Ron Ananian, The Car Dr Talks Classic Cars on Mendte In The Morning, WOR Radio 710, December 1, 2025
About this episode
Ron Ananian dives into the resurgence of 1980s cars as they officially enter classic status, highlighting their nostalgic appeal and affordability. He shares insights on popular models like the Aries K car and Cadillac Fleetwood, discussing their unique characteristics and the ease of finding parts for restoration. The conversation also touches on the investment potential of these vehicles, with anecdotes about price increases and the joy of owning a classic that can still be driven. Ron's expertise and anecdotes make this episode a treasure trove for classic car enthusiasts.
Larry Mendte of “Mendte in the Morning” on WOR 710 AM New York sits down with Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor to talk about a surprising new twist in the collector world: the growing demand for cars of the 1980s.
It’s a fast, fun, and nostalgic 10-minute romp through the cars you grew up with—Cadillac Eldorados, and the boxy, big-shouldered cruisers that are suddenly hot again. And how about a 1981 Dodge Aries!? As always, Ron keeps it spirited and informative, explaining why these cars are gaining attention and what makes them worth a second look.
Catch Ron every other week on WOR 710 AM at 9:39 AM on Mendte in the Morning.
- Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com
-
Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
-
Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
-
Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
-
Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
muscle cars
"They're from the 50s, 60s, the muscle cars from the 70s."
Muscle cars are fast, powerful American cars from the 60s and 70s that were built for speed and performance.
Muscle cars are high-performance American automobiles from the 1960s and early 1970s, typically featuring powerful V8 engines and rear-wheel drive.
classic cars
"Well, you know, they've officially become classics."
Classic cars are older cars that people like to collect because they look cool and have history.
Classic cars are older vehicles that have achieved a certain age and cultural significance, often sought after by collectors.
Saturn
"You know, Natalie, although I don't think there's hope for Natalie Saturn."
Saturn was a car brand from General Motors that sold cars in the 1990s and early 2000s. They were known for being affordable and easy to maintain.
Saturn was a brand of automobiles created by General Motors in 1985, aimed at younger buyers with a focus on low maintenance and innovative features like the 'no-haggle' pricing model.
classic car
"she wants to know if her Saturn's ever going to become a classic."
A classic car is an old vehicle that people collect because it looks nice or has a special history. They are usually kept in good condition and sometimes sold for high prices.
A classic car is a vehicle that has reached an age and historical significance that makes it desirable to collectors, often requiring preservation of original parts and condition.
1992 Saturn coupe
"It was a 1992 red and silver two-tone coupe. It was adorable."
A 1992 Saturn coupe is a small, two-door car made by the American company Saturn. It was known for its unique look and was sold in the early 1990s.
A 1992 Saturn coupe is a compact two-door car produced by the American automaker Saturn, part of General Motors. It was popular in the early 1990s for its distinctive styling and front-wheel-drive layout.
81 Aries K car
"Do you remember the 81 Aries K car?"
The 1981 Aries K is a small, affordable car from the 80s that many people like to buy and improve. It’s popular because it’s easy to work on and can be made faster with some tweaks.
The 1981 Ford Aries K is a compact car produced by Ford Australia, known for its lightweight chassis and efficient four-cylinder engine. It gained a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciate its simple mechanics and potential for performance upgrades.
Aries K car
"[235.2s] in the late 70s and Lea Iacocca used to say the Aries K car was a great car."
The Aries K was a small car made by Chrysler in the 1980s. It was popular because it used less gas and had a simple design.
The Chrysler Aries K was a compact car produced in the early 1980s, known for its boxy styling and fuel efficiency during a time of rising gasoline prices.
81 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
"Somebody wants to go buy an 81 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham with the 4100, the HT4100 engine."
This is a big, fancy car from the early 1980s made by Cadillac. It has a roomy engine area and was popular for its comfort.
The 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is a full‑size luxury sedan produced by General Motors. It was known for its spacious interior and large engine bay, typical of 1980s American cars.
HT4100 engine
"with the 4100, the HT4100 engine."
This is the engine that powers the car. It’s a V8 with 4.3 liters of displacement, but it had many problems that made it hard to keep running.
The HT4100 is a 4.3‑liter V8 engine produced by General Motors in the early 1980s, used in several Cadillac models. It was notorious for reliability problems, especially head gasket failures.
engine bays are so big
"And here's the beauty of an 80s car. The engine bays are so big."
Older cars have a lot of space in front of the engine, which makes it easier to work on them but also gives the car a big look.
In the 1980s, American cars were designed with large engine compartments to accommodate big engines and provide easier access for maintenance. This design choice made repairs simpler but also contributed to the cars’ bulkier appearance.
powertrain
"You can slide a modern day powertrain into that if the engine failed"
The powertrain is everything that makes a car move—think of it as the engine plus all the parts that get power from the engine to the wheels.
