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Copperstate 1000 2026 Recap: Vintage Cars, Windy Car Show & On-Site Vibes

Copperstate 1000 2026 Recap: Vintage Cars, Windy Car Show & On-Site Vibes

Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning Apr 24, 2026 21 min
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About this episode

Copper State 1000 recap from a windy Arizona car show weekend, with Jhae Pfenning bouncing between the paddock vibe and quick booth chats. Highlights include interviews with Frank Roberts about his British Racing Green 1970 Jaguar E-Type and the event’s camaraderie, plus sightings of everything from classic Jaguars and Renault Alpines to modern exotics and possible Cobra/RSK-style builds. The episode also pivots to a techy preview of the upcoming GIS Sport NSX kit car project (manual, limited 35 units) and how it compares to past widebody NSX conversions.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Brand

Toyota

"This is our parking, brought to you by right honin' right Toyota out of Scottsville, Arizona."

Toyota is a major car company. In this episode, they’re mentioned because a Toyota dealer is sponsoring the show.

Topic

Copper State 1000

"And I am out at the Copper State 1000. It is a very windy day."

The Copper State 1000 is a big vintage car event in Arizona. This episode is basically a recap of what it’s like to be there, including the car show vibe.

Company

Arcus Foundry

"But all that's going to come after this word from Sparkforge, Arcus Foundry."

Arcus Foundry is another company name mentioned during the sponsor break. This part of the episode is more about the ad than cars.

Company

Sparkforge

"But all that's going to come after this word from Sparkforge, Arcus Foundry."

Sparkforge is a company name that shows up right before the show’s sponsor message. It’s not a car part mentioned in this clip.

Car

Jaguar XK-E Roadster

"Frank Roberts, you're here with your Jaguar. Tell us a little about your car. Well, it's a 70 XK-E Roadster, British Racing Green."

The Jaguar XK-E Roadster is a famous old British sports car. It’s known for its classic design and driving feel, and “British Racing Green” is a traditional green paint color used on many British cars.

Term

British Racing Green

"Well, it's a 70 XK-E Roadster, British Racing Green. I've owned it for about four years, and I like to rally it."

British Racing Green is a classic dark green paint color that’s strongly linked with British racing history. It’s a popular “authentic-looking” color for vintage sports cars.

Concept

rally it

"I've owned it for about four years, and I like to rally it. Is this your first time as a cop?"

To “rally” a car means you drive it in an organized event where the goal is to perform and handle well, not just park and look pretty. People do this with classic cars to actually use them.

Car

Jaguar XK-140

"Is this your first time as a cop? No, I was here last year with my XK-140, 56 XK-140."

The Jaguar XK-140 is another classic Jaguar sports car from the 1950s. It’s part of the same family of Jaguars that many enthusiasts love for their vintage road manners and looks.

Car

Jaguar XKEs

"I was a country kid, you know, and I didn't know anything about sports cars, but I fell in love with Porsches, BMWs, 2002s, Triumph, TR4s, and Jaguar XKEs, and it was a wonderful experience for me."

“Jaguar XKEs” is the common nickname for the Jaguar E-Type (often abbreviated as XKE in the U.S.). The E-Type is one of the most iconic vintage sports cars ever made, famous for its design and performance reputation. The speaker’s mention places it among the classic sports cars that shaped their passion.

Car

TR4s

"I was a country kid, you know, and I didn't know anything about sports cars, but I fell in love with Porsches, BMWs, 2002s, Triumph, TR4s, and Jaguar XKEs, and it was a wonderful experience for me."

“TR4s” refers to the Triumph TR4, a British roadster from the 1960s known for its classic styling and open-top driving experience. It’s part of the traditional “British sports car” identity the speaker is describing. The TR4 is often discussed by enthusiasts as a foundational model in the Triumph TR roadster line.

Car

Bmws 2002S

"I was a country kid, you know, and I didn't know anything about sports cars, but I fell in love with Porsches, BMWs, 2002s, Triumph, TR4s, and Jaguar XKEs, and it was a wonderful experience for me."

“2002s” refers to the BMW 2002, a classic compact sports sedan/coupe from BMW’s enthusiast era. The 2002 is well known for its nimble handling and strong community following, and it’s often associated with vintage BMW driving culture. In a story like this, it’s a key example of the kinds of cars the speaker encountered.

Concept

PR clearance

"[357.1s] He's at kind of that level where you have to get PR clearance from his company, probably, [362.6s] because if you remember, if you've seen that interview, I talked about it."

“PR clearance” here means getting approval from someone’s public-relations team before having an unscripted conversation or interview. In car culture, this often affects how and when owners, executives, or media personalities can be quoted or recorded. It’s a behind-the-scenes reality of celebrity/brand access at events.

