S11 Ep7: Iwan Thomas: I've had some silly cars in my time!

“Not shifting” is a reference to a car that doesn’t require manual gear changes. It usually implies an automatic or automated transmission, where the car handles gear selection for you.

The Lamborghini Huracán is a modern-era Lamborghini supercar built for high performance and driver-focused dynamics. It’s often discussed because it’s one of the brand’s most accessible “real-world” supercars while still delivering extreme speed and power. The podcast context frames it as a big enthusiast move—going “silly” and buying one.

The Ford F1 is a classic full-size pickup from Ford’s F-Series lineup, and in this episode it’s described as a 76-year-old example (pointing to a mid-century truck). What makes it notable here is the mention of air suspension (“on air rides”) and being “slammed to the ground,” which turns a work-truck platform into a low, show-style stance car.

“Air rides” refers to air suspension, where airbags replace traditional steel springs. It lets the driver raise or lower the truck for comfort or a dramatic “slammed” look, because ride height is controlled by air pressure.

“Slammed to the ground” describes an extremely low ride height, usually achieved with adjustable suspension (like air suspension). Enthusiasts do it for aesthetics and stance, but it can reduce ground clearance and make everyday driving harder.

“Patina” is the worn, aged look a car gets over time—often from rust, sun fading, and general use. In this episode, they’re saying the rust is intentional/used as a visual effect, not necessarily neglect.

A “Chevy 5.7 small block” refers to Chevrolet’s small-block V8 family, specifically the 5.7-liter displacement. These engines are popular in hot-rodding because they’re widely supported with aftermarket parts and are relatively straightforward to modify.

“Supercharged” means the engine uses a forced-induction system (a supercharger) to push more air into the cylinders. More air generally allows more fuel to be burned, which can significantly increase power compared with the same engine naturally aspirated.

A “twin-carb set up” uses two carburetors to feed fuel/air mixture to the engine, often to improve throttle response and tuning flexibility on older V8s. The “tunnel ram” style intake (described here as “tunnel round”) is a high-rise intake design that can support high airflow for performance builds.

“Spits flames” refers to visible exhaust flames, usually caused by unburned fuel igniting in the exhaust system. It’s often associated with aggressive tuning (like carb/ignition changes) and can be a sign of a setup that prioritizes showy behavior over strict emissions control.

“Right-hand drive” conversion means changing the steering position and related controls so the driver sits on the right side of the car. This is common when importing vehicles from markets that drive on the left/right, but it’s also a major fabrication/electronics/controls job on a custom build.

A “digital dash” replaces traditional analog gauges with electronic displays. It can show more information and be easier to integrate with modern engine management, especially in a restomod-style conversion.

“Carbon-fiber” is a lightweight composite material made from carbon strands in a resin matrix. In car builds, it’s used to reduce weight and can also be used for interior panels or trim to give a modern, race-inspired look.

The Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 is a hot hatch built around a punchy 1.9-liter engine and a lightweight, tossable chassis that became a classic “driver’s car.” It’s especially known for its character and tuning-friendly platform, which is why people still rebuild and modify them today.

The Peugeot 205 CTI is a hot-hatch version of the Peugeot 205, built for drivers who wanted something small but fun and quick. It’s significant because the 205 platform became a benchmark for engaging driving in its class. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a purchase that “ate” the money, showing how desirable it was to the speaker.

An “MI-16 engine swap” means replacing the original engine in a car with the MI-16 powerplant from another Peugeot model. Enthusiasts do it to change the engine’s character and performance potential, often paired with additional fueling and intake changes.

A “dimmer kit” is an aftermarket lighting control add-on that lets you adjust the brightness of interior or dashboard lights. In this context, it’s being imported from Belgium and modified, suggesting the speaker is tailoring the car’s lighting/appearance.

“Rest on mod” appears to be the speaker’s shorthand for a restomod-style approach—keeping the original car’s identity while modifying it with modern or different performance parts. The point is to preserve the feel/looks while improving drivability or capability.

