Wheels & Deals with The Old Car Lady
The Old Car Lady
Updated 3 days agoWheels & Deals with The Old Car Lady, the UK's classic car podcast for people who love the stories behind the cars.Sam Grange-Bailey isn't a presenter. She's a classic car dealer and a car dealer's daughter who grew up in the Manchester motor trade. She lived through the golden era of the British car business — the 1960s, '70s, '80s, and early '90s — when deals were done on a handshake, the cars had genuine personality, and the dealers who sold them were larger-than-life characters.kllThis podcast preserves those stories before they're lost.Each episode brings honest, unfiltered conversations with the people who lived it: dealers, auctioneers, journalists, mechanics, and collectors. Expect tales of dodgy deals, auction house drama, barn finds, family businesses, cars that got away, and the ones that probably should have.If you've ever wondered what it was really like inside a British car dealership before the internet changed everything or you just love hearing proper stories about proper cars ➙ this is the podcast for you.Featured guests include Bond car specialists, Rolls-Royce dealers, senior motoring journalists, auction house insiders, and the characters who built the Manchester and UK classic car scene.Topics: classic cars, motor trade history, buying and selling at auction, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, MG, Porsche, barn finds, modern classics, showroom stories, car dealer life, classic car values, and the unwritten rules of the trade.New episodes every week.🌐 theoldcarlady.com📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 YouTube, TikTok & Facebook: The Old Car Lady📧 [email protected]
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Episodes (44)
Martin Buckley | Oldsmobile Toronados, NSU Ro80s & His Modified Rolls-Royce
Join Sam Grange-Bailey (The Old Car Lady) as she takes an exclusive tour of Martin Buckley's personal classic car collection. Martin is a leading motoring journalist, monthly contributor to Classic and Sports Car Magazine, and author of over 20 books.His classic car collection spans the 1950s-70s, including a rare 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado (America's first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car), a 1971 Renault 16 TS (the first true hatchback), an NSU Ro80 with revolutionary semi-automatic gearbox, and a one-of-a-kind 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II extensively modified with a Spirit four-speed gearbox (£20,000 conversion), Land Rover Discovery disc brakes, and electronic ignition.Originally owned by R100 airship engineer Denton Burney, Martin's modified Rolls-Royce demonstrates how thoughtful classic car modifications enhance usability without destroying authenticity. We also discuss his 1956 Riley Pathfinder (nicknamed the "ditch finder"), Range Rover, and exotic Lancia Flaminia.Featured Cars1971 Oldsmobile Toronado - First mass-produced front-wheel-drive American car. Martin's childhood dream, imported from Finland. £20-25k1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II (Modified) - Spirit gearbox, Discovery brakes, electronic ignition. Owned by R100 airship engineer Denton Burney. Martin's favourite.1971 Renault 16 TS - First true hatchback. "Almost as good a ride as a Citroën DS."1972 NSU Ro80 - Advanced semi-automatic gearbox. "Something magical about it."1956 Riley Pathfinder - "Ditch finder" nicknamed from it’s wonky wooden chassis jigs.Lancia Flaminia - Italian exotic with aluminium V6 and transaxle. What You'll LearnWhy the Oldsmobile Toronado revolutionised American engineeringHow a Spirit gearbox conversion transforms a Rolls-Royce (£20,000 costWhen classic car modifications improve usability without destroying valueWhy American classic cars are more practical than their reputationMartin's philosophy: "Just use them, don't abuse them"The R100 airship engineering connection to Rolls-Royce ownershipHow Discovery disc brakes upgrade classic Rolls-Royce stopping powerKey QuestionsCan you modify a classic Rolls-Royce?Martin's Cloud proves thoughtful modifications enhance usability. Spirit gearbox, Discovery brakes, and electronic ignition make it genuinely usable. Keep original parts for reversal.Should classics have modern upgrades?Martin advocates modifications that improve reliability - electronic ignition, disc brakes, modern gearboxes - without altering character. "Just use them, don't abuse them."Are American classics practical in the UK?"More usable than people think. Never feel that big when driving. The faster you go, the steadier it feels." Left-hand drive: "Use mirrors, kerb on one side, white lines on the other."A Nod toDenton Burney - R100 airship engineer, Burney Streamline creatorClassic and Sports Car MagazineManor Park ClassicsGet in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#MartinBuckley #ClassicCarCollection #OldsmobileToronado #RollsRoyceCloud #NSURo80 #Renault16 #RileyPathfinder #LanciaFlaminia #ModifiedClassics #TheOldCarLady #ClassicCars #ClassicCarRestoration #SpiritGearbox #DentonBurney #BritishClassicCars #AmericanClassicCars #ClassicCarInvestmentProduced By Worth A Listen Productions
Listener Special | Radiator Eggs, Mazda Appeal & My Number Plate Book
