James' Barn: Triumph Spitfires to Porsche 911 Dreams
About this episode
James shares his journey from a teenage car enthusiast to a classic car restoration expert. He reminisces about his first car, a 1977 Caprice Classic, and how it sparked his passion for vintage vehicles. The conversation dives into his experiences restoring Triumph Spitfires and the challenges of running a classic car business. James emphasizes the importance of community and knowledge sharing among car enthusiasts, highlighting the joy of working on classic cars and the stories they carry. His insights into the restoration process and the emotional connections people have with their cars make for an engaging discussion.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Ever wondered what it takes to bring rusted classics back to life? Meet James, who's broadcasting from his barn surrounded by restoration projects in various states of resurrection.
From his first car—a '77 Chevy Caprice Classic land yacht—to an '85 Oldsmobile Toronado Caliente with doors so big you couldn't park it, James fell hard for a '76 Triumph Spitfire that changed everything. Bought for $1,000 with no brakes, that Kermit-green roadster planted the seed for a lifelong passion.
Now running McRae Enterprises, James specializes in European sports cars and American classics from the '40s-'80s. In this episode, he shares:
- Rally racing a Triumph through Baltimore's back roads
- Why barn finds are both thrilling and terrifying
- The vintage car community's remarkable trust and generosity
- His dream '99 Porsche 996 (barely driven because he's too busy!)
- A '62 Volvo that lived above the Arctic Circle
This is automotive passion at its purest—no TV drama, just real restoration work, hard-earned wisdom, and the freedom of driving cars that matter.
Check out the episode James mentioned!
- "Vintage Land Cruiser Love – Megan’s FJ60 Revival and Everyday Off-Road Adventures" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/318975ea55657ba867726e293dd1ef14
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Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive.
Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling running strong.
*** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! ***
Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive.
Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.
Scooby-Doo Monster Truck
"...former driver of the Scooby-Doo Monster Truck. Yeah."
The Scooby-Doo Monster Truck is a big truck designed for stunts and shows, featuring a design based on the cartoon character Scooby-Doo. It's part of monster truck events where these trucks perform tricks and crush smaller cars.
The Scooby-Doo Monster Truck is a themed monster truck based on the popular cartoon character Scooby-Doo. It is often used in monster truck shows and events, showcasing its unique design and capabilities.
barn find
"Doug, when I say barn find, what do you think? What's a barn find to you? So barn find and there's a great show on YouTube by the way called Barn Find Hunter that I like."
A barn find is an old car that someone has left in a barn for a long time. When people find these cars again, they can be special and sometimes worth a lot of money.
A barn find refers to a classic or vintage car that has been abandoned or stored away in a barn or similar structure for an extended period. These cars are often rediscovered and can be valuable due to their rarity and the nostalgia associated with them.
classic auto restoration
"I had heard from Joe, our former guest, that James does auto restoration on the Eastern Shore. That is his job, classic auto restoration."
Classic auto restoration is when someone fixes up old cars to make them look and work like they did when they were new. It can involve a lot of work, like finding old parts and fixing the engine.
Classic auto restoration refers to the process of repairing and refurbishing vintage or classic cars to their original condition. This often involves sourcing original parts, restoring the bodywork, and ensuring the mechanical systems are functioning properly.
Chevrolet Caprice Classic
"Coming back to my first car, so yeah, that was, it's a bit embarrassing now. It was a 77 Caprice classic, it came from one of my grandparents..."
The Chevrolet Caprice Classic is a big car from the 1970s that many families used. It was known for being roomy and comfortable.
The Chevrolet Caprice Classic is a full-size car that was popular in the 1970s. Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, it was often used as a family car and was available in various trims and engine options.
Holden Caprice
"...hat was, it's a bit embarrassing now. It was a 77 Caprice classic, it came from one of my grandparents and ..."
