Steve Strope’s Martini-inspired Mustang and what happened when Matt helped film a TV commercial with actor James Franco?
About this episode
Steve Strope shares his creative process behind building a Martini-inspired Mustang, blending vintage racing aesthetics with modern engineering. The episode also features a humorous recount of Matt's experience filming a Gucci commercial with actor James Franco, highlighting the challenges of driving a vintage car on set. The conversation touches on car modifications, the intricacies of filming, and the unique stories behind custom builds, making it a captivating listen for automotive enthusiasts.
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Shelby Cobra
"...ming in out there. We strategically finished the Cobra in ample enough time for me to drive it two or th..."
The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car that is very light and super fast. It's famous for its racing history and is highly sought after by collectors.
The Shelby Cobra is a legendary sports car that combines British design with American muscle, known for its lightweight construction and powerful V8 engine. Introduced in the 1960s, it has become a symbol of performance and racing heritage, often discussed in the context of classic car collecting and motorsport.
Cobra
"...now we're just dialing the Cobra. I know we got onto this a lot last week..."
The Cobra is a special version of the Ford Mustang that is designed for high performance. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it faster and more fun to drive.
The Ford Cobra is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It is often associated with racing and performance driving, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
five-speed transmission
"...you got the new five-speed transmission. That's got to have a new first gear compared to your four-speed..."
A five-speed transmission is a system in a car that helps it change gears. It has five different options for gears, which can help the car go faster or save fuel compared to a car with fewer gears.
A five-speed transmission is a type of manual or automatic gearbox that allows the driver to select from five different gear ratios, improving performance and fuel efficiency compared to a four-speed transmission. This additional gear can provide better acceleration and higher top speeds.
rear gear ratio
"...so that's going to change your rear ratio, right? The rear end gear ratio."
The rear gear ratio is a number that shows how many times the driveshaft turns for each turn of the wheels. It helps determine how fast a car can go and how quickly it can speed up.
The rear gear ratio refers to the ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear to the number of teeth on the pinion gear in the rear differential. It affects acceleration, top speed, and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. A higher ratio typically provides better acceleration but lower top speed, while a lower ratio offers higher top speed but slower acceleration.
ring and pinion
"...change the ring and pinion. I got some axle seal leaking issues, so we'll rectify the entire rear end when we have it."
The ring and pinion are special gears in the car's rear end that help turn the wheels. They play a big role in how fast the car can go and how quickly it can speed up.
The ring and pinion are gears in the differential that transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. They are crucial for determining the vehicle's gear ratio, which affects acceleration and top speed.
shocks and springs
"You saw the new shocks and springs and just stuff around it."
Shocks and springs are parts of a car's suspension that help it ride smoothly. Shocks control how the car moves up and down, while springs support the car's weight and help it absorb bumps.
Shocks and springs are critical components of a vehicle's suspension system. Shocks dampen the impact of bumps and irregularities in the road, while springs support the weight of the vehicle and absorb shocks from the road surface.
NASCAR
"Hey, shaking these cars down, shaking the car down is a lot easier when you have a NASCAR motor in it that rumbles the frickin' car at idle so much that before you even go out"
NASCAR is a racing series in America where cars race on oval tracks. The cars are designed for speed and have very powerful engines.
NASCAR refers to the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is a popular motorsport organization in the United States. The cars used in NASCAR racing are specially built for high performance and speed, often featuring powerful engines and aerodynamic designs.
Ford Bronco
"Yeah. Whistling on gauge is a Bronco, right? Because it was roll bar, this light bar."
The Ford Bronco is a tough-looking SUV that can handle rough terrain like dirt roads and mountains. It's popular because many people love taking it on adventures, and it has a long history that makes it special.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. Originally introduced in the 1960s, it has become an iconic symbol of adventure and exploration, often discussed for its nostalgic appeal and recent revival in the automotive market.
Nitto
"...Nitto and Harry Kong has been friends of ours for an extremely long period of time, and every vehicle that I have has Nittos on it."
Nitto makes tires that help cars grip the road better, especially for racing or off-road driving.
Nitto is a well-known tire manufacturer that specializes in high-performance tires for various types of vehicles, including sports cars and trucks.
Goodyear
"...I wanted the old nostalgic, you know, white-letter, Goodyear look."
Goodyear makes tires that are used on many cars and trucks, and some of their tires have white letters on the side, which is a classic look.
Goodyear is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of tires for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The 'white-letter' look refers to the design of the tire's sidewall lettering.
tire size 26, 10.5, 15
"...they may have something very close, size-wise, to the 26, 10.5, 15 in the rear."
Tire sizes tell you how big the tire is and what kind of wheels it can fit on. For example, '26' means it's 26 inches tall.