A powertrain is the system that generates and delivers power to a vehicle’s wheels, including the engine or motor, transmission, driveshafts, and differential.
80s car styling
"and have the look of the 80s with the reliability of a present day automobile."
Cars from the 1980s usually look boxy and chunky, with sharp corners and bright colors—very different from the smooth curves we see today.
The 1980s automotive design era is known for its boxy, angular shapes and bold color palettes, often contrasting with the sleek, aerodynamic styles of later decades.
Cadillac
"Think about think about how sexy a two door Eldorado convertible 1982 was wire wheels."
Cadillac makes fancy cars that are often more expensive and have special features compared to regular brands.
Cadillac is a luxury automobile brand owned by General Motors, known for its high‑end vehicles and distinctive styling.
Eldorado convertible 1982
"Think about think about how sexy a two door Eldorado convertible 1982 was wire wheels."
It’s a big, fancy car from the early 80s that could open up to let you feel the wind. It had a strong engine and was very popular back then.
The 1982 Cadillac Eldorado convertible was a large, luxurious two‑door car known for its bold styling and powerful V8 engine.
wire wheels
"Think about think about how sexy a two door Eldorado convertible 1982 was wire wheels."
Wire wheels are the old‑school style rims that look like a bunch of metal wires twisted together. They’re lighter and give the car a vintage vibe.
Wire wheels are a type of rim made from interlocking metal wires, giving a classic look and lighter weight compared to solid wheels.
big cars making a comeback
"And those cars are making a comeback. They really are."
People are starting to like big, old cars again. They’re buying and restoring them because they look cool and feel powerful.
The discussion highlights a trend where large, classic cars from the 70s and 80s are regaining popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.
Cadillac Fleetwood
"In the 70s, my dad bought one of those Cadillac Fleetwoods."
It’s a big, comfortable car from the 70s that people used to drive for long trips. It’s known for being very roomy inside.
The Cadillac Fleetwood is a full‑size luxury sedan that was popular in the 1970s, known for its spacious interior and smooth ride.
Riviera
"You know, Eldorado's, Riviera's, Lincoln Town Car."
The Riviera was a fancy car made by Pontiac in the 1970s and 80s. It looked stylish and had good performance.
The Pontiac Riviera was a mid‑size luxury sedan produced from 1968 to 1987, popular for its stylish design and performance options.
Eldorado
"You know, Eldorado's, Riviera's, Lincoln Town Car."
The Eldorado was a big, fancy car made by Chevrolet in the 1970s. It had shiny chrome and a strong engine.
The Chevrolet Eldorado was a full‑size luxury car produced by General Motors from 1967 to 1978, known for its chrome accents and powerful V8 engines.
Lincoln Town Car
"Lincoln Town Car. Who didn't rent a Lincoln Town Car to go on vacation in the 80s?"
The Town Car is a big, comfortable car made by Lincoln. It was often used as a rental or limo because it has lots of space.
The Lincoln Town Car is a full‑size luxury sedan produced from 1971 to 2002, famous for its spacious interior and smooth ride, often used as a limousine or rental car.
big four door tank
"Right. Big four door tank."
"Big four door tank" is a nickname for big, roomy cars like the Lincoln Town Car. They’re called tanks because they feel solid and comfortable.
The phrase "big four door tank" colloquially refers to large, spacious sedans like the Lincoln Town Car that offer ample interior room and a smooth ride.
Mustang
"The Mustang, the Fox Body Mustangs."
The Mustang is a fast, sporty car made by Ford. It has been popular since the 1960s.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car introduced in 1964, known for its performance and iconic design.
Fox Body Mustangs
"The Mustang, the Fox Body Mustangs."
Fox Body Mustangs are the 1979‑1993 version of the Mustang. They’re lighter and many people like to modify them.
The Fox Body Mustang refers to the third generation (1979‑1993) of the Ford Mustang, known for its lightweight chassis and popularity among tuners.
Z Camaros
"I Rock Z Camaros."
Z Camaros are the sporty, fast version of the Camaro made by Chevrolet. They have strong engines and a cool look.
The Camaro Z28 (often called a 'Z Camaro') is a high‑performance version of the Chevrolet Camaro, produced in various generations with powerful V8 engines.
Toyota Supra
"Early Toyota Supras and the Aries K car."
The Supra is a famous sports car from Toyota that many people love for its speed and style.
The Toyota Supra is a Japanese sports car produced from the 1970s to early 2000s, known for its performance and iconic status among enthusiasts.
Chevelle Big Block
"Well, you know, a 1970 Chevelle Big Block, right?"
The Chevelle Big Block is a classic American muscle car that had a very powerful engine, making it popular with car collectors.
