About this episode
A lively audience Q&A session unfolds as Johnny Smith and Richard Porter share hilarious and outrageous rental car stories, including a memorable trip to the Stelvio Pass in Fiat 500s and a chaotic lads' holiday with a Polo. They also discuss bizarre hotel experiences, the quirks of faulty cars, and even dive into a playful debate about creating 90s-inspired limousines. The episode is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and entertaining anecdotes that highlight the unpredictable nature of car culture and travel.
From their recent live show in Bristol, Jonny and Richard answer audience questions about hire cars, push-me-pull-you limos, a new car for BRIXMIS, hotel stories, irritating car faults, things found in barn find cars, Beat songs and cars for a Miami Vice re-make.
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Talbot Solara
"...including a Talbot, Alpine and Solara, Haines manual. I'm coming."
The Talbot Solara is a car that was made in the late 1970s and 1980s. It was designed to be a practical vehicle for families and came in different styles, like a sedan or hatchback.
The Talbot Solara is a compact car produced by the British manufacturer Talbot from 1979 to 1986. It was known for its practicality and was available in various body styles, including a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.
Fiat / 2100 Familiare
"...they all got fiat 500s, and they did the Stelvio pass..."
The Fiat 500 is a small car made by Fiat, known for being easy to drive in cities and having a classic design.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat. It's known for its compact size and retro styling, making it popular in urban environments.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
"...an, and they all got fiat 500s, and they did the Stelvio pass, rather than bother driving through Europe."
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a stylish SUV that is fun to drive and looks great. It's named after a famous mountain road, and people like it because it offers a mix of luxury and sporty performance.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a luxury compact SUV that combines sporty performance with Italian styling. Named after the famous Stelvio Pass in the Alps, it is significant for its dynamic handling and powerful engine options, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
Stelvio Pass
"...they did the Stelvio pass, rather than bother driving through Europe..."
Stelvio Pass is a mountain road in Italy famous for its beautiful scenery and winding turns, making it a fun place to drive.
Stelvio Pass is a famous mountain pass in the Italian Alps, known for its stunning views and challenging driving conditions. It's a popular destination for driving enthusiasts and is often featured in automotive media.
Bmw 3
"And I'm, I borrowed a, hired a BMW 3, I would have been a 328 CI, E46 brand new at the time."
The BMW 328i is a model in the 3 Series lineup, which is known for being sporty and fun to drive. The E46 is the specific version of this model that was made from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s.
The BMW 328i is a variant of the 3 Series, known for its balance of performance and comfort. The E46 generation, produced from 1997 to 2006, is particularly celebrated for its driving dynamics and classic styling.
Dodge Neon
"...What we were supposed to get was like a Dodge Neon or similar. And the man at the desk went,..."
The Dodge Neon is a small, inexpensive car that many people used for everyday driving. It was made by the Dodge brand and was popular for being affordable.
The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was produced by Dodge from 1994 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Chrysler Sebring
"we got upgraded to a Chrysler Sebring convertible. Now, there were three of us, and we had suitcases."
The Chrysler Sebring is a car that was made by Chrysler. It comes in different styles, including a convertible, which means you can take the roof off to enjoy the open air while driving.
The Chrysler Sebring is a mid-size car that was produced by Chrysler from 1995 to 2010. It was available in various body styles, including a convertible, which is known for its stylish design and comfortable ride.
convertible
"we got upgraded to a Chrysler Sebring convertible. Now, there were three of us, and we had suitcases."
A convertible is a car that has a roof that can be taken off or folded down, so you can drive it with the top down and enjoy the sunshine.
A convertible is a type of car that can be driven with or without a roof. This feature allows for an open-air driving experience, which is popular in warm weather.
Peugeot 307 estate
"...and then just handed over this Peugeot 307 estate"
The Peugeot 307 estate is a type of car that has more room in the back for carrying things. It's great for families or trips where you need extra space.
The Peugeot 307 estate is a compact car that offers additional cargo space and versatility compared to its hatchback counterpart. It's popular in Europe for its practicality and comfort.
gearbox
"...they went, yeah, we've broken the gearbox. I'm sorry, you've done what?"