This week on Wheels & Deals, it's a listener special! I'm sharing some of the fantastic stories and comments you've sent in, answering your questions, and even launching a special appeal to track down the history of a very rare car.We drive into the "dark arts" of the motor trade, explaining exactly why a dealer in the 70's might put sawdust in a gearbox or an egg in a radiator. We also share memories of the short-lived self-serve petrol pumps that took £5 notes, and the ingenious ways people found to get free fuel.I'm launching a worldwide appeal to help a listener in Mexico, Angel Rivera, uncover the history of his very rare 1960 Mazda R360 Kei car. We have the chassis number and a few clues, but we need your help to piece together its story. And finally, we discuss the future of the motor trade and whether the classic car world is the last bastion of the "good old days."Pitstops:• Can you really fix a noisy gearbox with sawdust?• Did you ever scam a self-serve petrol pump in the 70's?• Is it sacrilege to put modern upgrades like electronic ignition on a classic car?• A special appeal to help find the history of a rare Mazda R360 Kei car (Chassis/Engine: 70776).• What does the future hold for the independent car dealer?• Do TV appearances give classic cars like the Jaguar XJS a boost in the market?A Nod to:• Jason Hall• Mike Smith• Martin Buckley• Angel Rivera• And all the listeners who sent in messages and comments!If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Richie Barnett | 2025 Market Review, E-Type Declines & The £382k Ford
This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Richie Barnett, Markets Editor for Classic Car Weekly, for a look back at the classic car market in 2025. We discuss the standout cars of the year, the surprising market trends, and what we can expect to see in 2026.We start with the incredible story of a 1933 Mercedes 380 Kompressor garage find that sold for £262,200, and debate whether it was a bargain. We also look at the sale of an ultra-rare 1990 Ford RS200 S for a staggering £382,500, and discuss why some cars continue to defy market trends.Pitstops: • The decline of Jaguar E-Type values and whether they've had their day. • The great debate: will the Jaguar XJS ever have its moment in the sun? • Are Jaguar XK8s a better buy than E-Types or XJSs for a trip to the South of France? • The rise of usable and practical 90s classics like the Golf GTI and Peugeot 205 GTI. • Are big-engined mainstream cars from the 90s the next big thing in the classic car world?A Nod to: • Classic Car Weekly • Manor Park Classics • Iconic AuctioneersIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!What are your predictions for the classic car market in 2026? Are there any cars you think are poised for a comeback, or any that you think will continue to decline? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Mike Smith | Racing Minis, Dealing BMWs & 007 Bond Insider
This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by the legendary Mike Smith, from managing and driving cars for the Bond films to co-authoring the official Bond car book, Mike is a true Aston Martin aficionado who was even approached to present Top Gear. But his story starts long before Hollywood, with a childhood obsession that saw him racing stock cars at just 10 years old and throwing rubber plants across showrooms by 17.Pitstops:• Racing stock car Minis at 10 years old and nearly winning his first final before the petrol tank gave out• Playing "Herbie" and spotting red, white, and blue Minis inspired by The Italian Job on family drives• Getting secretly trained as a general manager at 16 while racing Audi Quattros • How he took a rubber plant as a deposit on a car deal (and why he felt entitled to hurl it across the showroom)• From BMW dealer to Bond insider: how knowing obscure car specs got him onto 007 film setsA Nod to:• The Saint's Volvo P1800 (and later Aston Martin)• Corgi Toys with working steering wheels• The Italian Job• Ralph Renton's Renault dealership• Manchester City FC• Lionel Smith's dealership• Roger Moore, George Lazenby, and the Bond legacyIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Christmas Special | Martin Buckley & the Range Rover [RAY 606W] Mystery
This week on Wheels & Deals, for our Christmas special, I’m joined by Martin Buckley from his Classic Car Barn to talk about one very special vehicle, a Range Rover with the registration RAY 606W, was it associated with Charles and Diana?? Martin also shares the fascinating story behind a photograph of a BMC Pininfarina 1800, a car that went on to influence both the Lancia Gamma and the Citroën CX. We then delve into the dramatic history of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, including a personal connection to one of the drivers, Lance Macklin, through his wife Sheila.Pitstops: • The story of how a one-off BMC prototype influenced the design of two of the most iconic European saloons of the 70s. • The tragic tale of the 1955 Le Mans disaster and the surprising connections to Winston Churchill’s private secretary. • A look at some of the other incredible cars in Martin’s collection, including a Maserati Ghibli and a Monteverdi 375/4. • The story of how Martin acquired his three-door Range Rover for just £6,000 and its potential connection to the royal family. • A discussion on the timeless appeal of the classic Range Rover and its classless image.A Nod to: • BMC (British Motor Corporation) If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Dan O'Grady | Australian Adventures, Cars, Swimming Pools and Chopper flyovers.
