From a $900 Chevelle to Owning 29 Cars: Drivin' Ivan
About this episode
Drivin' Ivan shares his incredible journey from owning a $900 Chevelle to amassing a collection of 29 cars, revealing his passion for automotive culture and nostalgia. He discusses his early experiences with cars, including memorable stories about his familyโs automotive history and the unique vehicles he's owned. The episode dives into the quirks of various cars, the challenges of maintenance, and the thrill of driving on twisty roads. Ivan's engaging anecdotes and insights into car ownership make this a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the automotive world.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
"You make money on the buy." That's the philosophy that took Ivan Katz from a $900 1970 Chevelle Malibu convertible to a 29-car collection โ and why he says "eventually, things own you."
In this episode, Drivin' Ivan shares how growing up in his grandfather's car radio shop in Alexandria shaped his obsession with cars that handle. Why his first Lancia Zagato ended in the worst car fire the local fire department had ever seen โ and why he came back for another one. How he compares his 1978 Porsche 928 to a "German Corvette" while the actual C3 "should be ashamed." And the unexpected way that Chevelle became his "Ferrari fund."
*** BONUS - We have partnered with Drivin' Ivan for car reviews - his first is a full YouTube Car Review of Doug's 1981 DeLorean DMC-12: https://youtu.be/Vyy-gqAXC20?si=7PL5iO-kPNpsw4Ei
From air-cooled Porsches to obscure Italian sports cars to imports nobody in America recognizes, Ivan holds nothing back on what it really costs โ in time, money, and sanity โ to maintain a fleet this size.
๐ Find Ivan's 1400+ car reviews, concours events and museum visits here: https://youtube.com/@drivinivan
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Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytellingโand personal restorationโrunning strong.
Delorean DMC-12
"... given that now it's getting warm in Maryland, my DeLorean has been up in New Jersey for a couple of weeks, ..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique car that looks different from most because it has shiny metal sides and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being in a popular movie about time travel.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is an iconic car known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, famously featured in the 'Back to the Future' movies. Its unique design and limited production make it a sought-after collector's item.
DeLorean
"...my DeLorean has been up in New Jersey for a couple of weeks, transmission work and the guys fixed a bunch of different things."
The DeLorean is a unique car that has a shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being in movies, especially 'Back to the Future'.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained fame from its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
Nissan 300 ZX
"...My 1990 300 ZX, which was my dream car in high school that I didn't own. I bought it 30 years later, which has been sitting in my garage for a couple of years..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a fast sports car that was popular in the late 80s and early 90s. It has a stylish look and was known for being fun to drive.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was produced by Nissan from 1983 to 2000. It is known for its performance, sleek design, and advanced technology for its time.
water pump
"I put in the water pump in my 1970 Chevelle Malibu convertible..."
The water pump helps keep the engine cool by moving coolant around. If it fails, the engine can overheat.
A water pump is a critical component in a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for circulating coolant through the engine and radiator to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Rochester carburetor
"...with a 307 and a Rochester carburetor that nobody could tune."
A Rochester carburetor is a device that helps mix fuel and air in older cars to make the engine run. Tuning it means adjusting it for better performance.
The Rochester carburetor is a type of carburetor commonly used in classic American cars, known for its simplicity and effectiveness in mixing air and fuel for combustion.
Chevrolet Malibu
"I put in the water pump in my 1970 Chevelle Malibu convertible with a 307 and a Rochester carburetor..."
Chevrolet Chevelle
"I put in the water pump in my 1970 Chevelle Malibu convertible with a 307..."
The Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is a popular classic car from the 1970s. It's known for being powerful and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and style. The 1970 model is particularly sought after by collectors for its design and engine options.
Cadillac Coupe de Ville
"So we had a 70 Coupe de Ville convertible and turquoise with white leather that I took my driver's testing."
The Cadillac Coupe de Ville is a fancy car that was very popular in the past. The 1970 version is known for being big and comfortable, making it a favorite for special occasions.
The Cadillac Coupe de Ville was a luxury car known for its spacious interior and elegant design. The 1970 model featured a powerful V8 engine and was popular among those who valued comfort and style.
Dodge Dart
"And my mom had a 66 Dodge Dart convertible. And she, you know, that was a very cool car."
