that includes bigger V8 engines.
The Northstar V6 is a 3.5-liter engine produced by General Motors, known for its performance and smooth operation. It was part of the Northstar engine family, which also included V8 variants.
aftermarket
"...aftermarket AC, aftermarket cruise control."
Aftermarket means parts or features that were added to the car after it was originally made. They are not from the car's manufacturer but can improve the car in some way.
Aftermarket refers to parts or accessories that are not made by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. These can include modifications or enhancements that improve performance or comfort.
horsepower
"...the last of the no emissions, you know, horse power, war cars, less safety regulation..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
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.
emissions regulations
"...the last of the no emissions, you know, horse power, war cars, less safety regulation..."
Emissions regulations are rules that control how much pollution cars can produce. They help keep the air cleaner and healthier.
Emissions regulations are laws that limit the amount of pollutants that vehicles can emit into the atmosphere. These regulations have become stricter over the years to reduce environmental impact.
safety regulations
"...the last of the no emissions, you know, horse power, war cars, less safety regulation..."
Safety regulations are rules that make sure cars are safe to drive. They help protect people in case of accidents.
Safety regulations are standards set by governments to ensure that vehicles are safe for drivers and passengers. These can include requirements for seat belts, airbags, and crash testing.
Fiat 124
"...I'm looking at my favorite car and it's my 1972 Fiat 124 Spyder Russo Red Black interior with everything you'd ever bolt..."
The Fiat 124 Spyder is a small, sporty convertible car that was made in the 1970s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a stylish look that many people love.
The Fiat 124 Spyder is a classic Italian sports car known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience. Produced from the 1960s to the 1980s, it features a convertible body style and has become a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Weber carburetor
"...as a Weber carburetor, as Coney shocks."
A Weber carburetor is a part of the engine that helps mix air and fuel for combustion. It's known for helping cars run better and is often used in sports cars.
A Weber carburetor is a type of carburetor known for its performance and efficiency, often used in performance vehicles to improve engine responsiveness and power output. They are popular among car enthusiasts for tuning and modifications.
parts car
"And it's a it's the parts car for my car."
A 'parts car' is a car that you buy to take pieces from it, like engines or doors, to fix another car. It's not usually driven but is useful for repairs.
A 'parts car' is a vehicle that is purchased primarily for its components rather than for driving. Owners often use it to source parts for restoring or repairing another vehicle.
rat rod
"So it's going to be a rat rod. It's going to be a rat rod race car in the full Colin Chapman treatment."
A rat rod is a type of car that looks old and rough on purpose. It's built to be unique and fast, often using parts from different cars.
A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that emphasizes a deliberately unfinished, rugged, and vintage look. They often feature a mix of old and new parts, with a focus on performance and individuality rather than aesthetics.
Colin Chapman
"...in the full Colin Chapman treatment. And I don't know if you guys know which viewers know, but he was famous with Lotus and his motto was add lightness."
Colin Chapman was a famous car designer who started Lotus Cars. He believed that making cars lighter would make them faster and better to drive.
Colin Chapman was the founder of Lotus Cars and is known for his innovative engineering and design philosophy, particularly the idea of 'adding lightness' to improve performance. His approach emphasized reducing weight to enhance speed and handling.
add lightness
"...his motto was add lightness. So I'm taking everything off of it."
'Add lightness' means making a car lighter to make it faster and easier to handle. It's a common idea in car design, especially for racing.
'Add lightness' is a design philosophy popularized by Colin Chapman, which suggests that reducing the weight of a vehicle leads to better performance, handling, and efficiency. This principle is often applied in motorsports and performance car design.
Alfa Romeo GTV
"...fe as a present. She wanted a convertible when my GTV six alpha burned up on me on the Skyway Bridge."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a sporty car that looks really cool and is fun to drive. It has been made for many years and is loved by people who enjoy driving cars that are stylish and fast.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a classic sports coupe known for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. Produced in various forms from the 1960s to the early 2000s, it is celebrated among enthusiasts for its performance and Italian craftsmanship.
GTV6
"She wanted a convertible when my GTV6 alpha burned up on me on the Skyway Bridge."
The GTV6 is a sporty car made by Alfa Romeo that has a powerful V6 engine. It's known for being fun to drive and has a stylish design.
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a sports coupe known for its performance and distinctive styling. It features a V6 engine and is celebrated for its handling and driving experience.
Fiat Spider
"...brand new. And then across from it is an 81 black Fiat Spider. Which is unique when it's fuel injected and it h..."
Chevy 200 automatic transmission
"That automatic transmission is a Chevy 200, I believe, which you might have seen in a Chevette."
The Chevy 200 is an automatic transmission that helps cars change gears without needing the driver to do it manually. It's used in some older Chevy models.
The Chevy 200 is a type of automatic transmission used in various General Motors vehicles. It is known for its reliability and was commonly found in smaller cars like the Chevette.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.