Devan Antram Returns: Funeral Cars + Oregon Bourbon | Hard Parking 321

A hearse is a specialized vehicle used to transport a deceased person, typically with a rear compartment designed for the casket. In this episode, the host is talking about arriving in a hearse as a “fun car” and a company vehicle.

A “Cars and Coffee” meetup is an informal gathering where car owners bring their vehicles to socialize and show them off. In the episode, it’s used to set the context for where the guest’s vehicle was recently seen.

An auction is a marketplace where vehicles are sold to the highest bidder, often including dealer and private sales. The host references an auction as the reason the guest had a car at a Cars and Coffee event.

A limo (limousine) is a stretched, chauffeur-driven vehicle typically used for formal events. The speaker mentions they previously had a limo for work but no longer do, contrasting it with their current hearse use.

A minivan is a family-oriented vehicle with sliding doors and a focus on passenger space. The speaker contrasts using minivans for work with using hearses, explaining how their business vehicle needs have changed.

The American Coach Company is referenced as the company in Cleveland, Ohio that originally had the funeral vehicle. In this context, it’s part of the story of how the vehicle was retrofitted for casket loading and use.

A “floating floor” here refers to a custom loading platform installed in the back of the funeral vehicle. It’s mounted using the existing seat-bracket structure and includes rollers to help move a casket smoothly onto the end platform.

The speakers clarify that the “floating floor” is essentially a loading floor. It’s engineered to support casket placement and movement, with the platform mounted to the vehicle’s seat-bracket mounting points and assisted by rollers.

“Rollers built in” describes the mechanical assistance integrated into the loading platform. When a casket is placed on the platform, the rollers help it roll forward toward the end of the loading area.

The speaker mentions a “beer pin” at the end of the platform that holds the casket in place. While the exact term may be mis-transcribed, the function is clear: a retention point to secure the casket during viewing or transport.

“Strobe lights in the grill for procession” describes lighting added to the front grille area to signal or support funeral processions. This is a common type of visibility/ceremonial modification on funeral vehicles.

“Chrome A, B and C pillar trim” refers to decorative chrome pieces on the pillars between windows (A, B, and C pillars). On a funeral vehicle, these trims are part of the classic “carriage” look and can also help the vehicle stand out during events.

The transcript mentions a “land out bar” on the window, which sounds like a mis-transcription of a specific trim/ornament. The context suggests it’s an exterior decorative bar associated with the funeral-vehicle styling.

The speaker is talking about the common belief that “proper bourbon” must come from Kentucky. In reality, bourbon is defined by production rules (like mash bill and aging requirements), not just geography, though Kentucky is a major producer.

“Proof” is a measure of alcohol strength in the bottle. In the U.S., 120 proof is about 60% alcohol by volume, which typically means a stronger, more intense burn and flavor.

“High proof” means the bourbon has a higher alcohol concentration than lower-proof bottles. Higher proof usually tastes more intense and can feel “hotter” at first, then mellow as it finishes.

“Small batch distilled” indicates the whiskey is produced in relatively limited quantities rather than mass production. This often implies more careful selection and consistency, though it doesn’t guarantee a specific flavor style by itself.

“Teslas on fire” refers to high-profile reports of vehicle fires involving Tesla electric cars. When this comes up in car talk, it usually points listeners toward the broader topic of EV battery thermal events and what triggers them (crashes, charging issues, or other factors).

A car show is an event where vehicles are displayed for public viewing, often with enthusiasts gathering around specific cars. Here, the discussion highlights how unusual it is to see a Honda Odyssey in that context, which becomes part of the episode’s “funeral cars” theme.

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan from Honda, known for family-friendly packaging and comfort. In this segment, it’s being shown at a car show in a way that draws attention because it’s not a typical “funeral car” stereotype.

VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is Honda’s system for changing valve timing and lift to improve performance and efficiency. The speaker references “getting your last hit of VTEC,” which is a common enthusiast way to talk about how VTEC engages at higher engine speeds.

“J-Series” refers to Honda’s J-series family of engines used in various models, including some 3.5L V6 applications. In this segment, it’s used to describe the engine behind the speaker’s Odyssey, and it’s part of the broader “what engine is in it?” enthusiast talk.

The Acura Integra is a Honda/Acura-era compact performance car that became famous in enthusiast circles, especially for VTEC-equipped variants. The speaker mentions an “Integra” with VTEC badging, tying it to the earlier conversation about VTEC identity and nostalgia.

