To All The Cars I've Loved Before: Classic Car Restoration, JDM, and Automotive History

Porsche 911 Track Instructor: Teaching HPDE & Living the Air-Cooled Dream

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!What happens when a kid rebuilds a rare British Berkeley B.95 for £15 and grows up in the shadow of Silverstone Circuit?Dirk Dekker's childhood was unlike most—living near the legendary Silverstone meant rubbing shoulders with F1 royalty. But the story of how a teenage Dirk actually met Jim Clark? That's something you need to hear in his own words.From that £15 Berkeley to becoming a Porsche 911 track instructor at Watkins Glen, Dirk's automotive journey spans continents, careers, and some of the most iconic racetracks in the world.In this episode, Dirk reveals:- The truth about rebuilding a rare 1958 Berkeley B.95 as a teenager- What Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, and Graham Hill were really like in person- How growing up at Silverstone shapes your relationship with cars forever- The unexpected path from helicopter pilot to professional driving instructor- Why teaching at Watkins Glen for over 25 years never gets old- What it takes to master the Porsche 911 on trackBut there's one story Dirk tells about meeting his heroes that might make you rethink everything about the "good old days" of racing. Listen to find out what happened when legend met reality.🎧 If you loved this episode, check out:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/14750063-triumph-tr-7-first-car-eric-s-story-daily-driving-a-british-classichttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17461644-windshield-wiper-invention-story-timothy-kearns-dr-robert-kearns-patent-battle-legacy🔗 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/carsloved⭐ Love the show? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S6E3 Sep 30, 2025 38 min 36 annotations

1974 Mustang II: Defending America's Most Hated Mustang

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!At 14 years old, Jeremy and his father tackled a project most mechanics wouldn't touch: a complete 1974 Ford Mustang II rebuild.What started as grease under fingernails and late nights in the garage became an ASE certification, an IT career, and eventually entrepreneurial ventures that would surprise anyone who knew him as "the Mustang kid."Most people remember the Mustang II as Ford's controversial answer to the fuel crisis. Jeremy remembers it as the car that taught him he could build anything—even if his relationship with his father didn't always make it easy.Here's what Jeremy reveals:- What it's really like learning mechanics from your father (spoiler: not always smooth)- The specific moment he knew he could tackle any mechanical challenge- Why he walked away from being an ASE-certified mechanic—and what he learned from that choice- His controversial business idea about Jeep Wranglers that could actually work- How that teenage Mustang project still influences his approach to problem-solving today- The one modification he wishes he hadn't madeBut there's one detail about that first Mustang that Jeremy kept from his father for years. You'll want to hear this confession—and what happened when he finally came clean.🎧 Related episodes you'll love:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15991065-vw-super-beetle-first-car-aiden-and-tom-father-son-dream-car-storyhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17426714-classic-car-restoration-career-mason-ball-mcpherson-college-to-wayne-carini-s-f40-motorsports🔗 Connect: https://linktr.ee/carsloved⭐ Enjoying these stories? Rate us on Apple Podcasts!Don't miss Jeremy's favorite episode with Rob Walko featuring a few more Mustangs: https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17645503-mustang-memories-sema-show-adventures-automotive-photographer-rob-s-first-cars-to-car-culture-journey *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S6E2 Sep 23, 2025 34 min 21 annotations