This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by Dan O'Grady, a very special guest all the way from Australia, who shares some incredible stories about his family’s adventures in the car trade. From his father’s early days as a young entrepreneur in Adelaide, painting Matchbox cars and selling them at school, to his audacious trips to the UK in the 70s to buy and export classic British luxury cars back to Australia, this is a tale of incredible deals, high-stakes risks, and a passion for cars that spans generations.Pitstops: • The story of how he, with a bit of skill and a lot of nerve, built a successful car import/export business in the 70s. • The genius of the classic car leasing scheme launched in the 80s, and the tax loophole that made it all possible. • The challenges of running a classic car warranty business • His earliest memories of cars, playing with Matchbox toys on the carpet and learning the art of the car dealership from his dad.A Nod to: • The Sunday Times • Key GarageIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to subscribe, like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Barry Moran | E-Type Crashes, £500 Racing Cars & Bernard Manning
This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by a man who has been a huge part of my family’s life in the motor trade, the one and only Barry Moran. Barry’s story is a fantastic journey through the golden era of British motoring, from working on aircraft to becoming one of the go-to guys for American muscle and classic British sports cars in the North West and a great friend of Bernard Manning.Pitstops: • The story of a 1962 Le Mans lightweight E-Type, bought for £15,000 and sold for a £5,000 profit – a car that’s now worth millions! • Racing a full-house Boss Mustang with a 427 Holman and Moody engine, and the constant battle to keep it on the road. • How a £500 E-Type, bought from a scrapyard, became a successful racing car in the hands of Malcolm Hamilton. • The truth about the disastrous GM diesel engines of the 70s and the graveyard of broken V8s in Fort Lauderdale. • The story of Barry’s dad swapping a brand new MG for an Oldsmobile, and how that sparked a family love affair with American cars.A Nod to: • De Tomaso • Val Martin (Stadium Garage, Ashton) • Malcolm Hamilton • Upper Yard Spares (Leeds) • Holman and MoodyIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!!
The Brown Car Guy | MGB GTs, Skid Control & Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't
This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m thrilled to be joined by the one and only Brown Car Guy, Shahzad Sheikh! After a chance meeting at the NEC Classic Motor Show (thanks to our mutual friend Peter Cavallo), we jumped online to talk about the show, the state of the classic car market, and the fascinating shifts we’re seeing in the hobby.Shahzad and I discuss the changing buying patterns, with more enthusiasts doing their research at the show and their buying in the weeks that follow. We also explore the most significant trend in the classic car world: the arrival of a new, younger generation of owners who love the visceral experience of driving a classic but don’t necessarily want to get their hands dirty fixing it.Pitstops: • The story of Shahzad’s friend who just bought a 1972 MGB GT for a bargain £5,000. • Our great debate on the Porsche 928 – is it an undervalued GT hero or a potential maintenance money pit? • Why modern classics from the 80s and 90s, like the BMW E30, are the perfect gateway for new classic car enthusiasts. • The lost art of pre-journey checks – do you still check your oil and tyres before a long trip? • How learning to get a car into a skid is the best way to learn how to get out of one.A Nod to: • The Brown Car Guy (Shahzad Sheikh) • The Classic Motor Show, Birmingham • Peter Cavallo (Classic American Sales) • Iconic AuctioneersIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
NEC Classic Motor Show Special | Lamborghini Espadas, Defender Campers & Pink Floyd
This week on Wheels & Deals, it was a family affair as I dragged my long-suffering cameraman and son, James, along for a grand day out at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. We bumped into some familiar faces, kicked some tyres, and got our predictions spectacularly wrong at the auction!Pitstops:I grabbed a chat with Max and Matt from the Tyre Kickers podcast to get their take on Harry Metcalfe’s Lamborghini Espada.Simon from the Lot 76 YouTube channel joins me to dissect the auction's biggest hits and misses.The incredible story of Harry Metcalfe’s modified Jaguar XJC and the jaw-dropping price it fetched.A seriously impressive Defender camper conversion that had us both rethinking our holiday plans.A heartwarming moment as a 1961 VW camper van goes under the hammer for charity.The great debate: is the Mercedes 190SL a beautiful classic or just a pretty face with a disappointing drive?A Nod to: • The Classic Motor Show, Birmingham • The Tyre Kickers Podcast • Lot 76 YouTube Channel • Fraser Pemberton • Richie Barnett • The Brown Car GuyIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554. Share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Auction Special | Ford Scorpio Fails, Toyota Pickups & Getting the Train Home 😔