The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster that’s popular for grassroots racing and track days. Here, the speaker is helping a new driver look at a “91 Miata” for Miata spec racing, which typically means building/maintaining the car to a rules-based spec for close competition.

“Spec racing” is a format where cars are kept close to factory (or a defined rule set) to reduce cost and emphasize driver skill. Miata spec racing is especially common because the Miata platform is relatively affordable to maintain and easy to prepare within the rules.

The speaker mentions racingjunk.com, a marketplace focused on enthusiast vehicles and parts. It’s commonly used for finding project cars, track cars, and deals that don’t show up on mainstream listings.

The Civic Type R is Honda’s performance hatchback, built around a turbocharged engine and track-oriented tuning. The speaker is comparing it to another hot hatch, which is a common way enthusiasts evaluate daily-drive practicality versus performance.

The speaker calls the Nissan Z their daily driver, highlighting how the Z is often chosen as a practical-but-fun sports car. In enthusiast circles, the Z is valued for its styling and driving feel without being as bulky or complicated as some larger sports cars.

The speaker says they had an MDX “when it’s time to switch it up,” using it as a practical alternative to their sports cars. The MDX is typically chosen for more space and family-friendly comfort while still being a premium SUV.

“Controlling interest” refers to an ownership stake large enough to control a company’s decisions, typically through voting power. The segment uses it to explain why Honda’s proposed acquisition of Nissan was rejected—Honda wanted control rather than a passive partnership.

The Nissan GT-R is a performance sports car known for high-speed capability and a reputation for strong track-style performance. The podcast mentions it in the context of “coming back,” suggesting discussion about the model’s future or return. That’s why it’s brought up: it’s a well-known performance name that people follow closely.

Hybrids use both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The hosts connect the industry shift toward hybrids with Toyota’s early adoption and discuss whether other brands (like Honda) should do more.

The Acura RDX is Acura’s compact luxury SUV. In this segment, the hosts discuss it as a desirable vehicle (“sweet,” “cool looking,” and “fast”) and then focus on its tech and packaging.

A touchpad infotainment controller uses a trackpad-style input instead of traditional knobs or a touchscreen. The speaker calls the touchpad setup “God awful,” implying it was a usability problem that Acura later removed.

An infotainment system is the car’s in-dash interface for things like navigation, audio, phone connectivity, and vehicle settings. Here, the speaker criticizes the RDX’s touchpad-based infotainment as frustrating.

Massaging seats are power-adjustable seats with built-in vibration or massage functions, typically offered on higher trim levels. The hosts mention them as a “selling point” alongside the infotainment changes.

A captain’s chair setup refers to individual, separate seats (often in the second row) instead of a single bench. The hosts discuss whether the vehicle has captain’s chairs and how the center seat can be repositioned for extra seating.

The speaker’s daily is a 2016 Ford F-150, a full-size pickup known for strong availability of parts and lots of engine/transmission combinations. They mention it has been reliable for them over high mileage.

EcoBoost is Ford’s turbocharged gasoline engine family. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is a popular V6 option in the F-150, balancing power and fuel economy, but it’s also a platform where certain maintenance items and known issues can matter.

Cam phasers are components that adjust valve timing for better performance and efficiency. “Cam phaser issues” typically refers to failures or wear that can cause noise, check-engine lights, or rough running, depending on the engine.

Timing chain guides help keep the timing chain properly positioned and tensioned. If guides wear or fail, it can lead to timing-related problems and potentially more serious engine damage.

The speaker brings up Range Rover as an example of a brand where not every vehicle will fail, but some models/years can have higher risk of issues. It’s used to support their point about reliability being probabilistic rather than absolute.

McLaren is mentioned as another example where some models have better reputations than others. It reinforces the idea that reliability varies by specific design and ownership history, not just the badge on the hood.

“Reliability reputation” is the idea that brands develop public perceptions based on reported failures and owner experiences. The speaker argues that these reputations can shift over time and that individual vehicles still depend on maintenance and the specific model.

The Kia Telluride is referenced as a vehicle the speaker and their wife considered. It’s part of a comparison set of family SUVs they evaluated for comfort and “what’s missing,” suggesting they were weighing practicality versus appeal.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is included in the speaker’s SUV comparison list. They mention it alongside the Telluride and other Hyundai models, implying they were evaluating similar-size family crossovers.