The Dodge Dart is a smaller car that was made in the 1960s. The 1966 model is known for being a good, reliable car that many people enjoyed driving.
The 1966 Dodge Dart was a compact car known for its affordability and reliability. It was available in various body styles, including a convertible, and was popular among families and young drivers.
Plymouth Satellite
"Plymouth satellite like from the B fifty two's planet, Claire. Yeah, it's as big as the whale."
The Plymouth Satellite is a large car that was made in the 1960s and 70s. It was popular for its size and performance, especially during the muscle car craze.
The Plymouth Satellite was a mid-size car produced by Plymouth from 1965 to 1974. It was known for its spaciousness and was part of the muscle car era, often featuring powerful engine options.
Hyundai Satellite
"My brother didn't like him and he had a. Plymouth satellite like from the B fifty two's planet, Claire. Yeah,..."
The Hyundai Satellite is an older, small car that was made to be affordable and easy to drive. It's not very common today but was part of Hyundai's early lineup.
The Hyundai Satellite is a lesser-known model that was produced in the 1970s, characterized by its compact size and affordability. It represents an interesting chapter in Hyundai's history as the brand expanded its offerings in the global market.
Chevrolet Vega
"So and they had both my brothers had Vegas. So to Vegas and, you know, I got to drive Pinto's."
The Chevrolet Vega is a small car that was made in the 1970s. It was known for being light and compact, but it had some problems with rust and quality.
The Chevrolet Vega was a subcompact car produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 1977. It was known for its innovative design and lightweight construction, but it faced criticism for its build quality and rust issues.
Ford Pintos
"I got to drive Pinto's. I got to drive you goes."
The Ford Pinto is a small car that was made in the 1970s. It is often remembered for its safety problems, especially related to fires in accidents.
The Ford Pinto was a subcompact car produced by Ford from 1971 to 1980. It became infamous for safety issues related to its fuel tank design, leading to numerous recalls and a negative reputation.
Yugo
"I mean, I drove a Pinto very early and that was one of my first car driving. Now, when did you go?"
The Yugo is a very small and inexpensive car that was sold in the U.S. in the 1980s and early 90s. It is often joked about for its low quality and reliability issues.
The Yugo was a subcompact car produced by the Yugoslavian manufacturer Zastava from 1980 to 1992. It was marketed in the United States and became known for its low price and poor quality.
suspension
"Because otherwise bouncing back and forth and just, you know, you would lose it because the suspension was so loose."
The suspension is the part of a car that helps it stay smooth and stable while driving. It keeps the tires in contact with the road and helps absorb bumps.
The suspension system of a vehicle is designed to support the weight of the car, absorb shocks from the road, and maintain tire contact with the surface. A well-tuned suspension is crucial for handling and ride comfort.
Mazda Miata
"I remember the first Mazda Miata that a four star Admiral lived on my street had. I remember that it was paradigm shifting."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive and very popular among car enthusiasts. It's known for being light and having great handling, making it enjoyable on the road.
The Mazda Miata, also known as the MX-5, is a lightweight two-seater sports car that has been praised for its handling and driving enjoyment since its introduction in 1989.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"Just the stock Miata having something reliable like a Z car and RX seven."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that's fun to drive and easy to handle. It's known for being dependable and many people like to customize it to make it even better.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It has a reputation for being reliable and is popular among car enthusiasts for modifications and tuning.
Nissan Z
"like a Z car and RX seven."
The Nissan Z is a line of sporty cars made by Nissan that are known for being fast and fun to drive. They are popular among car lovers.
The Nissan Z refers to a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, known for their performance and sporty design. They have a strong following among car enthusiasts and are often compared to other sports cars.
Toyota Prius
"And, you know, these cars, that's why my daily driver is a Prius."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to run, making it very good on gas mileage. It's often chosen by people who want to be more environmentally friendly.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. It has become synonymous with hybrid technology and is popular among those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Fiat Arqueta
"...I picked up my Fiat Arqueta from the port and I literally within like two minutes, someone's like, what, what is that?"
The Fiat Arqueta is a car that's not very common, so many people might not know what it is when they see it. It's designed to be different and attract attention.
