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

Red FJ60 Dreams: Megan's eBay Land Cruiser Gamble

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Megan grew up in a Buffalo-area Jeep family—her dad's CJ-7 plowed snow and pulled stumps before becoming the siblings' shared ride. Learning stick shift on that family Wrangler sparked a lifelong love affair with manual transmissions and 4x4s.After heading West with a Chevy Blazer, then a base-model Ford Explorer (the only way to get stick shift), Megan discovered her dream vehicle in Colorado: the 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60. Friends drove them. One got her safely where she needed to go in rough conditions. She was sold.Twelve years ago, Megan did what any rational person does when they find their dream car—bought it sight unseen on eBay. Red, six-speed manual, with tons of photos and honest descriptions from the seller. The gamble paid off spectacularly.That FJ60 became her daily driver around Easton, Maryland, earning thumbs-up and parking lot compliments constantly. With a rebuilt engine and recent tune-up from James McRae's shop, it still runs beautifully. Megan can't bring herself to sell it—even with a Maserati now on her dream list.Currently? She's the volunteer coordinator at Talbot Hospice, where her love of "old things and old people" finds perfect expression.Megan's favorite is "Rust to Riches – James’s Restoration Secrets and Craftsmanship Journey" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/48f07efddc0bf7859f40c85efc58d654Her story is an empowering one for anyone who’s eyed a classic 4x4 and wondered, “Could I really use that every day?” Megan’s answer is a resounding yes – with passion, a bit of mechanical empathy, and the desire for an adventurous, emotionally fulfilling driving experience, you absolutely can. *** 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.

S3E3 Nov 26, 2024 36 min 24 annotations

The Tale of Two Pontiac GTOs

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!We play a brief game of automotive trivia with one of our guests from Weber State University's Automotive Technology program about the origins of the original Pontiac GTO and the rebirth with the 2004-2006 version. Listen in to how we stump Christian and his surprise when he learns the true source.#pontiacGTO #pontiac #WeberStateUniversity #podcast #ToAllTheCarsIveLovedBefore #everycartellsastory #everycarhasaculture *** 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.

S3 Nov 22, 2024 0 min 3 annotations

What happens when you take a Ford Exploder through an Arby's drive thru?

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!One of our student guests from Weber State University's Automotive Technology program wasn't always so handy with a wrench. Listen to this soundbite from an upcoming episode to learn how her “Ford Exploder” got its nickname during a trip to Arby's.#fordexploder #weberstateuniversity #carsloved #podcast #EveryCarTellsAStory #evercarhasaculture *** 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.

S3 Nov 20, 2024 1 min 1 annotation

From $300 LeBaron to Time Machine: Andy McFly's Dream

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!What happens when a 10-year-old sees Back to the Future 2 at a drive-in and decides he MUST own a DeLorean someday? You get Andy McFly and RentDeLorean.com.Andy's first car was an '85 Chrysler LeBaron—hand-me-down from grandma for $300, complete with holes in the passenger-side floor and the Flash symbol painted on the side. After upgrading to an '89 Buick Century (with power windows!), Andy never forgot his childhood dream.In 2012, that dream became reality—and a business. Now an elementary art teacher by day and Doc Brown impersonator by night, Andy brings joy to countless events with his time machine. One birthday party still makes him tear up: an 8-year-old boy with a cochlear implant, dressed as Marty McFly, meeting the DeLorean of his dreams.Andy's met Christopher Lloyd (as a Doc Brown Klingon, naturally), given Claudia Wells a ride, and created Minnesota's #1 geocache spot—a full-sized TARDIS free library outside his home.His message? "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." Dreams don't have to stay in 1989—they can become your future.Andy's favorite episode is "Camaros, Convertibles & Coming of Age – Lisa’s Automotive Memoir" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/5bc9d53f678ee65d4a046abf4e0b46cf *** 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.

