About this episode
Bobby and Aaron dive into the unfortunate realities of car crashes, sharing their personal experiences with wrecks and rebuilds. They discuss a recent incident at Laguna Seca where a telehandler collided with a rare AR2 GTR during a red flag situation, causing extensive damage. The hosts explore the implications of liability waivers at racetracks, especially in cases of negligence, and reflect on the rarity and value of JDM cars. The episode combines humor with serious insights into the risks of track events and the emotional toll of losing a prized vehicle.
In this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we tackle a hard but important topic in the JDM world — cars getting crashed and permanently removed from an already shrinking pool. As these vehicles age and values climb, every loss hits harder, especially when we’re talking about limited-production legends.
We dive into the recent R’s Day crash that left a rare R34 GT-R heavily damaged in the rear, sparking big conversations across the community. We talk about what these incidents mean for overall production numbers, future values, restorability, and the responsibility that comes with driving historically important cars.
This episode isn’t about blame — it’s about reality. Preservation vs. use, driving vs. protecting, and how each crash subtly reshapes the future of JDM culture.
🎙️ As the numbers drop, the stakes rise — this is the uncomfortable side of loving rare cars.
Nissan 240
"Yeah, my first 240, I backed into a wall on the interstate. You backed into a wall."
The Nissan 240 is a type of sports car that many people enjoy modifying and racing. It's known for being fun to drive and easy to work on.
The Nissan 240 is a popular sports car known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and tuning potential, especially among car enthusiasts and drifters.
Volkswagen Cabriolet
"So I mean, my first car I ever had, the old 97 cabbie. I crashed that one, yeah, just being an idiot..."
The Volkswagen Cabriolet is a small convertible car that was popular in the 1990s. The 1997 version is known for being fun to drive and is often seen as a stylish choice for a small car.
The Volkswagen Cabriolet is a convertible version of the Golf, known for its compact size and fun driving experience. The 1997 model is part of the last generation of this model, which was popular in the 90s for its affordability and style.
e-brake
"by pulling his e-brake at 95 miles an hour"
The e-brake, also known as the emergency brake, is a backup brake that helps keep the car from rolling when parked. It's also used in emergencies to stop the car quickly.
The e-brake, or emergency brake, is a secondary braking system used to keep a vehicle stationary when parked or to assist in slowing down in emergencies. It's typically engaged by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal.
Honda Accord (1994)
"...and crashed my 94 cord into a tree,..."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people trust for everyday driving. The 1994 version is part of a series that was designed to be more comfortable and efficient than earlier models.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability and practicality. The 1994 model is part of the fifth generation of the Accord, which featured a more refined design and improved performance compared to its predecessors.
Chevrolet Cavalier
"...so for example, with the Cavalier, the car that I bought was the car that I rear-ended."
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a small car that was made by Chevrolet for many years. It was often chosen because it was inexpensive and good for everyday use.
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
Frankensteining cars
"So I'm like Frankensteining these cars, you know? And on the Accord, we had to cut the pillars and everything."
'Frankensteining cars' means taking parts from different cars and putting them together to make one working car. It's like building a car from pieces of other cars.
'Frankensteining cars' refers to the process of combining parts from different vehicles to create a functional car. This often involves significant modifications and repairs, especially after accidents.
pillars
"And on the Accord, we had to cut the pillars and everything. Holy shit."
Pillars are the strong parts of a car that hold up the roof and keep the car's shape. They are important for safety and help protect passengers in an accident.
Pillars in a car refer to the vertical supports that help maintain the structure of the vehicle. They are crucial for safety and integrity, especially in the event of a collision.
spot welding
"So we pretty much took a front cut and like put it onto, yeah, and spot re-spot welded and like did everything."
Spot welding is a way to connect two pieces of metal by heating them up and pressing them together. It's often used in car repairs to make sure the parts stay together strongly.
Spot welding is a method used to join two pieces of metal together by applying heat and pressure at specific points. It's commonly used in automotive repairs to ensure strong and durable connections.
JDM
"like a upper level JDM car that is more rare and takes more to fix, you know what I mean?"
JDM means cars that are made for Japan and might be different from the ones sold in other countries. They can be special or rare, which makes them popular among car fans.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are made specifically for the Japanese market. These cars often have unique features and specifications that differ from their international counterparts, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Laguna Seca
"Just like a month ago or so was ours day at Laguna Seca."
Laguna Seca is a well-known race track in California where many car races take place. It's famous for its tricky turns, making it a favorite among drivers and fans.
Laguna Seca is a famous racetrack located in California, known for its challenging layout and iconic turns, such as the Corkscrew. It hosts various motorsport events, including car races and motorcycle competitions.
Nissan GT-R
"These are all GTRs of some form or fashion and they all pull off to like one side, like you said, and kind of line up."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that many people admire for its speed and technology. It's designed for racing and has a lot of features that help it perform well on the track.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It features a powerful twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers alike.
Nissan GT-T
"I feel like we saw a GTT that was painted red, but I don't, yeah, garage defend, but I don't think it was a, but he probably had one tucked in there and he probably did. But anyways, very rare. So there's one of these and 32 GTR, you know, parked just like they should side by side."
The Nissan GT-T is a version of the GT-R that isn't as powerful but is still a fun car to drive. It's often more affordable than the GT-R.
The Nissan GT-T is a variant of the GT-R series, typically featuring a less powerful engine and fewer performance enhancements compared to the GT-R. It's still a popular choice among enthusiasts for its balance of performance and affordability.
