Palm Springs, Important Questions, Favorite Recent Listings
About this episode
The hosts share lively stories from their recent Bring a Trailer event in Palm Springs, including challenging drives through unusual weather and memorable encounters on the road. They discuss the unique venue, a former golf course, and the diverse crowd that attended, some traveling long distances. The conversation also touches on nostalgic and quirky vehicle-themed rides at Disney, the experience of driving a classic Ferrari 308, and the camaraderie among enthusiasts. The episode blends travel tales, car culture insights, and reflections on automotive events in a relaxed, conversational style.
This week, Alex brings in the big guns. Randy, Howard, and Zac talk about our recent Palm Springs event; crazy winds and a curious white substance in the southern California mountains; a magnet for male attention; important questions about people who film everything they do; a remarkably un-harrowing experience at Disneyland; reviews of Alex's beautiful new Euro 308GTB; a flying Corvette; an exceptional 240Z; and discontinued BaT merch that haunts Randy.
They also talk about hunting the ones that got away and the perpetual lie of project car completion percentage, take a brief stop in Aviation Corner with Alex, and preview a very special upcoming collection sale. Also featured: a very bad dog, split-window Corvettes hitting escape velocity, and favorite auctions from the last couple of weeks.
Mentioned in this episode:
14:35 1964 Ford Thunderbird Landau Coupe
18:09 Time Machine: A Success Story in Motion from BaT and Pennzoil
29:32 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Coupe by Singer
32:15 1964 Porsche 356C Carrera 2 Coupe
33:01 Ex–Vic Edelbrock Jr., 292 Flathead-Powered 1932 Ford Roadster by Roy Brizio
33:43 1993 Porsche 911 RS America Gemballa Slantnose RSR 3.8 Conversion
34:48 8k-Mile 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Coupe
34:59 1961 AC Aceca-Bristol
35:04 62-Years-Owned 1958 AC Ace-Bristol
35:21 1974 MasterCraft “Stars & Stripes” 18′ Competition Ski Boat
35:53 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider
36:09 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe Body Shell Project
37:40 Kelsey-Hayes Wheels for Chevrolet Corvette
37:54 28k-Mile 1985.5 Ford Mustang SVO T-Top
38:18 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera
38:30 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO
38:59 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster by Gunther Werks
39:11 Original-Owner 1979 BMW M1
39:25 1979 Mercury Capri Turbo RS 4-Speed
40:17 Lot of Four 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air & 150 4-Door Sedan Projects
42:00 Race Cars on BaT
43:17 Ex–Stu Hayner 1989 Chevrolet Corvette Challenge Race Car
Got suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community, One Year Garage episode, or (B)aT the Movies subject? Let us know in the comments below!
Toyota Supra
"You drove Supra to Riverside, Zach. Where did you, you came straight from the Bay Area in that? I drove my Supra."
The Toyota Supra is a sporty car made by Toyota. People like it because it can go fast and looks cool. It's been made in different versions over the years.
The Toyota Supra is a famous Japanese sports car known for its performance and tuning potential. It has been produced in multiple generations and is popular among car enthusiasts for its powerful engines and sporty design.
pulls
"he kept trying to he kept dropping a gear and trying to do polls. And I was finally like, all right, all right. And then we did a bunch of polls through downtown LA."
'Pulls' means pushing the car to go really fast quickly to see how powerful it is.
In car culture, 'pulls' refers to hard acceleration runs, usually from a stop or low speed, to test or show off a vehicle's power.
BMW 4 Series
"...I look over and there's a guy in a wrapped four series and he's losing his mind about the Supra..."
The BMW 4 Series is a type of car made by BMW that looks sporty and is fun to drive. It comes in different styles like a two-door coupe or a convertible you can open the roof on.
The BMW 4 Series is a line of compact executive cars produced by BMW, known for their sporty design and performance. It includes coupe, convertible, and gran coupe body styles.
NASCAR style racing
"There was that cars ride, which is like side by side, NASCAR style racing."
NASCAR racing is a type of car race where cars that look like regular ones race really fast around oval tracks.
NASCAR style racing refers to stock car racing popularized by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, featuring high-speed oval track races with cars that resemble production models but are heavily modified for racing.
all electric
"They're about to be all electric, which is really going to ruin the vibe there because it smells like oil and everything."
All electric means the car runs only on electricity, not gas or oil, so it doesn't make engine sounds or smells.