DeLorean DMC-12 & Chrysler Laser: Curt's 1980s Icon Collection

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Every car enthusiast has THE car. For Curt Bellotti, it was always the DeLorean.But before he could afford his dream, there was a 1984 Chrysler Laser XE Turbo with a digital dashboard straight out of Knight Rider. That car taught Curt something crucial about the relationship between desire, patience, and finally getting what you've always wanted.Fast forward to 2024: Curt finally owns a 1981 DeLorean. But is the reality as good as the dream he'd been chasing for decades?In this episode, Curt shares:- Why the Chrysler Laser XE was the poor man's KITT car in the 1980s—and why that mattered so much- The exact moment he decided "I WILL own a DeLorean someday"- What 40 years of wanting something does to your expectations- The first drive in his actual DeLorean—did it live up to decades of hype?- How digital dashboards in the '80s made you feel like you were driving the future- The unexpected maintenance realities of owning a DeLorean today- Why some dreams are better chased than caught (or are they?)Warning: This episode might make you finally pull the trigger on your dream car. Or it might make you appreciate the chase more than the catch. Either way, Curt's honesty about the gap between fantasy and reality is refreshingly real.🔗 More Dream Car content: https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16723792-stainless-steel-dreams-mike-s-time-traveling-journey-with-a-delorean-and-beyondhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16088456-andy-mcfly-s-automotive-adventures-lebaron-buick-delorean-and-tardishttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15453383-back-to-the-80s-and-beyond-jim-s-camaro-comebacks-and-delorean-dreamshttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15009054-delorean-family-story-kat-delorean-growing-up-with-automotive-icon-father🔗 Connect: https://linktr.ee/carsloved⭐ Help us grow: Leave a review!And don't miss Curt's favorite episode with Timothy Kearns and the origin of the intermittent windshield wiper - https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17461644-why-we-have-intermittent-windshield-wipers-timothy-kearns-on-his-father-s-innovation-ford-legal-battle *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S6E1 Sep 15, 2025 36 min 33 annotations

Seven VW Beetles, Five Decades: Converting Dad from Skeptic to Believer

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Some car enthusiasts are born. Others need convincing. Dave's father was definitely the latter when it came to VW Beetles.Growing up with a dad who didn't understand the appeal of air-cooled Volkswagens, Dave faced a challenge: how do you make a skeptic fall in love with a car they've written off? The answer involves patience, persistence, and one very specific Beetle that changed everything.This episode explores the deeper question behind Dave's story: Can you really convert someone to your automotive passion, or do they have to discover it themselves?In this episode, Dave reveals:- Why his dad initially dismissed the VW Beetle as "not a real car"- The exact moment his father's attitude started to shift- What makes air-cooled VWs so special to enthusiasts (and why skeptics miss the point)- The specific Beetle that finally won his dad over- How sharing car passion across generations changes relationships- Why some cars require an acquired taste—and how to help someone acquire itBut there's one detail about the conversion process that Dave almost didn't share. It involves a road trip, a breakdown, and a revelation that neither father nor son saw coming.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/admin/2316026/episodes/16886205-air-cooled-and-carefree-guinevere-s-vw-beetle-tales-and-family-restoration-traditionshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15991065-vw-super-beetle-first-car-aiden-and-tom-father-son-dream-car-story🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.com⭐ Love these father-son car stories? Leave us a review! *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E10 Sep 09, 2025 48 min 24 annotations

Why I Drove Mercedes Diesels for Decades—Then Switched to Tesla

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!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.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15009054-what-was-it-like-growing-up-delorean-kat-s-personal-automotive-legacy-and-life-lessonshttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17426714-classic-car-restoration-career-mason-ball-mcpherson-college-to-wayne-carini-s-f40-motorsports🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.com *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E9 Sep 02, 2025 39 min 30 annotations

