TMCP #622: Ask Rick — Can American Manufacturing Return for Restoration Parts? Rick’s Take: Bob Lutz Says EVs Will End the Internal Combustion Engine!
About this episode
Crick Schmidt joins to discuss the potential for American manufacturing to return for restoration parts, particularly sheet metal for Gen 3 F-bodies. The conversation shifts to Bob Lutz's bold claim that electric vehicles will render internal combustion engines obsolete, sparking a debate on the future of automotive technology. Rick Schmidt offers insights on the feasibility of bringing production back to the U.S. and the implications for the restoration market. The episode also features a segment on car reviews, focusing on notable Bob Lutz cars and their long-term investment potential.
Kick off October with a fresh Ask Rick as Rick Schmidt weighs in on the value of car-show trophies, parts sourcing, and where the market’s really headed. Are small-show awards worth chasing—or are they just eating into charity budgets? Rick also unpacks the hot question in restoration parts: will manufacturing return to the U.S., or will Taiwan’s increasingly high-quality tooling keep leading the charge for low-volume classics?
Then it’s “Rick’s Take – Car Deals: The Bob Lutz Edition.” Rick sizes up a supercharged ’99 Viper GTS ACR, a ’09 Solstice GXP, and a ’00 Prowler for long-term ROI in a world edging toward electrification—followed by an “Investment Hedge” round featuring a ’87 Trans Am, ’06 Ford GT, and ’87 Buick GNX. Which has already peaked, and which still has runway? Tune in to hear how Rick reads the market—and which cars he’d flip first.
The post TMCP #622: Ask Rick — Can American Manufacturing Return for Restoration Parts? Rick’s Take: Bob Lutz Says EVs Will End the Internal Combustion Engine! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.
internal combustion engine
"...he thinks that the internal combustion engine will soon fall away to electric cars. He thinks electric is the future, and that internal combustion will be just nostalgia."
An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It works by burning fuel, like gasoline, to create power that moves the car.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel and air inside a combustion chamber. This process creates high-pressure gases that push against engine components to produce mechanical work, typically used in traditional vehicles.
Chevy Volt
"...he's the man behind the Dodge Viper among other things, also the Chevy Volt. He's got a great track record..."
The Chevy Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gasoline. It helps save fuel and is better for the environment compared to regular cars.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for extended driving range and improved fuel efficiency. It was designed to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Dodge Viper
"...he's the man behind the Dodge Viper among other things, also the Chevy Volt. He's got a great track record..."
The Dodge Viper is a fast sports car made by Dodge. It's famous for its powerful engine and unique look, making it popular among car fans.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive design. It has a cult following among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its raw driving experience.
electric cars
"...he thinks that the internal combustion engine will soon fall away to electric cars. He thinks electric is the future, and that internal combustion will be just nostalgia."
Electric cars run on electricity instead of gasoline. They use batteries to power an electric motor, which makes them different from regular cars that burn fuel.
Electric cars are vehicles that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are often seen as a more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
SEMA show
"...we are just about 30 days from the SEMA show. The sun is setting earlier and earlier..."
The SEMA Show is a big event where car enthusiasts and companies show off new car parts and accessories. It's a place to see the latest trends in the automotive world.
The SEMA Show is an annual trade show organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, showcasing aftermarket automotive products and innovations. It is a key event for industry professionals to network and discover new trends.
Jefferson Speedway
"...I took Dallas to Jefferson Speedway. It was his last asphalt event here in the Midwest before we were to head Las Vegas..."
Jefferson Speedway is a racetrack in Wisconsin where cars compete in races. It's a place where drivers can show their skills and try to win races.
Jefferson Speedway is a short track located in Wisconsin, known for hosting various racing events, including stock car races. It's a popular venue for local and regional racing enthusiasts.
asphalt nationals
"...before we were to head Las Vegas to do a preparation and then do the asphalt nationals."
The Asphalt Nationals is a big racing event where cars race on asphalt tracks. It's important for drivers to compete and show their skills.
