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Mike Brewer: Building Wheeler Dealers, Restoring Cars For Profit & Why He Sold His Entire Collection

Mike Brewer: Building Wheeler Dealers, Restoring Cars For Profit & Why He Sold His Entire Collection

Cars & Money May 27, 2026 90 min
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About this episode

Mike Brewer breaks down what it really takes to be a “wheeler dealer,” from reading the market and staying detached to the risk of restoring and flipping cars for profit. The conversation moves through dealer culture and TV reality—how shows condense work and hide the hard bits—plus practical deal math like “flow turnover.” Brewer also shares vivid stories: a sliced-in-half Jaguar arrival, auction-focused restoration choices, and why he sold his entire collection at the COVID peak, ending with 22 cars funding a major roof repair.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

wheeler dealer

"So a true wheeler dealer is understanding the market, reading the customer really well, buying a car at the right price, selling at the right price, but more importantly making sure the customer is happy."

A “wheeler dealer” is basically a car flipper/reseller. They buy cars, sell them for more, and try to do it in a way that keeps customers happy.

Concept

risk element

"Yes, the risk element of what say Carl does is, I couldn't sleep at night because Carl's dealing in 100,000 pound cars all the time, 200,000 pound cars. I'm dealing in stuff that's 20, 30 grand, you know."

“Risk element” here means how much trouble or money loss you could face if something goes wrong with a car deal. More expensive cars usually mean bigger potential losses.

Concept

restoring a car

"I've got 100,000 pound cars and 200,000 pound cars. I'm currently restoring a car that's going to be a 300 grand car personally at the moment and that's a worry."

“Restoring a car” means taking a vehicle that isn’t in its best condition and bringing it back toward original (or better) condition through repairs and refurbishment. In a profit-focused context, restoration is a major variable in cost and timing—unknown issues can turn a planned budget into a loss.

Car

Buick Grand National

"..., it's like I don't gamble. I don't gamble on the Grand National. I don't gamble on Wimbledon, I don't gamble."

The Buick Grand National is a performance car made by Buick. It’s known for being quick. It’s mentioned because the speaker is talking about not taking chances when buying certain cars.

Car

XJSs

"and we were buying XJSs and, you know, [448.1s] Granada Gear X-Packs and that kind of stuff for the dealership"

XJS is a Jaguar model. In this context, they’re talking about buying those cars for a dealership.

Car

Ford Granada

"and we were buying XJSs and, you know, [448.1s] Granada Gear X-Packs and that kind of stuff for the dealership [450.7s] that we had in Tutin at the time."

This sounds like a particular version/package of the Ford Granada that people would recognize when shopping for cars. The exact meaning of “X-Packs” isn’t fully clear from the snippet alone.

Person

Tom Hartley

"And even back then, I'm talking over 40 years ago, [461.9s] back then, that's Tom Hartley, that is, that's Tom Hartley. [464.8s] And he was like, I don't want to say it was like the George Cole,"

Tom Hartley is mentioned as a well-known car dealer from decades ago. The speaker is describing him as someone who was very influential in buying and selling cars.

Person

George Cole

"And he was like, I don't want to say it was like the George Cole, [468.4s] you know, the minder, if you like."

George Cole is brought up as a comparison, referencing a famous TV character. It’s basically a way of saying Tom Hartley was a big, recognizable name.

Car

Mark III Cortina

"they did a deal with a guy, Joe, it might have been Joe Bays, [497.4s] and it was a Mark III Cortina in bronze. [502.7s] And they said, take that."

This is a Ford Cortina, a popular British car from the late 1960s. The “Mark III” just means a specific generation/version of that model.

Place

Warren Street

"and this is Warren Street in the centre of London and I'm with, the site was in Tooting."

Warren Street is a real street in central London. The speaker mentions it to explain where they were driving while dealing with the car problem.

Place

Tooting

"and this is Warren Street in the centre of London and I'm with, the site was in Tooting. And he said, get it back to the site."

Tooting is a part of London. The speaker says the job site was there, so you understand why they were driving back and forth.

Place

north circular

"which was, I literally had to spy on my way out of London on a north circular to get back down towards Tooting."

The North Circular is a big road around London. The speaker mentions it to describe the route they took out of the city.

Term

low loader

"And I'm standing in this low loader pulled up outside on Tooting High Street, which was blocking the high street, this low loader."

A low loader is a flatbed trailer that sits low to the ground. It helps you load cars more easily, including cars that are too damaged or low to drive onto a normal trailer.

Term

dollies

"And me and Morris, the car cleaner, it was on dollies. And me and Morris, the car cleaner, got it into the dealership."