The Fiat Arqueta is a unique model that stands out due to its design and limited presence on the roads. It is often recognized for its distinctive styling and features that differentiate it from more common vehicles.
Alpina B7
"...'s for sale. And so is my Geneta G26 and maybe my Alpina B7 BMW. Well, where can we find about out about thes..."
The Alpina B7 is a fancy car that is based on a BMW but made even better for speed and comfort. It's designed for people who want a luxurious ride that can also go fast.
The Alpina B7 is a high-performance version of the BMW 7 Series, known for its luxurious features and powerful engine tuning. It combines the comfort of a luxury sedan with the performance of a sports car, appealing to those who want both style and speed.
Geneta G26
"And so is my Geneta G26 and maybe my Alpina B7 BMW."
The Geneta G26 is a type of sports car that is light and fun to drive, making it popular among car lovers.
The Geneta G26 is a sports car known for its lightweight design and agile handling, often appealing to enthusiasts looking for a unique driving experience.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...There was a Volkswagen Jetta in front of me. It burned that a little bit, too. Oh, no."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that many people like because it's reliable and good for everyday driving. It's been around for a long time and comes in different styles and colors.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car known for its balance of performance, comfort, and practicality. It has been a popular choice among drivers since its introduction in the 1970s, often praised for its reliability and efficiency.
catalytic converter
"...The catalytic converter seized in that first Launcia. And it was just blown away."
A catalytic converter is a part of a car that helps clean up the exhaust gases so that they are less harmful to the environment. It helps make the air cleaner by reducing pollution from cars.
A catalytic converter is an essential component of a vehicle's exhaust system that helps reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances before they exit the exhaust. It's crucial for meeting environmental regulations.
American Service Center
"Yeah, because he bought it at American Service Center in Arlington, Virginia, which is also a Mercedes dealership."
American Service Center is a car dealership that sells and repairs Mercedes-Benz cars. It's located in Arlington, Virginia.
American Service Center is a dealership located in Arlington, Virginia, known for selling and servicing Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz
"...in Arlington, Virginia, which is also a Mercedes dealership."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for their quality and performance.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. It is one of the world's most recognized and prestigious car brands.
Porsche 928
"So do you still have the 928? Yes, I do. It's my second one that I don't. This one's a five speed manual. 1978, first year in the US."
The Porsche 928 is a type of sports car made by Porsche that was first sold in 1978. It has a powerful engine in the front and is known for being both fast and comfortable to drive.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car that was produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was notable for its front-engine layout and was designed to be a grand tourer, blending performance with comfort.
Porsche 911
"And they came by with they had a 928 and a 911. And the salesman was like, oh, the 928 is so good."
The Porsche 911 is one of the most famous sports cars in the world, known for its unique shape and great performance. It has been around for a long time and is loved by many car fans.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car that has been in production since 1964. It is renowned for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
dog leg shifter
"However, having both now, the five speed manual dog leg shifter, the dog leg is the best. You know, first is dog leg."
A dog leg shifter is a special type of gear stick in cars with manual transmissions. It places the first gear in a different position, making it easier for drivers to shift into higher gears quickly, especially when racing.
A dog leg shifter is a type of manual transmission layout where the first gear is positioned to the left and down, resembling a dog leg. This design allows for quicker access to higher gears, which is beneficial in racing situations where drivers want to avoid using first gear.
torque
"...It is so fast. Oh, wow. So much torque. It's kind of a dog."
Torque is how strong an engine is when it tries to turn the wheels. More torque helps a car speed up faster and pull heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial for a vehicle's acceleration and pulling power. Higher torque means better performance in terms of quick starts and climbing hills.
fuel pumps
"Now, I think it's got two fuel pumps, I think, and one of them's acting up. So, you know, it's always when you have this many cars..."
Fuel pumps help move gasoline from the tank to the engine. If they don't work properly, the car might have trouble starting or running well.
Fuel pumps are essential components in a vehicle's fuel system, responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine. If one of the fuel pumps is malfunctioning, it can lead to starting issues or poor engine performance.
Lotus Esprit
"I have a Lotus Esprit and I have a friend that has a Lotus Esprit"
The Lotus Esprit is a sports car from the UK that looks unique and is known for being fast. It was made for many years and even featured in some James Bond movies.
