Matt Farah shares insights into his journey as a car enthusiast and entrepreneur, discussing his impressive collector car storage facility and the challenges of running a business in the automotive space. He reflects on his early experiences with cars, his transition from video content creation to managing a successful storage operation, and the synergy between his media and storage ventures. The conversation touches on the unique services offered, the evolving car market, and the importance of community in the automotive world.
Alex and Matt Farah, he of The Smoking Tire, two Westside Classic Car Storage facilities, and an enviable place on the Road & Track masthead, sit down in Farah's own TST studio to talk about what 166 trucks' worth of concrete will get you; the sobering math of car storage in the city; his lack of interest in world domination; why he still makes video content; the highest job title one can attain before things stop being fun; the ideal city plan for car people; the joys of an elevated appliance; an appreciation for his wife's Pao; appropriate vehicles for EV conversion; supercar patronage; the worst part of owning a DeLorean; taking all of half an inch; a literal barrier to entry in a Lamborghini; and an unlikely presidential ticket.
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"...the guy I bought my Lamborghini Countach from, a guy named David, owns a bunch of restaurants in LA. And I compare his lifestyle to my father's..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car that looks very unique with its sharp angles and doors that open upwards. It was made a long time ago but is still very popular among car lovers today.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors. Produced from the early 1970s to the early 1990s, it became an icon of automotive design and performance.
"...he would roll around to the restaurants in a beater old Honda CR-V first gen. Just invisible. As invisible, forgettable as it gets..."
The Honda CR-V is a type of vehicle called a compact SUV, which is popular for being practical and reliable. The first version of this car was made in the late 1990s and is known for having a lot of space inside and being good on gas.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its practicality and reliability. The first generation was produced from 1995 to 2001 and is often appreciated for its spacious interior and good fuel economy.
"...our auctions, Howard Swig, he loves like a rental Sonata. Like he has all these fancy cars and all this"
The Hyundai Sonata is a family car that is known for being affordable and reliable. It has a comfortable interior and comes with lots of modern technology, making it a good choice for everyday driving. People like it because it offers great value for the money.
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that has gained popularity for its value, reliability, and modern features. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of technology options, making it a practical choice for families and commuters. The Sonata is often discussed for its competitive pricing and strong warranty coverage.
"...I absolutely love an appliance. We had a Ford Mach-E, which is a toaster for 3 years, but I mean, it really did serve its purpose. And and"
The Ford Mach-E is a new electric car from Ford. It's designed like an SUV and is part of Ford's move to make more electric vehicles. It has a lot of modern features and is known for being fun to drive.
The Ford Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the performance characteristics of a sports car. It represents Ford's entry into the electric vehicle market, offering various trims and features to cater to different customer needs.
"...Well, now I have the the tan outside. The tan cross turismo. That's"
The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is a type of electric car that looks like a sporty wagon. It's designed for everyday use and has a lot of space inside, making it great for running errands.
The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is an all-electric vehicle that combines the performance of a sports car with the practicality of a wagon. It offers a spacious interior and advanced technology, making it suitable for daily driving and errands.
"...ris video where he's talking up the merits of the 2CV like the 12 horse one. You know what I mean?"
The Citroen 2CV is a small, quirky car from France that is known for being very simple and easy to drive. It was made for many years and is loved for its unique look and practicality. People talk about it because it's a classic with a lot of character.
The Citroen 2CV is a classic French car known for its simple design and economical performance. Produced from the late 1940s to the 1990s, the 2CV became a symbol of French motoring and is often discussed for its quirky charm and historical significance. It represents a unique approach to affordable transportation.
"talking up the merits of the 2CV like the 12 horse one. You know what I mean?"
The Citroën 2CV is a small, simple car from France that was made for many years. It's famous for being easy to drive and affordable for everyday people.
The Citroën 2CV is a classic French car known for its simple design and practicality. It was produced from 1948 to 1990 and became an iconic symbol of affordable transportation in Europe.
"...fabulous result. Uh Matt Crandle 911R, one of our power sellers, sold it for me. I am going to"
The Porsche 911R is a special version of the Porsche 911 that is designed for performance and driving enjoyment. It's lighter and has a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Porsche 911R is a lightweight, high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its focus on driving purity and engagement. It features a naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission, appealing to enthusiasts who value the driving experience.
