What Makes A Restomod Count? — Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 237
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1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL
This is a classic Mercedes-Benz SL from 1963. It’s a famous model in Mercedes’ “SL” sports-car family, and the hosts are talking about it as a restomod example where a lot of the original car is still there.
chassis number
A chassis number is the car’s unique ID number. It’s important because it ties the car’s identity to a specific original vehicle, not just the parts that are installed now.
restomods
A restomod is an old car that’s been kept, but improved with newer parts or upgrades. The point here is whether the build still feels like the original car or mostly becomes something new.
serial number
A serial number is a production ID that tells you where a specific car sits in the order it was built. The hosts are using it to show this car is from the earliest batch.
second generation Mercedes SL
Mercedes SL generations are basically different eras of the SL model. The hosts are debating the numbering because it affects how you think about the car’s history and authenticity.
tubular framed race car
A tubular frame means the car’s structure is built from metal tubes. Race cars often use this because it can be strong and light, and it helps the car handle better.
gullwing doors
Gullwing doors are doors that open upward instead of outward. They’re a signature look on certain classic cars, including the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL mentioned here.
body-on-frame
Body-on-frame means the car has a separate “skeleton” (a frame) and the body is bolted on top. It’s relevant to restomods because the frame affects how the car handles and how much you can modernize safely.
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a cheaper, smaller roadster that came out around 1954. In this discussion, the big idea is that it borrowed more parts from Mercedes sedans, including the chassis, so it was easier to produce and buy than the 300 SL.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a famous Mercedes sports car. It’s known for the gullwing doors, and it also used many parts from Mercedes sedans to make it easier to build and maintain.
sedan content
“Sedan content” means the roadster/sports car uses parts that were originally designed for a regular family sedan. In this segment, they’re comparing how much of that shared hardware each Mercedes SL used.
1.9 liter four cylinder
This describes the engine size and layout: four cylinders total, with 1.9 liters of displacement. It’s one of the basic specs that influences how strong the engine can feel.
twin solex carburetors
Carburetors are devices that mix fuel and air for the engine. “Twin Solex carburetors” means there are two of them, which can help the engine breathe and respond better than a single-carb setup.
grand touring sports car
A grand touring sports car is built for long drives—comfortable enough for the road, but still quick and fun. The speaker is saying the SL line became more about that kind of driving than about being a race car you use on the street.
limited slip differentials
A limited-slip differential helps both drive wheels work together. When one wheel loses grip, it limits how much the slipping wheel can spin so the car can still move forward.
sedan under the skin
They’re saying the car may look more exciting, but underneath it uses the same basic platform as a regular sedan. So the driving feel and layout are still rooted in sedan engineering.
compression
Compression is how tightly the engine squeezes the fuel-air mixture before it’s ignited. More compression can make more power, but it has to be matched with the right engine and fuel.
cam timing
Cam timing controls exactly when the engine’s valves open. Adjusting it can change where the engine feels strongest as you accelerate.
Mercedes SL
The Mercedes SL is a luxury roadster line that’s meant to feel sporty, but also be easy to live with. The point here is that it’s not trying to be a hardcore track-focused sports car.
GT car
A GT car is built for comfortable long drives. It’s meant to feel sporty, but it’s not necessarily the same as a track-focused sports car.
hard top
A hard top is a solid, rigid roof. It generally keeps the cabin more comfortable in bad weather and makes the car easier to use every day.
swing axle suspension
Swing-axle suspension is a type of rear suspension. It can make the car’s handling feel a bit “twitchy,” especially when weight shifts during cornering.
period road test
A period road test is a car review written when the car was new. It’s useful because it reflects what people thought at the time, not later opinions.
The Motor
The Motor is a classic British car magazine that published road tests. The host is citing it as an example of what reviewers thought back then.
pendulum axa
A “pendulum axle” is a suspension/axle setup where the rear end moves in a pendulum-like way as the car goes over bumps or turns. That movement can change how the back of the car feels when you drive aggressively.
swing arm
A swing arm is a suspension part that connects the wheel to the car and moves on a pivot. It helps determine how the wheel reacts when you turn or hit bumps, which can change how confident the car feels in hard driving.
disc brakes
Disc brakes are a braking system where pads squeeze a metal disc to slow the car down. They usually handle heat better than drum brakes, so braking can feel more consistent.
drums
Drum brakes are another type of braking system. Instead of squeezing a disc, they push shoes against the inside of a drum to slow the car down.