The Asphalt Nationals is a racing event that typically features various classes of cars competing on asphalt tracks. It attracts drivers from different regions and is a significant event in the racing calendar.
wreck
"...the first race of Saturday. He got in a wreck and the car is dead."
A wreck is when a car crashes during a race. It can happen when cars bump into each other or hit a wall, and it can cause damage to the cars.
In racing, a 'wreck' refers to a collision or crash involving one or more cars, often resulting in damage to the vehicles. Wrecks can significantly impact a race and the drivers' safety.
nosed into the wall
"...the car was nosed into the wall, but I now see that the rear end took the first blow..."
Nosed into the wall means the front part of the car hit the wall. This can happen during a race if the driver isn't able to steer away in time.
'Nosed into the wall' describes a situation where the front end of a car collides with a wall, often resulting in damage to the front of the vehicle. This can happen in racing when a driver loses control or is hit by another car.
Miller Performance Motorsports
"...Miller Performance Motorsports is who we bought our race car through. That's the top caliber legends asphalt car. I need another one of those..."
Miller Performance Motorsports is a company that sells race cars and parts for racing. They focus on making cars that perform well on the track.
Miller Performance Motorsports is a company that specializes in building and selling race cars, particularly in the legends racing series. They are known for their high-quality vehicles and performance parts, catering to both amateur and professional racers.
chassis
"...the full chassis, you know, race cars are just, I mean, they're a chassis with an engine and parts and then the body is kind of the bonus. The body is sort of part of the car, but not really just the candy on top..."
The chassis is the main structure of a car that holds everything together, like the engine and body. It's important for how the car drives and handles on the road or track.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle, which supports the body and houses the engine and other components. In racing, the chassis is crucial for performance and handling, as it determines the car's structural integrity and weight distribution.
body
"...the body is kind of the bonus. The body is sort of part of the car, but not really just the candy on top, but that's the part people see..."
The body of a car is the outer part that people see, like the doors and windows. It's important for how the car looks, but not as important for how it drives.
In automotive terms, the body refers to the outer shell of the vehicle that houses the passenger compartment and contributes to the car's aesthetics. While it is essential for appearance, the body is often considered less critical than the chassis and mechanical components for performance.
Rolls-Royce Ghosts
"...d of decorations I see. Either happy pumpkins and ghosts or just like evil skeletons and blood. Now, when ..."
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a super fancy car that is all about luxury and comfort. It's made for people who want the best of the best when it comes to cars.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury sedan that represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and opulence. Launched in 2009, it is known for its powerful performance, exquisite interior, and the brand's signature attention to detail.
concourse event
"...unless there's some serious trophies in there like from Amelia or some sort of concourse event or if you've gone through the AACA..."
A concourse event is a fancy car show where judges look at cars closely to see how good they are. Winning awards there can make your car worth more money.
A concourse event is a prestigious car show where vehicles are judged based on their condition, authenticity, and restoration quality. Winning awards at these events can greatly increase a car's market value.
AACA
"...or if you've gone through the AACA, the anti-governmental vehicle car of America route and one first place trophies at national events for the AACA."
The AACA is a club for people who love old cars. If you win awards at their events, it can make your car more valuable.
The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) is an organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of antique vehicles. Winning trophies at AACA events can significantly enhance a car's value and prestige.
Chevrolet Camaro
"... Mustang club of America person, there's also the Camaro club. If you've got trophies that are from nation..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love for its powerful engine and cool look. It's been around for a long time and is often compared to the Ford Mustang, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966. Known for its performance and aggressive styling, it competes directly with the Ford Mustang and has a dedicated fan base, often represented in clubs and at car shows.
Ford Mustang
"...e are events of concourse and AACA or if you're a Mustang club of America person, there's also the Camaro c..."
Mustang Club of America
"...or if you're a Mustang club of America person, there's also the Camaro club."
The Mustang Club of America is a group for people who own and love Ford Mustangs. Being part of it can be fun and add value to your car.
The Mustang Club of America is a national organization that celebrates the Ford Mustang. Membership and participation in events can enhance the community and value of Mustang ownership.