"...we got a It's a 430 Spider that's going up. Oh, cool..."
The Ferrari 430 Spider is a sports car that you can drive with the top down. It's fast and has a powerful engine, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Ferrari 430 Spider is a convertible version of the Ferrari F430, known for its performance and design. It features a mid-engine layout and is powered by a V8 engine, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
"... Yeah. Yeah. Great. I've already done I bought my NSX from this guy. The reason that's how I got"
The Acura NSX is a fancy sports car that was made in the 1990s and is known for being fast and fun to drive. It's special because it looks cool and is very reliable compared to other sports cars. People talk about it because it's a classic that many car lovers admire.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in the early 1990s. It is significant for its combination of exotic styling, advanced engineering, and reliability, making it a standout in the supercar market. The NSX is often discussed for its impact on the automotive industry and its status as a Japanese icon.
"I have my 718 Spider that has a Demand motor in it that actually is downstairs..."
The Porsche 718 Spider is a sporty car that is designed for speed and handling. It has its engine located in the middle, which helps it turn better and feel more stable on the road.
The Porsche 718 Spider is a high-performance sports car known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It features a mid-engine layout, which enhances its balance and driving dynamics.
"...my wife has a Mitsubishi Delica, the little van, little Japanese L300, uh, low roof, captain's chairs. Fabulous."
The Mitsubishi Delica is a type of van that is popular for its roomy interior and ability to drive on rough roads. It's often used for family trips or outdoor adventures.
The Mitsubishi Delica is a versatile van known for its off-road capabilities and spacious interior, often used for family transport or adventure travel.
"...itsubishi Delica, the little van, little Japanese L300, uh, low roof, captain's chairs. Fabulous."
The Mitsubishi L300 is a practical van that is great for carrying people or cargo. It's known for being reliable and has a lot of space inside, making it useful for families and businesses. People like it because it can handle many different tasks.
The Mitsubishi L300 is a versatile van that has been popular for both commercial and personal use, known for its spacious interior and reliability. It is often discussed for its practicality, especially in markets where it serves as a workhorse for businesses. The L300's design and functionality make it a staple in many regions.
Right hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, which is how cars are set up in some countries where people drive on the left side of the road.
Right hand drive refers to vehicles designed to be driven on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, common in countries like the UK and Japan.
Car
Mitsubishi POW
"...she has a POW. A fabulous POW. No kidding. She has literally the nicest POW I've ever seen..."
The Mitsubishi POW is a small car that many people find stylish and fun to drive. It's known for looking good and being enjoyable to use.
The Mitsubishi POW is a compact vehicle known for its unique design and features. It is often appreciated for its aesthetics and performance.
Term
NA
"...The POW is NA. Okay, that's right. The..."
'NA' means naturally aspirated, which is a type of engine that gets its power without any extra help from a turbo or supercharger. It just uses air from the atmosphere.
'NA' stands for naturally aspirated, referring to an engine that does not use a turbocharger or supercharger to increase power. Instead, it relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the engine.
"The power is NA. Okay, that's right. The Figo is 80 horsepower. The turbo. So if you if you bre..."
The Ford Figo is a small car that is known for being cheap to buy and good on gas. It's a practical choice for everyday driving and is popular among people who want a reliable vehicle without spending too much. People like it because it's easy to drive and maintain.
The Ford Figo is a compact car that has gained popularity in various markets for its affordability and fuel efficiency. It is often discussed for its practicality as a daily driver and its value for money, making it a common choice among budget-conscious consumers. The Figo is designed to be easy to drive and maintain.
"EV conversion. Has that been done with one of those before? I don't think so. But they've done minis. I mean, it would be it would basically be adapting a mounting kit for whatever they're doing with a Mini pretty much."
EV conversion is when you take a car that normally uses gas and change it to run on electricity instead. This means taking out the engine and putting in electric parts so it can drive without using fuel.
EV conversion refers to the process of converting a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle into an electric vehicle (EV). This involves replacing the engine and fuel system with electric motors and batteries, allowing the vehicle to run on electricity instead of gasoline.