Mercedes-Benz 250 SL
The Mercedes-Benz 250 SL is an older Mercedes roadster. Here it’s mentioned because the braking setup changed over time—from drums to disc brakes—which affects how the car stops and feels.
four speed manual
A four-speed manual is a car where you shift gears yourself using a clutch. With only four gears, the engine may run at higher RPMs compared to cars with more gears.
short geared
“Short geared” means the transmission final drive and/or gear ratios are set to keep engine RPM higher at a given speed. That typically improves acceleration feel but can make cruising noisier and less relaxed.
revving
Here, “revving” means how easily the engine spins faster (higher RPM). Some engines feel like they want to climb to high RPM quickly, while others feel more comfortable pulling at lower speeds.
long stroke engine
A “long stroke” engine means the piston travels a longer distance each cycle. That often helps the car pull strongly at lower speeds, even if it doesn’t feel like it wants to spin to very high RPM as easily.
single overhead cam
“Single overhead cam” means the engine uses one camshaft up in the top of the engine head to open and close the valves. It’s a common design, and it can be tuned to make more pulling power at lower speeds.
tuned for torque
When an engine is “tuned for torque,” it’s set up to feel stronger pulling power at lower speeds. So you don’t have to rev it as much to get moving.
six speed manual transmission
A six-speed manual transmission uses six gear ratios that the driver selects with a clutch. More gears can help keep the engine in its best RPM range for acceleration and cruising, especially when paired with a specific final drive ratio.
tall final drive ratio
Final drive ratio is the gearing that affects how fast the car goes versus how fast the engine spins. A “tall” ratio generally means lower RPM at highway speeds, so the engine feels less strained.
M113
M113 is the name Mercedes-Benz gave to a particular engine family. Here, they’re talking about a big naturally aspirated 5.4-liter engine that’s paired with a manual gearbox.
naturally aspirated
Naturally aspirated means the engine makes its airflow without a turbo or supercharger. The result is typically a more direct, steady response when you press the gas.
single cam 3 valve
“Single cam” (SOHC) means one camshaft operates the valves for the engine’s cylinder head. “3 valve” indicates each cylinder uses three valves (typically two intake and one exhaust), which is a specific head design that affects breathing and how the engine makes power.
crossfire transmission
“Crossfire transmission” refers to a specific transmission used in the Mercedes-Benz Crossfire model line. The hosts are contrasting it with the transmission actually fitted here, implying the restomod uses a different gearbox than the one associated with that donor application.
Matt Quick
Matt Quick is referenced as the builder behind this restomod’s powertrain/engine setup. In enthusiast circles, the builder’s name often signals a particular approach to sourcing, machining, and tuning rather than a factory configuration.
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 Black Series
The Mercedes-Benz CLK63 Black Series is a special, high-power AMG version of the CLK. The hosts mention it because they’ve modified it heavily—like you might do when building a restomod.
Mercedes-Benz C126
Mercedes-Benz C126 is the code for a particular older Mercedes coupe platform. In this discussion, they’re talking about putting a modern/stronger 5.4 engine into it and how that changes how the car feels.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very high-end luxury car made by Mercedes. It’s known for being comfortable and well-equipped. The podcast mentions it to compare how a smaller, lighter car can still use similar engine/powertrain ideas.
overpowered
“Overpowered” here means the car has more power than the tires can safely use. When that happens, the car can start slipping, and you have to focus hard to keep control.
tireshaking
“Tireshaking” is what happens when the tires start slipping and vibrating because they can’t get enough grip. It’s usually a sign the car is putting down more power than the tires can handle.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
“Hellcats” refers to Dodge’s very powerful V8 cars. The point here is that they make so much power that it can be hard to put it to the ground without spinning the tires.
traction
Traction is tire grip. If you don’t have enough of it, the tires spin and the car doesn’t move forward as effectively.
wheelspin on demand
“Wheelspin on demand” means the driver can deliberately break traction and spin the tires whenever they want. It’s often used for quick acceleration drama, but it also shows the car’s power is exceeding what the tires can grip at that moment.
incinerate the tires
“Incinerate the tires” is a vivid way of saying the car aggressively spins the tires, rapidly wasting tire rubber. It implies the driver is using full throttle in a situation where traction is insufficient.