The Hyundai Palisade is singled out as the one they drove during their shopping trip in Nevada. The speaker says it’s nice but felt like it was missing something, highlighting how subjective “fit and feel” can outweigh specs.

The Infiniti QX60 is a midsize luxury SUV known for comfort and family-friendly packaging. In the segment, the speaker compares its design/appeal to a fashionable purchase, then criticizes how it doesn’t perform as intended.

The Lexus GX 550 is a luxury body-on-frame SUV positioned as a more rugged alternative to typical crossover SUVs. The discussion highlights real-world availability (waitlists and allocations), pricing/ordering limitations, and how it drives more like a truck than a car.

The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury sedan known for a mix of comfort and driving dynamics. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as part of a comparison where the speaker says “it just wasn’t there,” implying it didn’t meet expectations for what they wanted. That kind of comment typically comes up when someone is weighing luxury-car options.

“Allocation” refers to how manufacturers limit how many vehicles a dealer can sell in a given period, often due to demand or supply constraints. When a model can’t be ordered normally, buyers may have to join a wait list and accept the specific build/colors the dealer receives.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a long-running, rugged SUV known for durability and off-road capability. The speaker uses it as a reference point, saying the Lexus GX 550 is “basically a Land Cruiser” with a luxury-focused rebadge and more comfort features.

“Comps” here means side-by-side comparisons against competing vehicles across multiple categories (not just acceleration or horsepower). The speaker uses it to justify why the MDX performed best overall except for power.

The Acura MDX Type S is a performance-oriented version of the MDX, typically positioned as a more powerful, sportier three-row SUV. The speaker says that after doing comparisons (“comps”), the MDX came out on top in every category except power, and they also mention their own Type S in the garage.

This refers to an anti-entrapment or obstruction-detection sensor designed to stop seat movement when something (like a hand or child) is in the way. The segment argues that the system didn’t stop reliably, which is why the safety incident was serious.

A stop sale is when a manufacturer or regulator halts sales of certain vehicles (often specific trims or production ranges) until a safety issue is corrected. It’s commonly used when there’s a serious defect or safety risk that needs a fix before customers can buy the car.

Power seats are seats that move using electric motors and buttons rather than manual adjustment. In this segment, the focus is on power seat movement in the second and third rows and how safety sensors (or the lack of them) affect pinch/entrapment risk.

Doug DeMiro is referenced as a podcast host whose discussion is being echoed in this segment. The mention is used to support the broader point about technology versus simpler controls.

Donut Media is a popular automotive media brand that produces YouTube videos and also has podcast content. In the segment, the hosts discuss how the company went through acquisitions and talent changes, which affected who was making the content.

“Up to Speed” is a recurring Donut Media segment format known for explaining automotive topics in an accessible, story-driven way. The speaker references it as some of their favorite videos, implying it’s a key reason the channel resonated.

“Big Time” is referenced as a YouTube show/podcast the speaker watches occasionally. It’s mentioned in the context of automotive creators splitting off into their own projects after leaving larger media groups.

The Acura NSX is a mid-engine sports car known for its performance and engineering. In the transcript it’s mentioned as Brandon’s “red car,” tying the model to car-enthusiast culture and social media presence.

The Suzuki Jimny is a small, body-on-frame off-road-capable SUV that’s popular for its compact size and ruggedness. The speaker rented it in Costa Rica, using it as an example of a different vehicle they got to drive.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer L is a large, luxury-oriented SUV with a long-wheelbase “L” version for extra space. The speaker describes renting one for a wedding and focuses on its engine and power, comparing it to other big SUVs.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, upscale SUV positioned as a premium alternative for people who want big size and comfort. The episode specifically mentions renting a “Grand Wagoneer L,” emphasizing its long length and the experience of driving it. That kind of mention usually comes up when comparing how different large SUVs feel in real-world use.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for off-road capability and a wide range of trims. It’s a common choice for people who want both everyday comfort and the option to go beyond paved roads. The episode mentions it in the context of renting a large Jeep and driving it, connecting it to the speaker’s experience with the brand’s bigger SUVs.

The Lamborghini Huracán is a supercar known for its aggressive performance and distinctive design. The podcast specifically mentions a “Huracan V6” and describes it as an inline six, which is how the speaker is framing the engine in their discussion. It’s brought up as part of the episode’s talk about upcoming or notable performance vehicles.