Dollies are little wheeled carts or platforms. They let you move a car around without starting or driving it.

Concept

car cleaner

"And me and Morris, the car cleaner, it was on dollies. And me and Morris, the car cleaner, got it into the dealership."

A “car cleaner” is the person who cleans and preps cars for the showroom or sale. They help make the car look good and ready to be sold.

Car

Austin Healy BJ7

"I bought a Austin Healy BJ7 that I bought in Oregon. And at the time I remember it was $35,000."

Austin-Healey BJ7 is a classic British sports car. It’s the kind of car collectors love because it looks great and drives with a lot of personality. Here, the host is explaining how he bought one and planned the restoration to sell it at auction.

Term

auction block

"But if you're putting it on an auction block, people are sat back from it, they're remote from it, so they can't touch and feel it."

An auction block is the stage/area where vehicles are displayed and sold at auction. Brewer contrasts it with the consumer market: at auction, bidders are farther away and can’t inspect the car closely, so the car needs to look and “read” well from a distance. That changes what details matter most in a restoration.

Term

Oxford Red Blood Lever Interior

"So it needed to pop. I put Oxford Red Blood Lever Interior inside the car. And the cheeky little thing that I did is I made Ant turn the exhaust."

This is a specific interior color/trim choice Brewer picked for the car. When you’re trying to sell a restored car, the interior matters a lot because it’s one of the first things people notice and it looks great in photos. He’s using it to make the car stand out to buyers.

Term

side draft exhaust

"Because it's six and I made him turn the exhaust to a side draft exhaust. Because it's six and I made him turn the exhaust to a side draft exhaust. exit outside towards the audience."

A side-draft exhaust means the exhaust pipe exits on the side of the car. In this context, it’s done to make the car more noticeable and exciting to look and listen to, especially for people watching from the auction area. The goal is to create a stronger “wow” impression.

Term

Oxblood interior

"[746.0s] It looked incredible because of the Oxblood interior. [750.4s] But better than that, it sounded incredible"

“Oxblood” is a dark reddish-brown color, usually for leather or seats. It matters because it can make the car look more premium and attractive to buyers.

Term

exhaust was facing out towards the audience

"[750.4s] But better than that, it sounded incredible [753.0s] because the exhaust was facing out towards the audience"

That means the exhaust tips were aimed toward the people watching. It can make the car sound and look more exciting, which helps when you’re trying to sell it.

Concept

make 100% out of the car

"[757.5s] And we sold it for $75,000. [760.8s] So that was showing you how you can make 100% out of the car"

He means he turned the car into a profit equal to the original price—basically doubling his money. In car flipping, that’s a big win.

Car

RS Cosworth

"[770.6s] I made some good money out of a RS Cosworth, [775.8s] which was an Escort Cosworth that we did on Wheel of Dealers."

The RS Cosworth is a special, fast version of the Ford Escort. It was built to be a rally-style performance car, and people still really chase them today.

Topic

Wheel of Dealers

"[783.4s] See, Wheel of Dealers is not like Carlsworld. [786.5s] Wheel of Dealers is a world where the audience"

Wheel of Dealers is a show where the host buys a used car and tries to sell it for more money. The idea is to flip cars in a way that the viewers can understand and copy.

Car

Ferrari 275

"But I remember one car that sticks in my mind was a classic Ferrari, 275, and we bought the car, [921.4s] and it had been restored earlier in its life [925.0s] and made a long nose when it was really a short nose."

Ferrari 275 is a classic, very collectible Ferrari from the 1960s, famous for its V12 engine and looks. In this episode, they’re describing a 275 that was restored once, but the restoration changed its front-end shape in a way that wasn’t right, so it had to be fixed again later.

Term

long nose

"and it had been restored earlier in its life [925.0s] and made a long nose when it was really a short nose."

“Long nose” is a nickname for a particular front-end shape on some classic Ferraris. If a car is supposed to be the shorter-nose version but someone converted it to the long-nose look, collectors may value it less because it’s not the correct original style.

Term

short nose

"and it had been restored earlier in its life [925.0s] and made a long nose when it was really a short nose."

“Short nose” means the car’s front-end shape is the shorter version. In this story, the Ferrari 275 should have been the short-nose look, but it was changed to the long-nose look during an earlier restoration.

Term

car vertical

"Now, car vertical, for me, is the most thorough check [1103.7s] you can do on a car. [1104.8s] Explains how many owners the car's had,"

They’re talking about a detailed car-history report. It’s supposed to tell you who owned the car, where it’s been, and whether it had accidents or other serious issues.

Term

repossessed

"where the car's been in its previous life, [1109.0s] has it had any accident damage, has it ever been repossessed, [1111.7s] all kinds of stuff like this."

