There's a nice one, Steve: Defenders, garage and chicken moves
About this episode
AutoCar’s My Week in Cars turns into a chatty roundup of listener letters, long-term test-car notes, and garage life. A reader credits the show for restarting his AutoCar subscription, getting a bike licence, and even a Morgan factory visit. Steve then solves a Jensen FF mystery using the AutoCar Archive. They swap impressions from an MG4 trip and a Defender-sized obsession, debate EV vs plug-in hybrids for rural drivers, and review a modified 2005 BMW 330Ci eBay long-termer with a mechanical limited-slip diff. The rest is chicken-coop engineering and upcoming podcast scheduling chaos.
In the latest edition of the Autocar podcast My Week In Cars, join Steve Cropley and Matt Prior as they chat nice Land Rovers, expensive Suzuki SJs, remodelled garages, chicken manoeuvres, grit in car washes, and much more besides, including your correspondence.
There's some talk of the archive too and you can subscribe to it and the latest editions of Autocar magazine by exploring and taking advantage of the exclusive podcast listener offer here.
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EV chargers
"...ordered an Anderson charger for their new home... Visit Anderson-EV.com to see their full range of chargers."
An EV charger is what you plug your electric car into to charge it. The speed depends on the charger and your home’s electrical wiring.
EV chargers are the equipment used to replenish an electric vehicle’s battery at home or at public stations. Home chargers are typically installed by electricians and can vary in charging speed depending on the charger type and electrical setup.
Philip Knighton
"Anyway, Philip Knighton has written, Phil Knighton, [231.4s] to say this note is to say thanks, Chaps, and hopefully more evidence to keep the shiny [236.4s] bums upstairs, which we're talking about."
They mention a listener named Philip Knighton who wrote a note to the hosts. It’s basically fan mail that they read on the podcast.
Philip Knighton is mentioned as the person who wrote in to the hosts. In podcast terms, this is a listener contribution that helps shape the show’s content and community.
Auto Car
"As a result of this, my wife noticed the magazine regularly lying around the house [257.1s] and for my birthday gave me an annual subscription to auto car, which I very much [262.1s] enjoyed landing through my letterbox weekly for the last month and would now not be without."
They’re talking about an automotive magazine called Auto Car. The host says they started reading it again and even got a subscription as a birthday gift.
“Auto Car” refers to the automotive magazine brand discussed in the episode. It’s presented as a recurring publication the host started reading again, and it’s something the listener can subscribe to.
Honda Hornet CB750
"...I am now the proud owner of a 2023 Honda Hornet CB750, [293.5s] which I adore along with the freedom of the riding that riding gives me."
This is a Honda motorcycle model called the Hornet CB750. The “CB750” refers to the bike’s heritage and engine family, and it’s known for being fun and not too intimidating for new riders.
The Honda Hornet CB750 is a modern-styled motorcycle built around the classic CB750 nameplate. It’s a popular “middleweight” bike that’s often chosen for everyday riding because it’s approachable while still feeling lively.
125 cc
"In less than 12 months, I went from obtaining a 125 cc [285.7s] Honda and my CBT to my full license..."
“125 cc” is how big the motorcycle’s engine is. Smaller engines like 125 cc are often used for beginners because they’re usually easier to ride.
“125 cc” refers to engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters. In many countries, 125 cc motorcycles are used for entry-level licensing because they’re generally easier to handle and less powerful than larger bikes.
factory tour
"...following your description of Morgan generally and the factory tours on offer, [310.3s] this led to a friend and I both turning 40..."
A factory tour is when you visit where the cars are made. It’s a chance to see how the process works and what makes that brand’s cars special.
A factory tour is a guided visit through a manufacturer’s production facilities, often showing how cars are built and how quality is managed. For niche brands like Morgan, tours can also highlight craftsmanship and customer access beyond what you’d see in a dealership.
Porsche
"All things I'm doubtful would have been the case had we been driving a modern Porsche Ferrari, [346.7s] Lamborghini etc..."
Porsche is a famous sports-car brand. The speaker is saying people react differently to a classic Morgan than they would to a more common high-end performance brand.
Porsche is a German sports-car brand known for performance and prestige. The speaker contrasts how a Morgan draws different public reactions versus what they expect from mainstream supercar brands like Porsche.