All electric refers to vehicles powered solely by electric motors and batteries, without internal combustion engines. This change affects the vehicle's sound, smell, and driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...d you know the early ones looked like you see two Corvette? And they didn't have cooler."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous fast car from America that people love because it looks cool and goes really fast. The first ones made were simple and didn’t have some features newer cars have now, like special cooling parts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. Early models had unique styling cues that set them apart, and they are often discussed for their impact on sports car culture. The mention of early Corvettes lacking coolers likely refers to their simpler, less refined engineering compared to later models.
Acura NSX
""It's like the NSX. It's behind the motor. The front doesn't hold anything. So the trunk is behind the engine.""
The Acura NSX is a fast sports car where the engine sits behind the seats. This means the storage space, or trunk, is not in the usual place and can be in the front or back of the car.
The Acura NSX is a mid-engine sports car known for its performance and innovative design. The engine is located behind the driver, which affects the car's storage layout, with the trunk often positioned in the front or rear depending on the model.
Ferrari 308
"There were what, two testaroses there and your 308."
The Ferrari 308 is a well-known sports car from the 1970s and 80s. It has a strong engine behind the seats and is famous for being in TV shows and movies.
The Ferrari 308 is a classic V8 mid-engine sports car produced between 1975 and 1985, famous for its appearance in popular media and its sharp handling.
Ferrari Testarossa
"There were what, two testaroses there and your 308."
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car from the 1980s and 90s. It has a unique look with big side vents and a strong engine behind the seats.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a classic mid-engine sports car produced by Ferrari from 1984 to 1996, known for its distinctive side strakes and powerful flat-12 engine.
Nissan Rogue
"I was actually in a white Nissan Rogue."
The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that many people use for everyday driving. It is comfortable and doesn't use too much gas.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
BaT
"I got to come to the BAT event, which I was stoked about."
BaT is a website where people buy and sell cool cars online. You can find rare and special cars there.
BaT (Bring a Trailer) is an online auction platform specializing in classic, collector, and enthusiast vehicles. It connects buyers and sellers with detailed listings and community discussions.
BMW E9
"He rolled his E9 BMW."
The BMW E9 is an older model car made by BMW, known for being a stylish and sporty two-door car from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The BMW E9 is a classic grand touring coupe produced by BMW from 1968 to 1975. It is known for its elegant design and was the basis for the famous 3.0 CSL race car.
Corvette C6 Corvette
"299 because we had to make space for the Gullwing doors and the C6 Corvette. I saw that. So what was that car?"
The C6 Corvette is a fast and sporty car made by Chevrolet. It was made between 2005 and 2013 and is known for its cool looks and powerful engine.
The Chevrolet C6 Corvette is the sixth generation of the Corvette sports car produced from 2005 to 2013. It features a modern design with improved performance and handling compared to previous generations.
Gullwing doors
"299 because we had to make space for the Gullwing doors and the C6 Corvette."
Gullwing doors are special car doors that open up instead of out to the side, kind of like a bird's wings. This makes the car look unique and cool.
Gullwing doors are car doors that are hinged at the roof rather than the side, opening upwards like the wings of a seagull. They are a distinctive design feature seen on some sports and luxury cars.
Porsche 911 Targa
""those cars are all Targas. How's that going to work? Somebody had to fix the roof in place.""
A Porsche 911 Targa is a car that has a roof you can take off, but it also has a fixed window at the back. It’s like a mix between a regular car and a convertible. The roof needs to be fixed carefully when you put it back on.
The Porsche 911 Targa is a variant of the 911 sports car featuring a removable roof panel and a fixed rear window, combining elements of a coupe and a convertible. The Targa roof design requires special mechanisms to secure the roof panel in place.
Lamborghini Diablo
""Similar to the Diablo Zach, good Diablo action. There was. Yeah, man.""
The Lamborghini Diablo is a fast and fancy sports car with doors that open up instead of out. It's a cool car that stands out because of its unique door style.
The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance sports car produced by Lamborghini from 1990 to 2001. It is known for its distinctive scissor doors that open upwards, a signature feature of many Lamborghini models.
Datsun 240Z
"... who brought up maybe the world's best 70 Dotson 240Z, which was truly exceptional. I guess the people..."
The Datsun 240Z is an old sports car from Japan that looks nice and drives well. People like it because it was cheaper than other sports cars but still fun to drive.
The Datsun 240Z is a classic Japanese sports car from the early 1970s, celebrated for its sleek design, strong performance, and affordability compared to European sports cars. It has a dedicated enthusiast community and is often considered one of the best vintage sports cars.
Ford Thunderbird
"The coral colored T-bird was on the list, which I heard was alumni."
The Ford Thunderbird is a well-known old car that people liked for its cool looks and comfort. It was made by Ford and is often seen at car shows.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car known for its distinctive style and luxury features, produced in various generations from 1955 to 2005.