Camaro Club
"...there's also the Camaro club."
The Camaro Club is for fans of the Chevrolet Camaro. Joining can help you meet other Camaro owners and enjoy events together.
The Camaro Club is an organization for enthusiasts of the Chevrolet Camaro. Like the Mustang Club, it provides a community and events that can enhance the ownership experience.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... actual or like the academy and the local car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. Profies from those types of..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people dream of owning. It's famous for its speed and unique look, making it a favorite at car events and shows.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its high performance and distinctive design. Since its introduction in 1953, it has become a symbol of American automotive engineering and is frequently featured in car shows and competitions.
halo effect
"...that does put a halo of your car."
The halo effect means that if a car has won awards, people might think it's better and want it more, which can make it worth more money.
The halo effect refers to the positive perception that can surround a car due to its awards or accolades. This can enhance its desirability and market value.
four-speed
"That was a four-speed Pontiac. A big one."
A four-speed means the car has four different gears you can shift into while driving, which helps with speed and fuel use.
A four-speed transmission allows the driver to shift through four distinct gear ratios, providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This type of transmission was common in older performance cars.
Ford Torino
"...that car seems to really have that one dad might want that in the 90s. And nobody can care less about a 72, 73, 74 era terino."
The Ford Torino is a car made by Ford that was popular in the early 1970s. The 1973 model is known for its unique look and was offered in different styles, including some that were designed for better performance.
The Ford Torino is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford from 1968 to 1976. The 1973 model is notable for its distinctive styling and was available in various configurations, including performance-oriented versions.
GM
"At the US where they're supplying Toyota and BMW Ford and GM."
GM stands for General Motors, a big car company in the United States that makes many different brands of cars, like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts. It owns several well-known brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
Toyota
"At the US where they're supplying Toyota and BMW Ford and GM."
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, known for their reliability and good gas mileage.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. It is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
Chevrolet Nova
"Why would they want to stamp a Novahood 200 or 300 in time? And then once you stamp those 200 or 300 hoods, you put the pool in a way and you don't revisit it for another four or five years."
The Chevrolet Nova is a small car made by Chevrolet that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. It was known for being affordable and easy to drive.
The Chevrolet Nova is a compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1962 to 1979. It was known for its simple design and affordability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
Ford trucks (1967-1972)
"A recent example would be a hoods for 1967 the 72S series Ford trucks."
These are pickup trucks made by Ford between 1967 and 1972. They are known for their sturdy build and are popular among people who like to restore old vehicles.
The 1967-1972 Ford trucks are part of a popular generation known for their classic styling and durability. These trucks are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for restoration and customization projects.
Chrysler
"...he was at all, like BMW, Ford, Chrysler, GM."
Chrysler is a car brand from the United States that makes various types of vehicles, including cars and minivans.
Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer known for its cars and minivans, and is part of the Stellantis group.
EVs
"And electric EVs are now optional. They'll continue."
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are seen as a cleaner alternative to traditional cars.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional internal combustion engines. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.
battery technology
"especially with the improvements in battery technology that we were just talking about earlier. There will no longer be any case to be made for an internal combustion engine except nostalgia."
Battery technology is about how batteries are made and how well they work. Better batteries mean electric cars can go farther and charge faster.
Battery technology refers to the advancements in the design and efficiency of batteries used in electric vehicles. Improvements in battery technology lead to longer ranges, faster charging times, and overall better performance of EVs.
Pontiac Solstice
"...Body and cast tech, the solstice. Yeah. Which is a good looking car, a little car, hardly anybody bought it."
The Solstice is a small sports car made by Pontiac. It was designed to be fun to drive but didn't sell very well, even though many people thought it looked good.
The Pontiac Solstice was a two-seat roadster that was produced from 2005 to 2009, known for its sporty design and performance. Despite its appeal, it struggled with sales during its production run.
Chevy Bolt
"...The Chevy bolt was under that was a Bob car."
The Chevy Bolt is a small electric car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being affordable and good for city driving because it doesn't use gas and can be charged at home.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric hatchback that was designed to offer an affordable option for electric vehicle buyers. It has gained attention for its range and practicality in urban settings.