The Opel Astra is a compact car line that’s commonly associated with everyday practicality and, in some versions, sporty driving. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned in a “boy racing” anecdote, which suggests the Astra can show up in enthusiast or racing-style stories. That kind of mention usually points to how common and adaptable the platform is.

The host contrasts older, more accessible engines with “modern engines” that are harder to reach for DIY work. Modern engines often have more packaging, covers, and integrated systems, which can make routine tinkering less straightforward.

A “fan belt” is a belt that drives accessories (commonly the cooling fan and/or other engine-driven components) on many older vehicles. Replacing or changing it is a basic mechanical job that comes up more often on belt-driven setups than on newer systems.

The speaker is talking about the classic Mini, a small British car known for its go-kart-like handling and compact packaging. In this era, the Mini’s layout and size made it feel very “driver-focused” compared with modern cars.

The Audi RS6 is a high-performance wagon/sedan built around a powerful turbocharged engine and fast, confident road manners. Here, the host says the “new RS6” didn’t excite them because it “looked after” them too well—suggesting it felt too composed and not as emotionally engaging or loud as they wanted.

“Electric cars” are vehicles powered primarily by electric motors and a battery pack, rather than a gasoline engine. In this segment, the hosts use the idea to discuss how modern EVs can feel similar across brands.

Audi is a German car brand used here as an example of how EVs can look and feel interchangeable across manufacturers. The point is that removing brand badges makes it harder to tell which company built the car.

“4x4” means the vehicle can drive all four wheels, typically via a drivetrain that sends power to both the front and rear axles. In EV comparisons, it’s used as a shorthand for similar capability across different brands.

Kia is a Korean car brand referenced alongside Audi to illustrate how EVs can converge in design and packaging. The hosts argue that badge removal would make a Kia EV difficult to distinguish from an Audi EV.

A “skateboard chassis” is an EV platform where the battery pack sits low in the floor, with motors and other components mounted around it. This architecture can make EVs from different brands feel more similar because the underlying structure is shared.

Tesla is an electric-vehicle brand known for making EVs that feel easy to live with day to day. In this segment, the host mentions having a Tesla for three years and emphasizes how dependable it felt.

Range anxiety is the worry that an electric car won’t have enough battery charge to reach the next destination or charging station. It’s especially common when routes are uncertain or charging infrastructure is less convenient.

The Ford Fiesta is a long-running Ford supermini/compact car line that’s especially popular in Europe. In this story, it’s mentioned as the kind of car that would be offered to the athlete as part of a contract or deal.

The Ford Escort 1.6 GL is a classic Ford compact from the Escort line, known for being a common, affordable car in the UK. The “1.6” refers to the engine displacement (1.6 liters), and “GL” is a trim level that typically indicates a more equipped version than the base models.

The Ford Probe is a late-1990s Ford model that’s often remembered as a mid-size/compact coupe with mixed reviews. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a “not good” car from the era of late-90s Fords.

The Ford Puma is a small Ford crossover-style model (often discussed as a compact, sporty option) that appeared in the late 1990s/early 2000s. The speaker lists it as part of the late-90s Ford lineup they’re thinking of.

The Ford Cougar is a Ford model name used for a compact coupe/crossover-like vehicle in the late 1990s. It’s mentioned here as another example of the “late 90s Fords” lineup the speaker is trying to recall.

The Ford Mondeo ST24 refers to a performance-oriented trim of the Ford Mondeo, with “ST” typically indicating a sportier setup than the base model. In this segment it’s mentioned as a step up that the speaker found “good,” alongside comments about the car’s chassis feel.

The Lotus Elise is a lightweight British sports car known for its compact, minimalist layout and go-kart-like driving feel. It’s especially famous for being small and low, which makes fitting taller drivers a real talking point—like the host describing using the roof-off setup and a “little pedal” to make it work.

“Burn a bit of smoke” is a casual way to describe visible smoke from the engine/exhaust, often indicating oil burning, fuel/combustion issues, or other engine problems. In this context it’s part of a chain of failures (exhaust detaching, then smoke), reinforcing the reliability/maintenance theme.