The Holden Caprice is a big, comfortable car that was made in Australia. It's known for being nice to ride in and has a lot of space inside, which is why some people remember it fondly from their family.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by the Australian automaker Holden. Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, it often served as a vehicle for government officials and executives, making it a significant part of Australian automotive history. It might be discussed for its nostalgic value, especially if it has been passed down through generations.
two-barrel carburetor
"It was a V8, but it wasn't a big one and it was a two-barrel carb, so it wasn't fuel efficient nor was it very powerful, but as you know with first cars, it was freedom and it didn't matter."
A two-barrel carburetor helps mix air and fuel for the engine to run. It has two openings to do this, which can make the car go faster than one with just one opening, but it's not as good as newer systems.
A two-barrel carburetor is a type of fuel delivery system that uses two barrels to mix air and fuel for combustion. This design can provide better performance than a single-barrel carburetor but is generally less efficient than modern fuel injection systems.
V8
"It was a V8, but it wasn't a big one and it was a two-barrel carb, so it wasn't fuel efficient nor was it very powerful, but as you know with first cars, it was freedom and it didn't matter."
A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders that work together to make the car go. It's powerful but can use a lot of fuel.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for more power and smoother operation compared to smaller engines, but it can also be less fuel-efficient.
Chevrolet Caprice
"...it did look later like a Caprice undercover car of the day from the 80s because at one point I had to put new tires on it and they didn't put the white walls on the outside..."
The Chevrolet Caprice is a big car that many people drove in the past, and it was often used by police. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car that was popular in the United States, especially as a police cruiser in the 1980s. Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, it was often used as a patrol vehicle due to its reliability and performance.
Toyota Tercels
"... driving my parents Toyota. They had one of those Tercels, the hatchback and it was an economy little car, ..."
The Toyota Tercel is a small car that was made by Toyota for many years. It's known for being very reliable and good on gas, which means it doesn't cost much to drive.
The Toyota Tercel is a compact car that was produced by Toyota from the late 1970s until the early 2000s. It is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. The Tercel's practicality and affordability often make it a topic of conversation among those who appreciate economical vehicles.
V8 engine
"...when the Caprice came in, it was a V8. It had power steering, power brakes, power locks..."
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders. This helps the car go faster and run more smoothly than smaller engines.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a 'V' shape. This design allows for more power and smoother operation compared to smaller engines.
power steering
"...It had power steering, power brakes, power locks, it had air conditioning..."
Power steering is a feature in cars that makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. It helps you steer without having to use a lot of strength.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric actuators to assist in turning the steering wheel, making it easier to maneuver the car.
bench seats
"...it had a big back seat, a big front seat, it was bench seats. By driving a smooth boat right on land..."
Bench seats are long seats in cars that can fit more than one person. They are usually one big cushion instead of separate seats.
Bench seats are a type of seating arrangement in vehicles where the seat is a continuous cushion that can accommodate multiple passengers, typically found in older cars and trucks.
land yacht
"It was a land yacht and I think Joe had one too. He had a big convertible land yacht, so we could relate and they were horrible on gas..."
A 'land yacht' is a nickname for very large cars that are comfortable and smooth to drive, like a boat on land. They usually have a lot of space inside and are not very fuel-efficient.
A 'land yacht' is a colloquial term used to describe large, often luxury cars that provide a smooth and comfortable ride, similar to a yacht on water. These vehicles are typically characterized by their size, weight, and spacious interiors.
Pioneer stereo system
"I remember putting a Pioneer stereo system in it and an amplifier, yeah, the old Alpine amplifiers and subwoofers and stuff..."
A Pioneer stereo system is a type of music player made by the Pioneer brand, which is popular for its good sound quality. People often install these in their cars to listen to music more clearly.
Pioneer is a well-known brand that produces high-quality audio equipment, including car stereo systems. These systems often include features like Bluetooth connectivity, CD players, and advanced sound processing capabilities, enhancing the audio experience in vehicles.
Alpine
"...the old Alpine amplifiers and subwoofers and stuff and it was learning how to wire stuff..."
