S11 Ep2: Autoalex: Looking after 20 odd cars is a lot of admin!
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993
The “993” is a Porsche 911 from a specific generation. It’s a real enthusiast car, and the mention of RS cams means it’s been modified to feel more aggressive than a stock version.
RS cams
Cams are part of the engine that control when the valves open and close. “RS cams” are a performance version, usually making the engine feel more lively, especially when you rev it.
205 GTI Turbo
“205 GTI Turbo” points to the Peugeot 205 GTI with a turbo conversion. The Peugeot 205 GTI is a classic hot hatch, and adding a turbo typically boosts performance but also increases complexity (fueling, intercooling, and engine management).
Renault Clio Williams
The Renault Clio Williams is a special, more performance-oriented version of the Clio. They’re also talking about it being a “Cat C” car and currently being restored with new paint.
Cat C
In the UK, “Cat C” is a label for a car that was damaged and written off by insurance, but can be repaired. It doesn’t automatically mean it’s unsafe, but it does mean the car has a history that buyers will want to understand.
Monaco
They mention taking the restored car to Monaco. That’s a famous place for car events and glamorous driving, so it’s a notable enthusiast milestone.
Shell
Shell is a big fuel brand. They’re talking about doing a Shell-related campaign where they drove around as part of an event.
Domino's
They mention Domino’s because that’s where Alex worked before getting into car journalism. It’s just the backstory, not a car-related technical topic.
Coventry University
Coventry University is referenced as where Alex studied a Masters in Automotive Journalism. That’s relevant because it explains the formal training behind his later work in car media.
AutoCar
AutoCar is the car magazine Alex worked at. It’s mentioned to show how he moved from studying car journalism into real car media work.
Carthrottle
Carthrottle is the car website Alex moved to and became editor of. It’s part of his career story into automotive videos and articles.
Top Gear
Top Gear is a famous UK TV show about cars. People who work in car media often mention it because it’s a big platform for car reviews and automotive storytelling.
Autosylics multiverse
The “Autosylics multiverse” is a joking description of how their car content has grown into multiple channels. It helps explain that it’s not just one show—it’s a whole connected set of projects.
Auto Alex
Auto Alex is the name of a car-related YouTube project/channel. The host says its success helped motivate the next steps in growing their media lineup.
Overdrive
Overdrive is another car YouTube channel mentioned in the story. The host says it had lots of subscribers but ran into money problems and stopped producing content.
Carthal
Carthal is mentioned as a workplace the host’s contact was working at, and it’s part of the broader ecosystem of car-focused media teams. The name matters here because it frames how the host recruits co-presenters and builds channels.
Top Dead Center
Top Dead Center is the name of a new YouTube channel they launched. In this segment, it’s mainly about who they teamed up and how the channel did afterward.
All the Gear
They’re talking about a YouTube channel called “All the Gear.” It’s mainly about going on trips and adventures, using cars as part of the story.
buying crap cars
They’re basically saying they use rough, unreliable cars on purpose. The car problems and surprises become the entertainment, so they don’t have to plan every detail.
breakdowns
They keep talking about “breakdowns,” meaning the car might stop working during the trip. Their whole plan includes dealing with that as part of the journey.
vlog camera
They mention a “vlog camera,” which is the camera they use to film while they’re traveling. It helps them record what happens in real time, not just planned scenes.
pop the bonnet
“Pop the bonnet” just means lifting the hood so you can look under it. People do it when they think something might be wrong with the car.
road trip planning
Road-trip planning is figuring out where you’re going and when, plus having a backup plan. If the car has issues, you often have to change the route quickly.
puncture
A puncture is when a tire gets damaged and loses air, often from road debris. In a road-trip or filming context, it forces an immediate stop and changes the planned route and schedule.
BMW E21 316
This is an older BMW 3 Series from the early days (the E21). The “316” usually means it had a smaller engine than the bigger BMWs in that same generation, and in this story it was a manual car that was very rusty underneath.