"But they've done minis. I mean, it would be it would basically be adapting a mounting kit for whatever they're doing with a Mini pretty much."
The Mini is a small and famous car known for being fun to drive. It was first made in the 1960s and has been updated over the years, but it still keeps its unique look and feel.
The Mini is a small car that has become iconic for its compact design and fun driving experience. Originally launched in the 1960s, it has undergone various updates and remains popular for its unique style and nimble handling.
"I've done a Shelby Cobra. No kidding. I've done a a 911."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car from the 1960s, known for being fast and powerful. It's a classic car that many enthusiasts admire.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. It has become an iconic model in automotive history, often associated with American muscle and racing.
"I've done a a 911. Um I've done a classic like muscle car."
The Porsche 911 is a well-known sports car that has been around for a long time. It's famous for being fast and has a unique shape that many people recognize.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, the 911 is celebrated for its performance and handling.
"like muscle car. It was like a Camaro. People doing a lot to Beatles and Vans."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American muscle car known for being powerful and sporty. It's been around since the 1960s and is loved by many car fans.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since the 1960s. It is known for its powerful engines and sporty design, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round car that many people recognize. It's been around for a long time and is known for its unique shape.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic compact car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It has a rich history and is one of the best-selling cars of all time.
"...how was the Cobra with an electric engine? Awful. I mean and not because it was made badly. It was just because like the V8 is what you want..."
The Cobra is a classic sports car famous for its strong V8 engine. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, which is why some people prefer it over electric versions.
The AC Cobra is a British sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design, making it a classic in the automotive world.
"But you show me a vintage Rolls or a big finale caddy or a wagon ear, you know, or something that's lik..."
The Volkswagen Caddy is a small van that is great for carrying stuff and is often used by families and businesses. It has a lot of space inside, making it practical for different needs. People like it because it's reliable and can handle various tasks.
The Volkswagen Caddy is a versatile compact van that has been popular in Europe for its practicality and efficiency. It is often used for both commercial purposes and as a family vehicle, known for its spacious interior and flexible cargo options. The Caddy is frequently discussed for its utility and reliability in various driving conditions.
"...do you want a Cono Zig or a Pagani? It's like, no, no. The same seven guys just..."
Pagani is a company that makes very special and expensive sports cars. They are known for their beautiful designs and powerful engines.
Pagani is an Italian manufacturer famous for its exotic sports cars, which are often handcrafted and known for their artistic design and high performance.
"We see it on BAT, right? Like if people really care about those allocations..."
BaT stands for Bring a Trailer, a website where people can buy and sell classic cars through auctions. It's popular among car enthusiasts.
BaT, or Bring a Trailer, is an online auction platform specializing in classic and collector cars. It has gained popularity for its curated listings and community engagement.
"the first car that I was excited about was the DeLorean. Oh, no kidding. Yeah."
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It became famous from movies where it was used as a time machine.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status due to its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
"the first car that I was excited about was the Delorean. Oh, no kidding. Yeah. I mean I was like five. I ..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique car that is famous for its cool doors that open upwards and its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' movies. It was made in the early 1980s and is loved by many for its unusual look and story. People talk about it because it's a fun and memorable car.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became famous for its unique design, particularly its gullwing doors, and its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise. Produced in the early 1980s, the DeLorean is often discussed for its distinctive styling and the story of its troubled production history. It remains a cult classic among car enthusiasts.
"...I really would like a 308 GTB and that's probably all..."
The Ferrari 308 GTB is a classic sports car that is well-known for its speed and stylish design. It has been featured in various films and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Ferrari 308 GTB is a mid-engine sports car produced from the 1970s to the 1980s, known for its sharp handling and distinctive styling. It gained fame through its appearances in television shows and movies.
"...I did what they is called the Magnum PI mod where they cut the seat rails. Yeah. Yeah. It's Listen, it only gets you a half inch, but when it's all you got, you take it all."
The Magnum PI mod is a way to make the seats in a car lower by cutting the rails that hold them. This can make the car feel sportier or look cooler, similar to how the character in a famous TV show sat in his car.
The Magnum PI mod refers to a modification where the seat rails are cut to lower the seating position in a car, often done for aesthetic or performance reasons. This mod is named after the television show 'Magnum, P.I.' where the main character drove a Ferrari 308, which had a notably low seating position.