S3E2 Nov 12, 2024 41 min 10 annotations

Turbocharged Memories – Melissa’s Road from High School LeBaron to Family SUV

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Melissa revisits the automotive adventures that defined her youth and beyond. She earned the nickname “Turbo” in high school with her first car – a hand-me-down ’88 Chrysler LeBaron Turbo – and shares how that zippy hatchback gave her confidence and car culture cred.Melissa's favorite episode features her baby daddy - "Shifting Gears – Adam’s Modded Imports and Track Day Tales" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/8eddefd1724ff29d934da24090b0d2f2From surviving college in a trusty, indestructible Jeep Cherokee (the classic XJ with a cult following) to embracing modern family life in a Subaru Ascent, Melissa’s story is packed with automotive nostalgia and personal growth. Listeners will feel the emotional connection in her car memories – the freedom of teenage cruising, the restoration of a broken clutch, the promise never to drive a minivan – and learn how each vehicle became a life lesson on wheels. It’s a turbocharged trip through time that highlights automotive history, family bonding, and the enduring love we carry for our cars. *** 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.

S1E2 Nov 07, 2024 26 min 21 annotations

How “Melissa Turbo” got her nickname...

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Today we have a blast from the past to share with Melissa from Season 1 Episode 2. Listen to learn how she earned the infamous high school nickname - Turbo.Be sure to listen Melissa's full episode here - https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/ab4645057e7fd36c7d2f7f0f840a0510#everycarhasaculture #EveryCarTellsAStory #toallthecarsivelovedbefore #turbo #ChryslerLeBaron #podcast *** 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.

S3 Nov 07, 2024 0 min 4 annotations

Mustang Family Lifestyle: Rob's Family of Origin Car Obsession

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Upcoming Episode Alert - There are a few great cars that are synonymous with American car culture and we were fortunate to have Rob join us a few weeks ago to share how Ford Mustangs are a family affair. Here's the short clip on how Rob's father managed to get his parents to buy a more powerful Mustang to replace the slower one after he totaled it. What a brilliant man! Rob's favorite episode is "Vintage Car Adventures & Restoration Stories" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16673210-vintage-car-adventures-restoration-stories-mustang-sunbeam-porsche-911-to-ferrari-300-america *** 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.

S3 Nov 06, 2024 0 min 1 annotation

"It's a Jeep Thing" with Megan

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!We had another great guest interview yesterday with Megan and have to share a clip from that upcoming episode. She had several great stories including her family's maroon 1987 Jeep Wrangler which served not only her but also two brothers through high school.Megan's favorite is "Rust to Riches – James’s Restoration Secrets and Craftsmanship Journey" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/48f07efddc0bf7859f40c85efc58d654 *** 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.

S3 Nov 05, 2024 0 min

The time that Eric traded his British racing green 1977 Triumph TR-7 for an acre of land in Oklahoma

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Our Season 1 episode with Eric was a blast, especially when he shared that how he struck a deal with a college professor and traded his beloved British racing green 1977 Triumph TR-7 for an acre of land in Oklahoma that he still owns...but he can't locate on any maps. Click here to listen to the full episode with Eric - https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/5a33d4461718379719e33e990a83f722#triumphtr7 #Oklahoma #britishracinggreen #podcast #toallthecarsivelovedbefore #everycarhasaculture #EveryCarTellsAStory *** 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.

S3 Nov 04, 2024 0 min

Preview - Conrad's M998 Hummer story

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Here's a short clip from an episode with Conrad, a college student who joined the national guard in order to drive one of his dream cars, err dream utility vehicle.Listen to the full episode with Conrad here - https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/14e35670c2a8268fa17865087a9c69af *** 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.

