{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"You Speccy Twit!","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/you-speccy-twit","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308382/episodes/18095770-you-speccy-twit.mp3","description":"Max and Matt discuss the spec wars and boot badge hierarchy. Are you a better person if your car badge says HLS instead of HL? Or is L for Lowly and GL for Great Leader? Also Max is digging through filler to look for a shiny Rolls Royce, Matt is about to trigger Dashboard Wars and take his Triumph Stag interior apart, plus in See It, Want It, we talk Porsche 928s and overpriced Alfas. Join us wasting time talking about old cars. Send us a textFollow us on Instagram: @thetyrekickersukFacebook: The Tyre KickersFinalist - Independent Podcast Awards 2024 & 2025"},"annotations":[{"startTime":83.0,"endTime":88.2,"type":"brand","title":"Merc","url":"/glossary/merc","quote":"We hear from you on the tricky subjects of parking a wet car in a garage and driving a tatty Merc in London.","canonicalId":"brand:merc","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"\"Merc\" is a common nickname for Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury automaker known for high-quality engineering and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Merc is a short way people call Mercedes-Benz, the German company that makes fancy cars."}},{"startTime":119.7,"endTime":120.2,"type":"term","title":"SUVs","url":"/glossary/suvs","quote":"There are SUVs, two-door coupes, crossovers, city cars","canonicalId":"term:suvs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a car designed to combine passenger-carrying capacity with off-road capability and higher ground clearance.","simplifiedExplanation":"SUVs are cars that look like trucks but can seat families and carry cargo. They’re taller than regular cars and can handle rough roads."}},{"startTime":120.2,"endTime":121.0,"type":"term","title":"two-door coupes","url":"/glossary/two-door-coupes","quote":"There are SUVs, two-door coupes, crossovers, city cars","canonicalId":"term:two-door-coupes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A coupe is a two-door car with a sporty, sloping roofline and typically lower seating capacity than sedans.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coupes are cars with only two doors and a stylish roof. They’re usually faster and more fun to drive than regular cars."}},{"startTime":121.0,"endTime":122.0,"type":"term","title":"crossovers","url":"/glossary/crossovers","quote":"There are SUVs, two-door coupes, crossovers, city cars","canonicalId":"term:crossovers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Crossovers are vehicles that blend features of SUVs and cars, offering higher seating positions with car-like handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Crossovers are like SUVs but smoother to drive, combining the look of a truck with the comfort of a car."}},{"startTime":122.0,"endTime":123.0,"type":"term","title":"city cars","url":"/glossary/city-cars","quote":"There are SUVs, two-door coupes, crossovers, city cars","canonicalId":"term:city-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"City cars are compact vehicles designed for urban driving, emphasizing maneuverability and fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"City cars are small, easy-to-parking vehicles that’re great for city streets and tight parking spots."}},{"startTime":142.4,"endTime":143.0,"type":"term","title":"boot badge","url":"/glossary/boot-badge","quote":"boot badge with them. Now, you'll remember how status and seniority were on show via your boot badge","canonicalId":"term:boot-badge","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A boot badge is a small emblem or logo affixed to the trunk (boot) of a vehicle, often indicating brand or status.","simplifiedExplanation":"The boot badge is a sticker on the back of a car’s trunk that shows who made it or what level it is."}},{"startTime":232.0,"endTime":260.4,"type":"car","title":"Austin Maestro Clubman diesel","url":"/cars/austin/maestro","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/1992_Austin_Maestro_2.0_turbo_diesel_Clubman_%28Rover_Maestro%29%2C_6-9-2013_%289688726726%29.jpg","quote":"[232.0s] Austin Maestro diesel Clubman. He's been downgraded... [260.4s] it was a Maestro diesel Clubman.","canonicalId":"car:austin:maestro","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Austin Maestro Clubman is a compact car produced by the British manufacturer Austin in the 1980s. The diesel variant was popular for its fuel efficiency and low running costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a small British car from the 1980s that ran on diesel fuel, which means it used a different type of engine than gasoline cars. Diesel engines are known for using less fuel and giving more torque.","imageAttribution":"Charlie from United Kingdom (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":306.7,"endTime":312.0,"type":"concept","title":"spec of a car","url":"/glossary/spec-of-a-car","quote":"about the spec of a car and how much that used to mean. Now, the difference between a Cortina L and a GL","canonicalId":"concept:spec-of-a-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The term \"spec\" refers to the specification or trim level of a car, indicating its features, performance, and price.","simplifiedExplanation":"\"Spec\" means the level of features a car has, like whether it has extra options or a more powerful engine."}},{"startTime":364.3,"endTime":369.4,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"...BMWs and Mercs and German stuff were a bit more rare and a bit more expensive.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"BMW is a German automobile manufacturer famous for sporty, high‑performance vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is a German car brand that makes sporty cars. They’re often more expensive than regular family cars, so they’re less common on everyday roads."