This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by motoring journalist Richie Barnett for another auction special. We headed to the Classic Motor Show in Birmingham to check out the Iconic Auctioneers sale, make our predictions, and see how spectacularly wrong we could be!Pitstops: • The surprising flop of a low-mileage 1996 Ford Scorpio Ultima • A rare 1987 Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. that didn't quite hit its estimate • Two Toyota Hilux pickups - one a worker, one a showpiece • A beautiful 1965 Volvo Amazon Estate by Ruddspeed • The enduring appeal of the Porsche 928 S manual • A super-low mileage 1990 Mercedes W124 260E • The rise of the Mark 3 Golf GTI as a future classicA Nod to: • Iconic Auctioneers • The Classic Motor Show, Birmingham If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554, share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Martin Buckley & Richie Barnett | Motoring Journalism, Classic Cars & Pussy Galore
This week on Wheels & Deals, it's two for the price of one as I'm joined by legendary motoring journalists Martin Buckley and Richie Barnett. After their own brilliant episodes, I thought it would be fun to get them together to discuss the motor trade, motoring, and the world of motoring journalism, past and present.We explore how they both got their start in the industry, Richie working at Chater's Motoring Bookshop before landing a job at Auto Classic, and Martin writing an article on a Lancia Flavia coupe on spec and getting it published in Classic & Sports Car. They share their thoughts on whether they'd get into the industry today, the characters they've met along the way!Pitstops: • The changing face of motoring journalism and the decline of print media • The importance of genuine enthusiasm and knowledge over formal training • The story of Nubar Gulbenkian, "Mr 10%", and his incredible custom-built cars • How cars are a great leveller, bringing together barrow boys and aristocracy • The eccentric characters of the motor trade and why they make the best stories • The future of motoring journalism aA Nod to: Classic & Sports Car magazine: www.classicandsportscar.comAuto Classic magazineChater's Motoring Bookshop: www.chaters.co.ukNubar GulbenkianMagneto: www.magnetomagazine.comThe Road Rat: www.theroadrat.comIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554. Share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Martin Buckley | A Car Dealer Cleverly Disguised As a Journalist
This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Martin Buckley, leading motoring journalist, senior contributor for Classic & Sports Car, and author of over 20 books about classic cars. My dad always described him as "a car dealer cleverly disguised as a journalist" - a description Martin happily accepts!Martin shares how his father Ken sparked his passion with incredible cars when they weren't classics, just "old cars" - including an Aston Martin DB2 bought for £300 and sold for £360. But it was a BMW 2800 CS that truly ignited Martin's automotive obsession at age 12-13, describing it as "like a spaceship" with its electric windows and stunning looks. From writing his first article about BMW CS cars on the day of Live Aid to becoming one of Britain's most respected motoring journalists, Martin's journey is fascinating.Pitstops: • Ken Buckley's eclectic car collection including Austin Atlantics and Rover P6Bs • The NSU Sports Prinz that the postman fell through the floor of • Why BMW CS cars rusted worse than any British or Italian car • Martin's teenage Jaguar 3.8 manual overdrive and the inevitable crash • From car cleaner to motoring journalist without formal training • The birth of classic car magazines and when "old cars" became "classics" • Martin's unfulfilled dream of designing the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow replacementA Nod to: • Classic & Sports Car magazine • Car magazine • Motor Sport magazineIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554, share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Auction Special | H&H Classics Preview, Price Predictions & Epic Fails
This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Jason from Bramhall Classics for a special auction episode. We headed to H&H Classics at Buxton Pavilion Gardens for their preview day to have a proper look at some cars that had caught our eye - we make our price predictions, and see how close we got when the hammer fell.From an exceptional 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Park Ward limousine that Jason described as "the straightest 25/30 I've ever seen" to a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette convertible we were hoping to buy as a joint venture, we discuss what makes a car worth bidding on and what sends us running for the hills. Plus, we had an epic fail with a Formula Libre racing car that we both got spectacularly wrong! Find out how badly wrong we got our predictions and which cars surprised us on the day.Pitstops: • The declining Alvis TE21 market reality • Why we ran from a 1972 Crayford Cortina convertible • The ultimate Marmite car - 1971 Toyota Crown • BMW 2002 - the perfect usable classic • A 1929 Dodge Six project that tempted us • Volvo P1800ES A Nod to: • H&H Classics • Buxton Pavilion Gardens • Bramhall Classics • Park Ward coachbuilders • Crayford conversionsIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 Share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Fraser Pemberton | Over-List Turbos, Hot Rods & “Borrowed” Jags
