Kelly shares his unique experiences of living and driving in Japan, highlighting the cultural differences in car ownership and driving etiquette. He discusses his journey with Volkswagen cars, including his first car, a 1972 VW Bug, and the challenges of maintaining it over the years. The conversation also delves into the nostalgia of VW culture in movies, the practicality of K cars in Japan, and the thrill of riding motorcycles in a bustling city. Kelly's stories blend humor and insight, making for an engaging exploration of automotive life across cultures.
Kelly transports us to the bustling streets of Tokyo, sharing his firsthand experiences navigating one of the world’s most complex – and car-loving – cities. As an American and lifelong car enthusiast, Kelly had to relearn driving on Tokyo’s left-hand roads and quickly adapt to tiny kei cars and high-tech parking systems. He vividly recounts his first time behind the wheel in Japan, white-knuckled in a Kei-class Honda, and how he grew to love its efficiency in dense urban traffic (finding the best to get around Japan by car became his personal mission!
From late-night tours of Tokyo’s expressways (think Midnight Club vibes) to peaceful Sunday drives in the countryside, Kelly opens a window into Japanese automotive culture: the courteous manner of local drivers, the popularity of nostalgic ’90s sports cars like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, and the charm of roadside “driver’s cafes” catering to car clubs. He also shares tips on renting fun cars in Japan – including his spur-of-the-moment decision to rent a Mazda MX-5 Miata and join a local meetup of convertible owners by Mt. Fuji.
Kelly’s adventures are both informative and heartfelt, highlighting how cars can make even a foreign place feel like home. Whether you’re curious about practical travel insights or the legendary Japanese car scene, his journey offers a fascinating, emotionally rich ride through the Land of the Rising Sun.
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"...if you like Porsches, there's several in that shop."
Porsche is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes fast and luxury cars. They're famous for models like the 911, which is a sports car.
Porsche is a German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand is particularly famous for models like the 911 and the Cayenne.
"...al guest away there yet. Let me a little bit more prologue, a little bit more prologue before we pull Kelly ..."
The Honda Prologue is a new electric SUV that Honda is making. It's important because it shows that Honda is working on cars that are better for the environment.
The Honda Prologue is an upcoming electric SUV that represents Honda's shift towards electrification in the automotive market. It is significant as it aims to compete in the growing EV segment and reflects Honda's commitment to sustainability.
"... went out for pizza last night here in Pensacola, Tuscan Oven, great place."
The TVR Tuscan is a rare sports car from the UK that looks really cool and goes fast. It's not very common, so it's special to see one on the road.
The TVR Tuscan is a British sports car known for its lightweight design and powerful engine, produced from 1996 to 2006. It is significant for its unique styling and driving dynamics, often discussed for its rarity and the passionate following it has among car enthusiasts.
"...I'm definitely going to have a Carmen guia before I die. I need a bigger garage, but pretty in pink 1986. That's what Molly Ringwald is driving around a dented, beat up, old pink Carmen guia."
The Karmann Ghia is a vintage Volkswagen car that looks sporty and stylish. It was made a long time ago and is popular among collectors.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a classic car produced from 1955 to 1974, known for its stylish design and sporty performance. It combines the chassis of the Volkswagen Beetle with a sleek body designed by Ghia, an Italian design firm.
"...they had the 1971 VW T2 micro bus, which which I saw in the Peterson Museum."
The Volkswagen T2 Microbus is a famous van from the 1970s known for its unique shape and roomy interior. It's often seen in movies and is a symbol of fun road trips.
The Volkswagen T2 Microbus, also known as the Type 2, is a classic van that became an icon of the 1960s and 70s, often associated with counterculture and road trips. The 1971 model features a distinctive boxy shape and spacious interior, making it popular for families and travelers.
"So Bumblebee, Bumblebee in 2018, the Transformers movie was a sixty set yellow, obviously, sixty seven VW Beetle, right?"
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that became famous for its unique round shape. The 1967 version is one of the last models of the original design.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic car known for its distinctive shape and historical significance. The 1967 model is particularly notable as it was part of the last generation of the original Beetle design.
The Volkswagen Type 2 is a classic van, often called the VW Bus. It's known for being roomy and is a popular vehicle for road trips and camping.
The Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the VW Bus, is a classic van that gained popularity for its spacious interior and versatility. It is often associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s.
"...and the gas pedal just goes straight to the floor."
The gas pedal is the part of the car that you push with your foot to make the car go faster.
The gas pedal, also known as the accelerator, is the pedal in a vehicle that controls the engine's power output, allowing the driver to increase speed by pressing down on it.
"...And the throttle cable broke. Yes, it did not break on my mother, which was very nice."