}},{"startTime":374.9,"endTime":387.5,"type":"car","title":"Vauxhall Cavalier Mark II","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/1988_Vauxhall_Cavalier_L_Hatchback_%2B_1986_VW_Golf_GL_1.8_Auto_%289913835245%29.jpg","quote":"...Let’s first look at the Vauxhall Cavalier though, Max. This is one where we can compare the spec levels...the Vauxhall Cavaliers is where it’s at. And we’re talking, for clarity here, the Mark II from 1981","canonicalId":"car:vauxhall-cavalier-mark-ii","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark II is a mid‑size family car produced by the British manufacturer Vauxhall in the early 1980s. It was known for its practicality and solid build quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark II was a popular family car in the UK during the 1980s. It was reliable and easy to maintain, making it a common choice for everyday driving.","imageAttribution":"Charlie from United Kingdom (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":406.5,"endTime":410.0,"type":"part","title":"hub caps","url":"/glossary/hub-caps","quote":"It only had a radio. It had steel wheels with hub caps. It just had a Speedo in the center and just fuel and temp instruments on either side.","canonicalId":"part:hub-caps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Hub caps are decorative covers that fit over the center of a wheel, protecting the hub and giving a finished look.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hub caps are small pieces that sit on the middle of a wheel to make it look nicer and keep dust out."}},{"startTime":412.6,"endTime":416.0,"type":"part","title":"Speedo","url":"/glossary/speedo","quote":"It just had a Speedo in the center and just fuel and temp instruments on either side.","canonicalId":"part:speedo","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"\"Speedo\" is a colloquial term for the speedometer, the gauge that shows how fast the vehicle is traveling.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Speedo tells you how many miles or kilometers per hour the car is going."}},{"startTime":459.8,"endTime":465.3,"type":"term","title":"electric windows","url":"/glossary/electric-windows","quote":"electric windows, I remember, were a big, big thing. If you had a motor to drop your window, that was cool.","canonicalId":"term:electric-windows","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Electric windows are powered by a small motor that raises and lowers the car’s side windows at the touch of a button, replacing the older manual crank or hand‑crank systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electric windows let you open and close the side doors of a car with a button, so you don’t have to pull on a crank or hand‑crank."}},{"startTime":505.3,"endTime":508.7,"type":"term","title":"SRI","url":"/glossary/sri","quote":"See, there was another spec, though, and there was the SRI, wasn't there?","canonicalId":"term:sri","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"SRI stands for Special Restricted Injection, a higher-performance trim level of the Cavalier that featured more powerful fuel injection and sport-oriented features.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a special version of the car that had better engine performance and sport upgrades."}},{"startTime":525.1,"endTime":529.1,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Cavalier Mark II","url":"/cars/chevrolet/cavalier","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/CHEVROLET_CAVALIER_China.jpg","quote":"I just looked at the Mark II specs of a Cavalier. There's the base model, the L, the LI, the LX, the LXI, the GL, GLI, GLS, GLSI, SR, SRI, SRI 130, and the CDI.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:cavalier","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Cavalier Mark II was a compact car produced by General Motors in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its affordability and variety of trim levels.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a small family car from the 80s/90s that had many different versions, like base or sport models.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":529.1,"endTime":537.1,"type":"term","title":"CDI","url":"/glossary/c-d-i","quote":"There's the base model, the L, the LI, the LX, the LXI, the GL, GLI, GLS, GLSI, SR, SRI, SRI 130, and the CDI.","canonicalId":"term:c-d-i","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"CDI refers to Capacitive Discharge Ignition, a type of ignition system used in some Cavalier models, and also denotes a specific trim level with certain features.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a way the car starts its engine and also a particular version of the car with extra options."}},{"startTime":559.1,"endTime":563.7,"type":"part","title":"rear wiper","url":"/glossary/rear-wiper","quote":"It's got a rear wiper, though. That's quite good, isn't it?","canonicalId":"part:rear-wiper","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A rear wiper is a windshield wiper located on the back of the car, used to clear rain or debris from the rear window for better visibility.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some cars have a small wiper on the back window so you can see out of the rear when it rains. It’s not common on older compact cars."}},{"startTime":588.1,"endTime":593.1,"type":"part","title":"dark plastic wing mirrors","url":"/glossary/dark-plastic-wing-mirrors","quote":"dark plastic wing mirrors that everybody thought was quite cool...","canonicalId":"part:dark-plastic-wing-mirrors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Wing mirrors are the side view mirrors mounted on the car’s doors, often made of plastic in 1990s models. They can be prone to cracking and may not have power or heated features.","simplifiedExplanation":"The side mirrors on the doors are made of plastic and can break if you bump into something. They usually don’t have power or heat in older cars."}},{"startTime":588.1,"endTime":593.1,"type":"part","title":"plastic bumpers","url":"/glossary/plastic-bumpers","quote":"I mean, the plastic bumpers all round and dark plastic handles...","canonicalId":"part:plastic-bumpers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Plastic bumpers are the front and rear protective panels made from molded plastic, common on 1990s cars. They are lighter than steel but can be prone to cracking or damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The front and back of the car have plastic pieces that protect it from minor bumps. They’re lighter than metal but can break if you hit something hard."}},{"startTime":612.0,"endTime":615.0,"type":"part","title":"heated rear window","url":"/glossary/heated-rear-window","quote":"You've got a heated rear window. You've got a digital clock","canonicalId":"part:heated-rear-window","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A window at the back of a car that can be electrically heated to defrost or clear fog, improving visibility in cold weather.