S3 Nov 01, 2024 0 min 3 annotations

VW Super Beetle First Car - Aiden and Tom - Father Son Dream Car Story

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Aiden & Tom take you inside the hunt for a pristine 1972 VW Super Beetle, bumping shoulders with GT40s, AC Cobras, and original Eleanors in a classic-car warehouse. Learn how Aiden scored “Miss Maggie” for $4K—an unforgettable first car moment that sparked lifelong car memories and automotive nostalgia. Then, Tom shares his craftsmanship skillsfor evaluating, maintaining, and lightly restoring vintage VWs.Aiden and Tom's favorite episode is "Air-Cooled and Carefree – Guinevere’s VW Beetle Tales and Family Restoration Traditions" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/25179670e31fa4972ec52019b456a63cWhether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply love first car stories, this episode delivers:Insider tips on inspecting and preserving a vintage lifestyle BeetleHeartwarming family car culture behind every dealInspiration for your next auto adventure or car restoration projectTune in now—available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms—for your dose of automotive history, beloved cars, and the life lessons each engine rev reveals. *** 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.

S3E1 Oct 29, 2024 32 min 36 annotations

Season 3 Preview - Every Car Has a Culture, according to Aiden...

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!We can't wait to drop our first episode of Season 3 on Tuesday, 10/29. In the meantime, here's a preview of Aiden's episode where he shares his thoughts on how every car has a culture. What do you think? *** 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.

S2 Oct 26, 2024 0 min

Monster Jam Driver Nicole Johnson: When Your Job IS Destroying Cars

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Nicole Johnson – famed Monster Jam driver and off-road champion – joins us to share captivating stories from her one-of-a-kind career in automotive entertainment. With infectious enthusiasm, Nicole reveals how her childhood car memories (from tinkering on 4x4s to cruising in a humble sedan) set her on a path to motorsports fame. She takes listeners behind the scenes of Monster Truck Jam, describing the adrenaline rush of piloting her “Scooby-Doo” monster truck in front of roaring crowds, and the meticulous preparation that goes into each high-flying jump. But Nicole’s journey wasn’t overnight; she talks about her early days in competitive rock crawling – imagine conquering impossible boulders in a custom Jeep – and how those experiences gave her the skills and grit to succeed in Monster Jam.Nicole loved the episode with Jim, "Back to the ’80s and Beyond – Jim’s Camaro Comebacks and DeLorean Dreams" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/d78c119b929d9b5eff72a2f67fec3157Throughout the episode, Nicole’s passion shines as she discusses the importance of chasing dreams (even the kind that crush cars for a living!) and the lessons of teamwork and perseverance learned in the arena. Whether you’re an avid motorsports fan or just love a good inspiring story, Nicole’s tale of turning her automotive passions into an extraordinary career will rev your engine. She proves that with drive and determination, you can carve out your own lane in the automotive world. *** 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.

S2E10 Oct 15, 2024 43 min 32 annotations

Beyond the Wheel – Tom’s Triumphant Journey through Classic Cars and Life’s Crossroads

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Tom’s story is an odyssey of resilience, with cars as the constant companions through his life’s ups and downs. He begins with fond tales of his first car, a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and his long-held preference for silver paint jobs – little did he know how significant “silver” would become in his journey. Tom then shares an almost unbelievable chapter: trading his wheels for a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier at least in responsibility! During military service, he experienced life without a personal car, piloting massive ships instead of cruising in a Chevy Silverado. When Hurricane Katrina struck, Tom embarked on an epic road trip in his truck to help rebuild New Orleans, illustrating how deeply automotive culture and duty to others intertwined for him.Tom's favorite episode of our podcast is from our very first season - "Shifting Gears – Adam’s Modded Imports and Track Day Tales" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/8eddefd1724ff29d934da24090b0d2f2The episode doesn’t shy away from hardships – Tom opens up about losing his childhood home (and beloved first car) to a fire, battling addiction, and overcoming homelessness. Through each challenge, the theme emerges that cars and the car community were therapeutic and grounding forces in his life. By the end, Tom has listeners cheering as he finds stability and joy again, eventually behind the wheel of a 2015 Silverado that symbolizes how far he’s come. This powerful, emotionally charged episode transcends typical car talk; it’s about the human spirit, the drive to survive, and how the love of cars can steer us through even the darkest roads *** 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.