The tire size '26, 10.5, 15' refers to the dimensions of the tire. The first number indicates the tire's diameter in inches, the second number indicates the width in inches, and the last number indicates the diameter of the wheel the tire fits.
325-50-15
"They got, they got a, it's a 325, 325-50-15. Okay."
'325-50-15' is a way to describe a tire's size. The first number tells you how wide the tire is, the second number shows how tall the tire's side is compared to its width, and the last number is the size of the wheel it fits on.
The term '325-50-15' refers to a specific tire size. The first number (325) indicates the tire's width in millimeters, the second number (50) is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width, and the last number (15) is the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire fits.
275-60-15 tire
"And the front, he suggested a 275-60-15, and I wanted to go with the 50-15 because I wanted to match up the sidewalls, but we ordered both..."
Tire sizes are important for how a car drives and feels. The numbers tell you how wide the tire is, how tall the sidewall is compared to the width, and what size wheel it fits on.
The '275-60-15' refers to a specific tire size, where '275' is the width in millimeters, '60' is the aspect ratio (the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width), and '15' is the diameter of the wheel in inches. This size affects the handling and ride quality of the vehicle.
quick jack
"Well, you know, you've got the lifts and the quick jack and stuff over there."
A quick jack is a tool that helps lift cars off the ground so you can work on them easily. It's handy for changing tires or doing repairs.
A quick jack is a type of portable car lift that allows users to lift their vehicles quickly and safely for maintenance or repairs. It's especially useful for enthusiasts who work on their cars at home.
ride height
"Lower the car down, get it, get it to about ride height, put the tires on the ground, you know, and just kind of see..."
Ride height is how high the car sits off the ground. It's important for making sure the car can drive over bumps without getting stuck or damaged.
Ride height refers to the distance between the ground and the lowest point of a vehicle's chassis. It's an important measurement for ensuring that the vehicle has adequate clearance and handling characteristics.
turning radius
"...just to see turning radius, just kind of how it used to give you a quick idea."
Turning radius is how tight a car can turn. A smaller turning radius means the car can make sharper turns, which is useful in parking or navigating narrow streets.
Turning radius is the smallest circular turn that a vehicle can make. It's a crucial factor in determining how maneuverable a car is, especially in tight spaces.
Ferrari 330
"...even, I think one of the Ferraris, the 330, like took that to Leno's garage..."
The Ferrari 330 is a classic sports car made by Ferrari in the 1960s. It's famous for its beautiful design and strong engine, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ferrari 330 is a series of sports cars produced by Ferrari in the 1960s, known for their elegant design and powerful V12 engines. They are highly sought after by collectors today.
Leno's Garage
"...took that to Leno's garage and then took two of the Lamborghinis to the..."
Leno's Garage is a place owned by comedian Jay Leno where he keeps and shows off his collection of cars. It's famous among car lovers and often appears in car shows and videos.
Leno's Garage is a well-known automotive garage owned by comedian Jay Leno, where he showcases his extensive collection of cars and motorcycles. It's a popular destination for car enthusiasts and often features in automotive media.
Lamborghini 350
"...I took the black Lamborghini 350 GT early in the morning, from the garage to Chateau Marmont to film a, it was a Gucci sunglasses commercial..."
The Lamborghini 350 GT is an older model of sports car made by Lamborghini. It has a stylish design and a strong engine, and it's considered a classic car.
The Lamborghini 350 GT is a classic grand tourer produced in the 1960s, known for its elegant design and powerful V12 engine. It was one of Lamborghini's first production models, helping to establish the brand's reputation for luxury sports cars.
Toyota Corolla
"Yeah. And then so he was like, call Corolla. Right."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's reliable and saves on gas. It's been around for a long time, so lots of people trust it to get them where they need to go without breaking down.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in history, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has been a staple in the compact car segment since its introduction in the 1960s, making it a common choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking dependable transportation.
carbureted
"I go, but, you know, it's, it's carbureted. It's got, you know, a bunch of carburetors on it."
Carbureted means the engine uses a device called a carburetor to mix air and fuel. This was how many older cars got their fuel before newer systems were invented.
Carbureted refers to an engine that uses a carburetor to mix air and fuel for combustion. This technology was common before fuel injection became the standard in modern vehicles.
throttle
"give it a little throttle. Don't worry like, don't, don't worry about, you know, like give it some, you've got to give it some throttle as you're letting out that clutch a little bit."
The throttle is a part of the engine that controls how much air goes in. When you press the gas pedal, you're opening the throttle to let in more air and make the car go faster.
The throttle controls the amount of air entering the engine, which in turn affects engine power and speed. It's typically operated by the accelerator pedal in a vehicle.
e-brake
"Uh, he ran to find, he came back in and, um, he was just like the e-brake is sticking. So I didn't even think about it. We never used the emergency brake in that car."