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some cars have a special window at the back that can be turned on to warm up and clear ice or fog, making it easier to see when driving in winter."}},{"startTime":651.3,"endTime":697.68,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"Steel wheels again, simple or no radio in fact","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ford is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. It has produced a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to trucks and is known for models like the Mustang, F‑Series trucks, and Fiesta.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a big car company from the United States that makes many different kinds of cars and trucks. They’re famous for models like the Mustang sports car and the F‑Series pickups."}},{"startTime":1106.5,"endTime":1111.9,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 930 Turbo","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Porsche_911_Carrera_Turbo_Nr._1_in_the_Porsche-Museum_%282009%29_IMG_7416.jpg","quote":"There was the Porsche 930 Turbo, which I was obsessed with. There was a Gemballa Porsche Turbo...","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 930 Turbo is the turbocharged version of the Porsche 911 G‑Series, produced from 1975 to 1989. It was one of the first mass‑produced turbocharged sports cars and is highly sought after by collectors.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 930 Turbo is a special, turbo‑charged version of the classic Porsche 911. It was made in the 1970s and 80s and is very popular among car collectors.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1309.0,"endTime":1312.0,"type":"part","title":"seats retrimmed","url":"/glossary/seats-retrimmed","quote":"Just get those seats retrimmed and it would be perfect. I mean, those seats were ripped apart.","canonicalId":"part:seats-retrimmed","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Retrimming seats involves replacing or restoring the upholstery, padding, and sometimes the frame of a car’s interior seats to improve comfort, appearance, or durability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Retrimming seats means fixing the car’s seat cushions and covers so they look new again."}},{"startTime":1396.5,"endTime":1400.5,"type":"car","title":"Kia Niro electric car","url":"/cars/kia/niro","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Kia_Niro_%28SG2%29_HEV_IMG_8251.jpg","quote":"Actually, we were driven by a Kia Niro electric car, weren’t we, briefly?","canonicalId":"car:kia:niro","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Niro is a compact crossover SUV available in hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, and all‑electric versions. The electric variant uses a battery‑powered motor for zero tailpipe emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Niro is a small car that can run on electricity, meaning it doesn’t use gasoline and produces no exhaust fumes while driving.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1651.8,"endTime":1663.2,"type":"brand","title":"Lamborghini","url":"/glossary/lamborghini","quote":"Harry Metcalf from Harry's Garage, he's just put his sparder up for sale at auction, actually...","canonicalId":"brand:lamborghini","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for high-performance, exotic vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lamborghini makes very fast and fancy cars that many people admire."}},{"startTime":2206.3,"endTime":2210.4,"type":"brand","title":"Rolls Royce","url":"/glossary/rolls-royce","quote":"hunt down the best Rolls Royce that needs nothing doing to it","canonicalId":"brand:rolls-royce","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Rolls Royce is a British luxury car manufacturer known for its high‑end, hand‑built vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rolls Royce makes very expensive, fancy cars that are usually custom built for wealthy customers."}},{"startTime":2217.6,"endTime":2223.6,"type":"part","title":"fan belt","url":"/glossary/fan-belt","quote":"I need the fan belt. Of course, there's loads of stuff that needs doing.","canonicalId":"part:fan-belt","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A fan belt, also called a serpentine belt, drives the engine’s cooling fan and other accessories.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fan belt is a rubber strap that turns the engine’s cooling fan and other parts; if it breaks, the car can overheat."}},{"startTime":2697.3,"endTime":2700.7,"type":"company","title":"Alphaholics","url":"/glossary/alphaholics","quote":"Yeah, I mean, the Alphaholics are tuned up sort of things.","canonicalId":"company:alphaholics","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Alphaholics is a well-known aftermarket tuning shop that specializes in Alfa Romeo vehicles, offering performance upgrades and custom parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alphaholics is a company that makes performance parts for Alfa Romeo cars, like better engines and suspension upgrades."}},{"startTime":2717.1,"endTime":2722.4,"type":"concept","title":"restorations","url":"/glossary/restoration","quote":"[2717.1s] But I think, you know, as we've talked about with restorations,\n[2720.3s] you know, you will probably spend more.","canonicalId":"concept:restoration","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Restorations refer to the process of repairing, refurbishing, and returning a vehicle—often classic or vintage—to its original condition or better.","simplifiedExplanation":"Restorations mean fixing up an old car so it looks and works like new again."}},{"startTime":2809.9,"endTime":2813.4,"type":"term","title":"V8","url":"/glossary/v8","quote":"The V8, the fact that it's just slightly underappreciated.","canonicalId":"term:v8","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, providing strong power and smooth performance commonly found in high-performance cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders that are set in a V shape. It makes cars fast and powerful."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Max","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Matt","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/you-speccy-twit/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}