Car

Renault Clio

"What did you bring out here today? I brought a Renault Clio B6. That was a buy. Where is it? 2001, it's on the far side of the parking lot next to an L-Pine A110."

This is a specific version of the Renault Clio. Car people use codes like “B6” to tell exactly which generation/trim they mean, because different versions can be very different to own and collect.

Car

Alpine A110

"2001, it's on the far side of the parking lot next to an L-Pine A110. We got the two French cars sitting next to each other."

The Alpine A110 is a classic French sports car known for its lightweight, nimble handling, and rally-bred reputation. Here it’s mentioned as a neighboring car to the Renault Clio, reinforcing the “French cars together” theme at the show.

Term

import

"It was already the US, so I didn't have to import it. And it's a great condition. And it's fun to drive."

Importing is when you buy a car from another country and bring it home. It usually takes extra steps and can cost more, so “already the US” means it was easier to get.

Term

Phase one car

"Color? Silver. Phase one car. Silver was the most popular color for the phase one cars. That was on a magazine cover color, wasn't it?"

“Phase one” means the early version of a car before later updates. Enthusiasts often care because early versions can have different details, and even the paint color can be part of what makes them special.

Term

phase two cars

"And then there was a blue and a red and maybe yellow. And the phase two cars were mainly blue. And some other colors were less common."

“Phase two” is the later version of the car after some changes were made. The host is saying that the later cars were more often certain colors—here, mostly blue—which collectors notice.

Car

Alfa Romeo Gtv6

"Sure. In age order, 85 or an 05 Turbo II, 86, Alfa Romeo GTV6, 91, Renault Alpine A610,"

The Alfa Romeo GTV is an older Italian sports coupe meant for comfortable, spirited driving. It comes in different versions, and the podcast is listing it as part of a set of cars from different years. That usually means it’s being remembered for a specific model/engine choice.

Car

Renault Alpine A610

"In age order, 85 or an 05 Turbo II, 86, Alfa Romeo GTV6, 91, Renault Alpine A610, 94, Maserati Chammal."

The Renault Alpine A610 is a rare sports car made by Renault’s Alpine brand. Because it’s uncommon, it’s the kind of car people notice right away at a car show.

Car

Renault Clio B6

"The first one you named is the red one, right? 2001 Renault Clio B6. Now we jump to the modern stuff."

This is a specific version of the Renault Clio, and “B6” is the label for that generation. The speaker is pointing out the exact Clio they have, not just the general model name.

Car

Audi Sq8

"So then there's a... The modern stuff there is a 2020 Audi SQ8, which is the tow truck, the tow driver, the tow vehicle."

The Audi SQ8 is a sporty, higher-performance version of the Audi Q8 SUV. Here, they’re also using it as the tow vehicle, meaning it’s the car they use to move other cars or equipment.

Car

Porsche 718 Spyder

"A 21 Porsche 718 Spyder. Okay. In python green."

The Porsche 718 Spyder is a Porsche roadster—basically a lightweight, open-top sports car. People like it because it feels nimble and fun to drive, especially at car shows and rallies.

Car

Boxster 718 Spyder

"...k, the tow driver, the tow vehicle. A 21 Porsche 718 Spyder. Okay."

The Boxster is a two-seat sports car made by Porsche, designed for driving with the top down. In the podcast, it’s mentioned because it’s connected to a practical situation involving towing or moving the car. That’s the kind of context that matters for owners and drivers.

Term

python green

"Okay. In python green. And a 23 Ferrari Cortofino M."

“Python green” is just the car’s paint color name. At car shows, knowing the color helps you tell which exact car you’re looking at.

Car

Ferrari Cortofino M

"In python green. And a 23 Ferrari Cortofino M. Got some cars."

The Ferrari Cortofino M is a grand touring (GT) Ferrari with a focus on everyday usability compared to more track-focused Ferraris. The “M” indicates the updated version, and the transcript’s “23” suggests a 2023 example being shown.

Concept

multi-day rallies

"I don't think I would do this particular event, but definitely, you know, just getting a group of guys together and doing some multi-day rallies or something. Sure, we'd prefer talking about..."

A multi-day rally is like a road trip with car people, planned over multiple days. Instead of just looking at cars in one place, you drive together and make the whole trip part of the fun.

Car

Nissan R34S

"Yeah, there's such a great mix. [584.0s] Yeah, there's such a great mix. [585.5s] There's American muscle. [588.5s] There's some German tuner kind of stuff. [592.1s] There's R34s or 32s."

Those “R” numbers are different versions of the Nissan Skyline GT-R. People love them because they’re fast, turbocharged, and there are lots of parts and upgrades available.