S2E9 Oct 01, 2024 29 min 6 annotations

Last Pontiac Standing: Lisa's Quarter-Life Crisis Car

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Lisa bought her first car at 16 with Pizza Hut paychecks—a '95 Camaro in Patriot red with T-tops and custom violet pearl flake. Growing up in East Baltimore with family working at GM plants, brand loyalty ran deep. Her mom drove a red Camaro when Lisa was born (classic family car, right?), and Lisa kept the tradition alive.After nearly eight years, she traded up to a 2004 electric blue Pontiac Sunfire for $10,767—the best money she ever spent. That car carried her through law school, the bar exam, being sworn in as an attorney, and buying her first house. Fourteen years and 180,000 miles on the original clutch before it was totaled.Then came December 31, 2009—Pontiac's last day of existence. Lisa rushed to a Hunt Valley dealership where anything unsold by midnight became rental fleet cars. She bought a navy blue G6 hardtop convertible, calling it her "quarter-life crisis car" (because red convertibles are for midlife crises).Bonus: Lisa once bid $20,000 on a DeLorean at a charity auction before remembering she needed a roof. Solid priorities. The DeLorean sold for $27,000—her shingles appreciated the restraint.Lisa's favorite episode is our first, "From First Stick-Shift to Cobra Thrills – Devin’s Classic Car Journey" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/bad51c9d7a50ec86341accab41f94f43Listeners will be moved by Lisa’s transparency and might find themselves reminiscing about their own “first set of wheels” experiences – the triumphs, the trials, and the road trips that shaped who we become. *** 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.

S2E8 Sep 17, 2024 34 min 22 annotations

James' Barn: Triumph Spitfires to Porsche 911 Dreams

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Ever wondered what it takes to bring rusted classics back to life? Meet James, who's broadcasting from his barn surrounded by restoration projects in various states of resurrection.From his first car—a '77 Chevy Caprice Classic land yacht—to an '85 Oldsmobile Toronado Caliente with doors so big you couldn't park it, James fell hard for a '76 Triumph Spitfire that changed everything. Bought for $1,000 with no brakes, that Kermit-green roadster planted the seed for a lifelong passion.Now running McRae Enterprises, James specializes in European sports cars and American classics from the '40s-'80s. In this episode, he shares:Rally racing a Triumph through Baltimore's back roadsWhy barn finds are both thrilling and terrifyingThe vintage car community's remarkable trust and generosityHis dream '99 Porsche 996 (barely driven because he's too busy!)A '62 Volvo that lived above the Arctic CircleThis is automotive passion at its purest—no TV drama, just real restoration work, hard-earned wisdom, and the freedom of driving cars that matter.Check out the episode James mentioned!"Vintage Land Cruiser Love – Megan’s FJ60 Revival and Everyday Off-Road Adventures" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/318975ea55657ba867726e293dd1ef14*** 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 running strong. *** 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.

S2E7 Sep 03, 2024 44 min 34 annotations

Classic Car Road Trips - Aimee and John - Family Adventures & Automotive Love Story

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Aimee and John share a unique dual-perspective tale of love, family, and vintage steel. This husband-and-wife duo fell for each other and for cars, embarking on what they call a “vintage lifestyle” centered around their shared automotive passion. They spin the odometer back to the ’70s with memories of cruising in a classic Chevy Malibu and wrenching together on a Datsun 240Z – a car that taught them both the art of patience and restoration. The heart of their story is a retro Chevy Suburban camper-edition, which became the ultimate family road-trip vehicle.John and Aimee had a hard time with picking their favorite, but turns out Joe - a friend from HS is number one on their list - "Wanderlust on Wheels – Joe’s Westfalia Camper Tales and Sporty Miata Memories" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15521761-driving-a-1971-vw-westfalia-bus-joe-s-vw-tales-and-sporty-miata-memories From cross-country camping adventures with their kids (and even a tale of a lighthouse restoration project where the Suburban hauled supplies! Aimee and John illustrate how car culture can weave into the fabric of family life. This episode delivers plenty of classic car talk – engine sounds, vintage design quirks, and road trip tips – but it’s also brimming with romance and humor (imagine a couple navigating map directions and carburetor tuning in equal measure!). By the end, listeners will feel like part of the family, inspired by how a shared love of cars can strengthen bonds and create a legacy of adventures for generations to come. *** 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.