Cadillac
"And they were calling it like Cadillac Row or something. But there were a lot of great caddies."
Cadillac is a brand that makes fancy, comfortable cars. People often like them for their style and smooth ride.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle brand from General Motors, known for producing premium cars with advanced features and a focus on comfort.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60
"He really liked the Tan FJ60 that was there. I don't know if you guys saw that car."
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 is an older SUV that is very tough and good for driving off-road. Many people like it because it lasts a long time and can handle rough terrain.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 is a classic SUV produced in the 1980s known for its durability and off-road capability. It is part of the 60 series Land Cruisers and is popular among enthusiasts for restoration and overlanding.
Ford Pinto
"Totally. What was that like white pinto wagon you parked right in front of the town? Oh,..."
The Ford Pinto was a small, cheap car made a long time ago. It became well-known because it had some safety problems that made people worried.
The Ford Pinto was a subcompact car produced in the 1970s, known for its affordability but also infamous for safety concerns related to its fuel tank design. Despite its controversial history, it remains a notable example of American economy cars from that era.
Deloreans
"But if you type in time machine on the front of the website, you'll get some time machine like DeLorean's, but you'll also get that car, which is a 79 pinto wagon that is like a literal time machine."
The DeLorean is a special car that looks very different because it has shiny metal all over and doors that open up like wings. It became famous because it was used as a time machine in a popular movie.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is famous for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, as well as its role as the time machine in the 'Back to the Future' movies. While not a high-performance car, it has a cult following due to its unique design and pop culture status. The reference to time machines plays on its iconic movie role.
Ford Pinto Wagon
"you'll also get that car, which is a 79 pinto wagon that is like a literal time machine."
The Ford Pinto Wagon is a small car made by Ford in the 1970s. It was popular back then but had some safety problems. People sometimes like it today because it looks unique and has a fun history.
The Ford Pinto Wagon is a compact car produced by Ford in the 1970s. The 1979 model year is notable as one of the last years before the Pinto was discontinued. The Pinto has a reputation for being a quirky and sometimes controversial car due to safety concerns.
VIN
"Oh, I wish I remembered the VIN of my first, first, first car. It's a red 74 FJ40. But Randy's crazy. He wants the exact VIN."
A VIN is like a car's fingerprint — a special number that tells you exactly which car it is and its history.
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code assigned to every vehicle for identification purposes. It helps track the car's history, ownership, and specifications.
Volkswagen Carmen Gia
"... on from middle school. You need to recreate the Carmen Gia bringing your own key. You might."
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a pretty old car that looks nice and is easy to take care of because it shares parts with the Beetle. It’s popular with people who like classic cars.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a stylish coupe and convertible built on the Beetle platform from the 1950s to the 1970s. It combines classic Volkswagen reliability with elegant Italian design, making it a beloved vintage car.
MGB GT
"The MGB GT is kind of that."
The MGB GT is an old British car that looks like a small sports car with a hard roof. People like it because it drives well and looks cool.
The MG MGB GT is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1965 to 1980. It features a fixed roof coupe body style, differentiating it from the convertible MGB roadster, and is known for its sporty handling and classic design.
Jeep Compass
"...w my favorite car was the Elite that was there at Compass Collective, which is going to be listed on the s..."
The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that can drive both in the city and on easy off-road paths. The Elite version has more nice features to make the ride more comfortable.
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV designed for both urban and light off-road use, offering Jeep styling and capability at a more affordable price point. The Elite trim mentioned likely refers to a higher-end version with additional features.
dual SUs
"He swapped in like a bigger motor with dual SUs."
Dual SUs are two small parts that help mix air and fuel in the engine better, making the car run smoother and faster.
Dual SU carburetors are a type of carburetor setup that uses two SU carburetors to improve the engine's air and fuel mixture, enhancing performance and throttle response.
Chuckwalla Raceway
"Chuckwalla Raceway is for sale. They're accepting offers bids."
Chuckwalla Raceway is a place where people race cars and practice driving fast. It's a special track in California.
Chuckwalla Raceway is a motorsports track located in California, known for hosting various racing events and track days.
McCormick's auction
"McCormick's auction happened."
McCormick's auction is a place where people sell and buy special and old cars that are hard to find.
McCormick's auction is a well-known auction house specializing in collectible and classic cars, where enthusiasts and collectors buy and sell rare vehicles.
Airstream
"Yeah, they had like 50 vintage Airstreams. Like some of the ones where they, you know, they come to the beautiful like taper in the back, but all like early Airstream all polished up to high heavens."
Airstream makes shiny, silver trailers that people use for camping and traveling. They have a special rounded shape and are very popular among vintage trailer fans.
