Why Don’t We Like Fords?
About this episode
A lively debate unfolds as Max and Matt explore their mutual indifference towards Fords, questioning whether they're missing out on the brand's allure. They discuss classic models like the Escort and Cortina, comparing their appeal and rising auction prices to more beloved alternatives. The conversation also touches on the Hillman Imp, its quirky design, and whether it deserves preservation or destruction. Additionally, they delve into the significance of car interiors, sharing personal experiences and preferences, making for a humorous yet insightful episode about classic car culture.
How come we’re not fussed by fast Fords? Should we save or crush that dumpy Mini rival, the Hillman Imp? And is it weird to get hung up about classic car interiors? All that plus our thoughts on the NEC show, your views on whether to fix your cars at home and the usual knockabout from the two hosts. If you like classic cars, you'll love this podcast. Click play to get involved!
Follow us on Instagram: @thetyrekickersuk
Facebook: The Tyre Kickers
Finalist - Independent Podcast Awards 2024 & 2025
classic cars
"[0.0s] There's a plane droning over me... classic car chat with Max and Matt."
Classic cars are older cars that people collect because they look cool, have a special history, or can be worth a lot of money.
Classic cars refer to older, often iconic vehicles that are valued for their historical significance, design, and sometimes rarity.
wooden dashboards
"[30.0s] ...what about the interiors? Is it time to give the wooden dashboards some love?..."
Some old cars have dashboard panels made of wood or wood‑like material, which gives them a classic look.
Wooden dashboards refer to interior panels made from wood veneer or real wood, often used in classic cars for a warm, vintage aesthetic.
auction prices
"[126.0s] ...there was that mark to white 2.escoote, 1800 RS..."
When classic cars are sold at auction, people pay a lot of money for them. The price shows how rare or desirable the car is.
Auction prices refer to the amounts paid for classic cars at public sales, often reflecting rarity, condition, and market demand.
Ford Escort Mark II
"Now, that's one of the cabinet ones that's one people want. I mean, that's actually like it. I do like those escorts as a mark two."
The Escort Mark II is a small car made by Ford in the 1970s. It was known for being light and easy to drive fast, which made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Escort Mark II is a compact car produced by the British‑American automaker Ford in the 1970s and early 1980s. It was popular for its lightweight chassis and tunable performance, especially in the RS2000 variant.
right hand drive
"It's not quite the UK spec. It's got the wrong wing mirrors... 35,000 pounds for a 1980 right hand drive Ford Escort Mark to RS 2000."
Right‑hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, so you drive on the left side of the road. It’s common in places like the UK and South Africa.
Right‑hand drive (RHD) refers to vehicles where the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, common in countries like the UK and South Africa.
modern classic
"You know, if you had this in your garage, it's going to be much more interesting than, you know, a modern classic."
A modern classic is a newer car that people now love and want to own or fix up because it looks cool and works well.
A "modern classic" refers to a relatively recent car model that has gained iconic status and is now considered desirable for collection or restoration.
Rostar wheels
"It's got the Rostar wheels, I think."
Rostar makes special wheels that are lighter and stronger, which can improve a car’s handling and look.
Rostar is a German wheel manufacturer known for producing lightweight, high-performance alloy wheels often used on sports cars and luxury vehicles.
wind up windows
"Who got electric windows? No, it's not. I don't think so. No, I wind up."
Wind up windows are the old-fashioned way to open and close car windows by turning a knob or lever, instead of using a button.
Wind up windows refer to manual power window mechanisms that use a crank or lever to raise and lower the glass, common before electric windows became standard.
MGB
"The four‑the‑money, you could be sitting in an MGB or a Triumph stag or, you know, something a bit more interesting than this."
The MGB is a small, fun car from the 1960s that many people still enjoy driving today. It’s famous for being lightweight and easy to handle.
The MG MGB is a classic British sports car produced from 1962 to 1980, known for its lightweight chassis and rear‑wheel drive layout.