Repossessed means the car was taken back by the bank or lender because payments weren’t made. It can be a red flag when you’re trying to judge the car’s past.

Term

accident damage

"If the car has had accident damage, [1114.3s] it shows you pictures of the accident damage. [1116.1s] It gives people peace of mind to know"

Accident damage is prior crash-related damage that can affect a car’s structure, safety, and long-term reliability. The host notes that the report can include pictures of the accident damage, which helps buyers judge severity and repair quality.

Car

Aston Martin DB5

"Back in the 1980s, and I'm lent up against the bonnet of a Aston Martin DB5, finished in like a bronze metallic with a tan leather interior, and it's got the old-fashioned stickers on the glass, on the windscreen, and it's marked up for 9995."

The Aston Martin DB5 is a famous British sports car, especially because it shows up in James Bond movies. People collect them, so the exact version and condition can really matter for what it’s worth.

Term

marked up

"and it's got the old-fashioned stickers on the glass, on the windscreen, and it's marked up for 9995. So that car was marked up five pounds under 10,000 pounds."

“Marked up” just means the car had a price tag on it for sale. He’s saying the Aston Martin was listed at a specific amount.

Car

Volvo 240 GLT estate

"I swapped that car for a Volvo 240 GLT estate, and I got a bonus for that from my boss because we had the Aston Martin for quite a while,"

The Volvo 240 GLT estate is a station wagon version of the Volvo 240, with a nicer trim level. It’s generally seen as a tough, practical car—so it’s a very different choice than an Aston Martin DB5.

Term

wheelie dealer

"I'm the guy that swapped the Aston Martin DB5 for a Volvo 240 GLT estate, and yet I'm famous for being a wheelie dealer."

A “wheelie dealer” is just a car trader who buys cars and sells them again. The idea is that they try to make money by finding deals and reselling at the right time.

Concept

actively trading company

"My losses are because we're an actively trading company. ... Because we're an active trading company, your losses are never going to be astronomical"

This means the business sells cars quickly instead of keeping them for a long time. Brewer is saying that quick selling helps limit how bad losses can get if car prices change.

Term

future values of cars

"Yeah, don't count the future values of cars because you wouldn't keep them for years, would you?"

This is about what a car might be worth in the future. The point is that you shouldn’t assume you can predict future prices perfectly when buying and selling.

Car

Land Range Rovers

"these cars should not be making this money. Range Rovers were selling for 20 grand over this. Oh, yeah."

The Range Rover is a large luxury SUV made by Land Rover. It’s designed to be comfortable for everyday driving and capable on rough roads too. It comes up in value discussions because some of them can sell for more than you’d expect.

Term

buy and sell, sell

"“But to get there to this car, I've had to, you know, buy and sell, sell.”"

He’s describing the common car-flipping/restoration approach: buy a car, sell it, and use that money to help pay for the next one. It’s basically how he funds the bigger, more expensive project.

Car

964 Turbo

"“Is this a 964 Turbo?”"

This means a Porsche 911 Turbo from the 964 generation. Turbo models use a turbocharger to boost power. The question is basically: “Is that the 964 Turbo?”

Term

out-the-box thinking

"I went there because of their sort of out-the-box thinking."

It just means thinking in a creative, non-standard way instead of doing things the usual way. Here, it’s about finding clever ways to handle car projects and make the show work.

Car

Volkswagen Golf Gti

"... you know, a Fiesta XR2 one week, and that Mark I Golf GTI the second week, you know. So I could be in anyth..."

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that Volkswagen makes in many different versions. Some versions are designed to be more sporty, like the GTI. It’s mentioned because the speaker talks about having different Golf-related cars over time.

Term

shortcuts

"but in terms of the restoration in our show, the truth is you don't, you know, there's, there's shortcuts to everything, you know,"

“Shortcuts” means skipping steps to finish faster. In car restoration, that can mean doing things the easy way instead of the correct way.

Car

Hindustan ambassador

"I've been in India and seen a Hindustan ambassador and gone, I'm going to buy one of them. I'm going to take it home."

The Hindustan Ambassador is a long-running car model made in India, often seen as a practical, everyday vehicle. The host brings it up because he’s talking about buying one there and taking it back to England.

Car

Morris Oxford

"Because it's an old Morris Oxford. And it looks great. So I want to get one out of the country."

A Morris Oxford is an older British car model. Here, it’s being mentioned because the host wants to buy one from another country and bring it home.

Brand

Rob and Singer

"And it's only because I've lived in California for six years. I'm surrounded by Rob and Singer."

