The Most Important Vehicle You’ve Never Heard Of — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 214
About this episode
Exploring the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV), this episode dives into its quirky history and unique design as a mail delivery vehicle. Hosts Jason Camisa and Derek Tam-Scott share personal anecdotes, including Derek's autocross experience and the surprising performance of the E-Golf against a seasoned driver. The conversation touches on the vehicle's construction, its role in the postal service, and the cultural significance of the LLV, while also highlighting its shortcomings. With humor and insight, the hosts reveal why this often-overlooked vehicle deserves more recognition.
Lucid Air
"Okay. It's a car, it's a truck, that the air is a car, it's the long life vehicle. The Grumman..."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can go really far on a single charge. It's designed to be comfortable and has a lot of cool technology inside.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that aims to compete with high-end electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S. It is notable for its impressive range, advanced technology, and spacious interior, representing a significant step forward in electric vehicle design.
Toyota Corolla
"...everything was completely fine and totally under control in my Corolla rental car, and then in a Tesla Model S."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people use because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's a popular choice for rentals and everyday driving.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It's one of the best-selling cars worldwide, often favored for its practicality and affordability.
Tesla Model
"...r control in my Corolla rental car, and then in a Tesla Model S. What kind of tire?"
Tesla Model S
"...in a Tesla Model S. What kind of tire?"
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and has a lot of cool technology. It's known for being one of the best electric cars available.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan known for its high performance, long range, and advanced technology features. It has set benchmarks in the electric vehicle market for speed and range.
autocross
"I signed up for my first local autocros. So I did an autocros a couple of years ago, a year and a half ago, in the Lotus."
Autocross is a type of car racing where you drive through a course marked by cones. It's usually done on a parking lot or track, and the goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible without hitting any cones.
Autocross is a timed competition in which drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either a sealed or unsealed surface. It's a popular motorsport that emphasizes precision driving and vehicle handling rather than outright speed.
Lotus
"...I did an autocros a couple of years ago, a year and a half ago, in the Lotus. And this is the first time I've seen one super close."
Lotus is a brand of sports cars that are known for being very light and fast. They are often used in racing because they handle really well.
Lotus is a British car manufacturer known for producing lightweight sports cars that emphasize performance and handling. Their vehicles are often used in motorsports, including autocross events.
Volkswagen Egolf
"So I brought the e-Golf and Beatrice. What say you?"
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car based on the regular Golf model. It's designed to be eco-friendly and is great for city driving because it doesn't produce any exhaust emissions.
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric version of the popular Golf hatchback, known for its practicality and efficiency. It offers a smooth driving experience and is designed for urban commuting with zero emissions.
Fredestine
"...both of the cars were on Fredestine tires..."
Fredestine makes tires that help cars grip the road better, especially during fast driving or in challenging conditions.
Fredestine is a tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires suitable for various driving conditions, including racing and performance driving.
E-Golf
"...the E-Golf was on the 18s, which means Fredestine All-Track pros, which are the performance summer tires..."
The E-Golf is a version of the Volkswagen Golf that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Volkswagen E-Golf is an electric version of the popular Golf hatchback, known for its practicality and efficiency.
performance summer tires
"...Fredestine All-Track pros, which are the performance summer tires..."
These are special tires made for better handling and speed in warm weather, but they don't work well in snow or ice.
Performance summer tires are designed for high-speed handling and grip in warm weather, providing better performance than all-season tires but are not suitable for winter conditions.
rear sway bar
"That car does now have zero, three, four motorsport, cambercaster, front control arms, and a rear sway bar."
This is a part that helps keep the car steady when going around corners, making it less likely to tip over.
A rear sway bar is a suspension component that helps reduce body roll during cornering, improving stability and handling.
RT660
"It's in it's RT660, which are 200 treadwear, very aggressive summer tire. But it's probably a little slower out of the corners, and it's rear drive, you tell me,"
The RT660 is a type of tire made for sports cars that helps them grip the road better, especially in warm weather. The '200 treadwear' means it's built to last while still providing good performance.
The RT660 is a high-performance summer tire designed for aggressive driving, featuring a 200 treadwear rating which indicates its durability and grip on the road.
rear drive
"But it's probably a little slower out of the corners, and it's rear drive, you tell me, which is faster."
Rear drive means that the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This setup can make the car handle better, especially when going fast or taking turns.
Rear drive, or rear-wheel drive (RWD), is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels, which can enhance handling and acceleration in performance driving.
ultra ac pro tires
"Those ultra ac pros were initially, when I put them on, I think I said on this podcast a couple times, they were true competitors to the pilot sport for us that I had on the car."
Ultra AC Pro tires are special tires made for sports cars that help them grip the road better. They're used by drivers who want better control and speed.
Ultra AC Pro tires are high-performance tires designed for competitive driving, offering enhanced grip and handling. They are often compared to other performance tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport.