This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Fraser Pemberton from Kell Green Classics, Knutsford. Whilst I grew up with a dad who was a prolific buyer & seller, Fraser was surrounded by a constant stream of incredible metal throughout the 70s and 80s.We reminisce about some legendary dealers like Ron Stratton, a man known for his flash showrooms and fiery temper. From buying a Model T hot rod at the Tatton Park car show to keep a young Fraser out of trouble, to the teenage antics of "borrowing" his stepmum's Honda CRX, this episode is a fantastic look at life on the other side of the trade.Pitstops:• Growing up surrounded by Porsches, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces• The world of “over-list” cars — and how Fraser’s dad had a new Porsche 930 Turbo every six months• Teenage tales of “borrowing” a Jaguar XJS and a Honda CRX (and getting busted by his uncle)• How the rowdy owner-operator dealers of the past have been replaced by today’s corporate showrooms• Fraser’s own car history — from a Mini Clubman and a Suzuki Jeep to his early days buying and selling VW Beetles• Fraser’s Porsche 928 love affair• Hero to zero: why early Ferraris disappointed, but a 512 TR impressed Zero to hero: how a Porsche Cayenne surprised him — and why TVRs aren’t as scary as expectedA Nod to:• Ron Stratton• Culver’s of Manchester• Tatton Park Car Shows• Basil Burton (Roscoe Roundabout)• Kell Green Classics, KnutsfordIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Dealer's Wives | Horse Thieves, Smugglers & My Mum
This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by a very special guest Pat Grange - My Mum! She was the woman behind the man, the dealer's wife who saw it all. From a respectable job in a bank to being told she was dating a "horse thief," her life was turned upside down by the charismatic car dealer Ian Grange.We drive back to the hilarious and sometimes hair-raising stories of their life together. We talk about the glamour of driving Facel Vegas and the grit of having to clean 40 cars on a Saturday morning. From disastrous first dates in leaky Corvettes to crashing a Bentley Continental on Christmas Eve, my mum shares what it was really like to be married to the motor trade. It was a world of mink coats and midnight deliveries, where cash flow was king and you never knew what the next day would bring.Pitstops:From banking to Bentley Continentals: Mum’s journey into the motor trade.The infamous Christmas Eve incident involving a Bentley, a brand-new garage door, and half a bottle of whiskey.The art of the deal: How a crashed Bentley was legally transformed into a Rolls-Royce Cloud III Continental Chinese Eye.The reality behind the glamour: Juggling cash flow, raising kids, and driving across the country to make mortgage payments.A dealer's wife's duties: The endless cycle of cleaning cars with T-Cut, doing the books, and being on call 24/7.Star-studded Christmas parties with Matt Monro, Bernard Manning, and scandalous strippers.Celebrity cars and dodgy deals: Stories of Rod Stewart’s Lamborghini Miura, King Hussein of Jordan’s bulletproof Lincoln, and questionable bodywork repairs.A Nod to:Frank Dale & StepsonsRed Line Autos (Cheadle)The Piccadilly Hotel & The Midland Hotel (Manchester)If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Sam Grange Bailey | Chancy Deals, Mercedes Gullwings & Hard Graft
This week, your host Sam Grange Bailey kicks off the Wheels & Deals Podcast with a personal journey back to the wild and wonderful Manchester Motor Trade of the 1970s and 80s. As a classic car dealer and a car dealer’s daughter, Sam shares what it was like growing up in a world of huge characters, chancy deals, and some of the most desirable cars ever made.From a childhood spent around high-end motors in Handforth to a stint in Miami, this episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to preserving the fabulous, and sometimes grubby, memories of a golden era. Sam explains why these stories are worth saving and invites you to join her in celebrating the cars, the characters, and the deals that we may never see again.Pitstops:Sam’s introduction to the car world, growing up as the daughter of legendary Manchester dealer, Ian Grange.A glimpse into the 70s and 80s motor trade, where "hard graft and a bit of nous" could get you a long way.The story of how her dad started from a humble pitch in Ancoats and the family’s move to the US to escape 83% tax rates.The realization that going to school in classic Ferraris and Mercedes Gullwings wasn’t exactly a normal 1975 experience.The mission of the podcast: to collect and record the memories of the motor trade before they are lost forever.An open invitation for listeners to share their own stories, memories, and questions.Stick with us for road trips, behind-the-scenes moments, and the cars that make your heart race.📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Jason Hall | Minis to Lambos | Dodgy Deals & Pee in the Petrol?