The throttle cable is a wire that connects the gas pedal to the engine. When you press the gas pedal, it tells the engine to go faster. If this cable breaks, the car won't respond when you try to speed up.
The throttle cable is a critical component that connects the accelerator pedal to the engine's throttle body, allowing the driver to control the engine's power output. If it breaks, the driver may lose control over the engine's acceleration.
"...my dad had a 85 Fiero. He had a Fiero. I didn't know that either."
The Pontiac Fiero is a small sports car that was made by the Pontiac brand. It has a unique design and was popular in the 1980s for being affordable and fun to drive.
The Pontiac Fiero was a mid-engine sports car produced by Pontiac from 1984 to 1988. It was notable for its unique design and was one of the first mass-produced two-seater sports cars in the U.S. market.
Car
MG TC
"That was it. Was it the NG or something? Forty seven MGTC. Oh, man, you see nice car."
The MG TC is a small, classic sports car from the late 1940s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a vintage charm that many car enthusiasts love.
The MG TC is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1945 to 1949. It was one of the first MG models to gain popularity in the United States, known for its lightweight design and sporty performance.
"But it turned out that the gas pedal thing was a thing with that car. Like Volkswagen said, a cable, you know."
The accelerator cable is a part that connects the gas pedal to the engine. When you press the gas pedal, this cable helps the engine know to go faster. If it breaks, the car might not speed up properly.
The accelerator cable connects the gas pedal to the engine, allowing the driver to control the car's speed. If this cable malfunctions, it can lead to issues with acceleration or throttle response.
"And the other end of the cable is hooked to the carburetor. Like it's a straight shot. There's nothing fancy about it."
A carburetor helps mix air and fuel so that your car's engine can run properly. It's an important part of older cars that helps them get the right amount of fuel to make them go.
A carburetor is a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance by ensuring the right fuel-air mixture for combustion.
"...hing cool shows up. Yeah. And I lucked out a 1966 Volkswagen bus. Westphalia in really pretty nice condition"
The Volkswagen Bus is a classic van that many people love because of its cool shape and ability to fit a lot of people. It's a symbol of fun road trips and has a lot of history.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Type 2, is an iconic vehicle that became popular in the 1960s for its unique design and versatility. It is often discussed for its cultural significance and nostalgic value, especially among fans of vintage vehicles.
"...it turned out that so like the stock cam is a single piece like molded and then and then machined."
The cam is a part of the engine that helps control how air and fuel enter and exit. It makes sure the valves open and close at the right times for the engine to run smoothly.
The cam, or camshaft, is a crucial component in an engine that controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It plays a key role in the engine's timing and performance.
"So the whole engine was pretty much garbage at that point."
Engine failure means the engine stops working because something inside it broke or went wrong. This usually means it needs a lot of repairs or even a new engine.
Engine failure occurs when an engine can no longer function properly due to mechanical issues, such as broken parts or lack of lubrication. This often results in the need for extensive repairs or complete replacement.
"...I went through, I don't know, like three or four short blocks trying to find one that was relatively straight. So we take them all apart..."
A short block is a part of an engine that includes the main components like the block and pistons, but not the top parts like the heads. It's often used when people are building or fixing engines.
A short block is the lower part of an engine that includes the engine block, crankshaft, and pistons, but does not include the cylinder head or intake/exhaust systems. It's a common term used when discussing engine assembly or rebuilding.
The Toyota 4Runner is a type of SUV that can handle rough terrain and is great for adventures. It was first made in 1984 and is known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1984. Known for its durability and off-road capabilities, the 4Runner has become a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
"That's going to be electric. Yeah, the ID buzz. Have you have you looked at it?"
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric version of the old Volkswagen bus. It looks similar to the classic bus but runs on electricity instead of gas, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric version of the classic Volkswagen bus, designed to combine retro styling with modern electric vehicle technology. It aims to capture the spirit of the original while offering zero-emissions driving.
"...because there's a segue here. Kelly, the Toyota Hilux serve in Japan and the Toyota Hilux 4Runner."
The Toyota Hilux is a tough pickup truck that can handle rough conditions. It's popular in many countries for work and outdoor activities.
The Toyota Hilux is a compact pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has been popular in various markets, especially in Australia and Japan, where it is often used for both work and leisure.
"But turned out, you know, some of the rubber hose that the fuel ran through rotted and the gas just came out and leaked all over the hot engine and caught on fire."
A fuel hose is a tube that carries gasoline to the engine. If it gets old or damaged, it can leak fuel, which is dangerous because it can catch fire.
A fuel hose is a flexible tube that transports fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Over time, these hoses can deteriorate due to heat, pressure, and exposure to fuel, leading to leaks that can cause fires.
"Did you did you see a lot of K cars, K E I cars there? Oh, yeah, yeah."