Singer is a famous company that builds and restores high-end Porsche 911s. The speaker is saying that in California they kept seeing that kind of custom Porsche work.

Brand

DLS lightweight study

"there was another DLS lightweight study put in front of me on a plimp that looked like a Gucci Ambag."

They’re talking about a lightweight Porsche concept/build called “DLS.” The idea is to make the car lighter so it drives better.

Term

restorer

"and I'd stand there and stare at it and go, and I'm a car restorer."

A “restorer” is someone who fixes up an older car to bring it back to a better condition, not just do normal upkeep.

Concept

Rest-o-modded

"[1964.8s] Rest-o-modded. [1965.4s] Rest-o-modded 964s."

“Rest-o-modded” means you bring an older car back to good condition, but you also add modern upgrades. It tries to keep the classic style while making the car nicer to live with today.

Term

eyelets

"[1986.7s] And the eyelets that are in the seats and the basket weave lever. [1991.3s] And you're just thinking to yourself,"

In upholstery and interior trim, “eyelets” are metal rings or reinforced holes used to finish or secure fabric/leather details. Brewer is pointing out that even small interior construction details—like eyelets in the seats—can be part of what makes a high-end restoration feel special.

Term

basket weave lever

"[1986.7s] And the eyelets that are in the seats and the basket weave lever. [1991.3s] And you're just thinking to yourself,"

“Basket weave” is a woven-looking pattern, usually in leather or trim. Brewer is saying the lever has that fancy pattern, and it’s the kind of detail most people wouldn’t notice until they see it.

Car

Citroen SM

"I had a Concord De Elegance Citroen SM, you know, a Maserati Citroen SM, [2120.1s] which was a stunning car used on Top Gear and the Grand Tour."

The Citroën SM is a rare, stylish French car that’s known for having a special Maserati-built V6 engine. It’s the kind of classic that stands out even today, and it was popular on big car TV shows.

Car

MG MGA

"...d that was my car. I had the most incredible 1959 MGA that I restored that was just to another level of..."

The MG MGA is an older sports car made by MG. The 1959 model is one specific year of that car. It’s mentioned because the speaker had one that was restored to a very high standard.

Term

Daytona Lever

"Ferrari 360 Spider in Tour de France Blue with Daytona Lever [2147.8s] that was a really lovely looking car."

“Daytona Lever” is a name for a specific interior/shift-lever style on some Ferrari 360 Spiders. It’s basically a factory option that makes the car’s cabin look more special.

Car

Ferrari 360 Spider

"Ferrari 360 Spider in Tour de France Blue with Daytona Lever [2147.8s] that was a really lovely looking car."

The Ferrari 360 Spider is a mid-engine Ferrari with the top down. It’s famous for being a real, usable supercar—not just a showpiece.

Car

Jaguar Mark I

"that was a really lovely looking car. Mark I Transit Van, you know, long wheelbase Mark I Tran..."

The Jaguar Mark I is an older car made by Jaguar. The speaker mentions it because it looks especially nice. It’s brought up as part of a discussion about classic vehicles and what makes them desirable.

Car

Mark I Transit Van

"[2151.8s] Mark I Transit Van, you know, long wheelbase Mark I Transit Van. [2156.3s] How cool is that?"

The Ford Transit Mark I is an older generation of Ford’s famous van. A “long wheelbase” version has a longer frame, usually giving you more space for cargo or passengers.

Concept

classic car market going, whey, I went, I'm going to sell all the cars

"But my brain is one of those brains that goes [2165.4s] at the, during that period of COVID. [2168.0s] And I could see the classic car market just going,"

He’s talking about how the prices for collectible cars changed during COVID. He felt the market was getting hot, so he decided it was the right time to sell his cars.

Car

Audi 200

"...ks. We have an audience, global audience of maybe 200 million people. The World Tour series that we've ..."

The Audi 200 is an older Audi model. It’s mentioned in the context of a larger event or tour. The key point is that it’s a specific car model being referenced, not a general category.

Term

gearbox

"Fuller in, you know, YouTubers like Mark McCann, seeing him scam that, that gearbox is quite hilarious, the way that he's turned that into content."

A gearbox is the part of the car that changes gears. It helps the engine work efficiently, and repairs can be costly, which is why it can show up in scammy stories.

Concept

due diligence

"Yeah, we had, you know, we did all that due diligence. We had a Volkswagen Golf GTI advertised."

Due diligence just means “do your homework” before buying. For a used car, it means checking the details and making sure the seller and the car are real before you send money.

Car

Rolls-Royce Rolls Royce Ghost

"So I had a half a car, as you would describe, a Rolls Royce Ghost, like a 2012 Rolls Royce Ghost. And a half a car,..."