AR2 GTR
"...the mass behind them is like the issue. And he just literally runs up on the back of this AR2 GTR."
The AR2 GTR is a type of sports car that is designed for high performance, often used in racing or track events.
The AR2 GTR is a performance-oriented vehicle known for its speed and handling capabilities, often used in racing contexts.
telehandler
"...I just got smoked by a telehandler..."
A telehandler is a machine that looks like a small forklift but has a long arm that can reach up high. It's used to lift and move heavy things, especially on construction sites.
A telehandler, or telescopic handler, is a type of equipment used in construction and agriculture. It has a telescoping arm that can extend to lift heavy loads, making it versatile for various tasks, including moving materials on a job site.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)
"...whether he got hit into this 32 GTR or the 32 GTR was like in the road beside him..."
The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) is a fast sports car from the 1990s known for its great handling and powerful engine. It's popular in car culture and racing.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) is a high-performance sports car that gained fame in the 1990s for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It features a powerful inline-six engine and all-wheel drive, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers.
Ford Mustangs
"... only world-known tracks. Yeah, dude, your dad's Mustangs named after it. Like literally, dude, like, are ..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that many people recognize, often associated with speed and style. It was first made in the 1960s and has remained popular ever since, making it a common reference when talking about cool cars.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive design, it has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion in automotive culture, making it a popular topic in discussions about classic and modern cars.
B pillar
"...it'll be bent by like the B pillar C pillar area on the roof."
The B pillar is a metal post that helps hold up the car's roof and is found between the front and back doors. It's important for keeping the car strong and safe.
The B pillar is the vertical support structure located between the front and rear doors of a vehicle. It plays a crucial role in the car's structural integrity and safety during a collision.
C pillar
"...it'll be bent by like the B pillar C pillar area on the roof."
The C pillar is a metal post at the back of the car that helps support the roof. It keeps the car strong and safe, especially in crashes.
The C pillar is the vertical support structure located at the rear of a vehicle, behind the rear door. It contributes to the vehicle's overall strength and helps protect passengers in the event of a collision.
unibody
"...it's just crunched down the trunk and like it's like all unibody, right?"
Unibody means that the car's body and frame are all one piece instead of separate parts. This helps the car be stronger and lighter.
A unibody is a type of vehicle construction where the body and frame are integrated into a single structure. This design enhances rigidity and reduces weight, making it common in modern cars.
chop top
"...that thing would have to be a chop top."
A chop top is when the roof of a car is cut down to make it look cooler and sportier. It can change how the car drives and how much space is inside.
A chop top refers to a modification where the roof of a vehicle is lowered or 'chopped' to create a sportier appearance. This alteration can affect the car's aerodynamics and headroom inside.
quarter panel
"So the quarter panel is like gone. The wing is gone. The trunk is down where the spare tire goes."
The quarter panel is the part of the car's body at the back, usually between the rear door and the trunk. If it's damaged, it can affect how the car looks and functions.
The quarter panel is a section of a car's body that extends from the rear door to the back of the vehicle. It's a critical structural component that helps maintain the car's integrity and aesthetics.
wing
"The wing is gone. The trunk is down where the spare tire goes."
The wing is a part of the car that helps it stay stable when driving fast. It's usually at the back and can make the car look sporty.
In automotive terms, a wing refers to an aerodynamic device that helps increase downforce on a vehicle, improving stability at high speeds. It's often found on performance cars.
trunk
"The trunk is down where the spare tire goes. The pumpers popping off."
The trunk is the back part of the car where you can store things like bags or groceries. It's like a big storage space.
The trunk is the storage compartment located at the rear of a vehicle, typically used for carrying luggage and other items. It's an essential part of the car's design for practicality.
Nürburgring
"...there's one that was on the Nürburgring and took it off the side and totaled it into the wall. You know, it's like, of course, they're not immune to idiots..."
The Nürburgring is a well-known race track in Germany where many cars are tested and raced. It's famous for being very difficult and has a lot of twists and turns, making it a popular spot for car enthusiasts.
The Nürburgring is a famous motorsport complex in Germany, known for its challenging track layout and as a testing ground for many car manufacturers. It has a long history in racing and is often referred to as the 'Green Hell' due to its difficulty and scenic location.
Mazda RX-7
"...people have crashed Supras and RX 7s and NSX is a course, but like we've had those..."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine, making it different from most cars. It's known for being very light and fun to drive.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its rotary engine and agile handling. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its unique design and performance characteristics.
Toyota Supras
"...t get it in the US. So yeah, people have crashed Supras and RX 7s and NSX is a course, but like we've ha..."
Honda NSX
"...people have crashed Supras and RX 7s and NSX is a course, but like we've had those. Yeah. So the fact that these people get these over here..."
The Honda NSX is a fast and stylish sports car that was made to compete with some of the best cars in the world. It's famous for its advanced technology and great performance.
The Honda NSX is a high-performance sports car that was designed to compete with European supercars. It is known for its innovative engineering, including an all-aluminum body and a mid-engine layout, providing exceptional handling and speed.
AR2
"But like, dude, the quarter panel, like as far as the AR2 one, like the quarter panel, like it's the least of its worries. Oh, yeah. Like, dude, you're not finding a roof."
AR2 seems to be a specific type of car, but it's not a common name. It might refer to a model that has special parts that are difficult to get.
The AR2 likely refers to a specific model or variant of a car, possibly related to a performance or sports car. Context suggests it's a vehicle that may have unique parts that are hard to find.
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