Ferrari
"...had we been driving a modern Porsche Ferrari, [346.7s] Lamborghini etc..."
Ferrari makes very high-end supercars. The speaker is comparing the kind of attention you get in public when driving a Morgan versus when driving a Ferrari.
Ferrari is an Italian manufacturer synonymous with high-performance supercars. In this segment it’s used as a comparison point for how “general public” attention differs between a Morgan and more expected supercar brands.
Jensen FF
"...Ulrich at the Jensen Museum saying, here's a picture of a Jensen FF from 1968. And I can see that Stuart Bladen...was on a road trip...in an FF, in a ski resort."
The Jensen FF is a classic Jensen car from the late 1960s. What makes it special is that it has all-wheel drive, which was uncommon back then. That’s why it’s a big deal in classic-car circles.
The Jensen FF is a rare 1960s grand tourer from Jensen, best known for its unusual all-wheel-drive system. In a period when most cars were rear-wheel drive, the FF’s AWD setup helped it maintain traction in poor weather and on uneven surfaces.
Jensen Interceptor
"...opened up the archive and I searched for FF slash interceptor, whatever, in the 60s. And there was a picture o..."
The Jensen Interceptor is a classic car model from the 1960s. It was built to feel like a sporty, long-distance cruiser. The podcast mentions it while looking through old records and photos.
The Jensen Interceptor is a classic grand tourer from the 1960s, known for its distinctive styling and performance-oriented character. The podcast mentions searching archives for an “FF/interceptor” reference from the 60s, which points to historical interest in the model. It’s discussed as part of a look into classic car history and specific variants.
compass
"And on the dashboard, he'd put a compass. I thought, oh, that's interesting... If you're rigging up a car to drive across a continent in 1968, you probably do put a compass in, don't you?"
They’re discussing a compass mounted inside the car. Back then, it was a practical way to help with navigation on long trips when modern GPS wasn’t a thing.
A compass mounted on the dashboard is a period-correct navigation aid for long-distance travel, especially before widespread in-car GPS. In the transcript, it’s used as a clue to identify the car’s accessory setup for a 1968 cross-continental trip.
Sunbeam Alpine
"Because he talks extensively about cars that he's driven, you know, it's just about 21, I think he says 50 years of classic car testing or something. So, you know, if you want to know what this Sunbeam Alpine was like, you can probably find out. Yeah, it's great."
The Sunbeam Alpine is an older British sports car. The host is saying you can read about what it’s like to drive because the author wrote about cars he tested.
The Sunbeam Alpine is a classic British sports car known for its lightweight feel and open-top heritage. In this segment, it’s mentioned as an example of a car Stuart Bladen discusses in his classic-car testing writing.
MG4
"You've got an MG4 outside, I think. Yeah, just been to Cornwall and back in it. And round trip of about 500 miles, 204 miles from here, we're in my house, where we stay in Cornwall."
The MG4 is an electric hatchback from MG. The speaker is talking about how it handled a long trip and how comfortable it feels.
The MG4 is MG’s compact electric hatchback. Here it’s the car the speaker drove on a roughly 500-mile trip, and they’re discussing its comfort, steering, and interior updates.
Audi S5
"...rovements are, we're brought to a recent SUV, the S5, and they've done the same thing in the four hat..."
The Audi S5 is a sportier version of the Audi A5. It’s meant to drive more enthusiastically than a regular A5, while still being comfortable for daily use. People bring it up when talking about upgrades and newer model changes.
The Audi S5 is a performance-focused version of the A5, typically offering a sportier engine tune and more dynamic driving feel. It’s discussed because it balances everyday comfort with stronger acceleration and sharper handling. The podcast mentions improvements and a recent SUV alongside the S5, suggesting it was part of a broader comparison of updated models.
Fiesta footprint
"As you say, Fiesta footprint. Yeah, pretty much. Super mini footprint."
They’re comparing the Defender’s size to a Ford Fiesta. The point is that, even though the Defender is tall, its “footprint” can be surprisingly compact.
The speaker compares the Defender’s footprint to a Ford Fiesta, using the Fiesta as a reference point for size. This highlights how compact the Defender’s length/width can feel despite its tall, boxy stance.
mileage accuracy
"...short on not very big mileage, but you don't know whether these old cars, the mileage is accurate or not."
They’re wondering if the odometer reading is trustworthy. With older cars, the mileage might not reflect real wear, and that can change how much the car is worth.