Airstream is a brand known for its distinctive silver, rounded travel trailers and motorhomes, often polished to a high shine. They are considered iconic vintage recreational vehicles with a unique tapered design at the rear.
double overhead cam
""27 liter double overhead cam V12. Aviation corner with Alex. Always.""
A double overhead cam means the engine has two camshafts on top that help open and close the engine's valves more efficiently, making the engine perform better.
Double overhead cam (DOHC) refers to an engine design where two camshafts are located in the cylinder head, one operating the intake valves and the other the exhaust valves. This setup allows for better airflow and higher engine performance compared to single cam designs.
Toyota Celica
"...in the operation. Randy might need to buy the 75 Celica that I know that he loves, the Twin Cam Swiss Ma..."
The Toyota Celica is a small, sporty car that looks nice and is fun to drive. Some older versions have special engines that make them faster and more exciting.
The Toyota Celica is a sporty compact car known for its sharp styling and performance-oriented variants like the Twin Cam models. It has a strong enthusiast following, especially older models from the 1970s, which are appreciated for their classic design and driving dynamics.
Chrysler Saratoga
"That's the Mercury, isn't it? The Saratoga. Yeah, it could be."
The Chrysler Saratoga was a big, comfortable car made many years ago. It was known for being fancy and smooth to ride in.
The Chrysler Saratoga was a full-size car produced in various forms from the 1930s through the 1950s, known for its luxury and comfort. It is less commonly discussed today but represents an important part of American automotive history.
Toyota Corolla
"...king of low price, you're going to broker that 86 Corolla to me. Included in the sale on BAT is the best A..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small, easy-to-drive car that many people buy because it doesn’t cost much and doesn’t break down often. It’s one of the most popular cars in the world because it’s simple and lasts a long time.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars worldwide, known for its affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It is often referenced as a benchmark for low-cost, dependable transportation. The mention of an '86 Corolla highlights its enduring popularity and value in the used car market.
Singer
"It was a singer, first of all, with hood lamps on it and CB driving lamps on the hood on a singer, which is unusual."
Singer is a company that takes old Porsche 911 cars and makes them look and perform like new, with lots of custom details and upgrades.
Singer is a company known for its high-end restorations and modifications of Porsche 911 cars, creating bespoke and highly detailed vehicles that blend classic design with modern performance.
split window
"But man, you want to get a split window. You got your heart set on a split window. You are hosed."
The split window means the back window of the car has a bar in the middle, making it look like two windows instead of one. This was only made for one year and makes the car special.
The 'split window' refers to the unique rear window design on the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 coupe, where the rear glass is divided into two separate panes by a central bar. This design was only used for one year and is highly prized by collectors.
Ford Mustang
"...s wheels was the very low mileage, 85 and a half Mustang SVO teetop. Very rare SVO teetop."
The Ford Mustang is a popular fast car from America that many people like because it looks sporty and goes fast. The special 1985.5 SVO model is rare and has a smaller but powerful engine that makes it different from regular Mustangs.
The Ford Mustang is a legendary American muscle car known for its powerful engines and sporty design. The 1985.5 Mustang SVO is a rare variant featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and unique styling, making it a collector’s favorite. Its mention highlights interest in rare and special Mustang models.
BMW M1
""I've never seen that before on an M1.""
The BMW M1 is a special sports car made by BMW a long time ago. It has its engine placed in the middle of the car, which is different from most cars, making it very fast and unique.
The BMW M1 is a mid-engine sports car produced by BMW from 1978 to 1981. It is notable for being BMW's first and only mid-engined car and was designed for both road and racing use.
Mercury Capri Turbo RS
""I'm over here looking at the 79 Mercury Capri Turbo RS four-speed. That's unbelievable. The big RS stickers on the side.""
The 1979 Mercury Capri Turbo RS is a fast and sporty car from Mercury. It has a turbo engine that gives it more power and special stickers called RS to show it's a sportier model.
The 1979 Mercury Capri Turbo RS is a sporty version of the Mercury Capri, featuring a turbocharged engine and RS (Rally Sport) trim. It often came with a four-speed manual transmission and distinctive RS decals.
Ford Capri
"...y stuff. I'm over here looking at the 79 Mercury Capri Turbo RS four-speed. That's unbelievable."
The Ford Capri is a cool-looking car made in Europe that’s a bit like a sports car. The 1979 version with a turbo and manual gears is special and not easy to find.
The Ford Capri was a European sports coupe produced in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its stylish looks and sporty performance. The 1979 Mercury Capri Turbo RS with a four-speed manual is a rare and desirable variant in the U.S. market, often sought after by collectors.
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