This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by Jason Hall from Bramhall Classics, who’s got tales to tell from the gritty heart of the motor trade. From scrapping around in a ’66 Mini with a push-button starter, to working in grease-soaked garages Jason spills the beans on dodgy deals, and the outright sabotage (pee in petrol tank?) in the motor trade.Get ready for a proper ride, packed with laughs, legends, and classic car stories that only Wheels & Deals can deliver.PitstopsJason’s first drive into the car world, starting at 13 with a mini 850.Life in the Bramhall Village garages, spattered with grease, no health and safety, but full of banter.Trade culture shifting from shiny suits to branded fleeces.Classic trade revenge stories, like the infamous ‘grass carpet.The ‘never meet your heroes’ moment is a Ferrari 400i. Warranty claims going sideways, speedometer meltdowns, and mad last-minute fixes.Why Jason loves driving the old way, proper clutches, gear shifts, and real road feel that modern tech just can’t match.Classic Minis, Daimlers, Citroëns, Aston Martins, Porsches, Lambos, Ferraris, Rolls, Bentleys, Multiple Mercedes models, and more.A Nod ToBramhall Classics (Jason’s business)Ian Roberts, Jason’s trusted business partnerClassic garages and petrol stations in Bramhall including the infamous prepaid pumpRed Lion Autos and B&E Sales for their friendly approachesValued trade haunts and auction houses like Hargoods (Cheadle)The colourful characters and legends that enlivened the tradePublications and resources like Glasses’ Guide for car valuationsIf we’ve missed anyone mentioned in the show, please drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Richie Barnett |Triumph 2.5, Hot Wheels & Diabolical Liberties
This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m delighted to be joined by motoring journalist Richie Barnett as we take a trip back through the motor trade's glory days. Together, we share stories, characters, and the quirky businesses that made this period so special.We explore everything from family Triumph estates and childhood Matchbox cars, to bustling local dealers and trade-only auction houses that still echo in the memories of those who lived it. We share some proper classic tales about legendary dealers and the old-school bits and bobs we used to use to break into cars!Pitstops:• Richie's journey into the car world from his childhood memories to the beginnings of his passion. • Life in Brentford's motor trade scene, the role of the Society of Motor Manufacturers, and the hustle around Eaton High Street's Ford dealership. • Local motoring landmarks such as Cha and Scott Motoring Bookshop (Isleworth, now RS in Hook, Hampshire) and Hargoods auction house (Cheadle).• The traders who made the scene memorable, John Ao, aka The Mad Dane in Staines, and American car importer Will Phillips.• The transformation from print ads in Exchange and Mart or AutoTrader magazines to the digital age of car marketplaces.• A fun quick-fire look at vintage car accessories and restoration attempts.A Nod to:Society of Motor ManufacturersBeechams Company CarsCha and Scott Motoring Bookshop (Isleworth/Hook) — chaters.co.ukFord Dealership in Eaton High StreetHargoods Auction House (Cheadle)John Ao, The Mad Dane (Staines)American Car Importers of old like Ian Grange & Wilf PhillipsExchange and MartAutoTraderAuto Classic and Car Accessory Trader magazinesIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!
Jason Hall | Quickfire & Retro Round 🏁
Join us for a quickfire round with Jason Hall, driving into everything from cash trades and manual gearboxes to those infamous ‘walks of shame’ to the petrol station. This episode is packed with memories, all served up with plenty of laughs.Pitstops :How Glenmarch helps get the true auction prices on classic cars.Fond memories of manual gearboxes and classic modifications.Locked fuel caps, wire coat hangers for aerials, and those trusty carrier bag seat covers.Stranded on the hard shoulder? Jason’s ultimate dream car…..A Nod ToBramhall Classics and the classic car trade heritageResources like Glenmarch for real-world car price dataIf we missed anyone or anything, please reach out at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!