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury car made by Rolls-Royce. It’s designed to feel very comfortable and upscale. It’s mentioned because the speaker is describing their experience with a 2012 model.

Term

high mileage

"And a half a car, really bitty, really high mileage, but it was cheap."

“High mileage” just means the car has been driven a lot. More driving usually means more wear, so it may need more repairs or maintenance.

Term

bonnet

"it needed the bonnet painted, it needed the wings painted, it needed the wheels doing, it needed the service, it needed the tires, like it needed all sorts."

The bonnet is the front hood of the car. If it “needs painting,” it usually means it’s scratched, damaged, or faded and needs a repaint.

Term

wings

"it needed the bonnet painted, it needed the wings painted, it needed the wheels doing, it needed the service, it needed the tires, like it needed all sorts."

“Wings” are the panels on the sides of the front of the car, above the wheels. If they need painting, that usually means they’re damaged or scratched and need a fresh coat.

Term

paint shop

"So took him to see the car in the paint shop, signed the contract in person, in the car, everything was fine,"

A paint shop is where the car gets repaired and repainted. Brewer is showing the buyer the car while it’s being worked on so they can see the progress.

Car

Audi Rs6

"Guys turned up to see an Audi RS6. [3199.5s] I mean, he looks the part, it seems the part. [3202.4s] Gone for a test drive."

An Audi RS6 is a very fast, performance version of an Audi A6. It’s basically a practical wagon/estate that’s tuned to drive like a sports car.

Term

trade plate

"The car's got no number plates on. [3207.5s] We've got a trade plate."

A trade plate is a temporary license plate used by car dealers to move vehicles legally while they’re being stored, inspected, or transported. It’s typically tied to the dealer’s authorization rather than the specific customer’s car registration.

Term

M42

"So he's got out. [3227.8s] Stop funny now. [3230.1s] As he's got out and closed the car, obviously, [3233.5s] the M42, he's gone."

M42 is the name BMW gave to a particular 4-cylinder engine used in some older BMWs. Saying “the M42” means they’re talking about that specific engine.

Place

Star City

"[3296.6s] look, I know who's done it and know where the car is. [3301.6s] He wants three grand and he's going to leave the car at Star City."

Star City is a place in Birmingham where people go for entertainment and shopping. The speaker says the car will be left there.

Place

Birmingham

"[3306.9s] Yeah, Birmingham. [3307.6s] Birmingham."

Birmingham is a large city in England. The speaker is saying this is where Star City (and the car) is located.

Car

Chevy 210 dressed up like a Bel Air

"It was a Chevy 210 dressed up like a Bel Air. Now, if anyone in the world doesn't know what a 1957 Chevrolet"

He’s saying it was a basic 1950s Chevy 210, but someone made it look like a fancier Bel Air. Bel Air is the nicer-looking trim level, so the difference is often mostly styling and trim.

Car

Chevrolet Bel Air

"Now, if anyone in the world doesn't know what a 1957 Chevrolet would be like, let me explain. They are the simplest of cars."

He’s talking about a 1957 Chevrolet, an older car from the late 1950s. He’s using it as an example of how simple the car is to understand and repair compared to newer vehicles.

Term

wiring loom

"They are the simplest of cars. You know, there's probably only six wires in a wiring loom. There's a crosshead screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver,"

A wiring loom is just the car’s main bundle of wires. It’s how the electrical system is organized so everything can be connected neatly.

Term

crosshead screwdriver

"You know, there's probably only six wires in a wiring loom. There's a crosshead screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and probably a box spanner."

A crosshead screwdriver is a Phillips screwdriver—the kind with a cross-shaped tip. He’s pointing out that the car uses simple screws you can remove with common tools.

Term

flathead screwdriver

"There's a crosshead screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and probably a box spanner. You know, three different imperial nut sizes"

A flathead screwdriver is the simple screwdriver with a straight, single blade tip. He’s using it to show the car can be taken apart with basic tools.

Term

box spanner

"There's a crosshead screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and probably a box spanner. You know, three different imperial nut sizes"

A box spanner is a wrench that fully wraps around the nut or bolt head. It helps you turn fasteners more securely than an open-ended wrench.

Term

imperial nut sizes

"You know, three different imperial nut sizes and you can probably take the whole thing apart. They are very simple cars."

Imperial nut sizes mean the bolts and nuts are measured using inches instead of millimeters. That matters because you need the right wrench or socket sizes to fit.

Term

spontaneously combusted

"It caught fire as I was driving it down the Everglades road. It just spontaneously combusted and that was the first moment I thought, oh, this car don't like me very much."