From Honda Civic Dreams to Custom Paint Empire: The NSX Hunt and Color Secrets

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Matt wanted a Honda Civic. He ended up building Top Coat Garage, where paint jobs "swim in depth" and customers bring cars you'd see at SEMA.The journey from dreaming about an affordable Honda to running a custom paint shop specializing in show-quality finishes wasn't linear. It involved learning hard lessons about spray gun selection, paint booth operations, and why some paint jobs look flat while others have that mirror-like depth that makes people stop and stare.But the real story? It's about the NSX he's been hunting for years—and why the chase matters as much as the catch.In this episode, Matt reveals:- Why he never got that Honda Civic (and how that changed everything)- What makes a paint job "swim in depth" vs. look flat—technical details you can actually use- The spray gun mistake most DIYers make in their first custom paint attempt- Behind-the-scenes of running a paint booth operation (costs, challenges, reality check)- His ongoing NSX hunt and why he hasn't pulled the trigger yet- Paint technique secrets you won't find in any manual- How Japanese car culture influenced his entire business philosophyPlus: Matt extends an open invitation for a shop tour where he'll show you techniques he rarely shares publicly. But there's one paint disaster story he swore he'd never tell—until now.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17498085-from-rust-proof-roots-to-global-vehicle-protection-tom-wolfe-s-ziebart-storyhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17376238-how-to-import-supra-skyline-gt-r-integra-mohammad-azeem-s-jdm-business-secrets-from-japan-to-usahttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17645586-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-to-jdm-kei-van-dreams-deputy-dave-s-law-enforcement-car-collection-journey🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.com *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E8 Aug 26, 2025 47 min 32 annotations

Paramedic to Sheriff: Why This Cop Collects VW Beetles & JDM Kei Vans

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Most law enforcement officers drive American muscle or practical trucks. Deputy Dave dreams about importing Japan's tiniest, most impractical vehicles: JDM Kei vans.His automotive journey started with an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme—as American as it gets. But somewhere between patrol duties and car shows, Dave discovered a whole universe of miniature Japanese commercial vehicles that most Americans don't know exist. Now he's plotting how to import one.The question isn't whether Kei vans are practical. They're not. The question is: what happens when a law enforcement officer falls in love with the least cop-appropriate vehicles imaginable?In this episode, Deputy Dave shares:- What it was like owning an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme as a first car- The exact moment he discovered JDM Kei vans (and became obsessed)- Why Japan's tiny commercial vehicles have a cult following in the U.S.- The legal reality of importing and registering a Kei van in America- How his law enforcement background shapes his car collection strategy- What his fellow officers think about his Kei van obsession- The specific Kei van model he's hunting—and why it's so hard to findBut there's one story about a traffic stop that Dave says perfectly captures why he loves the unexpected in automotive culture. This one's a must-hear.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17376238-how-to-import-supra-skyline-integra-jdm-business-secrets-with-mohammad-azeemhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17009738-classic-cars-automotive-adventures-from-trabant-to-tucker🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.comLearn more about Dave CPR Training here - Facebook (CPR page): https://www.facebook.com/share/1G12outS6C/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.hall_paramedic?igsh=MTFzd2I1czFzY21sYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paramedicdave87?_t=ZT-8ylqVTIIAwg&_r=1 *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E7 Aug 19, 2025 40 min 30 annotations

SEMA Show Photographer: Mustang Dreams to Industry Access

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Rob's first car was a Mustang. Today, he's the guy photographing the most expensive, rarest, and most modified cars at SEMA.The gap between "kid with a Mustang" and "professional automotive photographer at the world's biggest car show" is wider than most people realize. It's not just about getting a good camera—it's about understanding car culture deeply enough that you know which angle tells the real story.SEMA isn't just a car show. It's where automotive dreams get documented for the world to see. Rob has a backstage pass to all of it.In this episode, Rob reveals:- How his first Mustang shaped his eye for automotive photography- What it's really like being an automotive photographer at SEMA (access, challenges, pinch-me moments)- The car at SEMA that stopped him in his tracks—and why- Photography techniques specific to automotive work that don't apply to other subjects- How to turn car passion into a paying career (his actual path, no sugar-coating)- The build quality details that separate Instagram cars from SEMA-worthy builds- Why some car owners understand photography and others fight you the whole wayPlus: Rob shares the one SEMA moment he almost didn't photograph because he was too busy staring. Good thing he snapped out of it.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16548659-from-mustang-gt-builds-to-pontiac-gto-restorations-weber-state-automotive-tech-educationhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16384509-automotive-education-stories-makenna-and-brandon-university-restoration-program-journey🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.com *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E6 Aug 12, 2025 42 min 35 annotations