“Exhaust fell off” describes a failure where the exhaust system separates or detaches from its mounts, which can happen due to corrosion, broken hangers, or loose connections. It’s a concrete mechanical issue that supports the host’s point that the TVR was having frequent problems.

Malmsbury is a town in Wiltshire, England, mentioned here as the location where the host went for service work. It’s relevant because the host ties the visit to specific dealers (a TVR dealer and a Subaru dealer), making it part of the ownership story.

Wiltshire is a county in southwest England, and it’s used here to further locate Malmsbury. The mention supports the “dealer visit” narrative rather than introducing a technical automotive concept.

Brake discs (rotors) and brake pads are the wear items that create stopping power. Pads clamp onto the spinning disc to slow the car down, and both typically need periodic replacement as friction material wears and rotors age. The speaker mentions replacing them as the reason for visiting a Japanese import place.

“EVO” refers to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a rally-inspired performance car known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. In this segment, the speaker’s import shop had an EVO described as a “Tommy Macken” limited edition. That’s a specific special-edition variant of the Evolution line.

Brake pads are the friction material that clamps against the brake rotors to slow the car down. The speaker mentions budgeting for brake pads and discs, which is a common “wear item” cost when owning a car that gets driven hard.

Richard Burns was a British rally driver best known for winning the World Rally Championship in 2001. When the speaker says their mates thought they were “literally Richard Burns,” they’re referencing rally-level driving credibility and pace.

Derbyshire is a county in England, and “lanes” here means narrow rural roads with lots of bends. The speaker uses it to set the scene for the kind of driving where a car’s grip and balance make you feel confident.

The Jaguar XKR is a performance grand tourer from Jaguar, known for its powerful supercharged V8 and comfortable long-distance cruising. In the 1990s, it was a popular “fast but usable” style of car, mixing muscle with touring comfort.

“21-inch wheels” refers to the wheel diameter, which typically goes along with lower-profile tires for a sportier look and sharper steering feel. Larger wheels can improve appearance, but they may also make ride quality harsher and increase sensitivity to potholes.

Split rims are wheel designs made from multiple rim sections rather than a single one-piece wheel. They were more common historically and can be more complex to mount and maintain, and they’re also associated with safety concerns if not serviced correctly.

TVR is a British sports-car brand known for loud, characterful engines and lightweight, driver-focused cars. In this segment, the host is talking about going back to TVR ownership and the costs of keeping one running.

Coventry is a UK city in the Midlands, and it’s mentioned here as the location of the TVR Power service facility. For enthusiasts, knowing where specialists are located matters because niche cars often require brand-specific expertise.

“Every 6,000 miles” refers to a maintenance interval—how frequently the car needs scheduled service. In this context, the speaker is emphasizing that the TVR required service very often, which drove up ownership costs.

An engine rebuild is a major overhaul where worn internal parts are replaced or restored to bring the engine back to proper operating condition. The speaker says the shop warned that an engine rebuild would be needed soon, which is a significant and expensive ownership risk.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch built around a sporty, driver-focused setup. It’s known for balancing everyday usability with sharper steering and performance than a standard Golf.

The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size family car, and the speaker specifies it as a diesel. Diesel versions were popular in Europe for their fuel economy, though the exact engine generation isn’t stated here.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact-to-midsize sedan that’s typically discussed as a practical, everyday car rather than a performance icon. It may come up in the podcast because the speaker is recalling a loaner or rental experience and is unsure whether it was a Jetta or a Passat. That kind of mention usually points to comfort, usability, and how the car fits into daily driving.

The Volkswagen Golf TDI is a Golf fitted with a turbocharged diesel engine (TDI stands for turbocharged direct injection). Compared with a gasoline GTI, it’s typically tuned more for torque and efficiency than outright peak power.