S2E6 Aug 20, 2024 38 min 30 annotations

VW Bus Dreams: Joe's Road Trip Tales and 8-Car Collection

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!What happens when you buy your first car at 17, blow the engine, and sell it to a deadhead who abandons it in Albuquerque? You become a lifelong car enthusiast with an epic garage.Meet Joe, an Annapolis native whose automotive DNA runs deep—his grandfather raced NASCAR in the 1950s before a bad wreck ended his career. Joe's first car was a '71 VW Westfalia camper that barely topped 60 mph unless he drafted behind semi trucks. After money-shifting the engine, he sold it to his sister's deadhead friend, who called from New Mexico: "I broke down. Come get it if you want it." Spoiler: 17-year-old Joe couldn't.Now Joe owns eight cars, including his beloved '94 Miata (21 years and counting), an '04 Porsche 911, and a Chrysler Conquest TSi. His latest project? A '62 Beetle field find buried to the floor in dirt—destined for electric conversion with 90-mile range and 100 mph capability.From rebuilding suspensions during COVID to building a dream 1,000-square-foot garage, Joe proves car passion never fades—it just gets faster, smarter, and more garage-worthy.Joe's favorite episode is "Vintage Love Story with Aimee and John" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15601036-vintage-love-story-aimee-and-john-s-classic-cruises-and-family-road-trip-lifeEqual parts travelogue and car talk, this episode will make you want to grab a map, hop in your own beloved car, and create new memories on the open road. *** 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.

S2E5 Aug 06, 2024 33 min 36 annotations

Back to the ’80s and Beyond: Jim’s Camaro Comebacks and DeLorean Dreams

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Jim Gravina invites us on a cross-country cruise through his life, filled with classic cars and a touch of magic. Growing up in the ’80s, Jim’s first love is his 1980 Camaro Z28 – a loud, proud muscle car that symbolized freedom on the streets of Syracuse. He then recounts a practical turn with a ’98 Chevy Cavalier and a modern 2014 Mazda 6 as career and family life evolved, proving you can balance car passion with daily responsibility. Yet Jim’s story has a show-stopper: his acquisition of a 1981 DeLorean (yes, complete with gull-wing doors and pop culture flair). He shares delightful details of performing “magic tricks” with the DeLorean at car shows and the car trivia that surrounds this legendary vehicle. Throughout the episode, Jim’s emotional connection to his cars shines – from rebuilding an engine with his dad to using his vehicles to bring joy to others (like surprising kids with rides in the “time machine”).Jim loved the episode with Brian, "From Ford Tempo to Flux Capacitor – Brian’s High-Octane Car History" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15046730-ford-tempo-as-your-first-car-brian-s-unique-car-historyListeners will come away smiling and inspired, having learned about car restoration and the power of car community, all while riding shotgun on Jim’s heartfelt, nostalgia-fueled 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.

