Triumph TR-7 First Car - Eric's Story - Daily Driving a British Classic
About this episode
Eric shares his nostalgic journey through his first cars, starting with a 1977 Triumph TR-7, a British classic that he learned to drive on at 16. He recounts memorable experiences, including driving in an ice storm and the car's quirky double-clutching transmission. The conversation shifts to his second car, a Porsche 914, which he fondly remembers for its mid-engine design and fun driving dynamics. Eric concludes with his current ride, a 2019 Cadillac CTS, highlighting its modern features and comfort. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insights into the evolution of car ownership.
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Eric’s car stories span continents and eras, offering a fun and nostalgic tour of automotive history. A self-described “legal eagle,” Eric starts by recounting his first conquest: a British Racing Green Triumph TR-7 that would make James Bond green with envy. He then takes us into the quirky world of the Porsche 914 – the original VW-Porsche crossover – sharing how that mid-engine gem stole his heart and taught him about classic sports car engineering. Finally, Eric brings us stateside with a Cadillac CTS, reflecting on why “never trust a lawyer not in a Caddy” became his tongue-in-cheek motto.
Eric loves this old school episode - "From Ford Tempo to Flux Capacitor – Brian’s High-Octane Car History" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/21d79744e55c1253139f92207c9bba70
Throughout his tales, Eric sprinkles in automotive trivia and witty anecdotes from the courtroom to the open road. This episode blends humor and insight, delivering a “best in class” experience for listeners who love diverse classic cars, a bit of luxury, and the life lessons that come with each ride.
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Tesla Cybertruck
"...this Tesla Cybertruck launched late November. People are finally getting their Cybertrucks that are not Tesla employees..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck made by Tesla. It has a unique shape and is built to be very tough, making it different from regular trucks.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed by Tesla, known for its distinctive angular design and high durability. It aims to compete in the growing electric vehicle market, particularly in the truck segment.
EPA
"...the EPA changed how they verify mileage of electric cars or range, if you will. So that's impacted pretty much every automaker in their claims of what the range is..."
The EPA is a government agency in the U.S. that makes sure cars are not polluting too much and checks how far they can go on a charge or a tank of gas.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing national standards for environmental protection, including vehicle emissions and fuel economy ratings.
Ford Lightning
"...at the same time that they're cutting production, Ford is cutting production of lightning trucks..."
The Ford Lightning is an electric version of Ford's popular F-150 truck. It aims to be a strong and useful truck while being better for the environment.
The Ford Lightning is an all-electric version of the Ford F-150, designed to provide the utility of a pickup truck while being environmentally friendly. It represents Ford's commitment to electrifying its popular truck lineup.
Buick Enclave
"...e in the same extremely exclusive, except for me, enclave near the water in the Gulf Coast of our fair Unit..."
The Buick Enclave is a roomy SUV that's great for families because it has a lot of space for passengers and their stuff. It's known for being comfortable and having nice features, making it a good choice for long drives.
The Buick Enclave is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort, space, and advanced technology, making it a popular choice for families. Since its debut in 2007, it has been recognized for its smooth ride and upscale interior.
Datsun mini truck
"...purchased a Datsun. If you remember that, I do. They're a little blue Datsun standard mini truck from a painter..."
Datsun was a car brand from Japan that made small trucks. The mini truck is a smaller pickup truck that is easy to drive and great for carrying things.
Datsun was a brand of automobiles that originated in Japan, known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles. The mini truck is a compact pickup that was popular for its versatility and ease of use.
Triumph TR7
"...I wound up top. Oh, TR7. Tell us about it. What color Christians overwhelm right now? But I'm going to take control here. I am"
The Triumph TR7 is a classic sports car that was made in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has a unique triangular shape and was designed to be a fun car to drive.
The Triumph TR7 is a sports car produced by the British manufacturer Triumph from 1975 to 1981. It is known for its distinctive wedge shape and was part of Triumph's effort to modernize its lineup during the 1970s.
British Racing Green
"The color was British Racing Green. I mean, this is a car James Bond would drive."
British Racing Green is a specific shade of green that many British cars are painted in, especially those used in racing. It's a color that represents British motorsport heritage.
British Racing Green is a color traditionally associated with British motorsport, particularly in the early 20th century. It has become iconic, often linked to classic British cars and racing teams.
double clutch
"need to double clutch. The transmission had some issues. Wow. No synchros. Synchros get beaten up."
Double clutching is a way to help your car shift gears smoothly. It involves pressing the clutch pedal twice while changing gears to match the speed of the engine with the speed of the wheels.