Cortina 1.6 GL
"And certainly, I don't think you aspire now to owning a blue Cortina 1.6 GL."
The Cortina is a small car from Ford that many people used as their first car. It’s known for being simple and easy to keep running.
The Ford Cortina 1.6 GL is a compact family car produced by Ford in the UK during the 1970s and early 1980s. It was popular as an affordable, reliable daily driver.
RS2000
"Doyle drove the RS2000 we talked about, and then Bodi drove this Capri 3.0."
The RS2000 is a small, fast car made by Rover. It has a light body and a powerful engine for its size.
The RS2000 is a lightweight sports car produced by Rover in the late 1970s. It features a small, high-revving engine and a lightweight chassis that makes it popular among enthusiasts.
Ford Capri
"[656.0s] And this 1981 is nice, but I reckon that's probably the last year I'd have a Capri. [662.0s] The only Capri I kind of gets me excited is the Mark 1."
The Ford Capri is a fun, sporty car that was made in the UK. It looks cool and can be driven fast, especially the older versions.
The Ford Capri is a British-made sports coupe produced by the American automaker Ford from 1970 to 1985. It was popular in Europe for its stylish design and performance options, especially the early Mark 1 models.
Mondeo
"And then you got to the Sierra, you got to the Mondayo, you got to even to the Focus."
The Mondeo is a mid-sized car from the 1990s that many people used for family trips. It was more modern than its predecessor, the Sierra.
The Ford Mondeo, introduced in 1993, was a mid-size car that replaced the Sierra. It offered improved handling and more modern styling for its time.
Ford Zephyr
"Looks like a Zephyl looking car."
The Ford Zephyr is a classic British car from the 1960s and ’70s. It was a comfortable family vehicle with a spacious cabin, often used as a daily driver.
The Ford Zephyr was a mid‑size family car produced by the British manufacturer Ford from 1958 to 1975. It was known for its roomy interior and smooth ride, making it popular among families in the UK.
Ford Sierra
"[784.0s] Sierra versus a Cavalier."
The Ford Sierra is a large family car from the 1980s. It was popular in Europe and offers good space for passengers.
The Ford Sierra is a mid‑size family car produced by Ford Europe from 1982 to 1993, known for its boxy design and solid performance.
Chevrolet Cavalier
"[789.0s] I'll go Cavalier. [790.0s] Cavalier."
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a small, budget‑friendly car that was popular in the 1990s. It’s easy to find parts and service.
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car produced by General Motors from 1982 to 2005, known for its affordability and practicality.
Rover SD1
"[793.0s] Granada versus, say, a Rover SD1."
The Rover SD1 is a stylish British car from the late 1970s. It was one of the first cars to use a sleek, aerodynamic shape.
The Rover SD1 is a mid‑size executive car produced by British manufacturer Rover from 1976 to 1985, known for its aerodynamic design and advanced features.
Ford Granada
"[793.0s] Granada versus, say, a Rover SD1."
The Ford Granada is a roomy family car from the 1970s and 80s. It was popular in Europe and offers plenty of space for passengers.
The Ford Granada is a mid‑size car produced by Ford from 1972 to 1994, available as a sedan or station wagon and known for its spacious interior.
Rover P6
"[802.0s] Granada versus the Rover P6 or SD1. [804.0s] Rover P6."
The Rover P6 is a classic British car from the 1970s and '80s. It has a boxy look, runs on the back wheels, and was popular in the UK.
The Rover P6 is a mid-size executive car produced by the British manufacturer Rover from 1975 to 1985, known for its distinctive design and rear-wheel drive layout.
MG Capri
"If I read that list to you, Capri, MGBGT."
The MG Capri is a small, fast car from Britain that was popular in the 1970s and early 1980s. It has a rear‑wheel drive layout, meaning the engine powers the back wheels.