S2E4 Jul 23, 2024 42 min 12 annotations

From Celebrity to Accord: Dee's Family Car Legacy

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!When Dee's mom surprised her with a white 1989 Chevy Celebrity after a sleepover, it wasn't just a car—it was trust, independence, and investment in her future. That Celebrity carried Dee to late-night theater rehearsals through high school, launching a lifelong love of performance.Next came a green 1996 Honda Civic hatchback Dee negotiated herself (much to her mother's chagrin), learning stick shift on the test drive along one of Baton Rouge's busiest streets. That Civic saw her through college, marriage, and 175,000 miles—including an unforgettable moment changing a tire in a formal dress while a gentleman in a beat-up pickup offered her a cold beer instead of help.Today, Dee drives her late mother's 2006 red Honda Accord—cigarette burns in the upholstery and all. Every drive feels like her mom's still there, and when daughter Ruthie (named after grandma) asks to "see the sky," Dee opens the sunroof in the same car where her mother once sat.From brother Christian teaching her to change tires to discovering his Buick Skyhawk decorated with Mardi Gras beads and a cigar-smoking skull, Dee proves cars are never just metal—they're family.Dee's favorite episode is "Kelly's guide to driving in Japan..." https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16330769-tokyo-drift-lessons-kelly-s-adventures-in-japanese-car-culture-and-city-drivingThis episode delivers relatable humor, poignant reflections, and the reassuring idea that our cars are more than transport – they’re part of the family, witnesses to our life’s defining moments. *** 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.

S2E3 Jul 09, 2024 39 min 20 annotations

1963 Corvair Spyder First Car - Richard McCuistian - VW Expert Turned YouTube Mechanic Teacher

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Richard McCuistian brings 60+ years of automotive expertise to this episode, from learning in his father's foreign car garage to becoming a YouTube educator with 7.5 million views. His automotive journey started at 16 with a 1963 Corvair Spyder - the same car Ralph Nader called "unsafe" - which Richard drove with 8 teenagers packed inside, using shared clutch and steering duties. From there, his path led through countless VW Bugs, including a hopped-up 1958 sleeper that embarrassed a Jaguar on the interstate.Episode Highlights:Growing up in dad's foreign car garage - fixing 28 different foreign brands with no manualsFirst car: 1963 Corvair Spyder with turbocharged engine and dash-mounted tachometerEight teenagers in a Corvair - passenger operating clutch while Richard steeredBuilding a VW dune buggy at age 14 from junkyard partsThe 1958 VW Bug hot rod with shaved heads and raised compressionType 3 Squareback and early Bosch fuel injection systemsTeaching college auto mechanics for 23 years (2001-2019)Writing for Motor Age Magazine for 21 yearsYouTube channel success: 19,000+ subscribers, 1,500+ videos, 7.5M+ viewsCurrently editing 10 technical articles weekly for CarParts.comRichard shares how he started his YouTube channel to help absent students catch up on lectures, never expecting it to become a resource for thousands of mechanics worldwide. His philosophy: "If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself." From Corvair adventures to creating educational content that's helped millions, this episode showcases how passion for teaching and automobiles creates lasting impact.Richard's favorite episode is the Weber State student/instructor duo episode, "From Mustang GT Builds to Pontiac GTO Restorations: Weber State Automotive Tech & Education" https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16548659-from-mustang-gt-builds-to-pontiac-gto-restorations-weber-state-automotive-tech-education *** 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.

S2E2 Jun 25, 2024 26 min 28 annotations

Celica to WRX: Chris's Import Tuner Evolution

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!When Chris's mom surprised him at Subway with a maroon Toyota Celica GT complete with giant spoiler and chrome wheels, she unknowingly created an import tuner for life. Within months, the "sandwich artist" went from not caring about cars to obsessed—then promptly blew the engine.Next came a Honda Prelude Si that Chris transformed with coilovers, VTEC screams, and every tacky early 2000s mod imaginable. But the real education came from near-death experiences: jack failures in the cul-de-sac, neighbors rushing out to save his wrist crushed between tire and wheel well. Lesson learned—the hard way.The confessions keep coming: Chris secretly borrowed his brother's 240SX at night to teach himself drifting in abandoned parking garages. Sorry, bro—20 years later, the truth is out.Now driving a Subaru WRX that's "stock plus," Chris finally took it to the track at Motorsport Ranch, hitting 90 mph and learning what real driving feels like. When he's not at the gym or track, he volunteers designing space habitats for Mars and the moon.From blown engines to Mars colonies—Chris proves car passion takes you places.Chris's favorite episode is "Storytime on Wheels – Michael J. Myers’ Journey from First Car to Children’s Author" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16548255-storytime-on-wheels-michael-j-myers-journey-from-first-car-to-children-s-authorBut it’s not all about horsepower; Chris also reflects on how these fast cars kept him on track (literally and figuratively) during life’s twists. If you’ve ever cheered at a drag strip or daydreamed about a perfect launch, Chris’s story will ignite your engines – blending fast-car fun with the emotional undercurrent of a life driven by passion and perseverance. *** 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.