The Doo-Doo Brown Truck: First Car With Dad's Logo Still Haunts Me

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Krystal Proffitt's first car was a hand-me-down truck from her dad. It was brown—"Doo-Doo Brown," to be exact—and it advertised his business on the sides.Try being a teenager when your vehicle is literally a mobile advertisement for your father's company. Every time you drive anywhere, you're representing the family business whether you want to or not. Every parking lot becomes a potential networking opportunity. Every bad parking job reflects on dad's brand.Most first car stories are about freedom. This one's about responsibility, family, and learning to make a vehicle your own when it's very publicly not.In this episode, Krystal shares:- Why her dad chose *that* particular shade of brown (it wasn't random)- What it's really like driving a rolling billboard as a teenager- The moment she realized the truck was teaching her about business and branding- How she made the truck "hers" despite the business signage- The reactions she got in parking lots—both good and awkward- What happened when someone called the business number to complain about her driving- How that hand-me-down truck influenced her approach to content strategy and branding todayThere's one story about the truck breaking down in the worst possible place that Krystal says taught her more about reputation management than any marketing class ever could.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16805989-rotary-revelations-jon-leverett-s-mazda-rx-7-tales-and-industry-insider-insightshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17575489-1973-chevy-pickup-first-car-brian-cry-baby-movie-car-classic-truck-tales🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.com *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E5 Aug 05, 2025 42 min 25 annotations

The 1973 Chevy Pickup From Cry Baby: Brian's Movie Car Connection and Classic Truck Tales

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Brian's first car was a 1973 Chevy pickup. Years later, he discovered it had appeared in the John Waters film *Cry Baby*.Most people find out their first car has some quirky history—maybe it belonged to someone interesting, or has high mileage, or survived a minor fender bender. Brian found out his truck was in a cult classic film starring Johnny Depp. That's a different level of automotive backstory.The question becomes: does knowing your car appeared in a movie change how you feel about it? And more importantly, how do you even verify something like that?In this episode, Brian reveals:- How he discovered his '73 Chevy pickup was in *Cry Baby*- The detective work required to verify a vehicle's movie appearance- What it was like owning a '73 Chevy pickup as a first vehicle (pre-movie discovery)- Why classic pickup trucks from the '70s are having a collector moment right now- The reaction he gets when he tells people about the movie connection- What makes a '73 Chevy pickup good (or terrible) as a first car- Whether the movie connection makes the truck more valuable—and if he caresBut there's one detail about how he found out about the *Cry Baby* connection that involves pure chance, a sharp-eyed friend, and a late-night movie watching session. The odds were ridiculous.Related episodes:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16665619-monster-truck-woman-nicole-s-wild-ridehttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15046730-ford-tempo-as-your-first-car-brian-s-unique-car-history🔗 Connect: https://carsloved.comBrian's favorite episode is features Monster Truck Jam and YouTube superstar, Nicole Johnson - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16665619-monster-truck-woman-nicole-s-wild-ride *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E4 Jul 29, 2025 37 min 35 annotations