NASCAR V8 sounds
“NASCAR V8 sounds” refers to the distinctive loud, raspy, high-rev V8 character associated with stock-car racing. In context, it’s used to emphasize the restomod’s aggressive exhaust note and how it accompanies tire squeal and acceleration.
tire squeal
Tire squeal is the high-pitched noise tires make when they’re slipping while cornering or accelerating. It’s a sign the tire is near or beyond its grip limit.
axle tramp
Axle tramp is when the rear of the car starts to shake or bounce because the suspension and drivetrain are fighting each other. It often shows up when you accelerate hard, and it can feel dramatic—sometimes fun, sometimes annoying.
second gear rolling slight burnout
A rolling burnout means the car is moving and the tires still spin enough to lose grip briefly. Choosing a gear changes how the engine power hits the tires, so it can be easier or smoother to do.
AMG 5.4
“AMG 5.4” means a Mercedes-AMG engine that’s 5.4 liters. It’s the big engine at the center of the car’s personality here, and the hosts connect it to the way the car feels with a manual transmission.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is a faster, performance-focused version of the E-Class. It uses an AMG 5.4-liter naturally aspirated engine, meaning it doesn’t rely on forced induction like turbocharging. The podcast is highlighting that engine setup as the main point.
Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 Blackwing is a sportier CT5 with a more performance-minded setup. Here it’s mentioned as a reference for the kind of driving feel the speaker is getting.
tall gearing
“Tall gearing” means the car is geared so you go faster in each gear. That usually keeps the engine RPM lower at highway speeds, but it can make acceleration feel different.
sixth gear
Sixth gear is one of the higher gears in a multi-gear transmission. Using it at highway speeds helps keep the engine RPM lower for a calmer ride.
RPM
RPM (revolutions per minute) is how fast the engine crankshaft is spinning. In this discussion, RPM is used to show how gearing changes engine speed at a given road speed—e.g., 2000 RPM in sixth gear corresponding to about 65 mph.
Lamborghini Gallardo
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a high-performance supercar made by Lamborghini. It uses a V10 engine and is known for quick acceleration. The podcast is talking about how fast it gets in early gears and how it pulls as you shift.
horsepower
Horsepower is a number that describes how much “power” an engine can make. Higher horsepower usually means the engine can push harder, but it’s not the only factor in how fast or quick a car feels.
mild tune
A “mild tune” is a software adjustment to the engine that makes it run a bit better. It’s usually not as extreme as a full-on performance tune.
exhaust, no cats
“No cats” means the catalytic converters are not there. That can make the exhaust breathe more freely and sound different, but it can also be illegal and increases emissions.
Pendle axle
This sounds like a nickname for a rear-axle configuration that makes the car feel sketchy. The point here is that the upgraded car no longer uses that setup, so it feels safer and more stable.
five link rear end
A five-link rear suspension uses multiple arms to control how the rear wheels move. More control usually means the car grips better and feels more stable, especially when you accelerate or turn.
CLK 209
Mercedes-Benz CLK (W209) is the second-generation CLK platform, and the hosts specify using its five-link rear suspension as the basis for the restomod’s rear end. That generation detail matters because different CLK generations can have different suspension layouts and handling characteristics.
Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
The C55 AMG is a Mercedes performance version of the C-Class. The hosts are saying the modified car is basically using the C55’s engine setup, so it should drive more like that faster, stronger configuration.