The e-brake, also known as the emergency brake, is a backup brake that you can use to keep the car from rolling when parked. It's usually a lever you pull up or a pedal you push down.
The e-brake, or emergency brake, is a secondary braking system in vehicles that is typically used to keep the car stationary when parked or in case of a primary brake failure. It is usually engaged by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal, and it operates independently of the main braking system.
clutch
"...to get off the clutch to, to get it to move while that break was on."
The clutch is a part of a car that helps you change gears. When you press it, it disconnects the engine from the wheels so you can shift gears smoothly.
The clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears in a manual transmission vehicle.
Mustang GTD
"Now we have it in the Mustang GTD. bit of sunset, but also like, they were filming at Chateau Marmont, but it was a driving video."
The Mustang GTD is a special version of the Ford Mustang that focuses on high performance and sporty features. It's built for those who want a powerful and exciting driving experience.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to deliver enhanced power and handling. It represents Ford's commitment to performance and innovation in the muscle car segment.
Plymouth Cuda
"I don't know exactly what. Is it a CUDA? I don't know what he's got."
The Plymouth Cuda is a classic car that looks really cool and is known for being fast. It was popular in the 70s and is now a favorite among car collectors.
The Plymouth Cuda, also known as the Barracuda, is a classic American muscle car that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, it is often discussed among collectors and enthusiasts for its iconic status and performance.
cantilever suspension
"And then he did this cantilever suspension in the rear. But years ago, this was this was in the back of the Mustang that he built."
Cantilever suspension is a special way to set up the car's suspension that helps improve how the car handles and rides. It allows for a more compact design, which can be beneficial for performance.
Cantilever suspension is a type of suspension system where one end of the spring or shock absorber is mounted to a fixed point, allowing for a more compact design. This setup can improve handling and ride quality in performance vehicles.
Ford Mustang GTD
"...rning just to get a little Now we have it in the Mustang GTD. bit of sunset, but also like, they were filming..."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a super-fast version of the regular Mustang, made to go even quicker and handle better on the road. It's part of the Mustang family but with extra features for performance lovers.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to deliver enhanced power and handling. It represents Ford's commitment to performance and innovation, often discussed in the context of modern muscle cars and their capabilities on both the road and track.
split inline Ford engine
"...this is the split indie Ford indie engine. So the intakes are way out here onto the side."
A split inline Ford engine is a type of engine where the cylinders are arranged in two rows instead of a single line. This can help make the engine smaller and more efficient.
The split inline Ford engine refers to a specific engine design where the cylinders are arranged in two rows, allowing for a more compact engine layout. This design can improve performance and efficiency in certain applications.
Classic Recreations
"...He had Classic Recreations doing this great Mustangs and stuff. And then maybe, I don't know, maybe sold the company and came back."
Classic Recreations builds new versions of old Ford Mustangs, keeping the classic look but adding modern features to make them better to drive.
Classic Recreations is a company known for creating high-quality, custom-built replicas of classic Ford Mustangs. They focus on maintaining the original aesthetics while incorporating modern performance and technology enhancements.
Chevrolet Camaro
"... 90s Mustangs, the one they're debuting is a new Camaro, like 80s, 90s Camaro. And they've got options o..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks cool and goes fast. It's been around for a long time and is often compared to other fast cars, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been a symbol of performance and style since its debut in the 1960s. Known for its powerful engines and sporty design, it often comes up in discussions about American automotive culture and competition with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...teresting. I mean, that's essentially what, what Corvette was doing before they went to the rear engine, t..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people dream of owning. It's famous for being powerful and has changed a lot over the years to become even better.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has been an American icon since its introduction in the 1950s. Known for its sleek design and powerful engines, it represents the pinnacle of American automotive engineering and is often discussed for its evolution over the years, including its transition to a mid-engine layout.
Nissan Gtr
"They're doing the transaxle. Nissan GTR, you know, transaxle, so many cars doing transaxl..."
The Nissan GT-R is a really fast sports car known for its amazing technology and speed. It's often called 'Godzilla' because it's so powerful and has a big following among car fans.
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a high-performance sports car that has gained a reputation for its advanced technology and exceptional speed since its debut in the mid-2000s. Often referred to as 'Godzilla,' it is celebrated for its engineering prowess and is frequently discussed in the context of performance cars and racing.
CarEdge
"That's why CarEdge's AI negotiator is a game changer. It contacts the dealer and does the haggling for you and it costs less than paint and gas."
CarEdge is a service that helps you buy a car by negotiating with dealers for you, making the process easier and less stressful.
CarEdge is a company that offers tools and services to help consumers navigate the car buying process, including an AI negotiator that assists in negotiating prices with dealers.
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