The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car known for its distinctive wedge shape and performance capabilities. It was produced from 1976 to 2004 and is often associated with its appearances in James Bond films.
Opel Manta
"...pel Escona and that's for sale, too. That's got a Manta front end and that's for sale. Somebody buy that ..."
The Opel Manta is an older, sporty car that many people liked back in the day. It's known for its cool design and is now a classic that some collectors appreciate.
The Opel Manta is a classic coupe that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its sporty design and performance. It represents a significant part of automotive history, especially in Europe, and has a dedicated following among classic car enthusiasts.
Mazda Rx7
"They're valuable for a reason. They're incredible in early RX-7. They're really cool."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that stands out because it has a special type of engine called a rotary engine, which is different from most cars. People love it for how fun it is to drive and its cool looks.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its unique rotary engine, which provides a high power-to-weight ratio and impressive handling. It gained a cult following for its performance and design, especially in its early models, making it a significant vehicle in automotive history.
Lancia Delta Integrale
"They're really cool. The Lancia Delta Integrale, the Citroen is so weird. There are special cars ..."
The Lancia Delta Integrale is a famous car that was built for racing and is known for its great handling and speed. Many people love it for its unique look and racing history.
The Lancia Delta Integrale is a legendary rally car known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine, which helped it achieve numerous rally championships in the 1980s and 1990s. Its combination of performance and distinctive styling has made it a sought-after classic among car enthusiasts.
Porsche 78 Porsche
"...done. And if you compare that 77 Corvette to that 78 Porsche 928, the Corvette, you should be ashamed."
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a really fast and sporty car that is designed for people who love to drive. It has a powerful engine and handles very well on the road or track.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a high-performance sports car known for its exceptional handling, powerful flat-six engine, and track-ready capabilities. It represents the pinnacle of the Cayman lineup, appealing to enthusiasts who value driving dynamics and precision engineering.
Audi Tt
"...or you on the way out, Ivan. Let's go back to the Audi TT, your 2001 Spyder. And OK, so you have it in, see..."
The Audi TT RS is a sporty car that is fun to drive and has a powerful engine. It looks sleek and can be used for everyday driving while still being exciting.
The Audi TT RS is a high-performance version of the Audi TT, featuring a turbocharged five-cylinder engine that delivers thrilling acceleration and sharp handling. It combines sporty design with everyday usability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Renault Laguna
"...d OK, so you have it in, see if I get this right, Laguna Seca Blue, which is the BMW racing color. But I w..."
The Renault Laguna is a family car that is designed to be comfortable and practical for everyday use. It has a lot of space inside and is good for families.
The Renault Laguna is a mid-size family car that offers a balance of comfort, practicality, and technology. It has been well-regarded for its spacious interior and safety features, making it a popular choice for families in Europe.
Chevrolet Spin
"It's a two seat convertible. You can spin in place in that car. I watch my video, watch my ..."
The Chevrolet Spin is a small family car that has a lot of room inside for people and their stuff. It's made to be practical and easy to use for everyday driving.
The Chevrolet Spin is a compact MPV designed for family use, offering ample space and versatility for passengers and cargo. It is popular in markets where practicality and affordability are key considerations.
Audi Quattro
"...rally spin in place in that car. It's not an Audi Quattro, little trivia for you. It's a Haldex."
The Audi Quattro is a sporty car that has all-wheel drive, which means it can handle well in different driving conditions. It was very important in racing and helped make Audi famous for its technology.
The Audi Quattro is a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive sports car that revolutionized rally racing in the 1980s. Its advanced technology and performance capabilities set the standard for future Audi models and established the brand's reputation for engineering excellence.
Bugatti Veyron
"...nd a Haldex all wheel drive system in the Bugatti Veyron? So that's a wheel drive system."
The Bugatti Veyron is an extremely fast and expensive car that can go faster than almost any other car on the road. It has a very powerful engine and is known for being super luxurious.
The Bugatti Veyron is a hypercar renowned for its extraordinary speed and engineering, featuring a quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces over 1,000 horsepower. It was once the fastest production car in the world, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive technology and luxury.
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