Here is an inside look at the Car Guru's personal car collection...(and the logic behind the madness)
About this episode
Dive into the personal car collection of the Car Guru as he shares the stories behind each vehicle, from a beautifully restored 1930 Model A Roadster to a unique 1970 Ford Bronco. He discusses the emotional connections to his cars, the history of each model, and the logic behind his purchases. With anecdotes about rare finds and the intricacies of vintage car ownership, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the passion that drives car enthusiasts.
Email Lennie at [email protected]
Ford Model A
"He said it's a Model A and I said, you know, I'm really not into Model A's or Model T's for that matter and he said, well, this one's really special, it's a really nice restoration."
The Ford Model A is a classic car made by Ford between 1927 and 1931. It was very popular and is known for being a reliable and affordable vehicle during its time.
The Ford Model A was a popular car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931. It was known for its affordability and reliability, becoming a symbol of the automotive revolution in the early 20th century.
Ford Model Ts
"It's a 2010 chassis. He said it's a Model A and I said, you know, I'm really not into Model A's or Model T's for that matter and he said, well, this one's really special, it's a really nice restoration."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually afford, made a long time ago in the early 1900s. It changed how cars were made and helped more people drive for the first time.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often credited with revolutionizing the automotive industry by making cars affordable for the average person. Its mass production techniques set the standard for manufacturing and changed transportation forever. The Model T's historical significance and impact on society make it a frequent topic in automotive history.
Roadster
"And he said, well, it's a Roadster, which means that it's a full-time convertible. I said, well, I'm interested, you know, that's pretty cool."
A Roadster is a car that can be turned into a convertible, meaning you can take the roof off to enjoy the open air while driving. It's usually a two-seater and looks sporty.
A Roadster is a type of car that is designed as a two-seater with a convertible top, allowing it to be driven with the roof down. This design emphasizes sporty performance and open-air driving experience.
rumble seat
"I mean, it's got a rumble seat, it's got an original looking trunk that they used to use. It's separate from the vehicle."
A rumble seat is a special seat that is located outside the main part of the car, usually at the back. It's like an extra seat for someone to sit in while enjoying the ride outside.
A rumble seat is an additional seat located behind the main passenger compartment of a vehicle, typically found in older cars. It is accessed from the outside and is often used for extra passengers, providing a unique open-air experience.
trunk
"I mean, it's got a rumble seat, it's got an original looking trunk that they used to use. It's separate from the vehicle."
A trunk is the space at the back of a car where you can store things like bags or luggage. In older cars, the trunk can sometimes look different from the car itself.
A trunk is the storage compartment at the rear of a car, used for carrying luggage and other items. In classic cars, trunks can often be separate from the main body of the vehicle and may have a distinctive design.
power brakes
"No power steering, no power brakes."
Power brakes help you stop the car with less effort. Without them, you have to push harder on the brake pedal to slow down or stop the car.
Power brakes use hydraulic assistance to help drivers apply the brakes with less effort. This system allows for shorter stopping distances and a more comfortable driving experience compared to manual brakes, which require more force to engage.
power steering
"No power steering, no power brakes."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel in a car. Without it, you have to use more strength to steer, especially when parking or going slowly.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric assistance, making it easier to turn the steering wheel. Cars without power steering require more physical effort to steer, especially at low speeds.
1934 Model 40 Phaeton
"OK, next is a 1934 Model 40 Phaeton."
The 1934 Model 40 Phaeton is an old car made by Ford. It's a convertible, which means it has a roof that can be taken off, and it was popular in the 1930s for its stylish look.
The 1934 Model 40 Phaeton is a classic car produced by Ford, known for its elegant design and open-top body style. It represents a significant era in automotive history, showcasing the craftsmanship of the 1930s.
Volkswagen Phaeton
"I love it. OK, next is a 1934 Model 40 Phaeton. Now what was that?"
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a fancy car that was made to compete with other luxury cars. It has a lot of high-tech features, but it didn't sell very well because it was expensive.