Volvo P1800
The Volvo P1800 is an older Volvo with two doors that’s designed more like a sports car than a regular family car. The podcast mentions it because someone made or referenced a custom project based on a Volvo P1800. It’s being used as the starting point for a different kind of build.
Alpha Halux
Alpha Halux is mentioned as a company/project approach to rebuilding classic cars. The host says it does a good job keeping the original car’s personality while still making it work well today.
shoehorn in a powertrain
This is about dropping a new engine into an older car without properly redesigning everything else to match. The host’s point is that the car can end up feeling awkward or unbalanced to drive.
spider web graph
They’re using a visual metaphor: imagine a web where one spoke is way longer than the others. If the car is great in one area but not the rest, it can feel out of balance when you drive it.
Ferrari F355
The Ferrari F355 is a famous older Ferrari supercar with a V8 engine in the middle. People like it as a starting point for restomods because it already looks great, and you can improve things like drivability and tech while keeping the Ferrari vibe.
Evoluto
Evoluto is the company the hosts say did the modifications to the Ferrari F355. In the restomod world, these are the shops that change the car’s look and update parts to make it feel more modern.
288 GTO
The Ferrari 288 GTO is an older, very famous Ferrari with a turbo engine. The host is saying the modified F355 takes some design inspiration from the 288 GTO—basically nodding to that classic look.
Ferrari 355
The Ferrari 355 is a mid-engine Ferrari sports car. Here, they’re talking about how its steering and driving feel compare to the Ferrari 348, and whether it’s worth modifying for better handling.
Ferrari 348
The Ferrari 348 is an older Ferrari sports car with a mid-mounted engine. They’re using it as a comparison point for steering feel, saying the later Ferrari 355 didn’t really make it better.
overboosted
“Overboosted” here means the steering assist is helping too much. When that happens, the steering can feel numb instead of giving you clear feedback.
shocks, springs
Shocks (dampers) and springs are suspension components that control ride height and how quickly the car settles after bumps or during cornering. Changing them is a common way to address “dynamic problems” like body motion and steering response, which the hosts suggest can be fixed without changing the car’s identity.
Fast rack
A “fast rack” means the steering is geared so it turns quicker. You need less steering-wheel movement to make the car turn, which can make the car feel more responsive.
fast steering rack
A fast steering rack makes the steering respond quicker—turn the wheel less and the tires turn more. That can make the car feel sharper, but it can also change the feel of control.
running gear
“Running gear” means the main mechanical parts that make the car move and handle—things like suspension, steering, and brakes. They’re saying basically none of those parts are original.
OEM
OEM means “original equipment manufacturer,” referring to parts made to match what the car came with from the factory. In the segment, the speaker uses OEM to suggest the shocks are essentially factory-spec replacements rather than a major custom performance change.
GTI replacement shocks
They’re saying the car uses shock absorbers meant for a Volkswagen GTI. It’s like using a factory-style upgrade from a different model, not necessarily a totally custom suspension build.
brakes at the wheels
“Brakes at the wheels” means the braking hardware is mounted directly at each wheel (calipers or wheel cylinders), rather than relying on a centralized braking arrangement. In a swap, this matters because it determines how the car is stopped and how brake lines, routing, and pedal feel are engineered.
hydro booster
A hydro booster helps your brakes by using hydraulic pressure to make the brake pedal easier to push. It’s a common upgrade when a car’s original brake system doesn’t match the new setup.
BMW E24
BMW E24 is a specific older BMW 6 Series model generation. Here, they’re saying they used a brake-assist part from that BMW in the custom car.
exhaust is custom
A custom exhaust is built to fit the new engine and layout. When you swap parts, the original exhaust often won’t line up or clear everything, so they make a new one.
driveshaft's custom
The driveshaft is the part that transfers power from the transmission to the rear axle. If you change the drivetrain, you often need a custom one so everything lines up correctly.
restomazes
They’re talking about restomods—old cars that have been modified. The question is whether those changes are meant to keep the original vibe or completely reshape how the car feels.
