A nostalgic journey through the automotive experiences of Kroom Lawrence, who shares his decades-long love affair with Mercedes diesels before transitioning to Tesla. Kroom recounts his first car, a 1984 Mercedes 240D, and its indestructible nature, along with amusing stories from his youth, including a memorable date gone awry. The conversation also touches on the evolution of cars, the integration of AI in healthcare, and how Kroom's background in farming influenced his appreciation for powerful machines. This episode blends personal anecdotes with insights into the automotive world.
Croom's first "car" was a Ford 1000 Tractor. His second was a 1984 Mercedes 240D diesel that he drove into the ground—and kept driving.
Most people see a Mercedes diesel from the '80s as just another old car. Croom saw it as a philosophy: build something right once, maintain it properly, and it'll outlast everything around it. That same thinking would eventually guide him from farm life to the cutting edge of healthcare AI.
The million-mile Mercedes isn't just about durability—it's about the mindset that comes from trusting something enough to keep investing in it long after others would have quit.
In this episode, Croom shares: - What driving a farm tractor first teaches you about vehicles (it's not what you think) - Why he chose a Mercedes 240D when he could have bought something newer - The actual cost of maintaining a "million-mile" diesel vs. buying new cars every few years - How diesel engine philosophy translates to healthcare AI development - The specific moment he realized the car had taught him more than transportation - What farm life and healthcare technology have in common (this is fascinating)
There's one story about the Mercedes breaking down at the worst possible moment that Croom says changed how he thinks about reliability itself. You'll want to hear what happened next.
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"...and turned it into a internal combustion engine car. Man, that's clever."
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that makes cars go by burning fuel inside it, like gasoline or diesel.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, inside the engine's cylinders.
"...eBay is wild because you can go on on eBay and find these high end sports cars and they'll show you one picture..."
Buying a car online means looking for cars on websites instead of going to a dealership. You can see pictures and details about the car before deciding to buy it.
Buying a car online involves searching for vehicles through websites or platforms like eBay, where potential buyers can view listings, pictures, and descriptions before making a purchase. This method has become increasingly popular due to convenience and access to a wider selection.
"...you can go on eBay and find these high end sports cars and they'll show you one picture and you'll say, why does he want four grand for this exotic, amazing car? And you get a picture from the other angle..."
Exotic cars are fancy and expensive cars that are not commonly seen. They often have special features and are built for speed and luxury.
An exotic car typically refers to high-performance luxury vehicles that are often rare and expensive. These cars are known for their unique designs, advanced technology, and superior engineering.
"...I just got my my my kid, the Mustang, and he loves it. So, yeah, I think there's a video."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and design. It's been around for a long time and has many different versions.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been in production since 1964 and has gone through several generations, each offering different features and powertrains.
"Now, before we pivot to today's guest, you saw a rare super car, a 928 recently in a curious color. And did the car look like it ran in your humble opinion?"
The Porsche 928 is a type of sports car made by Porsche. It was built for a long time and is known for being stylish and having a strong engine.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was known for its distinctive design and powerful V8 engine, making it a unique offering in the Porsche lineup.
"It wasn't an S4. Was it? It didn't, didn't say on the bumper. Gotcha. So it wasn't neat car. The 87 was the first year of the S4."
The Audi S4 is a sportier version of the Audi 80, first made in 1987. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it a fun car to drive.
The Audi S4 is a high-performance variant of the Audi 80 and was first introduced in 1987. It features a more powerful engine and sportier suspension compared to the standard models.
"The 87 was the first year of the S4. And then they came out with GT and GTS."
The Audi GT is a sporty car from Audi that was known for its good looks and performance. It was part of a series of models that included the GTS variant.
The Audi GT is a model that was part of the Audi lineup, known for its sporty design and performance. It was available in various trims, including the GTS.
"... to, I think we've gotten, we were done with the prologue and we've, we've gotten all the community announc..."
The Honda Prologue is a new electric SUV from Honda, which means it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This car is important because it shows that Honda is moving towards making more environmentally friendly vehicles that help reduce pollution.
The Honda Prologue is an all-electric SUV that represents Honda's commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. It is significant as it marks Honda's entry into the growing electric vehicle market, aiming to compete with other electric SUVs and meet increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
"...my first car, which we're going to talk about the Mercedes Benz, the 240D, that sort of rhythmic thrum of..."
The Mercedes-Benz 240D is a reliable car that runs on diesel fuel. It's known for being tough and lasting a long time, which is why many people liked it back in the day.
The Mercedes-Benz 240D is a model from the W123 series, known for its durability and efficiency. It features a diesel engine and is recognized for its smooth ride and solid construction, making it a popular choice in its era.