He means the car caught fire suddenly, seemingly on its own. With cars, that usually suggests something like a fuel leak or an electrical problem that ignited.

Term

Mark 1

"I very much think that the, that's on the ascent now are good Mark 1 Audi TTs, especially a Mark 1 225 Audi TT."

“Mark 1” just means the first generation of that car model. It’s a quick way to tell which version you’re talking about, since later versions can be quite different.

Car

Audi Tts

"...hat the, that's on the ascent now are good Mark 1 Audi TTs, especially a Mark 1 225 Audi TT."

The Audi TTS Coupe Competition Plus is a more performance-oriented version of the TTS. It’s a coupe, meaning it’s a two-door style, and it comes with sportier features than the basic trim. It’s mentioned because some early versions may be worth considering if you can find a good example.

Term

rear spoiler

"If you can get a pre Peter Stevens, a silly rear spoiler one, that's the,"

A rear spoiler is a small wing-like piece on the back of a car. It changes how air flows around the car, and here it’s being used to help spot which version of the Audi TT someone should look for.

Car

Audi Tt

"...hat the, that's on the ascent now are good Mark 1 Audi TTs, especially a Mark 1 225 Audi TT. If you can get..."

The Audi TT RS is a high-performance version of the Audi TT. It’s meant to be quicker and more exciting to drive than the regular TT. It’s brought up because some early TT RS models can be good deals if you find the right one.

Person

Peter Stevens

"If you can get a pre Peter Stevens, a silly rear spoiler one, that's the,"

Peter Stevens is a car designer tied to the Audi TT’s look. Mike is using him as a reference point to describe which TT versions have the earlier styling details.

Concept

tumbled in price

"Anything like, you know, more modern sort of sports car is going to be good news as well, because they've tumbled in price so much."

“Tumbled in price” just means the car got a lot cheaper in the used market. When that happens, it can be a good time to buy if the car is still a good one.

Car

Jaguar F Type

"And I'm talking about Jaguar F type, you know, they've tumbled in price down to a level now where they're mid late 20s that you can go and find the car."

The Jaguar F-Type is a Jaguar sports car. Here, the host is saying it’s gotten cheaper, so you can buy one for less money than you might expect for a sports car.

Concept

get away with for free

"So you could think, you know, I never think in terms of, you know, what's the next big thing where can I earn the money? I always think, what can you get away with for free?"

He’s describing a strategy where you buy a car cheaply enough that you can sell it later for about the same money. So the hobby feels “free” because you’re not really losing money.

Concept

sit on it for 123 years

"You know, we can always get away with, I've, almost every classic car I've ever owned, it's not cost me a penny, because if you buy it at one price and you know what you're buying at the right price, you'll sit on it for 123 years, enjoy it, go out, have fun in it, and you'll always get your money back if not a profit."

“Sit on it” means keep the car for a long time instead of selling right away. He’s saying that with the right purchase price, you can often recover your money later.

Car

SL 55

"And the engine that it's got is like an early 2002, 2003, 2004 SL 55. Yeah, brilliant car. What a car that is. Well, a CL 55, an SL 55, a 5.5 litre proper V8 engine, like a good engine."

The Mercedes-Benz SL 55 is a fancy Mercedes with a strong V8 engine. The hosts are saying it’s a car people respect because the engine is really good, but it can still cost a lot to keep running. If you find a well-maintained one, it’s not as scary as it sounds.

Car

CL 55

"Well, a CL 55, an SL 55, a 5.5 litre proper V8 engine, like a good engine. The car do 200 mile an hour, like it's a good engine."

The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 is the AMG-badged version of Mercedes’ flagship coupe, paired here with the same 5.5-liter V8 family they mention for the SL 55. The key point in the discussion is that both cars share a reputation for having a strong, historically notable V8 engine. They’re using the CL 55/SL 55 comparison to explain why the “money” can make sense if you choose the right car.

Term

5.5 litre proper V8 engine

"Well, a CL 55, an SL 55, a 5.5 litre proper V8 engine, like a good engine. The car do 200 mile an hour, like it's a good engine."

“5.5 litre” is how big the engine is, and “V8” means it has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. Bigger V8 engines usually feel powerful and smooth, especially in a luxury car. Here, they’re saying this engine is a big part of why the car is so good.

Concept

psychology thing

"So this is interesting, Rob, because what Carl's just said, and it's very true. This is free. Okay. So you have to try, it's a psychology thing."

They’re talking about how people react when something feels “free.” Even if there’s still a cost somewhere, the way the deal is presented can change how people judge it. It’s about how buyers think, not about car parts.