The John Cooper Works (JCW) Mini is a performance-focused version of the Mini hatchback, tuned for more power and sharper driving feel than a standard model. In this story, the key detail is the supercharger, which helps deliver strong boost quickly and creates a distinctive, loud intake/supercharger sound.

A supercharger is an engine-mounted forced-induction device that compresses incoming air before it reaches the engine. The “wind” refers to the audible whine/whistle that many superchargers produce, especially under boost, which is why the host describes it as loud and strange.

Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, England, used here as the location where the host found the Mini. It’s part of the “buying a car from someone else” story rather than a technical automotive reference.

Leeds is a major city in West Yorkshire, England, referenced as the destination where the seller was located. The host describes traveling there to complete the purchase, which is relevant to the buying process but not to vehicle engineering.

Auto Trader is a UK used-car listing platform where private sellers and dealers advertise vehicles. Here it’s mentioned as the channel the host used to find the Mini before traveling to buy it.

The Audi R8 is a mid-engine supercar built by Audi, known for its performance-focused layout and everyday usability. In this segment, the host also mentions it as a V8 and manual, which points to the classic R8 driving experience rather than a later V10 automatic setup.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It’s a common performance configuration because it can produce strong power and smooth torque delivery compared with smaller cylinder counts.

A drive shaft is the rotating shaft that transfers power from the transmission to the differential/axles. If it fails, the car can lose propulsion and may require expensive drivetrain repairs.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is a performance version of the C-Class, known for its big V8 sound and aggressive driving feel. In this segment, the host specifically mentions a “straight pipe” setup, which changes the exhaust note and how loud the car sounds. They also describe a wide-body conversion, which is a common visual mod to make the car look more track-focused.

A “straight pipe” is an exhaust modification that removes restrictive mufflers/catalyst components (or replaces them with straight tubing), allowing exhaust gases to flow more freely. The result is usually a louder, sharper sound and less backpressure than a stock exhaust. It’s a common enthusiast mod, but it can also make the car louder than legal limits in some areas.

A wide body conversion is a bodywork modification that adds wider fenders/arches (often with matching bumpers) to increase the car’s visual stance and sometimes allow wider wheels/tires. It’s frequently done to mimic the look of factory “wide track” or track-focused variants. In this segment, it’s used to make the C63 AMG resemble the visual theme of a Black Series-style car.

“Black Series” is Mercedes-AMG’s performance sub-brand/trim identity used for especially track-oriented, visually aggressive versions of certain AMG models. The host is saying their modified C63 AMG looked like that Black Series styling, even though it wasn’t actually one. It’s a reference to a specific AMG design language rather than a generic color name.

Spa refers to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, a famous road course with long straights and heavy braking zones. The host’s “phenomenal” drive there highlights how well a car like the C63 can feel on a high-speed, flowing track.

“C63 Black” refers to a Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 variant, known for its big, punchy V8 character and aggressive exhaust note. In this segment, the host links it to the era when the C63 still used a larger naturally aspirated engine before downsizing and adding turbocharging.

Engine capacity is the engine’s displacement, typically measured in liters, which roughly indicates how much air/fuel the engine can move. The host says the car was “before they reduced the engine capacity,” meaning later versions used smaller-displacement engines.

“Turbos” are turbochargers, which use exhaust gases to spin a turbine and force more air into the engine. Adding turbos is a common way to maintain or increase power after reducing engine capacity (downsizing).

“Smokiest” and “slidiest” are enthusiast descriptions of how a car behaves when pushed—smoke often comes from unburned fuel or oil during aggressive driving, while “slidiest” points to easy traction breakaway and oversteer/slide behavior. The host is describing the C63 as particularly dramatic on track.

“One careful owner” is a used-car marketing phrase meaning the car was owned by a single person and presumably driven and maintained with care. It’s often used to suggest lower wear and a cleaner ownership history.

In car buying, a warranty is the manufacturer’s (or dealer’s) promise to cover certain repairs for a set time or mileage. Here, the speaker sold a car because they only had one year of warranty left and didn’t want to risk a large repair bill.