Car

Diablos

"There's two Diablos right through the window. [608.1s] Yeah, two Diablos. [609.1s] There's a Lotus Esprit over there. [611.3s] There's just such an eclectic mix,"

That’s the Lamborghini Diablo, a famous supercar from the 1990s. It’s rare, and it’s the kind of car that usually takes serious money and care to keep running.

Car

Lotus Esprit

"[609.1s] There's a Lotus Esprit over there. [611.3s] There's just such an eclectic mix, [614.3s] which is fun. [615.9s] As you can tell, I'm not a one-mark hobbyist."

The Lotus Esprit is a classic British sports car with a mid-engine design. It’s known for its unique look and fun driving feel, and different versions can be more performance-focused.

Concept

eclectic mix

"[611.3s] There's just such an eclectic mix, [614.3s] which is fun. [615.9s] As you can tell, I'm not a one-mark hobbyist. [620.6s] Sure."

An “eclectic mix” at a car show means the lineup spans multiple eras, countries, and styles—rather than being focused on one brand or one type of car. That variety is part of what makes events like this fun for enthusiasts, because you can compare different engineering philosophies side-by-side.

Car

Porsche 718 RSK

"There's a Porsche 718 RSK. I assume it's a replica, but that's pretty cool."

The Porsche 718 RSK is a Porsche model that’s meant to feel more like a race car than a normal street car. Because the real ones are hard to find, shows sometimes have replicas. Either way, it’s a cool, sporty-looking Porsche people recognize.

Term

replica

"There's a Porsche 718 RSK. I assume it's a replica, but that's pretty cool."

A replica is a car built to look like a specific vintage model, often using modern components or a mix of original and aftermarket parts. At shows, replicas are common for rare race cars because originals may be too expensive, hard to maintain, or not road-legal. Replicas can range from “close visual match” to full engineering recreations.

Car

Fiat motors

"I think Oscas typically had fiat motors, but maybe not always."

This just means the engine might be from Fiat (or based on Fiat’s engine designs). Back in the day, smaller car makers often used engines from bigger companies. The host is saying that’s a common pattern, but they’re not sure for this specific car.

Car

Oscas

"I think Oscas typically had fiat motors, but maybe not always. Maybe alpha motor too."

OSCA is an old Italian sports-car brand. The host is saying these cars often used engines related to Fiat, but they’re not sure about this exact one. So it’s a clue about what might be under the hood, not a confirmed fact.

Concept

project cars

"And some project cars. So people that are, in the midst of, or they're newer to the hobby,"

Project cars are vehicles that are being worked on—often partially restored, modified, or awaiting mechanical fixes. At car events, you’ll see project cars because owners may be showcasing progress, parts, or the “before” state. They’re different from fully finished, show-ready cars and can be a window into the hobby’s ongoing work.

Company

Scuderia Club

"He did a talk with the Scuderia Club a couple years ago. Okay. Very enjoyable."

They mention the “Scuderia Club,” which sounds like a car/motorsport group that puts on events and talks. It’s likely connected to racing culture, like the word “scuderia” used for racing teams.

Concept

time-lapse video

"[747.4s] You know, I should take my cell phone [748.5s] and I should put it on the ground. [749.8s] I should just record [750.7s] like a time-lapse video"

A time-lapse video is when you record for a long time, but the playback is sped up. It’s a simple way to show what happens around a car show without filming every second.

Car

Shelby Cobra

"So what you just heard fire up is a Shelby Cobra. I doubt it's original. It's probably a factory five or whatever. But it looks great as it's pulling off there."

A Shelby Cobra is a famous classic sports car—basically a lightweight roadster with a powerful V8. At car shows, you’ll often see replicas, so it’s smart they’re saying it might not be the original factory-built version.

Company

Factory Five

"I doubt it's original. It's probably a factory five or whatever. But it looks great as it's pulling off there."

Factory Five makes kit cars—parts you can buy to build your own version of certain classics. When someone says a Cobra is “probably a Factory Five,” they usually mean it’s a replica built from a kit.

Car

Volkswagen Carmen Ghia

"Kind of looking around, I see a Carmen Ghia. I don't know if you all know what a Carmen Ghia is. That's a really nice car."

The Karmann Ghia is a vintage Volkswagen coupe that looks really elegant and “old-school.” People love it at car shows because it’s stylish and has a classic, timeless shape.

Car

Ford Bronco

"There's a really nice orange two-door Bronco old school sitting in front of me. All right, guys, so I'm back at the booth."

The Bronco is Ford’s classic SUV. When someone says “old school two-door Bronco,” they’re usually talking about the earlier generations that look very rugged and vintage.

Car

Aston Martin DB2

"There's a really neat Aston Martin in DB2 silver could not run down the owner."