K cars are small, affordable cars made by Chrysler in the 1980s. They were popular because they were easy to drive and park, making them a good choice for many families.
K cars were a platform of compact cars produced by Chrysler in the 1980s, known for their affordability and practicality. They played a significant role in Chrysler's recovery during that era and included models like the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant.
"That was the K car. That was a big thing of the K car. Yeah, efficiency standards."
The K car was a type of car made by Chrysler in the 1980s. It was popular because it was affordable and had good fuel efficiency, which made it a practical choice for many drivers.
The Chrysler K car was a series of compact cars produced by Chrysler in the 1980s, known for their affordability and practicality. They played a significant role in Chrysler's turnaround during that era, offering a range of body styles and efficient engines.
"...So we got a Honda Stream. It was a 2000 Honda Stream. And that's a Honda Civic, but it's like a tall wagon Civic."
The Honda Stream is a type of car that offers more space and seating compared to a regular sedan. It's built on the same design as the Honda Civic but is taller and can carry more passengers.
The Honda Stream is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that is based on the Honda Civic platform, designed for practicality with features like three rows of seating.
"So we got a Honda Stream. It was a 2000 Honda Stream. And that's a Honda Civic, but it's like a..."
The Honda S2000 is a sporty little car that has two seats and is known for being really fun to drive. It has a powerful engine that can go very fast, making it popular among car lovers.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster that was produced from 1999 to 2009, celebrated for its high-revving engine and precise handling. It represents Honda's engineering prowess and is often discussed among enthusiasts for its performance and driving experience.
"It was a 2000 Honda Stream. And that's a Honda Civic, but it's like a tall wagon Civic. So it had thre..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and saves gas. It's been around for a long time and comes in different styles, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1972. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, it has evolved through multiple generations and is often discussed for its versatility and performance options.
"...e officer. I was a naval flight officer in the P3 Orion aircraft, which was a land based four engine anti..."
The Ford Orion is a small car that was made a long time ago and is known for being practical and good for families. It's not very common today, but it was popular back in its time.
The Ford Orion is a compact car that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in Europe. It is often discussed for its role in the Ford lineup during that era and its appeal as a practical family car.
"...I can get you a Toyota Tundra for, you know, it was a really good deal."
The Toyota Tundra is a large truck that many people use for work and towing things. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its reliability, strong towing capacity, and off-road capabilities. It's popular among both consumers and businesses for its durability and performance.
"And a new transmission and a whole new front end. New brakes, you know, chasing electrical gremlins."
The transmission helps your car move by taking power from the engine and sending it to the wheels. It's like the car's way of changing gears, similar to how a bicycle works.
A transmission is a critical component of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. It can be automatic or manual, and it plays a key role in the vehicle's performance and efficiency.
"New brakes, you know, chasing electrical gremlins. But it does pull the trailer and I put new."
Brakes are what help your car slow down or stop. They work by pressing against the wheels to create friction, just like how you might squeeze the handles of a bike to stop it.
Brakes are essential components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. They work by creating friction against the wheels, which can be hydraulic or mechanical in nature.
"I put rims and tires on it, so it actually looks cool, too. I'm sure that is important."
Rims are the metal parts of the wheels that hold the tires, which are the rubber parts that touch the road. Changing them can make your car look better and help it drive better.
Rims are the outer part of a wheel that holds the tire in place, while tires are the rubber coverings that provide traction and support for the vehicle. Upgrading rims and tires can enhance both the aesthetics and performance of a vehicle.
Select text to request an explanation
Welcome back to all the cars I've loved before your authoritative podcast on automotive nostalgia.
Season three, episode five, our buddy Kelly talks about living and driving in Japan, being
a veteran.
You're going to like it.
Take a listen.
Listener Land, you have found the podcast that's balanced and rotated but never aligned.
It's leaking a little from the oil pan yet still overflowing.
The podcast who's timing belt needs a few more notches, but the extended warranty will always
get you to that next mile post where sheet metal gets metaphysical, where horsepower takes
a backseat to horse play.
Doug likes that one.
That's his favorite one.
It's very creative.
It's thank you.
It's all the marketing people.
We've hired all the voices in my head.
The podcast that sits at the corner of memory lane and nostalgia avenue, you're about
to take a permanent detour.
We have no intention of fixing.
You have found to all the cars I've left before your podcast where every car tells a story,
every machine has a soul and every car has its culture.
All right.
How's that for the opening?
Do it's grown on you, right?
It's growing.
It's growing.
It's all the marketing people.
Every car has a culture.
Has a culture.
Every car has a culture.
Okay.
Is that what I said?
We even wrote it out.
Nope.
Oh, my bad.
My bad.
Apparently, you need to hire a new co-host along with some new marketing people.