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a luxury sedan produced from 2002 to 2016, designed to compete with high-end brands like Audi and BMW. It was notable for its advanced technology and high-quality materials, but it struggled with sales due to its high price and brand perception. The Phaeton's unique position in Volkswagen's lineup makes it an interesting topic in discussions about luxury vehicles.
Flathead V8 engine
"Matter of fact, in 1932, the Ford Motor Company came out or introduced the Flathead V8 engine."
The Flathead V8 engine is a type of engine made by Ford that has eight cylinders. It was popular because it was powerful and helped cars go faster.
The Flathead V8 engine, introduced by Ford in 1932, was one of the first mass-produced V8 engines. It featured a flat cylinder head design that allowed for a simpler and more compact engine.
horsepower
"A whopping 85 horsepower. Oh, by the way, the Model A has 45 horsepower, but the V8 really changes the whole dynamic of driving this thing."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It helps determine how fast a vehicle can go and how well it can perform.
synchronized gears
"The gears are synchronized in this, so it's easier to shift. But that's another one of those cars that to me, it's one of the most beautiful cars ever made."
Synchronized gears help make shifting gears in a car easier and smoother. They help the gears match speeds so you don't hear grinding noises when changing gears.
Synchronized gears are a mechanism in manual transmissions that help match the speed of the gears being engaged, making it easier to shift without grinding. This technology improves the driving experience by allowing smoother gear changes.
Cadillac
"The old Packards and Cadillacs and Chrysler's and and Doos and Bergs. But, you know, those were vehicles for rich people."
Cadillac is a well-known American car brand that makes luxury cars. They are famous for their high-quality vehicles and have been around for a long time.
Cadillac is a division of General Motors and is known for producing luxury vehicles. Founded in 1902, Cadillac has a long history of innovation and is often associated with premium quality and advanced technology in the automotive industry.
Packard
"The old Packards and Cadillacs and Chrysler's and and Doos and Bergs. But, you know, those were vehicles for rich people."
Packard was a famous American car brand that made luxury cars a long time ago. They were known for being very well-made and stylish, often bought by wealthy people.
Packard was an American luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-quality vehicles produced from the early 1900s until the 1950s. The brand is celebrated for its engineering excellence and elegant designs, appealing to affluent customers.
Chrysler
"The old Packards and Cadillacs and Chrysler's and and Doos and Bergs. But, you know, those were vehicles for rich people."
Chrysler is a car brand from America that makes different types of vehicles, like cars and SUVs. They have been around for many years and are known for their unique designs.
Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, minivans, and SUVs. Founded in 1925, Chrysler has been a significant player in the automotive industry and is known for its innovation and design.
American Motors Corporation (Amc) Javelin
"...te North and he was a national or NCAA champion, javelin thrower back in the late fifties. He qualified f..."
The AMC Javelin is a sporty car made in the late 1960s and early 1970s that people loved for its speed and cool looks. It's part of the muscle car group, which is why many car fans talk about it.
The AMC Javelin is a classic American muscle car produced from 1968 to 1974, known for its sporty design and performance. It was aimed at younger buyers and became a symbol of the muscle car era, often praised for its styling and driving experience. The Javelin's place in automotive history makes it a relevant topic among car enthusiasts.
Gooding auction
"...decided to sell his entire collection at the Gooding auction, which takes place, well, multiple places around the country."
Gooding auction is a place where people can buy and sell classic cars. It's famous for selling rare and valuable vehicles at events held in different cities.
The Gooding auction is a well-known auction house that specializes in classic and vintage cars. They hold events in various locations, showcasing rare and collectible automobiles for sale to the highest bidder.
three speed transmission
"But that flathead V8 and that little three speed transmission and all the chrome that it has, the grill is absolutely gorgeous in this vehicle."
A three-speed transmission is a system in a car that lets you change gears three different ways, helping the car go faster or save fuel. It's a simpler type of transmission found in older cars.
A three-speed transmission is a type of gearbox that allows the driver to select from three different gear ratios, optimizing the engine's power and efficiency at various speeds. It was commonly used in older vehicles before the advent of more advanced automatic transmissions.
grill
"But that flathead V8 and that little three speed transmission and all the chrome that it has, the grill is absolutely gorgeous in this vehicle."