"I mean, there's nothing wrong with a 308 either. And And I I if you prefer Well, the GTBs are all the early carb."
The Ferrari 308 is a classic sports car made by Ferrari, famous for its stylish look and speed.
The Ferrari 308 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985, known for its distinctive design and performance.
Car
Alfa Gtvs
"the lines of it. I think they're so They are 328 GTVs. I know they're very rare. They're expensive, but..."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a stylish sports car that has been around for many years and is loved for its beautiful design and fun driving experience. It's an Italian car that stands out because of how it looks and performs. People talk about it because it's a classic and has a lot of character.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a classic sports coupe known for its elegant design and spirited performance. Produced in various forms from the 1960s to the early 2000s, the GTV has a passionate following and is often discussed for its Italian styling and engaging driving experience. It represents a blend of beauty and performance in the automotive world.
"...there's a distinction where they're they have ABS. The later ones are Mine was a non-ABS..."
ABS means Anti-lock Braking System. It's a safety feature in cars that helps prevent the wheels from stopping completely when you brake hard, which helps you steer better and avoid skidding.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing for better control of the vehicle. It's especially useful in slippery conditions.
"...what's really well built are Tessterosas. No kidding. Testosteras are fabulously. You've got that one down downstairs..."
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car from the 1980s and 1990s. It's known for its unique look and powerful engine, making it great for driving long distances.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a classic sports car known for its distinctive design and performance. Produced from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, it features a mid-engine layout and a flat-12 engine, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
"if you want to put miles in a car, a 328 or a Tessterosa..."
The BMW 328 is a sporty car that is part of the BMW 3 Series lineup. It's known for being fun to drive and has a reputation for luxury.
The BMW 328 is a model from the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty performance and luxury features. It has been produced in various generations since the 1970s.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a fast sports car known for its sharp looks and powerful engine. It was made for a decade and is popular among car lovers.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a high-performance sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2013. It is known for its aggressive styling and powerful V10 engine.
The Audi R8 is a stylish and fast sports car that is known for its great handling and powerful engines. It's a favorite among those who love luxury cars.
The Audi R8 is a luxury sports car known for its sleek design and high performance. It features a mid-engine layout and is available with both V8 and V10 engines.
"...but the V10 that architecture car that is a fabulous gated experience."
A V10 engine is a type of engine with ten cylinders arranged in a V shape. It is known for being powerful and is often used in fast cars.
A V10 engine is a ten-cylinder engine configuration that is arranged in a V shape. This design allows for a compact engine with a high power output, commonly found in high-performance sports cars and supercars.
"spoke to me was when I first started seeing like torrent of Top Gear. Yeah. Okay. Like from Final Gear.com..."
The Pontiac Torrent is a medium-sized SUV that is good for families because it has a lot of space inside. It offers a comfortable ride and is designed to be practical for everyday use. People talk about it because it was Pontiac's way of joining the popular SUV market.
The Pontiac Torrent is a midsize SUV that was produced in the mid-2000s, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It is often discussed for its blend of utility and family-friendly features, making it a practical choice for many consumers. The Torrent represents Pontiac's attempt to compete in the growing SUV market during its production run.
"...ember how excited when your when you brought your Mustang? Everyone was excited about that in the office. W..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that has been around since the 1960s and is known for being powerful and stylish. It's often seen as a symbol of freedom and adventure, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. People get excited about Mustangs because they are fun to drive and have a cool look.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is celebrated for its powerful performance, distinctive design, and cultural significance, often representing freedom and rebellion in American car culture. The Mustang is frequently discussed for its rich history and ongoing evolution over the decades.
"...rk. And whether it's a Lamborghini or a 1992 Jeep Wrangler, it's the same 20 hours of work. And so, you know..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough-looking car that is great for driving off-road and exploring nature. It's known for its boxy shape and can handle rough trails and dirt roads. People love it because it's fun to drive and can go almost anywhere.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its distinctive boxy shape and exceptional off-road capabilities. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility and ability to handle tough terrains. The Wrangler's design and functionality have made it a symbol of adventure and exploration.
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