The Chevelle Big Block refers to the Chevrolet Chevelle equipped with a large 350‑cid (5.7L) V8 engine, prized for its power and muscle car heritage.
four-one-hundred engine
"The guy was going to buy this 81 Cadillac with the forty one hundred engine."
This is a type of engine that has 4.1 liters of space inside it, giving the car enough power to drive smoothly.
A 4.1‑liter (approximately 250 cubic inches) V8 engine, commonly used in early 1980s Cadillac models for its balance of power and fuel economy.
81 Cadillac
"The guy was going to buy this 81 Cadillac with the forty one hundred engine."
The 1981 Cadillac is a fancy, big car from the U.S. that people used to drive for comfort and style.
The 1981 Cadillac refers to the luxury sedan produced by General Motors' Cadillac brand during that year, known for its spacious interior and V8 power.
collectible look
"[605.0s] with a collectible look. [606.7s] Somebody wants to restore a fifty five Chevrolet."
A collectible look means the car looks special and is wanted by people who collect old cars. It usually has a cool design or history that makes it valuable.
A 'collectible look' refers to a vehicle's aesthetic and historical value that makes it desirable for collectors. Cars with iconic styling, limited production, or significant cultural impact often achieve this status.
restore a fifty five Chevrolet
"[606.7s] Somebody wants to restore a fifty five Chevrolet. [610.0s] OK, you could buy a fifty five Chevrolet brand new."
Fixing up an old car means fixing broken parts, cleaning it up, and making it look like it did when it was brand new. It takes a lot of work but makes the car beautiful again.
Restoring a vintage car involves repairing or replacing worn parts, refurbishing the body and interior, and often restoring mechanical components to original specifications. It can be a labor-intensive process but results in a vehicle that looks and performs like its original era.
fifty five Chevrolet
"[606.7s] Somebody wants to restore a fifty five Chevrolet. [610.0s] OK, you could buy a fifty five Chevrolet brand new."
The 1955 Chevy Bel Air is a famous old car from the 1950s. Many people love it and try to fix or rebuild them to look like they did when new.
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car known for its iconic styling and powerful V8 engine. It remains popular among collectors and restorers due to its historical significance and distinctive design.
eighty one Cadillac
"Well, but an eighty one Cadillac."
The 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood is a big, comfortable car from the early 80s. It had a powerful V8 engine and was known for its roomy interior.
The 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood was a full‑size luxury sedan produced by General Motors. It featured a large V8 engine and spacious interior, typical of early 80s American luxury cars.
original parts from GM
"But there's still a lot of original parts from GM in warehouses and back alleys and basements that people never used."
Original parts are the exact pieces that came with a car when it was new. They’re useful for fixing or restoring a vehicle to its original condition.
Refers to factory‑produced components that were never sold or used, now stored in warehouses or basements. These parts are often sought after by restorers because they match the original specifications exactly.
eighty eight Lincoln Town car
"I think everybody's going to want an eighty eight Lincoln Town car."
The 1988 Lincoln Town Car is a big, comfortable car that people like to buy and keep because it looks old‑school and can be worth more over time.
The 1988 Lincoln Town Car is a full‑size, rear‑wheel drive sedan produced by the American luxury division of Ford. It’s known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, making it a popular choice among collectors of classic American cars.
Ford Thunderbird
"I purchased an old two Ford Thunderbird little ahead, right?"
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that people like to buy and keep because it looks stylish and can be worth more over time.
The Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury coupe or convertible that was produced in various generations from 1955 to 1997. The speaker refers to an older model, likely a late‑1970s or early‑1980s version, which is prized for its styling and performance.
classic
"It's going to be the next classic if it if it isn't already."
A "classic" car is an old vehicle that people think looks cool and may be worth more money because it’s special or rare.
In automotive terms, a "classic" car is one that has achieved a certain age (often 20+ years) and is valued for its historical significance, design, or rarity. Classic status can increase a vehicle’s desirability and market value.
classic car investment
"I love the idea of investing in cars because you can drive around on it, keep it nice, and then you can resell it. And if you get something that's going to be a classic..."
Some people buy old cars hoping they will become more valuable later, so they can sell them for a higher price.
Investing in classic cars involves buying older vehicles with the expectation that their value will appreciate over time, allowing for potential resale profits.
Chevrolet
"I purchased a seventy two Monte Carlo in 2016. I'll tell you right here."
Chevrolet is a big car company from the United States that makes many different cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Chevrolet is an American automobile manufacturer that has produced a wide range of vehicles, including the Monte Carlo.
seventy two Monte Carlo
"I purchased a seventy two Monte Carlo in 2016. I'll tell you right here. I paid eight grand for the car."
The 1972 Monte Carlo is a classic American car that people like to buy, keep, and sell for more money later.
The 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a mid‑size American sedan that has become a sought‑after classic car, especially in its original 1972 model year.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.