1963 Corvair Monza Spyder: The Car Dad Courted Mom In Came Back

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Some cars get sold. Some get scrapped. Justin's 1963 Corvair Monza Spyder has been in his family for three generations—and counting.When a car passes through multiple generations, it stops being just transportation. It becomes a living timeline of family history, mechanical evolution, and the question every generation asks: do we keep it or let it go?The Corvair has a controversial reputation (thanks, Ralph Nader), but for Justin's family, it's the car that ties grandfather to father to son. That makes it worth keeping, even when it doesn't make practical sense.In this episode, Justin shares:- How his grandfather originally acquired the 1963 Corvair Monza Spyder- What makes the Monza Spyder different from other Corvairs (turbocharged, rare, collectible)- The Ralph Nader controversy and why Corvair owners defend the car so fiercely- Specific memories from each generation's time with the car- The mechanical challenges of keeping a 60+ year old car running across decades- The moment each generation decided to pass it down instead of selling- What it's like being the current custodian of a family heirloom that requires constant maintenanceThere's one story about the Corvair nearly being sold that Justin says would have ended the family legacy forever. What stopped the sale at the last minute is something no one saw coming.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17498085-from-rust-proof-roots-to-global-vehicle-protection-tom-wolfe-s-ziebart-storyhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15271241-1963-corvair-spyder-first-car-richard-mccuistian-vw-expert-turned-youtube-mechanic-teacher🔗 Connect: https://linktr.ee/carsloved *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E3 Jul 22, 2025 37 min 31 annotations

1967 Dodge Coronet 500-Mile Road Trip: Ziebart CEO Tom Wolfe's Origin Story

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Tom Wolfe's first car was a 1967 Dodge Coronet 440. Today, he's the CEO of Ziebart International, the company famous for rust-proofing vehicles.The connection between a '67 Mopar muscle car and a career protecting vehicles from corrosion isn't obvious at first. But when you understand what it means to own a classic car in rust belt territory, the dots connect. Every classic car owner knows the enemy: rust. Tom built a career fighting it.This episode explores not just Tom's automotive journey, but how loving cars enough to want to protect them can become a global business philosophy.In this episode, Tom reveals:- What it was like owning a 1967 Dodge Coronet 440 as a first car- Why the Coronet 440 sits in that sweet spot of Mopar muscle (not quite a Charger, but close)- How his early car experiences led him to Ziebart- The rust-belt reality that every classic car owner in cold climates faces- What Ziebart actually does—and common misconceptions about rust-proofing- The global expansion of vehicle protection services (Ziebart's international presence)- How CEO thinking applies to personal car collecting and vice versaBut there's one decision Tom made about the Coronet that he still questions decades later. It involves rust, originality, and the choice between preservation and restoration. His answer might surprise you.Related episodes:https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17733043-honda-civic-dreams-to-custom-paint-master-top-coat-garage-owner-s-car-journey-nsx-hunt-paint-secretshttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/14867457-1962-dodge-lancer-first-car-david-s-dirt-mobile-college-stories-pt-cruiser-convertible🔗 Connect: https://linktr.ee/carsloved *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E2 Jul 15, 2025 37 min 32 annotations

Intermittent Wipers: Dad's Basement Invention, Big Three Theft, Flash of Genius

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Every modern car has intermittent windshield wipers. Timothy Kearns' father, Dr. Robert Kearns, invented them in a Detroit basement—then spent decades fighting the automakers who copied his design.This isn't your typical first-car story. This is about the invention that changed every car on the road, the legal battle that became the film *Flash of Genius*, and what it's like growing up as the son of a man fighting Ford and Chrysler in court.Timothy's perspective on automotive history is unique: he watched his father's invention get stolen, fought over, and eventually vindicated in one of the largest individual patent settlements in automotive history. But at what cost?In this episode, Timothy shares:- How his father invented the intermittent windshield wiper in a Detroit basement- What the early prototypes looked like (surprisingly crude for something so revolutionary)- The moment Ford and Chrysler started using the technology without permission- Why major automakers thought they could get away with copying a small inventor- The decades-long legal battle that consumed his father's life- How *Flash of Genius* (the movie) got some things right—and what they changed- What the patent victory meant financially, emotionally, and historically- The automotive innovation lesson that every backyard tinkerer should understandThere's one detail about the settlement that Timothy says the movie left out—and it changes how you think about winning a patent battle against the giants.Related episodes:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15009054-delorean-family-story-kat-delorean-growing-up-with-automotive-icon-fatherhttps://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17645503-mustang-memories-sema-show-adventures-automotive-photographer-rob-s-first-cars-to-car-culture-journey🔗 Connect: https://linktr.ee/carsloved *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S5E1 Jul 08, 2025 43 min 29 annotations