Alpine is a brand that makes audio equipment for cars, like speakers and amplifiers. They are known for making good quality sound systems that people like to use in their vehicles.
Alpine is a company that specializes in high-performance audio equipment for vehicles. Their products, including amplifiers and subwoofers, are known for delivering superior sound quality and are popular among car audio enthusiasts.
stall
"...it would stall on this one hill every time when it was cold and it was a left-hand turn going uphill..."
When a car stalls, it means the engine stops running suddenly. This can happen for various reasons, like not getting enough fuel or air, especially when the car is cold or struggling uphill.
Stalling occurs when an engine unexpectedly stops running, often due to a lack of fuel, air, or a mechanical issue. This can happen when the engine is cold or under certain driving conditions, like going uphill.
choke
"...open the hood and then stick a finger down to get the choke to open up and get unstuck and then so you're going to school smelling like gas..."
A choke helps your car start better when it's cold by making the fuel mixture richer, which means more fuel and less air. This is important for starting the engine in cold weather.
A choke is a device in a car's engine that restricts airflow to enrich the fuel mixture during cold starts. It helps the engine start more easily when it's cold by providing a richer fuel-air mixture.
Oldsmobile Tornado
"...the next car was an 85 Olds Tornado, I bought it from my stepfather and it was all gold and it had tan interior..."
The Oldsmobile Tornado is a car that was made in the 1980s. It was known for having a powerful engine and being good in snowy conditions because it was designed to drive with the front wheels.
The Oldsmobile Tornado was a personal luxury car produced by Oldsmobile from 1966 to 1992. The 1985 model was notable for its front-wheel drive layout and V8 engine, which was relatively unique for cars of that era.
front-wheel drive
"...it was a front wheel drive V8. Yeah, I was going to say that was a front wheel drive V8 vehicle."
Front-wheel drive means that the front wheels of the car are the ones that move it forward. This setup helps the car handle better in snow and makes more room inside the car.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is delivered to the front wheels. This layout typically offers better traction in slippery conditions and more interior space compared to rear-wheel drive vehicles.
digital dash
"...it was a great car. We had a lot of fun back and forth from Annapolis to Towson in that car and it was the car had a digital dash, remember the early Oldsmobile and it would roll up to 188 and then roll back down..."
A digital dash is a type of car dashboard that shows information on a screen instead of using old-fashioned dials. It can show things like speed and fuel level in a more modern way.
A digital dash refers to a vehicle's dashboard that displays information using digital screens rather than traditional analog gauges. This technology can provide more detailed information and often includes features like trip computers and customizable displays.
glitch
"...this car had this glitch where you'd be driving along on 695 and all of a sudden the dash would roll up to 188 and roll back down..."
A glitch is a small problem or error in a car's electronics that can cause things like the dashboard to not work properly for a moment. It's usually not a big issue but can be annoying.
A glitch in automotive terms refers to a temporary malfunction or error in a vehicle's electronic systems, which can affect various components such as the dashboard display. These glitches can sometimes resolve themselves or require troubleshooting to fix.
Triumph Spitfire
"...there were two triumph spitfires in the state sale for Sherwood Forest. This is what started it all, all right..."
The Triumph Spitfire is a small sports car that was made in Britain. It's known for being fun to drive and has a classic look that many people love.
The Triumph Spitfire is a small two-seater sports car that was produced by the British car manufacturer Triumph from 1962 to 1980. It is known for its classic design and enjoyable driving experience.
British Racing Green
"Not the British Racing Green? No, not British Racing Green. That's distinct from British Racing Green."
British Racing Green is a specific shade of dark green that many British race cars are painted. It's a traditional color that represents British motorsport.
British Racing Green is a color historically associated with British motorsport, particularly in the early 20th century. It is a deep, dark green that has become iconic in the automotive world, especially for racing cars from Britain.
overdrive
"And it had overdrive. It was a little switch on the stick shift."