The MG Capri is a British sports coupe produced from 1972 to 1985, known for its lightweight design and rear‑wheel drive layout.
Hillman Minx
"the Mini rival with the engine out back the Hillman M."
The Hillman Minx is a family car made in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s. It has its engine at the back, which gives more space inside.
The Hillman Minx is a British family car produced from 1959 to 1976, known for its spacious interior and rear‑engine layout.
rear-engine layout
"the Mini rival with the engine out back the Hillman M."
In a rear‑engine car, the engine sits at the back instead of the front. This can give better grip on slippery roads and more room inside.
A rear‑engine layout places the engine behind the passenger compartment, often improving traction and interior space.
synchromesh gearbox
"With Synchro Mesh on all four gears."
A synchromesh gearbox lets you shift gears smoothly by matching the speed of the gears. It prevents the gears from grinding when you change speeds.
A synchromesh gearbox uses synchronizers to match gear speeds, allowing smooth shifting without grinding.
Mini
"But in the 60s, they were a genuine rival to the Mini."
The Mini is a small, popular car from Britain that was very common in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s known for its clever use of space and distinctive look.
The Mini is a compact British car produced from 1959 to 2000, famous for its space‑saving front‑wheel drive layout and iconic design.
Rootes Group
"This was, of course, the roots group."
Rootes Group was a company in Britain that made cars, including the Mini, during the 1960s and 1970s.
The Rootes Group was a British automobile manufacturer that produced cars like the Hillman, Humber, and the Mini under license.
rally engine
"And it used a re-worked rally engine. I think an aluminium engine block."
Rally engines are built to be very powerful and tough, so they can handle rough racing tracks without breaking.
A rally engine is tuned for high power output and durability under extreme conditions, often featuring higher compression ratios, upgraded cooling, and reinforced components.
Stag Driver
"[1221.0s] But it's something different. If you pull up a stag driver, that's right."
The Stag Driver is a classic American muscle car from the late 1970s, famous for its big engine and unique look.
The Stag Driver is a 1977–1981 American muscle car built by Stag Motors, known for its distinctive styling and high-performance V8 engine.
Mercury
"[1842.0s] D team of Mercury, [1843.0s] we mentioned earlier,"
Mercury was a car brand made by GM that sold cars in the U.S. from 1939 until 2010.
Mercury was a brand of automobiles produced by General Motors from 1939 to 2010, positioned between the Chevrolet and Buick lines.
cigar lighters
"They just were worried about switches and cigar lighters."
A cigar lighter is a little electric device in cars that lets you light cigarettes or cigars without needing a match. You press it, and it heats up to create a flame.
Cigar lighters are small, built‑in electric or battery‑powered devices found in many cars that allow drivers to light cigars, cigarettes, or other small items without a match. They usually consist of a metal contact that heats up when pressed, producing a flame.
Mercedes-Benz
"[2434.0s] And also that sort of 60s Mercedes design was beautiful."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous German car company that makes fancy, high‑end cars. They’re known for good safety and smooth driving.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automaker known for its high-quality vehicles and innovative design. The brand has a long history of producing iconic cars that set standards in safety, performance, and style.
Citroen SM
"If you have a look at this page, you'll see the Citroen SM. Now, the Citroen SM had such a stylish dashboard."
The Citroën SM was a fancy small car from the 1960s that had smooth lines and special tech for its time.
The Citroën SM (Super Mini) was a luxury coupe produced from 1965 to 1971, notable for its aerodynamic design and advanced features like power steering and a hydraulic suspension.
Citroën
"And then you notice all the kooky bits, like Citroen's at the 70s, had a stereo, but the stereo wasn't on the dashboard."
Citroën is a car company from France that makes cars with unique and sometimes quirky features. They’re famous for creative ideas like putting the stereo in a weird spot.
Citroën is a French automobile manufacturer known for its innovative designs and engineering. The brand has produced iconic models such as the 2CV, DS, and many others.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.