Pilot Sport tires
"...they were true competitors to the pilot sport for us that I had on the car. Because I've driven more and more miles on those tires, they've sort of faded away."
Pilot Sport tires are a type of tire made by Michelin that are great for sports cars. They help the car handle well on the road and are good in different weather conditions.
Pilot Sport tires, manufactured by Michelin, are known for their exceptional performance in both dry and wet conditions, making them popular among sports car enthusiasts. They are designed to provide a balance of grip, comfort, and durability.
Michelin
"Michelins are unreasonably able to survive abuse in a way that no other tire I've ever encountered. Same."
Michelin is a brand that makes tires for cars. They are known for making tires that last a long time and perform well, especially in racing or sporty driving.
Michelin is a French tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires, including the Michelin Pilot Sport series. Their tires are often praised for their durability and performance in various driving conditions.
wheel spin
"Now, 3,000 miles into the front of signs, I can get wheel spin. If I'm at exactly the same time you were doing this autocross at Sonoma, I was doing a track day at Sonoma in five-year-old, too many heat cycles to count for S's."
Wheel spin is when the wheels of a car spin quickly but the car doesn't move forward much. This usually happens when you accelerate hard or if the road is slippery.
Wheel spin occurs when the wheels of a vehicle turn faster than the vehicle is moving forward, often resulting in loss of traction. This can happen during hard acceleration or on slippery surfaces.
tire advice
"So there's tire advice from Derek. Just take shitty old tires and run with them on the track."
Tire advice is about tips on how to pick and use tires for better driving, especially on a racetrack. Things like how old the tires are and how much tread they have can change how well they grip the road.
Tire advice refers to recommendations on how to choose and use tires for optimal performance, especially in track conditions. Factors such as age, tread depth, and temperature can significantly affect tire grip and handling.
Volkswagen GTI
"You're ready for a 200 tread wear tire or less for that car now, for the GTI. This is for the GTI."
The Volkswagen GTI is a fun and sporty car that many people enjoy driving. It's known for being quick and responsive on the road.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and handling. It's popular among enthusiasts for its engaging driving experience.
Continental
"They're also in a Porsche that had Continentals and it was doing fine."
Continental makes tires for cars. They are known for making good quality tires that help cars grip the road well.
Continental is a well-known tire manufacturer that produces a range of tires for different vehicles, focusing on performance, safety, and durability.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
"...eally aggressive. I mean, a car that's that, your GTI is unwilling to rotate. Correct."
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty version of a regular car called the Golf. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine, making it a favorite among people who like fast cars.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a high-performance version of the standard Golf hatchback, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It has been a significant player in the hot hatch segment since its introduction in the 1970s, often praised for its balance of practicality and performance.
track day
"...so yeah, so that has happened, autocross thing. You did a track day."
A track day is an event where you can take your car to a racetrack and drive it as fast as you want. It's a fun way to see how your car performs in a safe place.
A track day is an event where car enthusiasts can drive their vehicles on a racetrack, often in a non-competitive environment. Participants can test their cars' performance and handling in a safe and controlled setting.
Porsche 911
"I was driving my 1982 911, Porsche 911, which, you know, the gearbox is cantankerous."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for many years. The 1982 version is one of the older models, known for its unique shape and powerful performance.
The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. The 1982 model is part of the 911's long lineage, which has evolved significantly over the years.
BMW M3
"I don't think there was the next newest car, or next oldest car was an E36 M3, I think."
The E36 M3 is a sporty version of the BMW 3 Series that was made in the 1990s. It's well-liked for being fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.
The BMW E36 M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series produced from 1992 to 1999. It is known for its balance of performance and daily usability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Porsche 911 GT3
"... and it depends what it was. I wasn't passing any GT3 RSs, but I can keep up with S2000s and stuff like..."
Honda S2000S
"I can keep up with S2000s and stuff like that..."
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car that is fun to drive and has a powerful engine that can rev very high. It's known for being very responsive on the road.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster known for its high-revving engine and excellent handling, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
BMW 850Csi
"cars in the rain. I just drove the 850CSI in the rain and I hated it because I'm like, oh n..."
The BMW 8 Series is a fancy car that is made for comfortable long drives and has a lot of power. It's stylish and packed with high-tech features.
The BMW 8 Series is a luxury grand tourer that combines high performance with sophisticated design. Known for its powerful engines and advanced technology, it represents BMW's commitment to luxury and driving pleasure.
trunk
"...we drove it through torrential rain and the trunk filled up, but nothing else did."
The trunk is the back part of a car where you can store things like bags or groceries. It's like a small room for your stuff when you're driving.
The trunk is the storage compartment at the rear of a car, typically used for carrying luggage and other items. It's a key feature in most vehicles, providing additional space for storage.
footwell
"...there was an actual puddle in the driver's foot well."
The footwell is the space in the car where your feet go when you're sitting in the front seats. Sometimes, if there's a leak, water can collect there.