The Aston Martin DB2 is an old-school sports car made by Aston Martin. It’s a big deal at vintage car events because it’s from the brand’s classic era and is known for its classic looks and driving feel.

Part

Bosch supercharger

"[946.3s] The thing has like [947.0s] a Bosch supercharger on it. [949.8s] Looking on here,"

A supercharger is a device that pumps extra air into the engine. More air usually means more power. If it’s been added with Bosch parts, it’s likely a performance modification rather than stock equipment.

Term

rechargeable batteries

"[980.2s] And I actually just bought [981.4s] two rechargeable batteries [983.4s] for my Sony cameras"

They’re talking about rechargeable batteries for their camera. That’s useful at car events because you can keep filming without needing to buy new disposable batteries. It’s basically about being prepared for long days.

Topic

Long Beach Grand Prix

"I want to preview next week's episode is from the Long Beach Grand Prix. Well, it's not from the Long Beach Grand Prix but Dre was in studio sitting right in front of me and we recapped our trip."

The Long Beach Grand Prix is a big racing event in Long Beach, California. Here, it’s mentioned because it’s connected to the trip the hosts are recapping.

Company

GIS Motorsports

"I'm on the GIS Motorsports site right now but the ones from last year. King Motorsports, if you go to King Motorsports on Instagram or their website, you're going to see probably a big article on it,"

They’re pointing you to a motorsports company’s website where prototype pictures are posted. If you want to follow what a build is doing, that’s where you’d look.

Company

King Motorsports

"King Motorsports, if you go to King Motorsports on Instagram or their website, you're going to see probably a big article on it, Road and Track. Everybody's talking about it now."

King Motorsports is the group being talked about as having a big article and updates online. It usually means they’re closely tied to the project or its development.

Topic

Road and Track

"you're going to see probably a big article on it, Road and Track. Everybody's talking about it now. It looks like the power numbers,"

Road and Track is a car magazine/website. Mentioning it here suggests the project got attention from major car media.

Term

six speed manual

"It looks like the power numbers, it's still going to be a manual, six speed manual, which everybody wants but it kind of doesn't matter because there's only 35 of them being made."

This means the car uses a manual gearbox with six gears. You have to shift yourself, usually with a clutch pedal.

Concept

only 35 of them being made

"which everybody wants but it kind of doesn't matter because there's only 35 of them being made. Originally they said it'd be right hand drive only"

They’re saying only 35 cars will exist. That usually means it’s rare, so it can be harder to buy one and harder to find parts later.

Term

right hand drive

"Originally they said it'd be right hand drive only and I'll link my little comment or my episode on it up in the corner but now it might be right hand drive and left hand drive,"

Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side. That affects where the driver sits and can change which countries the car is easiest to use in.

Term

left hand drive

"but now it might be right hand drive and left hand drive, still not 100% sure. Looks like power delivery is going to be, or total horsepower is going to be around 420"

Left-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the left side. It’s the layout most common in the U.S., and it can matter for comfort and legality.

Term

total horsepower

"Looks like power delivery is going to be, or total horsepower is going to be around 420 but you still do need a donor NSX"

Horsepower is a measure of how much power the engine makes. Higher numbers usually mean faster acceleration, but it’s not the only thing that matters.

Car

NSX

"Looks like power delivery is going to be, or total horsepower is going to be around 420 but you still do need a donor NSX"

They’re saying you can’t just buy the finished car—you need an Acura NSX to start with. That donor NSX provides the underlying parts the build uses.

Term

carbon fiber wide body kit

"and it's essentially a carbon fiber wide body kit and then some, I don't want to reduce this to just being a body kit because it is more, it is a reimagined, redesigned version."

A carbon fiber wide body kit replaces or adds body panels to make the car wider, usually to improve stance and accommodate wider wheels/tires. Using carbon fiber keeps weight down compared with many other materials, but it also means the fitment and structural quality depend heavily on the quality of the kit and installation.

Concept

reimagined, redesigned version (not just a body kit)

"I don't want to reduce this to just being a body kit because it is more, it is a reimagined, redesigned version. So what do I think about it?"

They’re saying this isn’t just a simple “add-on” body kit. Instead, it’s more like a bigger makeover where lots of parts are replaced, so the final car feels like a new take on the original.

Company

JAS Motorsports

"because this pen and farina and JAS Motorsports one called Tensei is a wide body NSX by any stretch"

JAS Motorsports is an aftermarket tuning company that builds performance and appearance packages for Japanese cars. Here, they’re referenced for their “Tensei” widebody NSX build, which the hosts use as a comparison for the modernized widebody look.

Term

limited to 35

"but I don't know if we'll ever see one in person limited to 35. Maybe, I'm looking forward to it"

“Limited to 35” means only 35 of these were made. That usually makes it more rare and can make it more desirable to collectors.

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