Term

four litre turbo

"[3864.5s] The engine in that car is better than the four litre turbo. [3866.9s] Yeah."

“Four litre turbo” means an engine around four liters in size that uses a turbocharger to make more power. In this conversation, it’s being compared to the SL 55’s engine.

Term

ceramic brakes

"[3883.0s] They brought out a pack you could get, which was the pace car that had the, [3886.2s] the air intake for the ceramic brakes and stuff like that."

Ceramic brakes are a type of brake system that uses ceramic friction material. They can be great for braking performance, but when you need new parts, they usually cost more than normal brakes.

Term

pace car spec

"[3904.8s] Yeah. [3905.0s] But not all of them have that. [3907.0s] So that's only the pace car spec."

A “pace car spec” is a special version of a car with event-inspired features. Here, the host is saying only certain SL 55s have that exact package.

Place

Silverstone

"iconic auctions at Silverstone, there was Stirling Mosses SL 55 AMG."

Silverstone is a famous racing track in the UK. The hosts are mentioning it because auction events there can strongly influence what rare cars sell for.

Car

SL 55 AMG

"there was Stirling Mosses SL 55 AMG. Probably made 13 grand. Do you know what? I think the guide price on it was 25 grand, it got to the guide price."

The Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG is a high-performance Mercedes roadster made by AMG, the brand’s performance team. The hosts are talking about how much one can sell for at an auction and whether it’s a “good deal” at certain prices.

Term

guide price

"I think the guide price on it was 25 grand, it got to the guide price."

A guide price is the auction’s guess at what a car should sell for. If the bidding reaches the guide price, it means the market agreed with that estimate.

Car

V12 SL 65

"for 40 grand, there may be gone creeped up a bit now, but not so long ago for 40, you could have a V12 SL 65, which was a very rare car, really rare car."

The SL 65 AMG is a Mercedes roadster with a V12 engine, which is unusual and expensive. They’re saying that because it’s so rare, it can command high prices at auctions—even if the market dips.

Car

Ford Gt

"...d, I couldn't believe it. I was driving, we had a Ford GT there that was parading around. And I'm just abou..."

The Ford GT is a very fast, special-edition sports car made by Ford. It’s designed for performance and is produced in limited numbers. It’s mentioned because it’s the kind of car that stands out immediately when you see it.

Term

naturally aspirated

"And the enjoyment that you will get out of an SL55, 5.4 litre V8, naturally aspirated Mercedes. Fuck me."

Naturally aspirated means the engine doesn’t use a turbo or supercharger. It breathes in air normally, and that’s what the host is pointing out about the SL55’s V8.

Term

de-restricted

"so them cars are limited to 155 miles an hour. But you could get them de-restricted, and they basically just took the chip out the ECU."

“De-restricted” refers to removing factory electronic limits—most commonly speed limiters—so the car can reach higher speeds. Here, the host claims the SL55 was limited to 155 mph, but could be de-restricted to around 200 mph via ECU changes.

Term

ECU

"and they basically just took the chip out the ECU. And they'd go to 200 miles an hour."

The ECU is the car’s main engine computer. It controls how the engine runs, and here it’s being used to explain how the car’s top-speed limit can be changed by altering the software.

Concept

modern classic

"And now they've become in a modern classic. And obviously, look, they're a Mercedes, so there were tens of thousands of them made."

A “modern classic” is a car that’s not old enough to be a vintage museum piece, but it’s old enough that people start collecting and paying attention to it. The host is saying some cars go through a weird phase before they become popular as classics.

Term

market sits

"You know, you have to think about where the market sits. When the market sits at the minute, you've probably got, you know, 10,000 people actively looking for a Ford Fiesta today."

They mean where the buying demand is right now. If lots of people want a car, the market is “hot”; if only a few want it, the market is “cool.”

Car

Ford Fiesta

"you've probably got, you know, 10,000 people actively looking for a Ford Fiesta today. That's what they want to buy."

A Ford Fiesta is a small, common Ford car. Because it’s popular, there are usually lots of people looking to buy one at any given time.

Car

Mercedes SL

"But you've probably got four people thinking of buying a Mercedes SL in the UK today. And that's your market."

A Mercedes SL is a Mercedes roadster/convertible. It’s a more special, less common choice, so fewer people are shopping for it at the same time.

Concept

cap

"There's certain brands have a cap. Like, for instance, there's a cap on Ferrari. Ferrari's cap is 50 grand."

In this context, “cap” is being used like a market-price boundary for a brand—how high or low typical pricing tends to go based on demand. The speaker then corrects it to “floor,” implying a minimum price level driven by brand strength.