The grill is the part at the front of a car that lets air in to keep the engine cool. It also helps make the car look good with its design.
The grill is the front part of a vehicle that allows air to flow into the engine compartment for cooling. It often features a distinctive design that contributes to the car's overall aesthetics.
Chevrolet Bel
"Yeah, it's a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop. Now, when I say hardtop, that means that it doesn't have a post between the side window for the driver and the side window for the rear seat passengers."
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a well-known car from the 1950s, famous for its stylish design and features like tail fins. The 1957 model is especially popular among collectors.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car known for its distinctive styling and popularity during the 1950s. The 1957 model is particularly famous for its tail fins and is part of the 'tri-five' generation of Bel Airs, which includes the 1955, 1956, and 1957 models.
hardtop
"Now, when I say hardtop, that means that it doesn't have a post between the side window for the driver and the side window for the rear seat passengers."
A hardtop is a type of car that has no middle post between the front and back windows, making it look sleek and open.
A hardtop refers to a car body style that features a roof without a center pillar between the front and rear windows. This design allows for a more open and spacious feel in the cabin.
tri-five
"They call the 55, the 56 and the 57 the tri-five."
Tri-five is a nickname for a series of Chevrolet cars made in 1955, 1956, and 1957. They are known for their cool designs and are very popular with car collectors.
The term 'tri-five' refers to a group of Chevrolet cars produced in the mid-1950s, specifically the models from 1955, 1956, and 1957. These cars are highly regarded for their classic styling and are popular among collectors.
Bring a Trailer
"So I bought the 57 on bringitrailer.com, which is an auction website."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars through auctions. You can place bids on cars you like, and the highest bidder wins.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and collector cars. It allows users to buy and sell vehicles through a bidding process, often attracting car enthusiasts.
rampside
"Most people refer to it as the rampside. Just imagine an old style van with a pickup bed on it."
The Rampside is a type of pickup truck made by Chevrolet that has a ramp on the side. This ramp helps you load and unload things easily, like a lawn mower or motorcycle.
The Rampside is a variant of the Chevrolet Corvair, specifically a pickup truck model that features a side ramp for loading and unloading cargo. This design was aimed at providing easier access to the truck bed.
Volkswagen Beetle
"... vehicle to combat the success of the Volkswagen Beetle. And he was determined to break the mold."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that became very popular because of its cute shape and low price. It was made for many years and is known for being reliable and easy to drive, which is why people still talk about it today.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was first produced in the late 1930s and became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. Its unique design and affordability made it one of the best-selling cars in history, and it often represents the shift towards more practical, economical vehicles. The Beetle's cultural significance and design innovations make it a frequent topic of discussion in automotive history.
boxer style engine
"However, the Volkswagen was a four cylinder with a boxer style engine. And he was going to make this a six cylinder."
A boxer style engine is a type of engine where the cylinders lie flat and move in opposite directions. This helps the car handle better and run more smoothly.
A boxer style engine, or flat engine, features horizontally opposed cylinders that lie flat, providing a lower center of gravity and better balance. This design is known for its smooth operation and is used in various performance cars.
Chevrolet Greenbrier
"They called it the Greenbrier and then the rampside truck like I have."
The Chevrolet Greenbrier is a type of van that was made by Chevrolet. It was based on the Corvair and was designed to carry people or cargo.
The Chevrolet Greenbrier was a van variant of the Corvair, produced from 1961 to 1965. It was designed for utility and passenger transport, featuring a spacious interior.
Chevrolet Rampside
"...the rampside truck like I have. So we just absolutely love this truck."
The Chevrolet Rampside is a type of pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It was based on the Corvair and had a special ramp to help load and unload things easily.
The Chevrolet Rampside was a pickup truck variant of the Corvair, produced from 1961 to 1963. It featured a unique ramp for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
turbocharger
"called the Corvair Monza and it had a turbocharger on it."
A turbocharger is a part that helps an engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It helps the car go faster without needing a bigger engine.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in increased horsepower and efficiency.
four-speed manual transmission
"Mine is a red convertible with a four speed manual transmission."