“Hurricane V6” refers to a V6 engine family used in certain Jeep Grand Wagoneer models. The speaker connects it to the vehicle’s performance by mentioning high horsepower and quick acceleration.

“Electric bugaboos” is a casual way to refer to common concerns about modern electrified systems—often things like reliability, complexity, or annoying electronics. The speaker contrasts those worries with the vehicle’s look and appeal.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is another full-size SUV that competes directly in the same “big family/luxury” space. The speaker groups it with the Yukon as a typical alternative to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L.

The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV often used as a benchmark for big, comfortable family hauling. The speaker uses it as a comparison point, saying the rented Jeep is a “cool alternative” to Yukons and similar SUVs.

The Cadillac XT6 is the SUV platform the speaker says the funeral home uses as the base for their Cadillac hearses. The XT6’s three-row layout makes it a practical starting point for stretching and adding a casket body.

The speaker ordered a 2025 Chevrolet Express 2500 cargo van for their funeral-home fleet. They specifically discuss ordering it with windows on the loading doors—uncommon on many Express vans because some buyers prefer fewer openings for theft prevention and to keep tools out of sight.

The speaker is comparing engine options for the Chevrolet Express 2500, choosing the larger 6.6-liter engine instead of the smaller 4.2 V6. In a cargo van, the bigger engine can provide better torque for hauling and stop-and-go driving, especially when the vehicle is loaded for work.

Remote start lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle (typically via a key fob or app) so the cabin can warm up or cool down before you get in. The speaker calls it out as a desirable feature on a cargo van, not just a passenger car option.

Blind spot alert is a driver-assistance feature that warns you when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot area (often using sensors in the rear corners). The speaker notes it as part of the van’s “tricked out” equipment for a cargo vehicle.

The speaker mentions an eight-speed automatic transmission, highlighting it as a major technological improvement. More gears can help keep the engine in a more efficient range, improving drivability and potentially fuel economy compared with older multi-gear automatics.

The speaker contrasts modern keyless systems with a physical key, saying the van still uses a traditional key you insert and turn. This is part of their “analog” theme—modern tech features exist, but the vehicle still feels old-school in how you start it.

This segment centers on the funeral car fabrication industry and how it’s been in “limbo” due to changing donor-car platforms. The speaker explains that modern hearses often start from different vehicle types (smaller sedans, SUVs, or minivans), which affects complexity, cost, and what builders can realistically convert.

The Lincoln Town Car is a long-running full-size luxury sedan that served as a common base for traditional hearse conversions. The segment contrasts it with newer, smaller platforms that require different fabrication approaches.

The Cadillac DTS is referenced as one of the older full-size sedan platforms used for hearse builds. In the discussion, it represents the “previous era” of larger body-on-frame style sedans that were easier to convert into long, coach-like funeral vehicles.

The Cadillac XTS is described as a newer “large sedan” platform that hearse builders used as the industry shifted away from older full-size sedans. The speaker notes these newer cars are smaller than the old body-on-frame sedans, which changes how much fabrication is needed.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV built for maximum passenger and cargo space, often used where people need room for groups or equipment. It’s frequently discussed because its long-wheelbase design can be a strong foundation for specialized builds. The podcast specifically references using a Suburban chassis to create a long SUV setup.

The Toyota Sequoia is brought up as a possible base for a hearse, with the speaker noting it would likely be “high” and that the ramp requirement is a key constraint. It’s used to illustrate how vehicle height and packaging affect feasibility of wheelchair-accessible conversions.

The Chrysler Pacifica is recommended as a common and practical base for modified funeral minivans. The speaker specifically contrasts it with other minivans and praises its interior space and suitability for carrying people and equipment.

Sliding doors are a defining minivan feature that improves everyday usability. They reduce the chance of door dings in tight parking spaces and make it easier for kids or passengers to get in and out.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV designed for families and long-distance comfort, with seating and space meant for bigger groups. The podcast references a 1998 Expedition Eddie Bauer owned by the speaker’s parents, showing how the model has been part of their family history. That kind of personal context often comes up when discussing ownership experiences and what a vehicle feels like over time.

The Copper State 1000 is a motorsports event the host references as a timing marker for when this episode was recorded and released. It’s relevant because it frames the episode’s context around a specific rally/competition weekend.