Record-Speed Model T Build to Wayne Carini: McPherson Grad's Path

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Join To All the Cars I've Loved Before for a deep dive into automotive restoration as Mason—a McPherson College graduate—traces the journey that started in high school and took him from a record-speed Model T build to professional classic car restoration at F40 Motorsports, demonstrating how formal automotive education transforms passion into expertise.Explore automotive restoration education, hands-on classic car experience, and professional automotive career development. Mason's journey reveals why dedicated automotive colleges produce industry-leading professionals, how classic car restoration skills translate across vintage vehicle categories, and the importance of mentorship in specialized automotive education programs.Mason's favorite episode is with Andrew who shares details of what it is like to own and drive a Trabant and his dreams of a Tucker - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17009738-classic-cars-automotive-adventures-from-trabant-to-tuckerEssential for automotive students considering restoration careers, classic car restoration enthusiasts, automotive educators, and anyone interested in preserving automotive heritage through professional craftsmanship. Whether you're passionate about Model T Fords, exotic Ferrari restoration, or automotive education pathways, this episode showcases dedication to automotive excellence. *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4E10 Jul 01, 2025 43 min 32 annotations

Skyline GT-R, Supra, RX-7: JDM Import Secrets from Japanese Auctions

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Ever wondered how right-hand-drive icons like the Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda RX-7 and Acura Integra actually make it from Japanese auctions to American driveways? In this episode of To All the Cars I've Loved Before, hosts Doug and Christian welcome Mohammad Azeem, revealing insider secrets of JDM importing business.From navigating USS Auctions in Tokyo to handling 25-year import regulations, shipping logistics, and building customer trust in specialty automotive import markets, Mohammad's expertise reveals the intersection of automotive passion and international business success. Learn about JDM market trends, challenges of international automotive commerce, and why certain Japanese domestic market vehicles command premium prices in North America.Check out Mohammad's favorite episode is "Iron Curtain Automotive Adventures: Wartburg 353 Restoration & Ford Probe GT Autobahn Drive" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16245536-iron-curtain-automotive-adventures-wartburg-353-restoration-ford-probe-gt-autobahn-drivePerfect for JDM enthusiasts, automotive entrepreneurs, import/export professionals, and anyone fascinated by Japanese car culture business. Whether you dream of owning a Skyline GT-R, Supra, or rare JDM model, understanding the import process reveals the dedication required to bring automotive dreams from Japan to your garage. *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4E9 Jun 24, 2025 30 min 32 annotations

Car Respray Lesson: Why She Fixed the Engine Last & Regretted It

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!In this episode of To All The Cars I've Loved Before, hosts Christian and Doug explore that metaphor with Lisa Richer, founder of Journey2Bloom (https://journey2bloom.com) and examine how car restoration parallels personal development, discovering why prioritizing internal mechanics over external appearance creates lasting value in automotive projects and life success.Lisa's respray story reveals deeper truths about automotive and personal transformation, demonstrating how restoration philosophy applies to business success, personal growth, and life coaching. Her automotive journey shows why understanding fundamental mechanics—whether in cars or careers—proves more valuable than surface-level improvements, and how automotive experiences teach resilience and authentic value creation.Don't forget to check out Lisa's favorite episode with a dynamic student/instructor duo from Weber State University's Automotive Technology Program - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16384509-campus-of-cars-makenna-and-brandon-s-educational-restoration-adventuresEssential for entrepreneurs, life coaches, personal development enthusiasts, and automotive restoration fans who appreciate deeper lessons classic car projects teach. Whether you're rebuilding engines, reshaping careers, or seeking authentic transformation, this episode reveals how automotive wisdom applies to life success and business development. *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4E8 Jun 17, 2025 33 min 22 annotations