“Huge bill” here is shorthand for the financial risk of expensive out-of-warranty repairs. The speaker connects it to a prior issue (referenced as “what happened with the RA”) and decides to sell to avoid that kind of cost.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (often called the G-Wagon) is a rugged, boxy luxury SUV known for combining off-road capability with high-end comfort. It’s discussed because it’s built to be practical and capable, yet still feels premium. The podcast frames it as a sensible choice that still delivers performance—“practicality and performance wrapped.”

“G-Wagon” is the common nickname for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a boxy, rugged off-road SUV. The speaker contrasts it with the Lamborghini, saying the G-Wagon was “great” but not as good for the specific vibe/attention they were describing.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck built for work and everyday driving, known for strong practicality and off-road capability. It often comes up in car conversations because it’s a popular choice for people who want a truck that can handle real-world use. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside other performance cars, highlighting how the Ranger can still be part of a “car enthusiast” lineup.

A rev limiter is an engine control feature that prevents the engine from spinning faster than a safe maximum RPM. The host implies it reduces the “thrill” because the engine’s top-end behavior gets cut off electronically.

“Traction off” refers to disabling a car’s traction control system, which normally reduces wheel spin by adjusting engine power and/or braking individual wheels. Turning it off can make a car feel more “free,” but it also increases the chance of losing grip and crashing, especially for less experienced drivers.

The Mercedes EQB is an electric compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz, part of their EQ lineup. The speaker’s point is about switching to an EV (and the practical, grown-up angle of choosing it).

The Lamborghini Aventador SV is a high-performance, naturally aspirated V12 supercar known for extreme power and track-focused tuning. The speaker calls it their biggest regret because they were offered one years ago, but it was too expensive at the time—and now prices have skyrocketed.

“V12” describes an engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a V shape, and “old V12s” here means the classic, older generation of V12-powered cars. The host’s point is that these engines have a distinctive sound that’s hard to replicate as the industry moves toward electric power.

“Going electrical” refers to the shift from internal-combustion engines to electric drivetrains (EVs). The host is arguing that if the future is electric, then older, high-character cars—especially V12s—may become the ones people want to buy or collect now.

The speaker is describing how the suspension geometry/behavior makes the car feel unstable or “off,” changing how the wheels contact the road. In practice, suspension setup affects ride height, how the car compresses over bumps, and how predictable the steering feels.

“Flattened” here is about how much the suspension can compress and keep the car level under load. If the suspension is too high or has limited usable travel, the car can feel like it’s constantly fighting the road, which can also make steering feel heavy or twitchy.

“Aired out” usually refers to using air suspension to lower or raise the car by adjusting air pressure. When it’s set very high, the vehicle can feel top-heavy and require constant steering input to stay on line.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 is a performance version of the C-Class, known for its strong V8 power and driver-focused feel. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a car the speaker would keep or return to, implying it’s a “serious” option compared with a more playful weekend car.

“Twin turbo” means a forced-induction setup using two turbochargers to pack more air into the engine, allowing higher power than naturally aspirated versions. The idea is to increase output, but it also adds complexity and can raise maintenance and tuning demands.

The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar known for its dramatic styling and iconic wedge shape. It’s frequently discussed because it represents a defining era of Lamborghini design and has become a collector favorite. The podcast mention is more of a name-drop, reflecting how instantly recognizable the Countach is to car enthusiasts.

The Alps are a mountain region in Europe known for dramatic roads with lots of elevation change and sweeping corners. They’re a popular mental image for “real driver’s routes” because the scenery and road layout make driving feel more engaging.

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is a high-performance supercar known for its naturally aspirated V12 engine and track-focused aero package. People often associate it with loud, aggressive exhaust behavior—like “pop bangs” and crackles—especially when driving in certain throttle/engine-decay conditions.

“Pop bangs and crackles” are the audible exhaust sounds some performance cars make, often when the engine is transitioning between throttle states. They’re typically caused by unburned fuel and/or combustion events occurring in the exhaust system during overrun (lift-off) conditions.