The footwell is the area in a vehicle where the driver's and passengers' feet rest. It's typically located at the base of the front seats and can collect water or debris if there's a leak.
A-pillar
"...this tube goes into the A-pillar. Apparently it drains directly into the foot well for your convenience."
The A-pillar is the part of the car that holds up the windshield. It's important for keeping the car strong and safe.
The A-pillar is the structural support on either side of the windshield in a vehicle. It plays a crucial role in the car's structural integrity and safety during a collision.
Alpine A110
"...ave Alpine in sort of short order. We have Alpine A110, both those cars. Um, and then, um, that just cam..."
The Alpine A110 is a small sports car that is very light and fun to drive. It has a rich history and is loved by car fans for its quick handling and performance.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car that has gained a reputation for its agile handling and performance. Originally produced in the 1960s, it has made a comeback in recent years, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its heritage and driving dynamics.
Mercedes-Benz C 63
"I mean, you hinted at that in the main episode between this discussing the C 63 and the C T four part of me thought maybe that drag race could have been in the..."
The C 63 is a fast and luxurious car made by Mercedes-Benz. It's designed for people who want a sporty driving experience while still having a comfortable interior.
The Mercedes-Benz C 63 is a high-performance version of the C-Class, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a luxury sports sedan.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
"...that drag race short. And that was against the CT4-V Blackwing, which is currently the best driving sports in Ann on planet, as far as I'm concerned..."
The CT4-V Blackwing is a sporty car made by Cadillac. It's built for speed and performance, making it a great option for those who enjoy driving fast.
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is a high-performance luxury sedan that features a powerful engine and advanced handling capabilities. It's designed to compete with other sports sedans in the market.
horsepower
"it's three, it's like, uh, it's down by the more than a hundred horsepower. Yeah."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which is crucial for understanding a vehicle's performance.
Ford Pintos
"..., we have the head Chevy citations, they had four Pintos, they were just mini-mans later on."
The Ford Pinto is a small car that was made in the 1970s and is known for having some safety problems. It was popular because it was cheap and easy to drive around town.
The Ford Pinto is a subcompact car that was produced in the 1970s, often discussed for its controversial safety issues and its role in automotive history. Despite its flaws, it was popular for its affordability and compact size.
Pontiac Solstice
"Super nice guy. Actually, has a Pontiac Solstice that I will probably use for a revelations episod..."
The Pontiac Solstice is a small sports car that looks really cool and is fun to drive. It was made for a short time, which makes it special for collectors.
The Pontiac Solstice is a two-seat sports car that was produced in the mid-2000s, celebrated for its sleek design and enjoyable driving experience. It has become a collector's item due to its limited production and distinctive styling.
Ford Transit
"...t know. I don't think it's any taller than like a Ford Transit. Looks it."
The Ford Transit Custom is a big van that many businesses use to carry stuff or people. It's popular because it's roomy and very useful for work.
The Ford Transit Custom is a versatile van designed for commercial use, known for its spacious interior and practicality. It is often favored by businesses for its ability to transport goods and people efficiently.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...the first generation, I know the first generation Range Rover was half an inch shorter."
The Land Rover Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can go off-road and is very comfortable inside. It's well-known for being a status symbol and is popular among people who enjoy both luxury and adventure.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV that has set the standard for off-road capability combined with high-end comfort and style. Since its debut in the early 1970s, it has become an iconic vehicle, often associated with wealth and adventure.
Toyota Sprinter
"... we'll see if it's any bigger than a transit or a sprinter which are now everywhere."
The Toyota Sprinter is a small car that is known for being dependable and good on gas. It's a practical choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Sprinter is a compact car that has been known for its reliability and efficiency. It has been popular in various markets for its practicality and has a strong following among enthusiasts for its performance variants.
Jaguar XJ220
"...the mid-engine one, like that Ford Transit Jaguar XJ220 powered thing that they did."
The Jaguar XJ220 is a really fast and stylish sports car from the 1990s. It's famous for being one of the quickest cars back then and is still admired by car lovers today.
The Jaguar XJ220 is a supercar that was produced in the 1990s, known for its stunning design and impressive performance, including a top speed that was among the highest of its time. It represents Jaguar's ambition in the high-performance sports car market.
Ford Explorer
"...video that you identified as- Well, that's a Ford Explorer steel wheeler. It was very easy to recognize."
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has a lot of space for families and can handle different types of roads. It's known for being practical and good for both city driving and adventures.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since the early 1990s. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, it is often discussed for its family-friendly features and off-road capabilities.
Morgan Plus Four
"...ne seems under, typically don't know, is that zip plus four, you could literally address,"
The Morgan Plus Four is a classic sports car from Britain that looks very old-fashioned but is made with care. It's loved by car fans for its unique style and fun driving experience.
The Morgan Plus Four is a classic British sports car known for its handcrafted design and vintage styling. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern performance, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its unique character.
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