The Songs That Drive Us: Our Guest-inspired Playlist

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Every great road‑trip story has a soundtrack, and our guests have generously popped the cassette into the deck for us to create our playlist, "The Songs That Drive Us" - https://carsloved.com/playlistHave a song to share on our playlist? Tag us on social media with the song and why it’s special to you. To everyone who rolled down memory lane on the show—thank you for sharing the songs that make your valve train come alive! *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 Jun 16, 2025 0 min

1989 Dodge Daytona: Dad Surprised Me; My Grades Improved; Dreams Came True

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!In this special “host‑becomes‑guest” episode of To All the Cars I’ve Loved Before, co‑host Doug pulls back the curtain on his own automotive story—from the moment his dad surprised him with a 1989 Dodge Daytona (silver, pop‑up headlights, 125‑mph speedo dreams) to finally owning the Nissan 300ZX he lusted after in high school. Along the way Doug revisits:The unmistakable manual‑transmission fluid smell that still triggers vivid “garage memories.”Why a 2000 BMW 323Ci (E46) convertible became his worst car and ultimate “never again” lesson.A fog‑soaked, pre‑GPS road‑trip mishap in a rusty Jeep CJ‑7 that ended with a broken driveshaft.The mixtape tracks—“Silent Lucidity” by Queensrÿche & “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots—that defined his cruising years.A dream garage trifecta: twin‑turbo 300ZX, last‑gen Mazda RX‑7 (FD), and his beloved DeLorean.How semi‑autonomous driving / Tesla Autopilot transformed his view of road trips and traffic.The hugely under‑appreciated 1989 Nissan 240SX that balanced handling perfection with driving legend status.Plus: stick‑shift lessons from Dad, the debate over cars having souls, and Doug’s one rule for classic‑car mods. Whether you’re into classic cars, JDM icons, car restoration, or just great car podcast stories, this episode packs in nostalgia, hard‑won wisdom, and plenty of pop‑up‑headlight love.Check out our new guest inspired road trip playlist "The Songs that Drive Us" and share your favorites - https://carsloved.com/playlist *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 Jun 10, 2025 12 min 20 annotations

First Car Was a 200-MPH Supercar: Built Track Day Empire from It

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!What happens when your very first car is a 200 mph supercar? In this 60‑second flashback, guest Adam explains how buying that dream machine pushed him to found The Extreme Experience—the nationwide track‑day company that lets anyone drive Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and GT‑Rs under pro guidance. Hear the aha‑moment that turned personal adrenaline into a safe supercar‑driving experience now operating at world‑class circuits across the U.S.Tap play to discover:Why a rookie owner needed structured performance‑driving trainingThe business model behind 3–4 hot laps with a right‑seat instructorA limited‑time 25 % Father’s Day discount for thrill‑seeking dads https://www.thextremexperience.com/events/Love supercar stories, track‑day tips, or entrepreneur origin tales? Follow To All the Cars I’ve Loved Before for more bite‑size automotive nostalgia, and tell us about your own first car at CarsLoved.com *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

Jun 06, 2025 1 min

500 Miles in a 1967 Dodge Coronet: Dad & Brothers Never Doubted It

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Before steering a 400‑location car‑care empire, Thomas A. Wolfe—now President & CEO of Ziebart International—logged 500+ sun‑soaked miles in a 1967 Dodge Coronet 440, driving it home from Florida to Detroit with his dad and brothers. The flawless run of that Bahama‑Yellow muscle car—and the rust that followed—ignited Wolfe’s passion for rust protection, paint‑protection film, and made‑in‑USA aftermarket gear that defines Ziebart today.Listen to Thomas' favorite episode, Rotary Revelations with Jon Leverett of Mazda USA - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16805989-rotary-revelations-jon-leverett-s-mazda-rx-7-tales-and-industry-insider-insightsHit play for Detroit‑bred automotive nostalgia and subscribe to To All the Cars I’ve Loved Before for more first‑car flashbacks. Share your own story—or score show notes—at CarsLoved.com *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 Jun 05, 2025 0 min