I'll get it right one day, but we are so happy for today's guest, close personal friend of
mine, and let's see, before we get there, let's get a theme.
We've got to have today's theme.
Today's theme, what movie gives you or movies gives you fave agnubin when you see them.
By that, of course, what am I referring to, the old VW, and we're on a VW kick, I apologize
in advance.
This will make Gwynevere happy.
Yes, Gwynevere.
This is partly for you, but it's just on our minds.
It's on our minds recently.
Today's guest went with me to the rarer show with me and my kids, but okay, let's get
back to today's theme, VW is in the movies, right?
We're going to count it down.
We're going to come up with some memories here in a moment.
We'll revisit this theme here in Listener Land here in a moment.
So buckle up, get that thinking cap on.
Doug, give me, yes, I'm putting you on the spot.
Yes, it's uncomfortable.
Top three movies with VWs in them.
Can you give me three?
Just real quick before we go.
One is easy, Herbie, The Love Bug.
So good.
Such a great film.
Yep.
Voltaugans.
I'm going to give you 10 in a couple of minutes, and you're going to flip that
you forgot.
How about any movie about the 60s, Voltaugan Bus?
Yes.
Cool.
One more before we go any further.
Let's get one more.
I think we need the Jeopardy music here.
But it's a we move on.
We move on.
Well, how about you must have one?
I got I'll get to him in a minute.
Get to him in.
OK, so calls to action.
You know, we got to do it.
We got to feed the beast.
We got to grow.
If you like and listen, tell a friend and share.
We let's see.
We just have stood up our YouTube presence.
Check it out to all the cars I've loved before you'll find it.
So we have we have the tags and the metadata and all that good stuff for you.
Of course.
Of course.
And we have we have guys on it.
We have all our podcasts up there and we have our first video,
which was a visit and interview to James McCrae,
previous guest season one, season two,
episode seven, I believe, his shop.
And if you like Porsches, there's several in that shop.
Craig, it's great.
Can't beat McCrae.
Hey, so that's really neat, man.
That means that we've we've not been at the podcasting thing for very long.
But now we've got video content up, too.
And you know, he and I were going through each other's phones
and we found all kind of buried automobile content.
So we'll kind of bring that to the fore.
I found a bunch of videos of, you know, driving through Ireland
that we're going to throw up there.
Anyway, all right, well, thank you for that.
The YouTube presence being stepped up.
OK, and if you like it, tell a friend, follow, download.
The big thing is to follow and have your friends follow, too.
As we mentioned last time, the link tree is up and running.
Link L I N K T R dot E E slash cars.
Love will get you to really sort of a switchboard
that'll get you to all of our online presences.
But the big thing this week that we're really happy is registered another domain.
I love when this happens to Qing Network Solutions.
Every car has a culture dot com.
I love it. I love it.
And so that's what's what's the deal on that?
That's up and running, ready, ready to roll?
Of course, it is ready.
It's beautiful. It's alive and online via GoDaddy,
not Network Solutions, but that's OK.
Dig it. OK, so let's get back to where we were here.
All right. OK, so it calls to act very good.
So, yeah, as I was mentioning before, time to introduce
today's very special guest away there yet.
Let me a little bit more prologue, a little bit more prologue
before we pull Kelly in today.
So count just a few weeks ago, Kelly, myself and my two younger
sons went to the rare air show in Pensacola.
Oh, I have the domain.
If we can stick that in the show notes here, too, it's rare air VW.com
slash show underscore information and maybe just rare air gets you.
Rare air air VW.com.
Yeah, get you there.
It will. And we had the best time.
We had the best time.
And no, Kelly, for a few years now, he's in my my closest
sort of brotherhood of guys that we hang out with.
Oh, slight detour here.
We all went out for pizza last night here in Pensacola, Tuscan
Oven, great place.
Give him a shout out.
Visit there if you can.
Really, I mean, but and we were at dinner of just a bunch of us guys.
And with us, I'm not going to mention the name was someone
who'd been a guest on the show prior.
And he said that was really cathartic.
Doug, I don't think I've told you this because it's just it's not
even 24 hours old except for the last night.
And he said it was really cathartic being on the show because
being interviewed, he kind of talked through a lot of things
that had happened in his life.
And as we are very verbal, you know, a lot of times you don't
bring up the past in a setting, you know, outside of, say, a therapist's
office, but we just kind of talking through some incidents in his early life.
And he just found it really cathartic being here.
He really enjoyed it.
And he was telling Kelly that he would have a good time, too.
So that has brought Kelly to our doorstep.
So Kelly, how you doing, man?
Welcome to the show.
How you doing today?
I'm doing well.
Love it.
Love it.
So Kelly, by way of introduction here, like all kinds of machines,
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