"That would be the 1981 DeLorean. Okay. That's amazing. Fantastic."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a car that looks very different from most cars because it has a shiny stainless steel body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being in the 'Back to the Future' movies.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became iconic for its unique design and stainless steel body. It is famously known for its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise, where it was used as a time machine.
"...one of my best friends had a 1990 Nissan 300 ZX when they first changed, uh, body styles..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sporty car that many people loved for its speed and looks. The 1990 version is part of a newer style compared to older models.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was part of the Z-car family, known for its performance and distinctive styling. The 1990 model represents the Z32 generation, which featured a more modern design compared to its predecessor.
Term
Z32
"...Z 32, um, not pop up headlights. That was the Z 31."
Z32 is a name for a type of Nissan sports car that was made in the late 80s and early 90s. It was known for being fast and having cool features.
The Z32 refers to the second generation of the Nissan Z-car, specifically the 300 ZX produced from 1989 to 1996. It is known for its advanced technology and performance features for its time.
Term
Z31
"...That was the Z 31. I actually had a friend in high school at a Z 31 also."
Z31 is the name for an older version of the Nissan sports car that had headlights that popped up when you turned them on. It was made in the 80s.
The Z31 refers to the first generation of the Nissan 300 ZX, produced from 1984 to 1989. It featured pop-up headlights and a more angular design compared to later models.
"...I had the, as I've talked about on other podcasts, I had a 89 240 SX, which was kind of the poor man's version of that car."
The Nissan 240 SX is a smaller sports car that many people liked because it was fun to drive and not too expensive. The 1989 version is one of the earlier models.
The Nissan 240 SX is a compact sports car that gained popularity for its rear-wheel-drive layout and tuning potential. The 1989 model is often considered an entry-level sports car, appealing to younger drivers.
"Well, a little piece of trivia, uh, both Porsche and Lamborghini started making tractors."
Lamborghini is another well-known car company from Italy that makes very fast and stylish cars. They are famous for their unique designs and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars and SUVs, founded in 1963. It is renowned for its exotic designs and powerful engines, with models like the Aventador and Huracán being particularly famous.
"...he got disrespected by, um, by, uh, Mr. Ferrari and so, and, uh, he's like, yeah, I'll build something."
Ferrari is another famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast sports cars. They are known for their success in racing and their stylish designs.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1. Founded by Enzo Ferrari, the brand represents luxury, speed, and racing heritage.
"...you'd have to, you know, turn on the glow lights. They have a little weird glow bulbs."
Glow plugs help diesel engines start more easily in cold weather by warming up the engine before you start it. They are like little heaters that make the engine ready to run.
Glow plugs are heating elements used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber, making it easier to start the engine in cold conditions. They are essential for ensuring reliable ignition in diesel engines, especially in colder climates.
"...and then it was actually the first plug-in, right? So back in the day..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on both gasoline and electricity. You can charge it by plugging it into an outlet, which helps save fuel and reduce emissions.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. Unlike regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids can be charged from an external power source, allowing for extended electric-only driving ranges.
"...just keep going and going and going. Yep. The model code is W123."
The W123 is a model of car made by Mercedes-Benz that was built to last. People often call it the 'battle wagon' because it's very tough and can keep running for a long time.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a series of mid-size cars produced from 1976 to 1985, known for their durability and reliability. Often referred to as the 'battle wagon' due to their robust construction, many of these vehicles are still on the road today.
"Well, a 300 D turbo diesel. So it was the same thing, but a little bit longer. It had the turbo and so it, so it really then had some good acceleration..."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 D Turbo Diesel is a model known for being reliable and efficient, especially with its turbocharged diesel engine that helps it accelerate better than non-turbo versions.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 D Turbo Diesel is a variant of the W124 series, known for its durability and efficiency, particularly in diesel form. The 'Turbo' designation indicates that it is equipped with a turbocharger, enhancing performance and acceleration.
"Yeah. It had an inline five. Is that correct? I think so."
An inline five engine has five cylinders lined up in a row. This design helps the engine run smoothly and provides good power.
An inline five engine is a type of internal combustion engine with five cylinders arranged in a straight line. This configuration offers a balance of power and smoothness, making it a popular choice in various vehicles.
"...the next car he describes as a little, this is the 300 turbo diesel..."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 Turbo Diesel is a car that has a turbocharged diesel engine, making it more powerful than regular diesel engines. It's known for being comfortable and lasting a long time.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 Turbo Diesel is part of the W124 series, known for its powerful turbocharged diesel engine. This model is appreciated for its performance, comfort, and longevity.