BMW New Bmws
"... come up with anything tangibly better. But these new BMWs. Other than it's always better to have companies ..."
The BMW New Class is a group of cars made a long time ago that helped make BMW popular. They were known for being well-designed and fun to drive.
The BMW New Class refers to a series of vehicles produced in the 1960s and 1970s that helped establish BMW as a major player in the automotive market. These cars are credited with introducing modern design and engineering principles to the brand.
BMW E46
"...t that with an ugly hammer too. You know, like an E46 BMW, little 2005 three series coupe. It's good lo..."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car known for being fun to drive and comfortable. It's a popular choice for people who want a nice car that also feels sporty.
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars that has been praised for its balance of performance, luxury, and technology since its debut in 1975. It is often regarded as a benchmark in its class and is popular among driving enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Impalas
"I will say Bob's overall point about good looking cars I do agree with. One of the last front wheel drive Chevy Impala's made had great styling. Super good looking car."
The Chevrolet Impala is a big car that many people like because it's comfortable and has a lot of space inside. It's often used by families for everyday driving.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been a staple of American automotive culture since 1958. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it has been popular among families and commuters alike.
Dodge Neon
"...e paradigm shifts and we'd rather collect a Dodge neon instead of a Dodge Viper that ain't going to happ..."
The Dodge Neon is a small, affordable car that many people used for everyday driving. It's not as flashy as some sports cars, but some people like it for its unique style.
The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was produced from 1994 to 2005, known for its affordability and practicality. While it may not have the performance of sports cars, it has gained a niche following among collectors for its quirky design and budget-friendly nature.
Plymouth Prowlers
"... little bit of boost instead of the six cylinder. Prowlers would be a whole different story today as far as ..."
The Plymouth Prowler is a cool-looking car that looks like it came from the past. It's not super fast, but many people like it for its unique style.
The Plymouth Prowler is a retro-styled roadster produced from 1997 to 2002, known for its unique design that resembles classic hot rods. Despite its eye-catching appearance, it was not a high-performance vehicle, leading to mixed reviews.
Pontiac Transam
"So what do we have for car number one here? First one is a 1987 Pontiac Trans-Am GTA. The GTA was the top of the line Trans-Am."
The Pontiac Trans Am is a sporty car that many people love for its cool look and speed. It became famous in movies and is still a favorite among car fans.
The Pontiac Trans Am is a performance variant of the Pontiac Firebird, known for its sporty design and powerful engines. It gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s, especially through its appearances in popular culture, including movies and television.
Ford Gt
"I'm very familiar with these cars because I have one in the same color. The 2006 Ford GT dark metallic blue. Pretty good stripes."
The Ford GT is a fast sports car made by Ford. The 2006 version is famous for its cool design and strong engine, which makes it very popular among car lovers.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car that was produced by Ford. The 2006 model is particularly notable for its retro styling and powerful supercharged V8 engine, making it a sought-after collector's item.
sticker price
"The recent skyrocketed the original sticker price was depending on options between 155 and 162. $162,000."
The sticker price is the price that the car manufacturer suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's usually shown on a label on the car in the dealership.
The sticker price refers to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of a vehicle, which is the price recommended by the manufacturer for the sale of the car. It's often displayed on the window of the car at dealerships.
Pontiac Firebird
"...ading of the tea leaf. I was trying to find you a firebird transam that was a 20th anniversary that had that..."
The Pontiac Firebird is a sporty car that many people remember for its cool design and powerful engines. It was made for several decades and is still loved by car fans today.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002, known for its performance and distinctive styling. It shares a platform with the Chevrolet Camaro and has a loyal following among car collectors.
Buick GNX
"They're still fairly affordable. The GNX is already at a site. The Fox body Mustang market..."
The Buick GNX is a special version of a Buick car that was made to be really fast and powerful. It's rare and many people want to own one because it's so unique.
The Buick GNX is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal produced in 1987, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and limited production run. It has become a sought-after collector's item due to its rarity and performance capabilities.
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