Overdrive is a feature in cars that helps the engine run more efficiently at high speeds. It allows the car to go faster without putting too much strain on the engine, which can save fuel.
Overdrive is a mechanism in a vehicle's transmission that allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs while maintaining higher speeds, improving fuel efficiency and reducing engine wear. It typically engages at higher speeds to provide a smoother driving experience.
stick shift
"It was a little switch on the stick shift. And it had brakes, but it would only do like 40 miles an hour."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that you control by moving a lever, which lets you change gears yourself. It's different from automatic cars, where the car changes gears for you.
A stick shift, also known as a manual transmission, is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually change gears using a gear stick and clutch pedal. This allows for more control over the vehicle's power and speed.
handbrake
"using his bumper as a brake and a handbrake, what's left of the handbrake?"
A handbrake is a brake that you control with your hand, usually used to keep a parked car from rolling. It's also sometimes used to help with turning or stopping quickly.
A handbrake, also known as a parking brake, is a secondary brake system in a vehicle that is operated by hand. It is primarily used to keep the vehicle stationary when parked and can also be used in certain driving situations to assist with control.
MG club
"...I ended up joining an MG club at Towson to justify the insurance on the car..."
An MG club is a group of people who love MG cars, which are classic British sports cars. Being part of a club means you can meet other fans, learn more about the cars, and enjoy events together.
An MG club is a group of enthusiasts who share a passion for MG cars, which are British sports cars known for their classic design and driving experience. Joining such a club often provides members with resources, events, and a community of like-minded individuals.
MG
"...MG's have pulled that up. Yeah. MG's the Baltimore Historic Rally. I pulled that down for you guys."
MG is a car brand from Britain that makes sporty cars. They are famous for their classic designs and have a long history in car racing.
MG is a British automotive marque known for its sports cars and classic vehicles, particularly popular in the mid-20th century. The brand has a rich history in motorsport and is often associated with rallying.
Ford Mustang
"...I had somebody recently helped find a home for a 67 Mustang that was going up to Philly. And the guy said, do you think I can drive it back to Philly from here?"
The 1967 Ford Mustang is a famous car from the 1960s that many people love for its style and speed. It's one of the first cars in a category called 'pony cars', which are sporty and affordable.
The 1967 Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its iconic design and performance. It was part of the first generation of Mustangs, which helped establish the pony car segment in the automotive market.
MG TD
"...on a couple full restoration or finished the full restoration on a, it was a 53 MGTD that later we had a customer that did a full restoration on it. And we did finish the car and it went to a concor and it won an award."
The MG TD is an old British sports car made between 1950 and 1953. It's famous for its classic look and was one of the first MG cars to have better handling thanks to its new suspension design.
The MG TD is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1950 to 1953. It is known for its vintage styling and was one of the first MG models to feature independent front suspension.
MGB GT
"He got an MGB GT. That's a little faster with overdrive."
The MGB GT is a classic sports car made by MG. It's known for its stylish design and fun driving experience, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The MGB GT is a sports car produced by MG from 1962 to 1980. It features a coupe body style and is known for its classic design and spirited performance.
Porsche 911
"...I did last year for my 50th, I bought a 9-11 from a customer that just couldn't refuse the deal and he wanted a newer one and his wife wouldn't have to."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people love for its speed and unique shape. It's been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional handling characteristics, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
BMW 323I
"that another client had. It was a 323i five-speed convertible low mileage. And we were t..."
The BMW 3 Series is a popular luxury car known for being fun to drive and having a nice interior. People often talk about it because it's seen as a high-quality car that many enjoy owning.
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars that has been a flagship model for BMW since the 1970s. Renowned for its sporty handling and luxurious features, the 3 Series is often discussed for its performance and status as a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. The mention of a specific model like the 323i highlights the car's appeal and the variety of configurations available.
horsepower
"It's 296 horsepower and the 9-11 is nothing nowadays. But it's not just the horsepower."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a car's acceleration and overall performance.
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