The speakers question whether the stated mileage is accurate, which is common with older vehicles where odometers can be swapped, disconnected, or simply unreliable. Mileage matters because it can influence perceived wear on components and the price a seller can command.
non running project
"It was described as a non running project."
A “non running project” means the car doesn’t work right now and needs repairs. It’s a bigger gamble than a car that runs, because you don’t always know what’s wrong until you dig in.
A “non running project” is a car sold in a non-operational state, typically requiring mechanical repair before it can be driven. For buyers, this shifts the risk from “condition” to “unknowns,” like whether the engine, gearbox, wiring, or rust issues are fixable without major expense.
Euro 6 or 7
"But it didn't quite get through the latest Euro 6 or 7 or something laws, so they just thought, oh well."
Euro 6 and Euro 7 are European emissions standards that limit pollutants from vehicles. When a model can’t meet the latest standard, manufacturers may discontinue it for certain markets or restrict sales.
restomod
"because Twisted have also done a Beetle Resto mod, haven't they? Which we must go."
A restomod is a classic car that’s been restored, but also upgraded with modern improvements. It’s meant to feel better to drive while still looking like the original.
A restomod blends “restoration” with “modification,” typically preserving the original body/appearance while upgrading mechanicals like suspension, brakes, engine management, or interior tech. It’s a way to make classic cars more usable without losing their identity.
single garage
"It's the size of a really big single garage, really. You can get two cars in if you put them sideways, but you can't do anything around them."
A single garage is basically a one-car space. How you park the car—sideways or straight in—changes how much room you have to walk around and work.
A single garage is a one-car-sized enclosed space. The speaker is describing how orientation (sideways vs lengthways) affects usable clearance for walking around and working on a car.
working clearance around a car
"But if there's one car in their lengthways, you've got, you know, a meter and a bit all the way around, you can walk around it and do stuff."
When you work on a car, you need space to get to the sides and move around. Parking in a way that leaves room makes it much easier to do maintenance.
“Working clearance” is the space you need to access the car’s sides and front/rear for maintenance and repairs. The speaker explains that parking lengthways provides enough room to walk around and do work.
paint markers
"...I use these paint markers, which are fine. I should use the brush for the big shield because the markers don't, there's not a lot of ink."
Paint markers are like thick pens that put paint onto a surface. They’re great for small details, but they can run out quickly if you’re covering a bigger area.
Paint markers are pens filled with paint used for small, precise artwork or touch-ups. The speaker notes that the markers don’t have much ink, which affects how much paint can be applied for larger areas of the design.
micro scratches
"Therefore, you'll get micro scratches in your paintwork. And therefore, what you should do is you should always wash it by hand."
Micro scratches are very small scuffs on the paint. They often happen when dirt or sand gets rubbed across the surface during washing.
Micro scratches are tiny surface marks in paint that can be caused by grit being dragged across it during washing. Over time they can reduce gloss and make the paint look less “deep” even if the car isn’t visibly damaged.
two-bucket method
"And there should be some kind of two bucket method. And I just cannot, I cannot be bothered. I seriously cannot be bothered with that."
It’s a way to wash your car without dragging dirt back across the paint. One bucket holds soap, and the other is just for rinsing your mitt so grit doesn’t get smeared around.
The two-bucket method is a car-washing approach that uses one bucket for soapy water and a separate bucket for rinsing the wash mitt. The goal is to keep dirt and grit from being reintroduced to the paint, reducing the chance of micro-scratches.
plug-in hybrids
"...a conversation about plug-in hybrids the other day... I understand that for some new... company car buyers..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on electricity, but it also has a regular engine as backup. You plug it in to charge the battery, which helps for everyday short trips.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a conventional engine with an electric motor and a battery you can recharge by plugging in. The key advantage is flexibility: you can drive electrically for shorter trips, then rely on the engine when you’ve used up the charge.
written off
"...but sadly was written off in January and I'm still deciding on a replacement. Luckily I have a TD5 Defender on 200,000 miles to do the errands."
“Written off” means the car was considered too expensive to fix, so it’s treated as a total loss. That’s why they need a new car.
“Written off” means the insurer declared the car a total loss—typically because repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value. It’s why the speaker is now shopping for a replacement.