LS swap
An “LS swap” is when someone puts a GM V8 engine (the LS family) into a car that didn’t originally have it. People like it because it’s a popular, upgrade-friendly engine that can make a big difference in how the car drives.
supercharged LS swap Land Rover Defender
The Defender is a classic off-road truck, and an LS swap means replacing the original engine with a modern GM V8. When you also add a supercharger, it can make the truck feel extremely strong and hard to control—so it may lose the “fun old truck” vibe.
turbo diesel
A “turbo diesel” is a diesel engine with a turbo that helps it breathe better. Turbos help diesels make strong pulling power, especially at lower speeds.
wide open throttle
“Wide open throttle” means you’re flooring it and asking the engine for maximum power. On a powerful, torque-heavy build, that can make the truck feel like it’s about to lose control.
restomating a Pagoda
They’re basically saying: if you don’t like how the classic Pagoda drives, a restomod might fix the parts you dislike. The goal is to make the car more fun and less frustrating to drive.
back end
“Back end” means how the rear of the car feels while driving. The speaker is saying it feels a bit uncertain and not very confident at highway speeds.
short leggedness
“Short leggedness” means the car’s gearing makes it feel like it doesn’t have enough “reach.” At highway speeds, it can feel like the engine is working too hard.
breathlessness
“Breathlessness” here means the engine feels like it’s struggling to keep up, especially at highway speeds. It doesn’t feel smooth or effortless when you ask it to go faster.
built motor
A “built motor” means the engine has been modified and strengthened for more power or durability. Instead of staying stock, it’s put together with upgraded parts so it can handle harder driving.
blew it up
“Blew it up” is slang for the engine failing in a serious way. It usually means the car needs major repair or a rebuild before it runs right again.
Saab 900
The Saab 900 is an older Saab model that many people associate with turbocharged, fun-to-drive behavior. They’re using it as a comparison to describe how this modified Trans Am feels—fast in a way that’s a little wild and funny.
rear suspension
The rear suspension is what helps the back wheels move smoothly and stay planted. When they say it “squats,” they mean the back of the car dips down when you accelerate.
Porsche 911 GT3
The Porsche 911 GT3 is the “serious” version of the 911—built for fast driving and track-style handling. It’s usually more focused on steering feel and grip than a regular 911. Here, the speaker says they drove a GT3 while they were there.
front and rear
They’re saying the upgrades were done on both the front and the back of the car. That matters because the car needs to handle and brake well at all four wheels.
play on center
It’s how much the steering wheel can move a little bit while you’re trying to go straight, before the car really changes direction. Less play usually feels tighter and more predictable.
dead spot
A dead spot is a part of the steering where turning the wheel doesn’t seem to do anything right away. It can make the car feel laggy or weird when you’re trying to steer precisely.
turn in cohesively
Turn-in is what the car does right when you start turning into a corner. “Cohesively” means it feels coordinated—like the tires and suspension respond together instead of fighting each other.
34 tenths
That “tenths” number is basically a measure of how much cornering force the car can handle. Higher numbers generally mean more grip before the tires start slipping.
goose it
It just means “hit the gas” quickly. They’re about to accelerate hard to see how the car responds.
762 of the wheels
“On the wheels” means the power measured at the tires, not the engine. It’s usually lower than the factory number because some power is lost through the drivetrain.
downshifted
Downshifting means switching to a lower gear. It usually makes the engine spin faster so the car can pull harder when you accelerate.
put all of that power down to the ground
It means the car can accelerate without the wheels just spinning. Good tires and traction help the engine’s power actually move the car forward.
Hoosiers
“Hoosiers” refers to a brand of racing tires. The point here is that they grip the road really well, so the car can accelerate without spinning its wheels as easily.
LS sounds
“LS” is a type of GM V8 engine. People often notice the exhaust sound is different from older V8 engines, even if the car still looks stock.
small block
“Small block” is a nickname for a smaller V8 engine design. It’s often contrasted with bigger V8s, and here it’s part of the discussion about how different engines sound.
large block
“Large block” (often called “big block”) means a bigger V8 engine. People usually associate it with stronger low-end power and a different, deeper sound.