Double clutching is a driving technique used to match the engine speed with the transmission speed during a gear shift, particularly in manual transmissions. This technique can help prevent gear grinding and ensure smoother shifts, especially in older cars without synchronizers.
synchros
"Wow. No synchros. Synchros get beaten up. They're optional. And then the it's it had a bad shaking problem at 55 miles per hour."
Synchros are parts in a car's manual transmission that help the gears match speeds when you change gears. They make it easier to shift without grinding the gears.
Synchronizers, or synchros, are components in a manual transmission that help match the speed of the gears during shifting. They allow for smoother gear changes by preventing grinding when engaging a gear.
Ford Expedition
"...let me just squeeze in here. I owned a Ford Expedition for that very reason. When I lived in the DC area for 20..."
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has four-wheel drive, which helps it drive in tough weather like snow or ice. It's a good choice for families, especially if you live in places with bad weather.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for families and those needing four-wheel drive, especially in areas prone to severe weather.
four wheel drive
"...if you forgot to put it in four wheel drive and tried to drive in the snow in two wheel drive, it was an I remember boy, you slip into four wheel drive anywhere..."
Four wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in bad weather like snow.
Four wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain configuration that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously, providing better traction on slippery surfaces like snow or mud.
convertible
"...Back to Eric's car, if you will, Christian. So any, you know, we know it was a convertible..."
A convertible is a car that can have its roof opened up, so you can drive with the top down and enjoy the fresh air.
A convertible is a type of car that features a roof structure that can either be completely or partially retracted, allowing for an open-air driving experience.
hard top
"...It was a British car. It was hard top. Even hard top. Yeah, no, it's great because you don't have to worry about..."
A hard top is a solid roof on a car that doesn't come off, unlike a soft top that can be folded down. It keeps the car warmer and safer.
A hard top refers to a type of car roof that is solid and fixed in place, as opposed to a soft top that can be folded down or removed. Hard tops provide better insulation and security.
manual transmission
"...the fun thing about the triumph was the manual transmission, even with the double clutching. It was it was fun to drive..."
A manual transmission is a type of car gearbox where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and speed compared to automatic transmissions.
standard transmission
"...first thing they cover in spy school is diffusing nuclear bombs and then driving a standard transmission. I mean, I think that's on the syllabus that it's pre-requisition. Standard transmission also known as millennial theft deterrent for that very reason..."
A standard transmission is a type of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself, using a clutch pedal and a gear stick. It's different from automatic transmissions, where the car changes gears for you.
A standard transmission, also known as a manual transmission, requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. It is often considered more engaging to drive compared to automatic transmissions.
Honda
"...one time I was joking around with somebody at the Honda dealer, and I wanted to drive it wasn't a Honda but a car they had there..."
Honda is a popular car brand from Japan that makes a variety of vehicles, known for being reliable and good on gas. They have cars like the Civic and Accord.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer recognized for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. They offer a range of models, including sedans, SUVs, and motorcycles.
stick shift
"Second car was a stick shift. My first one was not, but I had some friends who had stick shift cars and there was no stopping me from there."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that requires you to change gears manually using a lever and a pedal. It's different from automatic cars, which change gears for you.
A stick shift refers to a manual transmission system in a vehicle, where the driver must manually change gears using a gear stick and clutch pedal. This type of transmission offers more control over the vehicle's power and speed compared to automatic transmissions.
Porsche 914
"...the follow up car with the one that I really wanted was a Porsche 914 signal orange. My God, it had a two liter engine, not the six cylinder..."
The Porsche 914 is a small sports car made by Porsche that was popular in the 1970s. It had a unique look and came with different types of engines, making it fun to drive.
The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Porsche from 1969 to 1976. It was known for its distinctive design and was available with both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
two liter engine
"...it had a two liter engine, not the six cylinder because they in Germany..."
A two-liter engine is an engine that has a total size of two liters. This size can affect how powerful the car is and how much fuel it uses.
A two-liter engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. This size typically indicates a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Porsche 911
"911, but it also had a manual transmission, very fun car, very awesome to drive, pulled plenty of girlfriends into the Porsche"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people love to drive. It's known for being fun and fast, and it has a unique shape that makes it stand out.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
mid-engine
"...because it was mid engine and it also had a front trunk where the gas tank was. So it's kind of it was kind of weird to open the front trunk or boot to fill up..."
Mid-engine means the car's engine is placed in the middle of the car, which helps it handle better when driving. It's often found in sports cars.