BMW E21
The BMW 3 Series is a smaller BMW car that’s meant to be comfortable but still fun to drive. The podcast talks about an older 1970s version (the E21 316) with a manual gearbox. That’s the kind of car people often keep because it’s simple and enjoyable.
identify cars from rear lights
Some cars have very recognizable back lights. If you practice looking at the shape and design, you can often guess the make/model even when you only see a quick flash on screen.
car chases in TV/movies
In movies and TV, the cars used in chase scenes aren’t always the exact right model. Car fans watch closely because small details can give away when something doesn’t match what it’s supposed to be.
1995 Ford Escort 1.6 LX
This is a 1995 Ford Escort, a small car that was popular in the UK. “1.6 LX” basically means it has a 1.6-liter engine and a certain equipment level. It’s the kind of car people often use as a first car because it’s straightforward to own.
tow bar
A tow bar is the hitch on the back of a car that lets you pull a trailer. Some people think cars with tow bars have been used for more “serious” jobs, so they may look for signs of wear.
classic mini
They’re talking about a classic Mini, the famous small British car. It’s a car people often keep and care about, so damaging its bumper upset the owner. It’s an example of how everyday driving can lead to small but memorable repairs.
Mini Classic Mini
A classic Mini is a small, old-style car made by Mini that’s known for its compact size and fun driving. In the episode, it comes up because someone bumped a friend’s Mini and dented the chrome. That shows these cars are often treated as valued classics.
Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is a performance-focused hot hatch known for strong driving dynamics and a reputation with enthusiasts. The speaker’s point is about condition and rust: buying one cheaply can still be a bad deal if the car is too far gone to restore. This is a practical “buying reality check” moment for enthusiast cars.
first gen Hyundai Coupe
They bought an early Hyundai Coupe. They liked the comfort and features—leather, a sunroof, and power windows. It’s a reminder that not every car choice is about speed; sometimes it’s about how nice it feels to live with.
Audi RS4
An Audi RS4 B7 is a sporty, higher-performance Audi RS4 model. The “RS” means it’s the fast, enthusiast-focused version, and “B7” is the generation. The host mentions it because it’s a standout car in their collection.
V8 engine
A V8 engine is an engine with eight cylinders. It’s usually found in performance cars because it can make strong power and sounds great. Here, the host is saying the engine is still impressive even if the car needs work.
car crime hotspots
A “car crime hotspot” is a place where car theft and break-ins happen more often. The host is basically saying you should be extra careful when buying a car from those areas. It’s about reducing the chance of getting a problem car.
wingback chairs
“Wingback chairs” here refers to the car’s removed seat components (a style of seat with side “wings” for support). The host notes they were taken out because they’re valuable, and that they need to source replacement seats. This is a useful reminder that interior parts can be expensive and sometimes get swapped out.
marketplace
“Marketplace” refers to online listings where parts and cars are bought and sold. The host mentions it to explain how removed interior parts (like the wingback seats) are resold. This is relevant to listeners because it affects how you might source replacements and what parts availability/cost can look like.
four PSI on the rear tyre
“PSI” is pounds per square inch, a unit used to measure tire pressure. Having “four PSI” in the rear tires would indicate extremely low pressure, which can cause poor handling, overheating, and accelerated tire wear. The host uses it to highlight the car’s poor condition when purchased.
stone cold
“Stone cold” just means the car is fully cold, not warmed up. It’s useful because some checks and fixes are easier and more accurate when everything hasn’t been heated by driving.
pumped up the tyre
Pumping up the tyre means adding air to the tires. Correct tire pressure helps the car handle right and ride safely.
battery was so nailed
They’re saying the battery was basically dead. That can stop the car from starting even if the engine itself is fine.
VW campervan
A VW campervan is a Volkswagen van that’s set up for camping. It usually has space to sleep and live in, and “fully restored” means it’s been rebuilt and fixed up properly.
1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a classic luxury car from the UK. A 1971 example is from the early “modern classic” period, and it’s famous for being comfortable and elegant.
Bentley eight
The Bentley Eight is a classic Bentley luxury car. It’s the “Eight” model, and it’s known for being a stylish, comfortable old-school grand tourer.