455
“455” refers to an older big V8 engine size—455 cubic inches. It’s a well-known muscle-car-era engine, and the host is using it to talk about how different V8s sound.
cross-plane V8
A cross-plane V8 is how the engine’s cylinders are timed to fire. That timing changes how smooth the engine feels and how it sounds.
straight six
A straight six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in one row. It tends to run smoothly, which is why people often enjoy the way it feels and sounds.
twin cam
“Twin cam” means the engine has two camshafts that control the valves. More precise valve control can help the engine make power more effectively, especially when you rev it.
autocross
Autocross is a timed driving event on a closed course with cones. You’re judged on how fast you can navigate the turns, not on going really fast in a straight line.
custom drive shaft exhaust
It sounds like the exhaust was custom-built to fit around the car’s driveshaft area. That can change how the car sounds and how neatly everything fits under the car.
Mercedes C43
The Mercedes-Benz C43 is a sportier version of the C-Class. The speakers are using it as a “how firm is the ride?” comparison.
period correct
“Period correct” means the modifications match the look, parts, and engineering vibe that would have been appropriate for the car’s era. In this discussion, period correctness is used as a criterion for how “OEM plus” a build feels versus something that’s moved further away from the original class or identity.
8 HP swapping transmission
The “8 HP” wording is basically about an eight-speed automatic transmission. The speaker is saying the person is swapping in that kind of gearbox.
ZF
ZF is a company that builds car parts—here, it’s the transmission. The speaker is saying the car uses a ZF eight-speed automatic.
torque converter automatic
This is a type of automatic transmission that uses fluid to connect the engine to the gearbox. It helps the car move smoothly, especially from a stop.
Jaguar XJS
The Jaguar XJS is a classic Jaguar grand tourer, and some versions came with a V12. Here, they’re describing how the automatic gearbox and gearing make it behave in a very specific, slow-to-respond way at low speeds.
three-speed automatic
A three-speed automatic is a transmission with just three forward gears. Because it has fewer gears to choose from, the engine can end up running too low or too high for what you want, making the car feel less responsive.
Kerbohydromatic 400
“Kerbohydromatic 400” is the name people use for a specific older automatic transmission family. It’s known for how it shifts and how its gear ratios affect acceleration and engine sound.
widely spaced gears
“Widely spaced gears” means each gear changes the engine speed by a big amount. If the gaps are large, the engine may not stay in the sweet spot, so the car can feel less smooth or less eager.
simulated manuals
Simulated manuals let an automatic car act like it has a manual gearbox. You can “shift” with paddles or a shifter, but the car is still controlling everything with electronics.
potentiometer
A potentiometer is a sensor that measures how far you move a pedal or lever. It converts that movement into an electrical signal the car can understand.
Tiptronic
Tiptronic is Porsche’s system that lets you control an automatic transmission like a manual. You can choose gears, but the transmission is still an automatic underneath.
3D printing
3D printing is a way to make physical parts from a computer file. Car builders use it to prototype or create custom pieces for projects.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car. People sometimes use it as a “donor” car for unusual custom builds, and here they’re talking about an extreme swap involving a motorcycle engine.
automated manual
An automated manual is basically a manual transmission, but the car does the clutch/gear changes for you. It’s like driving a manual, but with automation doing the work.
Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury sedan from Maserati. Here, they’re talking about how much one might cost if you’re buying it as a base for a modified project.
manual swapping
Manual swapping means changing a car so it uses a manual gearbox instead of an automatic. People do it because they prefer the feel, but it’s usually a lot of work.
swaps
Here, “swaps” means replacing big parts of a car with different ones—often to change how it drives. They’re saying this kind of project is especially popular right now.
Ferrari 360 Challenge Trudale
The Ferrari 360 is a mid-engine Ferrari known for being fun and sporty. “Challenge Trudale” sounds like a track-focused version they’re name-dropping as an example of a car people might restomod.