A mid-engine layout refers to a vehicle design where the engine is located between the front and rear axles, typically providing better weight distribution and handling characteristics. This configuration is common in sports cars and performance vehicles.
vapor locking
"...the problem really with that car was the vapor locking. It's not a problem in Munich, where it stays pretty cool. But down here in the heat, it was it was a problem."
Vapor locking is a problem that happens when the fuel in the lines turns into gas instead of staying liquid, which can stop the engine from running properly, especially in hot weather.
Vapor locking occurs when fuel vaporizes in the fuel lines or carburetor, preventing liquid fuel from reaching the engine. This can lead to engine stalling or difficulty starting, especially in hot conditions.
four-cylinder engine
"...two liter two liter four cylinder. Now my okay, my father..."
A four-cylinder engine is a type of car engine that has four cylinders. These engines are usually smaller and can save fuel, making them common in many cars.
A four-cylinder engine is a type of internal combustion engine with four cylinders arranged in a line or in a different configuration. They are known for being lightweight and fuel-efficient, making them popular in smaller cars.
six-cylinder engine
"...advised my dad not to get me the six cylinder because I was going to die..."
A six-cylinder engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders. These engines usually offer more power than four-cylinder engines, which can make cars faster.
A six-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders. They typically provide more power and acceleration compared to four-cylinder engines, making them suitable for performance-oriented vehicles.
Porsche 356
"...it had the same engine as the Porsche 356. I think it was a 1.6 liter, if you will."
The Porsche 356 is one of the first cars made by Porsche, produced in the late 1940s to the mid-1960s. It's famous for being a light and sporty car.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced from 1948 to 1965. It is known for its lightweight design and excellent handling, and it laid the foundation for Porsche's future models.
Porsche 912
"they had a Porsche 912, they actually offered it twice, which had that similar engine probably to what you had two liter four cylinder."
The Porsche 912 is a car that was made by Porsche. It had a smaller engine than the more famous Porsche 911, making it cheaper and a bit different in style.
The Porsche 912 was a model produced by Porsche that featured a four-cylinder engine, making it a more affordable alternative to the iconic 911. It was offered in two different production runs, first in the 1960s and then again in the early 1970s.
electric conversion
"think it would be an awesome car to have as an electric conversion, but they are very low to the ground. They're very old, very small cars. Yeah, I think it I think it weighed 1,453 pounds."
Electric conversion means changing a car that runs on gas to one that runs on electricity. It's like putting in a new engine that uses batteries instead of fuel.
Electric conversion refers to the process of converting a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle into an electric vehicle by replacing the engine with electric motors and batteries. This allows classic cars to benefit from modern electric technology while preserving their original aesthetics.
air cooled engine
"...really awesome car air cooled engine, vapor lock understandable. Yeah, which led him to ride off into the sunset into the third act of this voyage..."
An air cooled engine is a kind of engine that doesn't use water to keep cool; it uses air instead. This was common in older cars, making them lighter and simpler.
An air cooled engine is a type of engine that uses air to dissipate heat instead of relying on a liquid cooling system. This design is often found in older vehicles, such as classic Porsches, and is known for its simplicity and lightweight characteristics.
Cadillac Cts
"because my wife bought it for me. It's the white Cadillac CTS beautiful with beautiful auto with a two liter turbo charged engine and a sunroof."
The Cadillac CTS is a luxury car that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. It's known for being stylish and having good performance, especially with its turbocharged engine.
The Cadillac CTS is a luxury sedan known for its performance and comfort. It features a stylish design and is equipped with advanced technology and a range of powerful engine options, including turbocharged variants.
turbocharged engine
"beautiful with beautiful auto with a two liter turbo charged engine and a sunroof. And the you know, all the windows roll down and roll up with a punch of a butt, you know, you touch the button."
A turbocharged engine is designed to be more powerful by forcing extra air into the engine, which helps it burn more fuel and produce more power. This means the car can go faster without needing a bigger engine.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine to force more air into the combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. This results in better performance without significantly increasing engine size.
Cadillac Escalade
"... white. So it's beautiful. I have dreams of a red Escalade, but this one is just so nice. And you know, trav..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that lots of people love because it looks great and has a lot of room inside. It's often seen as a luxury vehicle, making it popular among those who want something stylish and comfortable.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its bold design, spacious interior, and high-end features. It has become a symbol of luxury and status since its introduction in 1999, often discussed for its performance and premium amenities.
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