A four-speed manual transmission is a type of gear system in a car that lets you choose from four different speeds. You have to shift gears yourself, which can make driving more fun.
A four-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manually select from four different gear ratios, providing better control over the vehicle's speed and power delivery. It's a feature often appreciated by driving enthusiasts.
Chevrolet truck
"One of them is a nineteen seventy two Chevrolet truck. And I said, wow, very interested in that."
A Chevrolet truck is a type of vehicle made by the Chevrolet company, known for its durability and utility. The 1972 model is part of a classic generation of trucks that many people find appealing.
The Chevrolet truck refers to a model produced by Chevrolet, a well-known American automotive brand. Trucks from this era are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their classic styling and simplicity.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...'s in my basement at the house. OK. So that's my Corvair story, except for the fact that Corvair has got ..."
The Chevrolet Corvair is a small car made in the 1960s that had its engine in the back instead of the front. It became famous for some safety issues, which is why people still talk about it today.
The Chevrolet Corvair, produced from 1960 to 1969, is notable for its unique rear-engine design and was one of the first American cars to feature a compact design. It gained attention for its handling characteristics but also faced criticism and controversy regarding safety, particularly after Ralph Nader's book 'Unsafe at Any Speed.' The Corvair's place in automotive history makes it a relevant topic in discussions about car safety and design.
rear end
"...the rear ends and the front ends or the rear end and front end will swap ends. And, you know, people just they were putting the same air pressure..."
The 'rear end' is the back part of a car. If it loses grip while turning, the car can spin out, which is called oversteer.
The term 'rear end' refers to the back part of a vehicle, particularly in the context of handling dynamics. If the rear end loses traction, it can lead to oversteer, where the back of the car swings out during a turn.
Ford Mustang
"...that book that destroyed the Corvair. It was the Mustang. When the Mustang came out in 1964 and a half,"
The Ford Mustang is a sporty car that first came out in the 1960s and became famous for being fast and fun to drive. It's loved by many people and is often seen as a symbol of American cars, which is why it's often talked about.
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is a classic American muscle car that helped define the pony car segment. Its combination of performance, style, and affordability made it an instant hit and a cultural icon, often associated with freedom and rebellion. The Mustang's impact on the automotive industry and its enduring popularity make it a significant topic in car discussions.
Ford Bronco
"OK, the next oldest vehicle is a 1970 Ford Bronco. So I always wanted a Ford Bronco. Well, not wh..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It was first made in the 1960s and is still loved today for its ability to go anywhere.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV that was first introduced in 1966 and became known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. It has a loyal following and has been reintroduced in recent years, highlighting its significance in the SUV market. The Bronco's blend of adventure and practicality makes it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
1978 Datsun 280Z
"...the next oldest vehicle I have is a 1978 Datsun 280Z."
The 1978 Datsun 280Z is a classic sports car known for its sleek look and good performance. It's part of a series of cars that many people love to collect.
The 1978 Datsun 280Z is part of the Z-car lineage, known for its sporty design and performance. It features a straight-six engine and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
Ford Thunderbird
"...s a heavy duty Ford truck cab. And it has a 1968 Thunderbird engine that I blew up. It was a four twenty nine..."
The Ford Thunderbird is a fancy car that was first made in the 1950s and is known for being stylish and comfortable. It's like a classic American car that many people admire for its looks and performance.
The Ford Thunderbird, introduced in 1955, is a classic American car that was originally designed as a personal luxury vehicle. It is known for its stylish design and powerful engines, becoming a symbol of American automotive culture. The Thunderbird's evolution over the decades and its impact on luxury cars make it a notable subject in automotive discussions.
Ford F
"...s. Oh, yeah, the the rear fenders are off a 1952 Ford F 100 truck or F one truck. So I should probably n..."
The Ford F-100 is an old pickup truck that many people love because it's strong and can carry a lot of stuff. It's been around for a long time and is often talked about by truck fans.
The Ford F-100 is a classic pickup truck that was produced from the 1950s to the 1980s, known for its durability and versatility. It has become a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts, often praised for its design and performance. The F-100's legacy in the truck market makes it a significant topic in automotive conversations.
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.