"...I ended up getting a, I got a series three, the little baby Tesla white on white. So I bought that now and I drive it to death."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that's popular for being affordable and having a lot of high-tech features. It's known for its long battery life and ability to update its software automatically.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features. It has become one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide, showcasing Tesla's innovation in the automotive industry.
"They call that the software defined car, some people have said. That's fascinating."
A software defined car is a car that uses a lot of computer software to control its features. This means that the car can be updated and improved without needing to change any physical parts.
A software defined car is a vehicle that relies heavily on software for its functionality and features, allowing for updates and new capabilities over time. This concept enables manufacturers to enhance vehicle performance and user experience through software rather than hardware changes.
"...changing out a spark plug or changing out one of those. Those weird Mercedes Benz things..."
A spark plug is a small part in a car's engine that helps start the engine by creating a spark. Changing it regularly helps the car run better.
A spark plug is a crucial component in gasoline engines that ignites the air-fuel mixture, enabling the engine to run. Regular maintenance, including replacing spark plugs, can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.
"...changing out a spark plug or changing out one of those. Those weird Mercedes Benz things..."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for their high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known German automotive brand that produces luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. The brand is synonymous with quality engineering and innovation in the automotive industry.
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Welcome back, Listener Land.
You have found or re-found whichever it is to all the cars I've loved before your
authoritative podcast on automotive nostalgia where every car tells a story, every car has
a culture.
It is time to plug in, dust off, and get a little grease under the nails and if you
have one of those error code for readers that you can just kind of stick in the port, that's
always kind of wonderful.
I wish we had that for humans, you know, where you could just kind of stick in your ear this
device that said, hey, code 1234, yes, strep, strep throat and is an idiot.
No, anyway, we're getting there, you know, just hanging there could be tomorrow.
That's wonderful.
Absolutely to today's guest before we have before we cue him in here, I want to welcome
whether you have found us or we found us refund, refund.
We have listeners.
Let's see.
So we're growing.
Doug got good news.
We are growing in Japan, France, Ukraine, in Australia, if you can believe that we seem
to be stuck in Germany.
This over the analytics over the past five weeks, we've been at downloads only.
So I don't know what is going on over there in Germany.
I am sure they're not preoccupied with Oktoberfest's wrong time of year, but we need y'all to shift
into gear.
Welcome back to everyone, Japan, France, Ukraine, Australia, welcome, Germany.
Welcome back to let's pick it up.
So new listeners, glad to have you.
And as we say at the top of the show here, it's time to get a little grease under the
nails and slip on the favorite car themed shirt before we pivot to Doug, who always has
something interesting to share with his automotive themed wardrobe.
I'm wearing my, my team did not play in the Super Bowl last night.
If you're an Eagles fan, congratulations.
If you're not, hey, there are 31 other teams crying in their beer.
It's okay.
So if you were an Eagles fan, congratulations.
And my team, the Saints, you know, we just kind of went to a couple of games this season.
Superdome had a great time.
Super Bowl was in New Orleans and just hope your team is going to do better next year
than this year.
Again, 31 others wondering what went wrong.
All right.
Oh, listen.
Oh, so your shirt, let's let's see what you got.
What you got? All right.
Can you see it?
Where? Let's see who is shouting out and giving some love to you.
So we're giving a shout out to Rich rebuilds.
Rich is located up in Massachusetts.
His YouTube channel is without doubt amazing, rich rebuilds.
He he was definitely the first, I don't know if he was the only one.
He took a destroyed Tesla Model S and put a Chevy V8 in it.
So he took a car that was designed only as an electric car
and turned it into a internal combustion engine car.
Man, that's clever.
Very clever.
He he does some amazing builds.
Love the guy.
I hope hope to have him on the podcast soon.
So are you in?
Have you spoken with him or converse with him or he's not caught up yet,
but there's an email coming his way.
He's super busy.
So I hear you.
Yeah, eBay is wild because you can go on on eBay
and find these high end sports cars and they'll show you one picture
and you'll say, why does he want four grand for this exotic, amazing car?
And you get a picture from the other angle and, you know,
a quarter panel is mission missing and it's, you know, it was rolled
like it was a spare car on the Dukes of Hazard.
And but I mean, you can have these for a song.
You really know, they're salvage, they're salvage lots.
Absolutely.
Yeah, absolutely.
People know what they're doing.
They it's a challenge for them, right?
And then they get viewers, right?
Yeah, yeah, I think that's great.
And another word on the on all the presences on YouTube,
the people that we've had on this little this little podcast that could.
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