TD5
"But his is a five like yours, isn't it? Reanline five. TD5, yeah. Such a nice engine. That's the engine."
TD5 is the name of the diesel engine in that Defender. It’s the part of the car they’re praising as especially good.
“TD5” is the designation for Land Rover’s 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine used in certain Defender models. In the transcript it’s treated as a key reason the car is enjoyable and capable.
330Ci coupe
"[2536.6s] How old was it? Was that ringing? It's a 2005 car. I have a feeling we may have talked about this [2541.4s] a bit, but if so, it would be a while ago. Yeah, not much. Anyway, 2005 car, 90,000 miles, [2547.9s] 330 CI, coupe. Handsome car. Really handsome car."
A “330Ci” is BMW’s 3 Series coupe version. Here it’s a 2005 car, and they’re using it as a long-term test vehicle before handing it back.
“330Ci” is BMW’s 3 Series coupe variant with the 3.0-liter “Ci” (coupé injection) engine family. In this case, the host frames it as a 2005 car with around 90,000 miles, which helps listeners understand the baseline before the eBay-funded modernization.
eBay
"if you go on to eBay, you can... And I've got one already set up on my account. You can effectively set a car as my garage. So then when you search for bits, only bits that fit your car come up in the search results."
They’re talking about using eBay to buy car parts. The idea is that you tell the site what car you have, and it only shows parts that are supposed to fit.
The hosts discuss using eBay as a parts marketplace, including setting up a “garage” so searches only show parts intended for your specific car. They also mention manufacturer-backed or approved-seller listings that are meant to fit the vehicle correctly.
BMW
"Some manufacturers have official shops like BMW has its own eBay store, effectively."
BMW is mentioned as having an official eBay store, which the hosts say helps ensure parts listings are correct for the right model. The broader point is that manufacturer-backed shops can reduce the risk of buying incompatible components.
limited slip diff
"strut brace front and rear. And a limited slip diff put in it. And an Alcantara..."
An LSD helps the car put power down when one wheel has less grip. Instead of one wheel spinning freely, it shares drive better between the two wheels.
A limited-slip differential (often called an LSD) reduces how much the left and right drive wheels can spin at different speeds. That improves traction when exiting corners or when one wheel has less grip.
MOT
"They don't go through an MOT, they don't go through... It's rare these days that we go through a service quite often, isn't it?"
In the UK, an MOT is a test your car has to pass to prove it’s safe and meets emissions rules. If a car “doesn’t go through an MOT,” it’s often new enough that it’s not due yet.
MOT is the UK’s mandatory annual (or periodic) roadworthiness test for vehicles. It checks safety and emissions compliance, so “not going through an MOT” usually implies the car is too new or exempt during the period being discussed.
Morgan Super 3
"I think last I heard it's going to be a Skoda SUV... I spent the last few months in the Morgan Super 3 and then this 330 CI has long termers..."
The Morgan Super 3 is a quirky, old-school-feeling sports vehicle from Morgan. It’s the kind of car you drive for fun and character, not just practicality.
The Morgan Super 3 is a modernized take on Morgan’s traditional three-wheeler formula, built around a lightweight, driver-focused layout. In the segment, it’s mentioned as a recent long-termer the host spent time with before moving on to the BMW.
decelerometer
"And a feature called stopping to order, which is about fitting a brake servo to your non servo assisted vehicle and the amount of brake pressure that one applies to get stopping power, but as a result, it's just you could lose it. That's great. I'm going to lose myself in there for hours. Anyway, and also thanks to our sponsor Anderson."
A decelerometer measures how fast the car is slowing down. It’s like a sensor that can tell you how hard you’re braking or how quickly you’re losing speed.
A decelerometer measures how quickly a vehicle is slowing down (deceleration). In dashboards or period instruments, it can be used to monitor braking performance, acceleration/braking events, or driving dynamics depending on the system design.
brake servo
"And a feature called stopping to order, which is about fitting a brake servo to your non servo assisted vehicle and the amount of brake pressure that one applies to get stopping power, but as a result, it's just you could lose it."
A brake servo helps your brakes work with less effort. Without it, you usually have to press the brake pedal harder to get the same stopping power.
A brake servo (often called a brake booster) uses engine vacuum or hydraulic assistance to multiply the force you apply to the brake pedal. It makes braking easier and more consistent, especially in cars that otherwise require higher pedal effort.
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