Jaguar Mark
The Jaguar Mark I is an older Jaguar car from the classic era, made to look stylish and feel comfortable. The podcast mentions Jaguar restoration work, which is common with cars like this because they’re old and need careful upkeep. It’s the kind of vehicle people keep as a project or hobby.
Jaguar Mark 10
The Jaguar Mark 10 is a classic Jaguar luxury car. Since it’s being restored, it likely needs work to get it running and looking right again.
Discovery four
A Land Rover Discovery is an SUV. “Discovery four” is a specific generation, and the host is saying their Discovery 4 is missing its engine right now and they’re installing a replacement soon.
engine swap / "no engine" project
An engine swap means replacing the engine so the car can run again. If the car has “no engine,” it’s basically in the middle of a big repair or restoration job.
Land Rover Range Rover
This is a Range Rover (the L322 generation) with a 4.2-liter engine that’s supercharged. A supercharger helps the engine feel punchier, especially at lower speeds.
309 GTI
The Peugeot 309 GTI is an older “hot hatch” that enthusiasts like. “GTI” usually means it’s the sportier version of the car. People often keep them because they’re fun to drive and have a classic vibe.
Alpha 156 GTA
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA is a sportier, higher-performance version of the 156. “GTA” usually means it’s the more powerful, enthusiast-focused trim. People like it for how it drives and its personality.
E39 M5
The BMW E39 M5 is the M5 from the late-1990s/early-2000s era, famous for its V8 performance and balanced chassis. The E39 generation is often remembered as one of the more driver-focused M5s. Mentioning it alongside other enthusiast cars signals it’s part of a serious collection.
G31 530 diesel touring
The BMW G31 530d Touring is the wagon version of the 5 Series in the G31 generation, typically powered by a diesel engine (the “530 diesel” wording). “Touring” indicates the estate body style, and the speaker frames it as a practical daily driver that’s quiet and capable. This is a contrast to their more collectible, modified cars.
DVLA
DVLA is the UK government office that deals with vehicle registration and licensing. They send notices about things like vehicle tax. If you own multiple cars, you have to keep up with all those admin items.
tax
In the UK context, “tax” here refers to vehicle tax (commonly called road tax) that must be paid to legally keep a car on the road. The speaker’s point is that with many cars, the recurring tax/notice cycle becomes a major administrative burden. It’s a practical ownership consideration beyond the mechanical side.
Honda Monkey
The Honda Monkey is a tiny motorcycle that’s easy to ride and really popular with enthusiasts. People often modify them because they’re simple and parts are widely available.
GSXR 750
The GSX-R 750 is a sport motorcycle from Suzuki. People take it to the track because it’s fast and handles well, and they usually add track-focused upgrades.
Daytona 675
The Triumph Daytona 675 is a middleweight supersport motorcycle known for its sharp handling and strong, rev-friendly inline-three-cylinder engine. It’s often chosen as a road bike because it balances performance with everyday usability compared to larger superbikes.
Mercedes SL560
The Mercedes-Benz SL 560 is a luxury grand tourer (SL) with a V8 and a focus on comfort and style. The speaker mentions an American import and “big heart to heart bumpers,” which suggests a specific bumper/trim setup that can affect parts sourcing and fitment.
the SL shop
The “SL shop” sounds like a specialist place that focuses on Mercedes SL cars. Going to a specialist can make it easier to find the right parts and plan upgrades.
restoration / parts sourcing from a specialist yard
This is basically a “get the right parts together” approach. By going to a specialist, you can find many of the pieces you need in one place, which helps the project go smoother.
suspension kit
A suspension kit is an upgrade for the car’s ride and handling. It can make the car feel more stable and comfortable, depending on what parts are included.
wheels
Wheels are the rims and they can change how the car looks and how it drives. Different wheels can also change what tires fit correctly.
Euro bumpers
“Euro bumpers” means changing the car’s bumpers to the European version. Different countries have different rules and designs, so the swap can require other matching parts too.