Concept

floor

"You don't buy a Ferrari. You mean a floor. I'm the 50 grand. So, you don't buy one for less than 50 grand."

A “floor” is the idea that a brand’s pricing has a minimum level it tends not to fall below. The speaker uses Ferrari’s “50 grand” example to argue that brand demand can keep prices from dropping under a certain threshold.

Brand

McLaren

"McLaren 6T. Correct? No, no, I've bought McLarens for less than 60. Have you? But they're trouble, aren't they?"

McLaren makes high-end supercars. The hosts are saying that McLarens can be problematic to own, so the price you pay matters a lot.

Car

Porsche Boxster

"A 911, not Porsche in general, because they're boxsters and you buy them for nothing. But a good 911, the..."

The Porsche Boxster is a sports car made by Porsche, usually with a mid-mounted engine. It’s designed to be fun to drive and is often less expensive than the 911. It’s mentioned because you can sometimes find a Boxster for a better deal.

Concept

value retention

"These are cars that you just think, [4258.6s] that is never going to be worth any less than that. [4260.9s] Can't be."

Value retention means the car keeps its value instead of getting cheaper quickly. The host is saying some cars are “safe bets” because you expect them not to lose money.

Car

1964 Mini Cooper S

"Okay. So number one would be a 1964 Mini Cooper S. [4825.9s] The one you sold. [4826.9s] The one I sold."

A 1964 Mini Cooper S is a classic British small car that’s famous for being fun to drive. The “S” version is the sportier, more powerful Cooper, which is why people love them and keep buying/selling them.

Car

812 Superfast

"[4843.5s] SVJ or an 812 Superfast or whatever it is, [4845.9s] it won't feel the same as getting in,"

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a very powerful Ferrari with a big V12 engine. It’s built for fast, dramatic driving, but the host is saying it doesn’t feel the same as the fun you get from a smaller, older car. He’s comparing how different cars make you feel behind the wheel.

Term

30 miles an hour

"because you're only doing it at 30 miles an hour. [4870.2s] It's the most ridiculous bit of engineering ever."

He’s saying the car is fun even when you’re only going about 30 mph. The excitement comes from how the car drives, not from going extremely fast. That’s why he compares it to much bigger supercars.

Place

Goodwood

"I love watching them race around Goodwood. Yes. Oh, that's the most entertaining motorsport you'll ever see."

Goodwood is a famous motorsport venue in the UK. People go there to watch races, especially with classic cars and entertaining historic events.

Car

Minis

"Max Chilton or Jensen Button or somebody in one of these Minis and they race around the historic set."

The Mini is a small British car that’s famous for racing. Because it’s compact and quick to change direction, it makes for great close racing at events like Goodwood.

Term

Targa

"Would you go Targa? I always fancied a Targa singer."

A Targa is a car roof setup where you can remove part of the roof for open-air driving. It’s like a convertible, but it usually keeps a strong frame/roll bar for protection.

Car

Bugatti Veyron

"You could probably say I could buy that, [5000.4s] and he could probably buy 20 Bugatti Veyrons or whatever,"

The Bugatti Veyron is a famous ultra-expensive supercar/hypercar. The point of mentioning it here is that even if someone can buy one (or many), it still might not match the personal meaning of the host’s dream car.

Car

G-Class

"[5055.1s] So it would probably be a G-Class, [5058.9s] which would be the practical family vehicle. [5062.8s] Or I might even..."

The G-Class is a Mercedes SUV known for being tough and capable off-road. In this conversation, they’re saying it would be the practical choice for a family, not just something that looks good.

Car

Volvo XC90

"we had the new Volvo XC90 that was toyed up to the roof. It had the most incredible sound system in it."

The Volvo XC90 is a big family SUV from Volvo. Here, the host is saying the one they rode in had an extremely premium sound system that made the audio feel surround-like.

Term

radar cruise control

"for me, that daily car needs to have radar cruise control, a little bit of wobbly steering on it."

Radar cruise control is cruise control that can “follow” the car in front of you. It uses sensors to keep a safe distance, so you don’t have to constantly adjust speed in traffic.

Term

heated seat

"It needs to have a vibrating massaging heated seat, a little bit of wobbly steering on it."

A heated seat is a car seat with built-in warmth. It helps keep you comfortable in cold weather without needing extra layers.

Term

connectivity

"and it needs to have connectivity for everything. So I've got an office on the road and a good sound system."

Connectivity means the car can connect to your phone and online services. That lets you use things like maps, music, and app features through the car.

Place

France

"Our first episode is going to be in France. Start filming that as from next week."

France is the country they’re planning to film the first episode in. It’s just a location detail for the show.

33 cars featured

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