Turbo Hydromatic 300
This is the name of an older automatic transmission. The point they’re making is that even if it functions, it doesn’t feel special or exciting compared with more modern (or more engaging) setups.
carburetor fuel injection
Older cars often used a carburetor to mix fuel and air. Newer cars use fuel injection, which meters fuel more accurately, so it tends to age better.
fuel injected
Fuel injection is an engine system that sprays fuel into the intake (or sometimes directly into the cylinder) based on sensors and engine conditions. When the host says “early fuel injected amazing engines,” they’re pointing to older fuel-injection designs that can still be compelling today.
rear-end swap
A rear-end swap usually means replacing the entire rear axle assembly (differential and related components) to change gearing, strength, or drivability. It’s a major modification because it affects how the car accelerates, how it behaves under load, and how it fits with the rest of the drivetrain.
BMW E30
The BMW E30 is the 3 Series generation from the 1980s known for its compact, rear-wheel-drive layout and huge enthusiast following. The host mentions it as an example of a car with lots of aftermarket support—meaning it’s easy to assemble parts that don’t work together as a cohesive driver.
Triumph TR6
The Triumph TR6 is a classic British sports car known for its inline-six engine and traditional roadster feel. In a restomod discussion, it’s a common platform because it has a big enthusiast and aftermarket ecosystem, which can make “overbuilding” easy if parts aren’t integrated thoughtfully.
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is a sports car designed for fast driving and an engaging feel. People often talk about it because it’s popular and can be expensive to maintain if something goes wrong. The podcast is pointing out that there can be risks with regular ownership.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo is a classic Chevrolet. In this conversation, it’s being used as a starting car for a bigger project, and the hosts are comparing how it drives versus the Kimera.
donor cars
A donor car is an old car you use mainly for its parts. In this case, the host is saying the starting cars were often worn out before being turned into something else.
shift linkage
Shift linkage is the mechanical connection that transfers movement from the shifter to the transmission. If it comes loose or disconnects, the shifter can feel sloppy or fail to select gears reliably—exactly the kind of drivability problem the host describes when it “fell off” and had to be reattached roadside.
emissions exemption
An emissions exemption is a legal carve-out that can reduce or waive emissions-related requirements or costs for certain vehicles. The hosts mention it as a reason a car may be treated as a rest-o-mod legally, potentially making the project cheaper or easier to execute.
Craigslist shit box
“Shit box” is slang for a beat-up, cheap car that isn’t in great shape. They’re saying you might start with something rough and then restore/upgrade it.
tariff
A tariff is a tax that gets added when something is brought in from another country. They’re saying their situation can avoid that extra tax burden.
sales tax
Sales tax is the tax you pay when you buy something. They’re comparing the cost of buying a new car versus restoring a car you already own.
Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 is a famous, old-school supercar known for feeling very intense and mechanical to drive. Here, they’re comparing what it costs versus what you get behind the wheel.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American performance car. They’re using it as a comparison to the Ferrari F40 to talk about whether the price difference makes sense.
Singer
Singer is a company that builds very expensive, custom Porsche 911 restomods. They’re known for making them feel special, but the speaker says this one felt a little too “perfect” to be as fun as messier 911s.
Todd Hill
Todd Hill is a name tied to custom Porsche builds. They’re saying they want to drive one because it’s likely to feel different in a way that matters for the restomod conversation.
Bugatti
Bugatti is a famous luxury supercar brand. They’re using it as a comparison to explain that some cars are more about style and “art” than the same kind of engineering priorities.
Ford Capri
The Ford Capri is a classic Ford from Europe that people often modify. Here it’s mentioned as an early example of the kind of classic-car restomod scene the hosts mean.
ABS
ABS is a safety system that keeps your wheels from locking up when you brake hard. That helps you keep steering control instead of sliding.
BMW E28
BMW E28 is the name for a specific generation of the BMW 5 Series. In this context, it’s being used as an example of an older car where ABS hardware can be upgraded.
BMW M5
BMW M5 is a performance BMW 5 Series. Here it’s mentioned because it used a more advanced ABS setup (four-channel), which matters if you’re trying to swap ABS parts.
standalone unit with its own harness
If the ABS parts come as a self-contained kit with their own wiring, it’s easier to install. You’re less likely to run into complicated wiring compatibility issues.