Euro lights
“Euro lights” means replacing the car’s lights with the European versions. They can look different and may need extra work to fit and function correctly.
roof
The “roof” here probably means the convertible top. Replacing it isn’t just cosmetic—it needs to fit well and seal properly so the car stays weatherproof.
six-speed manual gearbox swap
A six-speed manual gearbox swap is when you change the car so it uses a manual transmission instead of the original setup. It’s not just the shifter—you usually need a bunch of related parts to make it work properly.
throttle bodies
Throttle bodies control the amount of air the engine can breathe. Changing them can help the engine respond better and sometimes make more power.
Mitsubishi Delica
The Mitsubishi Delica is a practical vehicle that can be used like a family van and, in many versions, it can also handle rougher roads. In the episode, the speaker mentions having one and liking it. That usually points to it being useful day-to-day and for trips.
Mitsubishi Got Mitsubishi
The podcast mentions “Mitsubishi GT” in the same breath as the speaker’s Delica, but it doesn’t give enough detail to say exactly which specific model/trim it is. What we can say is that it’s a Mitsubishi they own or talk about. The mention is mainly about their personal car collection.
Recovery truck (winched)
A recovery truck is what you call when a car can’t be driven anymore. They use a winch to pull the car onto the truck so it can be taken away for repair or disposal.
Restomod
A restomod is an older car that’s been fixed up and improved with newer upgrades, so it’s nicer and easier to live with. The speaker is basically saying their situation didn’t turn into a “properly improved” project—it just ended.
Overlanding
Overlanding means taking a vehicle on long trips, often through rough or remote places, and being prepared to handle problems along the way. The host used several different cars for these adventure trips.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a tough 4-wheel-drive vehicle made for rough roads and off-road trips. The “4.2 diesel” version uses a diesel engine that’s good for pulling and steady driving. The episode mentions it because someone rescued and kept an older one running.
LLF Games
LLF Games is the organization the host partners with for a raffle. They describe giving away a car as part of a promotion, where someone can win it for a very small amount.
Raffle (win a car for like a pound)
They’re talking about a raffle where people can enter for a tiny amount and win a car. It’s basically a fundraising giveaway, not a normal car sale.
Renault 5
The Renault 5 is a small hatchback car. The “GT turbo” version is the faster, sportier model with a turbocharged engine. In the episode, it’s mentioned because someone had one and offered it.
winched onto the truck
This means the car is pulled onto a tow truck using a winch. It usually happens when the car can’t just drive away on its own.
storage unit
A storage unit is where you keep a car when you don’t want it parked at home or on the street. It can help protect the car, but you still have to pay for it and manage the logistics.
parts car
A parts car is a car you keep so you can take good parts off it. Instead of fixing the whole car, you use it like a source of replacement parts for another one.
repo man
The “repo man” is who comes to take a car back if the payments aren’t being made. The hosts are imagining what would happen if someone tried to take their stored cars.
E46 M3 touring
This is a BMW M3, but in the wagon/estate “touring” body style. It’s a practical family car that still feels quick and fun to drive.
V6 MX-5
This is a Mazda MX-5 that’s been modified with a V6 engine. People do this to make the little roadster feel much stronger while still keeping it fun and nimble.
0-60
“0-60” is how fast a car can go from standing still to 60 miles per hour. It’s a simple way to compare how quickly cars accelerate.
fantasy drive
They’re doing a game where you imagine your perfect drive—where you’d go, what you’d listen to, and what car you’d be in. It’s more about your vibe and preferences than technical details.
Cadillac Fleetwood
The Cadillac Fleetwood is a large, comfortable luxury car made by Cadillac. It’s the kind of vehicle people associate with classic, old-school comfort. The podcast mentions it briefly while discussing other topics.
swap places
They’re talking about switching drivers so each person can experience the car from the driver’s seat. It’s a simple way to compare how the car feels and how easy it is to drive.
Adrian Flux
Adrian Flux is an insurance company/broker that helps people get car (and other) insurance that fits their exact situation. Instead of a generic policy, they try to match the coverage to the vehicle you have.
specialist insurance broker
A specialist insurance broker is someone who helps you find insurance that actually matches the kind of vehicle you own. They usually know more about enthusiast cars and can help you avoid coverage gaps.