The gearbox is the part of the car that helps it change speeds. If it breaks, the car can have trouble moving properly.
The gearbox, or transmission, is a critical component of a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to change speeds. A malfunctioning gearbox can lead to significant driving issues.
Audi A3
"So I'm going to say something buzz. Not like Audi A3. Well, one end."
The Audi A3 is a small, fancy car that feels nice to drive and has a lot of cool features. It's a good choice for people who want a luxury car without going for something really big.
The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car known for its refined interior, advanced technology, and strong performance. It serves as an entry point into the Audi brand, appealing to those seeking a premium driving experience in a smaller package.
Audi TT Roadster
"[975.7s] TT Roadster. [977.2s] Oh, hello."
The Audi TT Roadster is a small, stylish convertible car that offers a fun driving experience. It's known for looking good and being enjoyable to drive.
The Audi TT Roadster is a two-door convertible sports car known for its stylish design and sporty performance. It's part of the Audi TT lineup, which has been popular for its combination of luxury and sportiness.
Daihatsu Materia
"Do you remember the Daihatsu Materia?"
The Daihatsu Materia is a small car made by the company Daihatsu. It's designed to be practical and has a boxy shape that makes it easy to use for everyday tasks.
The Daihatsu Materia is a compact MPV produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu. It features a unique boxy design and is known for its practicality and efficient use of space.
Opel Senator
"They were the people who had opal senators that had been secretly converted to four-wheel drives. They could kind of drive across a field..."
The Opel Senator is a big car made by the German company Opel. It was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s for being comfortable and spacious.
The Opel Senator is a large executive car produced by the German automaker Opel from 1987 to 1993. It was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, often used as a luxury vehicle in Europe.
Land Range Rovers
"Well, I think they tried Range Rovers and they had some Range Rover problems."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV made by Land Rover. It's known for being good at driving off-road while also being very comfortable inside.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It has been a popular choice for those seeking both performance and comfort.
limited-slip differential
"Limited slip diff. Colway track and field remold on the rear."
A limited-slip differential helps both wheels on an axle to turn at different speeds while still providing power to both. This is important for better grip and handling, especially when turning or driving on slippery surfaces.
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that allows for some degree of wheel slip while still providing power to both wheels. This is particularly useful in performance driving and off-road situations, where maintaining traction is crucial.
Ferguson Formula four-wheel drive system
"With the Ferguson Formula four-wheel drive system, off those senators that really existed for Bricksmith, you have got the ultimate, and I use this word advisedly, weapon."
The Ferguson Formula is a type of four-wheel drive system that helps cars have better grip and control, especially when driving fast or on slippery surfaces.
The Ferguson Formula is an early four-wheel drive system developed for performance vehicles, providing better traction and handling, especially in challenging conditions.
Lotus Carltons
"Green as well. Because, actually, Lotus Carlton's were already kind of dark. They were very dark green."
The Lotus Carlton is a super-fast car that was made in the 1990s. It's known for being really powerful and fun to drive, which makes it special among car lovers.
The Lotus Carlton is a high-performance version of the Vauxhall Carlton, produced in the early 1990s. It is significant for its powerful engine and sporty handling, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time, and it has a cult following among car enthusiasts.
Lexus SC430
"But yeah, it's Alexis SC430, full Michael MacDonald spell. And it had exactly the same thing."
The Lexus SC430 is a fancy car that can turn from a closed roof to an open one. It's designed to be comfortable and stylish.
The Lexus SC430 is a luxury convertible that was produced from 2001 to 2010. It features a retractable hardtop and is known for its comfort and performance.
bump start
"...turn the ignition back on but not try to use the start motor, but then bump started itself and it just healed. So you do this every morning and it was really dicey"
Bump starting is a way to start a car by pushing it to get it moving and then using the car's momentum to start the engine instead of using the battery. It's useful if the battery isn't working.
Bump starting is a method of starting a vehicle by pushing it to gain speed and then engaging the clutch to start the engine without using the starter motor. This technique is often used when the battery is dead or the starter is malfunctioning.