S2E1 Jun 11, 2024 34 min 36 annotations

Growing Up DeLorean: Kat DeLorean on Dad's DMC-12 & Family Legacy

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Kat DeLorean offers an intimate look at automotive nostalgia and family legacy in this very special episode. As the daughter of the legendary John Z. DeLorean, Kat’s earliest car memories involve the iconic gull-winged DMC-12 itself – including her first time behind the wheel of her family’s own DeLorean. She shares heartfelt stories of how classic cars and her father’s larger-than-life career shaped her values, from bonding over engine tinkering to the life lessons learned during Sunday drives. Listeners will hear car history anecdotes from the frontline of an automotive dynasty, but also relatable tales: Kat’s first “regular” car, the song on the radio that reminds her of dad, and how preserving these car memories has become her mission. With a tone that’s both reverent and warmly personal, Growing Up DeLorean delivers a treasure trove of car culture insight and emotional resonance.Kat's favorite episode is "Campus of Cars – Makenna and Brandon’s Educational Restoration Adventures" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/6101fe7007f56a999211944be3a14fafBy episode’s end, you’ll feel how every car – whether a famous sports car or a family sedan – can carry the legacy of love, heritage, and hope from one generation to the next. *** 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.

S1E10 May 28, 2024 31 min 34 annotations

Kat DeLorean - Special Episode Preview 2

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!In our final preview leading up to the full episode with Kat DeLorean, she tells us about the time that everyone in the gym froze when she mentioned that she did not know how to drive a stick shift. But John DeLorean couldn’t let this continue, so he drags her home and gave her the keys to his manual Acura NSX. Unsurprisingly she drove that NSX like a pro the first time and thereafter because of the "gasoline in her veins."Check out Kat's full episode to hear the heartwarming stories of growing up a DeLorean - https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/21bc2a128a77f6b4aebc3657124d0d80---------Please click "follow" on the show in your favorite platform to be the first to hear when the full episode with Kat DeLorean drops. We can't wait to hear what you think, so please send feedback and spread the word to help make your show better!#ToAllTheCarsIveLovedBefore #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.

S1 May 18, 2024 0 min 3 annotations

What It's Really Like to Own a DeLorean (And What No One Tells You)

Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!Brian fuels our imagination with high-octane car stories spanning decades. He begins with the unassuming Ford Tempo that was his first car, revealing how humble beginnings can ignite big automotive dreams. We then fast-forward to his ultimate fantasy: owning a stainless-steel DeLorean. Along the way, Brian shares motorsport adventures and car history gems – including how he nearly traded his daily driver to help fund a racing project and the Back to the Future-inspired moment that cemented his love for the DeLorean.Brian's favorite episode is "War Stories on Wheels – “Jeep Show” Author Robert O’Connor on WWII Cars and Nostalgia" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/15046730-ford-tempo-as-your-first-car-brian-s-unique-car-historyThis episode brims with automotive references, from ’80s car nostalgia to modern car community events. Listeners will enjoy Brian’s candid lessons (like why sometimes you shouldn’t sell your first car for a project) and heartwarming insights on how his father’s advice and life’s twists steered him toward his dream ride. Tune in for an emotionally charged journey that proves every car – be it an ordinary sedan or a time-traveling icon – has the power to teach, inspire, and drive us forward. *** 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.

S1E9 May 14, 2024 40 min 29 annotations