Detroit Basement, 1963: The Wiper Invention That Beat the Big Three

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Think windshield wipers are boring? Think again. In this 60‑second bonus clip, Tim Kearns reveals how his father, engineering professor Dr. Robert Kearns, dreamed up the intermittent windshield wiper in a Detroit basement, sued the auto giants that copied it, and won one of the largest individual patent settlements in automotive history—later immortalized in the film Flash of Genius. Hear Tim set the record straight on the garage‑born innovation that now clears rain on every modern car and the uphill legal battle that rewrote IP law for tinkerers everywhere.If you geek out on home‑grown car tech, classic‑Detroit lore, or courtroom showdowns against Ford and Chrysler, hit play and add a new slice of automotive history to your trivia toolbox. Follow To All the Cars I’ve Loved Before for weekly nostalgia‑fuelled stories and share your own car memories at CarsLoved.comTim's favorite episode is "Classic Cars & Automotive Adventures: From Trabant to Tucker"https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/a2d0f95592fd0bb64329a53b015f8bfe *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 Jun 04, 2025 1 min 2 annotations

Flipped My Honda CR-V; Survived; Now Building a 1969 VW Baja Bug

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Hosts Christian and Doug welcome Eva Gregory—Hagerty insider, "Be Differential" podcast host, and lifelong Volkswagen fan—to dive into automotive nostalgia, first‑car memories, and her next big auto adventure: converting a 1969 VW Beetle into a Baja Bug for off-road adventures.Discover the enduring appeal of Volkswagen Beetle culture, off-road conversion possibilities, and how automotive media careers develop from personal car passion. Eva's automotive journey reveals the intersection of professional automotive journalism and personal project car ownership, plus insights into Hagerty's role in classic car culture preservation and automotive media.Eva's favorite episode is "Air Cooled and Carefree – Guinevere’s VW Beetle Tales and Family Restoration Traditions" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/25179670e31fa4972ec52019b456a63cPerfect for Volkswagen enthusiasts, Beetle owners considering Baja conversions, automotive media professionals, and classic car culture fans. Whether you love air-cooled VWs, off-road adventures, or automotive journalism, this episode celebrates authentic enthusiasm in professional automotive media settings. *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4E7 Jun 03, 2025 34 min 25 annotations

$500 Czech Mystery: 1989 Skoda 135 GLi Most Americans Never Heard Of

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Nigel Tunnacliffe of Coastline Academy Driving School's ⁨ @coastlineacademy first car was a 1989 Skoda 135 GLi that he bought from a neighbor.Check out the full episode with Nigel here - https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17979629-5x-engine-rebuilds-on-an-mr2-coastline-academy-founder-s-teen-safety-mission *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 Jun 02, 2025 0 min

Saturn Owners Are INSANE: Photographer's Mind-Blown Car Show Experience

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Listen in to this clip from our full episode with Zack Pradel from Shooting Cars as he shares his experience attending a Saturn Car Show.Stay tuned for more from our interview with Zack's and be sure to check out his favorite episode, "Rotary Revelations – Jon Leverett’s Mazda RX-7 Tales and Industry Insider Insights" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/c10a8cae2d89d0f65fdfbc73f879aa09 *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 May 31, 2025 0 min 1 annotation

Drive Your Restoration or It Dies: McPherson Grad's Passionate Plea

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!From our awesome interview with Mason Ball, graduate of McPherson College's @McPhersonCollegeBulldogs 4-year Automotive Restoration Program. Despite being in car restoration, Mason is passionate about people driving their cars as much as possible.Don't miss the entire episode with Mason here - https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17426714-record-speed-model-t-build-to-wayne-carini-mcpherson-grad-s-path *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.

S4 May 30, 2025 0 min