Jeep Cherokee
"I realized I had a Jeep Cherokee, an XJ-shaped one."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that is good for both city driving and off-roading. The XJ is a specific version of this model that was made for many years and is known for being tough and dependable.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. The XJ refers to the second generation of the Cherokee, produced from 1984 to 2001, which is particularly popular among enthusiasts for its rugged design and reliability.
Volkswagen Bora
"...d? I still have the hamlets that we found in the Bora, when we drugged it out,"
The Volkswagen Bora is a small sedan that is easy to drive and has a comfortable interior. It's a good option for people looking for a reliable car for daily use.
The Volkswagen Bora, also known as the VW Jetta in some markets, is a compact sedan that offers practicality and comfort. It is significant for its solid build quality and efficient performance, making it a popular choice for everyday driving.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
"...t out, and you'll hate me because they're in the silver shadow. Best, sorry, I'm going to just get this huge st..."
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a very fancy car that was made a long time ago. It's known for being super comfortable and luxurious, making it a symbol of wealth and status.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury sedan produced from 1965 to 1980, known for its opulent design and smooth ride. It represents a significant era for Rolls-Royce, as it was the first model to feature a unitary body and independent suspension, enhancing both comfort and handling.
Ford Cortina
"Yeah, you know it, in a cortina, cliche. So there was that, cortina, mark one, jingle."
The Ford Cortina Mark One is an older car model that was popular in the 1960s. It was known for being a good family car that many people could afford.
The Ford Cortina Mark One was a popular family car produced by Ford in the 1960s. It was known for its practicality and affordability, making it a common sight on British roads during that era.
Ferrari Testarossa
"Do you go down the Ferrari route, say, Testarossa Daytona?"
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car from the 1980s. It has a unique look with side vents and is known for being very fast and powerful.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari from 1984 to 1991. Known for its distinctive side strakes and mid-engine layout, it became an icon of 1980s automotive design and performance.
Porsche 911 Turbo
"Or do you go down Mike Lowry, Mark Spenet route of 911 Turbo,"
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a faster version of the regular Porsche 911. It has a turbocharged engine that gives it more power and speed.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the iconic Porsche 911 sports car, known for its turbocharged engine and enhanced performance features. It has been a staple in the Porsche lineup since the 1970s.
Ford RS200
"I'm thinking RS 200 because it's low slung, which is cool. I mean, it's fugly, but it's great."
The Ford RS200 is a famous rally car from the 1980s. It's known for being very low to the ground and has a unique look, which some people find unattractive but others think is cool.
The Ford RS200 is a legendary Group B rally car known for its low-slung design and performance. It was built for competition in the 1980s and is celebrated for its engineering and unique styling.
Audi Quattro
"I'll give some time to a sport Quattro."
The Audi Sport Quattro is a powerful rally car that was used in racing. It's famous for its technology and ability to drive on all four wheels, which helped it win many races.
The Audi Sport Quattro is a high-performance rally car that was part of the Group B series. It is known for its advanced technology and all-wheel-drive system, which contributed to its success in rally competitions.
Lancia Delta S4
"Maybe a Delta S4."
The Lancia Delta S4 is a famous rally car that was very advanced for its time. It used both a turbocharger and a supercharger to boost its power, which made it really fast.
The Lancia Delta S4 is a notable Group B rally car known for its innovative design and powerful performance. It combined turbocharging with supercharging, making it one of the most advanced rally cars of its time.
Peugeot 205 T16
"I'm either going RS 200 or maybe 205 T16."
The Peugeot 205 T16 is another fast car made for rally racing. It's designed to be very nimble and can handle different types of roads well.
The Peugeot 205 T16 is a rally car that was also designed for Group B competition. It features a mid-engine layout and was known for its agility and performance on various terrains.
Alcantara
"Oh, it's not a euphemism. Because by the way, I've had it re-trimmed in Alcantara."
Alcantara is a soft, suede-like fabric used in cars to make the interior look and feel more luxurious. It's strong and easy to clean, making it a favorite for car manufacturers.
Alcantara is a synthetic suede-like material often used in automotive interiors for its luxurious feel and durability. It's popular for trimming seats, steering wheels, and other interior components in high-end vehicles.
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