The Carmudgeon Show

Monterey Car Week 2026 - another wild ride. This week, we come live from Pebble Beach at the Hagerty House with a live studio audience!Jason and Derek dive into all the different happenings this year - and determine whether or not this year was better or worse than others previously.Jason brought his Rover SD1 to show, and his Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap to go - with appearances including but not limited to: Monterey British, Concours For A Cure, Little Car Show, Concours D’Lemons, Motorlux, Quail Motorsports Gathering, and Pebble Beach Concours. Jason and Derek discuss the good, bad, and the (beautifully) ugly - what’s improved, worsened, and stayed the same.One thing is for sure - the broccoli heads in the G80 M3s are here to stay. But have THEY ruined everything for other attendees? Maybe not…Derek revisits various auction results from Broad Arrow, as well as Gooding and RM Sothebys. This episode was recorded before the $40M Ferrari Luce sale - however some other notable discussed results include the S123…

This week: Jason recaps the latest Hagerty ICONS video - discussing Temerario, the new baby Lamborghini, and its siblings from different eras of baby Lambo family tree. Needless to say, it’s quite a performer - the likes of which have never been approached by any other non-speciality Lamborghini ever. But is that alone enough to make it an icon? Maybe not. But why? === INSURANCE QUOTE: Visit https://hagerty.com/jason or https://jasonsentme.com === The latest ICONS video goes over three distinct chapters in the history of the Baby Lamborghini, each defined by the engine - the first of which is the cross-plane crank V8 era led by the Urraco, Silhouette, and Jalpa. We learn - these cars are pleasantly surprising to drive near their limits, and while they were all a lot slower than the V12 Countach that joined the lineup in the late 70s/early 80s, they exhibited playful driving characteristics, exotic interiors, great sounds, and other pleasant surprises you might not expect. But despite their charm, they didn’t…

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Toyota Land Cruiser + 4Runner, Porsche 911, Ford F-150, and Range Rover, all have several things in common. Slow depreciation compared to other vehicles in their class, nameplates that have lasted for decades, loyal owners that keep coming back for more and bucket listed for others. But what’s the ONE thing they all unanimously share? Automotive authenticity. That’s right - these vehicles have never strayed too far from their original design and intended purpose since inception. The Ford F-150 has always been a rugged, body-on-frame truck. The G-Wagen, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser have always been boxy SUVs that have stayed true to their design and off-road capability without compromise. The Porsche 911 has always had the engine behind its driver and will continue to do so until the end of time. Today’s episode explores more into what authenticity - and deception - mean in an automotive context. Blob-shaped SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Ferrari Purosangue are…

On today's episode, Jason and Derek settle a common debate - as a lifelong car enthusiast, is working in the automotive industry a dream job? Short answer: It's wonderful - but if it were as amazing as it seems 100% of the time, none of us would be paid to work in it. Jason gives us the rundown of his time in the industry - and we quickly realize, there's a lot of prep that happens behind the scenes of Revelations, Cammisa's Ultimate Drag Race & Ultimate Lap Battle, and other Hagerty Media pieces. This includes a sneak peak in the latest upcoming Lamborghini piece, featuring the Urraco, Jalpa, Countach, Gallardo, Revuelto, Temerario, and Jason's Ferrari 308 GT4 - many of which explored several states of function and non-function... Derek gives us a view into his world - one which he often has to travel around the globe to stand out as a collector car dealer in the modern era. Driving and experiencing dream cars around the world can be quite fun, but perhaps having to manage a personality or two, plus getting…

Today’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show is a bumper episode. It’s also a headlight, taillight, and side market episode - all of the above which were effected greatly in the mid-1970s to 1980s by updated US Department of Transportation regulations in 1974.===Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === But first, a Rover update!! The Rover is back (temporarily) on the west coast - we get some long awaited updates, new plans, and of course a new chapter of the saga which may send the car back where it just was……the project never stops! 5-mph bumpers were one of the crucial components removed from the Rover to make it tolerable to look at today. These US-mandated bumpers (and headlights and taillights) the bane of existence for many European and Japanese manufactures in period. Most of these manufactures were so perturbed by this regulation, that the bumper integration became a bit of an afterthought. Cars like the Mercedes-Benz R107 and W116 were…

Just three days ago, Jason celebrated 20 years in an automotive journalism! The industry has changed in a number of ways - most noticeably, with video taking over as the primary consumed content medium over print. Jason’s career started at the beginning of the end of the print heydays - a time vastly different than the one we’re currently living in. Jason’s story starts in Ann Arbor, MI in 2007 - where actually, it almost stopped completely. Very quickly, he’s thrown into the middle of a pyramidal power struggle between the domain name-owning agency Automotive.com, and his in-person editorial team. From getting a speeding ticket on his first day with a press car, to getting fired by one internal team and immediately re-hired by another, to living in a place he struggled to call home, Jason nearly threw in the towel. But automotive legend Jean Jennings - his (real) boss at the time - is one of the reasons you see him with us today. And a trip from New York to New Orleans in a $250 Cadillac Fleetwood Limo…

On today’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show - Jason and Derek compete against each other in a Price Is Right-style game show! Rather than going over the price, the objective is to get as close as possible whether being under or over the result. The winner does not, in fact, get a new car - but is instead continuously ridden with car problems of many sorts, which of course means more opportunities for Carmudgeoning. Our discussion points include: 2003 Bentley Arnage R 1989 Volkswagen Best Seller Wolfsburg Limited Edition Cabriolet 1988 BMW M3 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Sahara 4x4 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster 6-Speed Conversion 1984 Rover Vitesse SD1 TWR Group A Spec 1977 Fiat Bertone 850 T Visitors Bus 1990 Porsche 911 Targa 2002 Ferrari 360 Spider 6-Speed 1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel Jason also gives us an update on his Rover SD1 and his Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap - including the good, the bad, but not the ugly! The Rover returns to California after more than 15 months of being away,…

On today’s episode, Jason and Derek get some exclusive seat time: both with the new Rivian R2, and with Rivian’s Chief Designer Officer Jeff Hammoud and Chief R2 Engineer Max Koff! === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === The show hits the road, traveling to Rivian’s beautiful flagship space in San Francisco, where Jeff and Max face their worst nightmare: being peppered with questions and feedback about the new R2 - a make-or-break vehicle for the company. After Jason and Derek’s collective ~200 miles, they cover a host of issues - new design + UX features (halo wheels, rear drop glass, to name a few), acceleration times, uphill burnouts, R1 vs. R2, and most importantly (to Jason only) - the absence of Apple CarPlay. And of course, no episode is complete without a mention of Sacco Mercedes-Benzes and old Volkswagens (Mk1 Scirocco and Mk3 Corrado VR6). Will the R2 allow Rivian to continue its planned trajectory as a manufacture? And what’s…

This week, we drive an icon that’s been electrified - the Kindred EV Bus, based off of the Volkswagen Microbus. While most of us typically mourn the conversion of many classic cars to EV, this particular conversion may change your mind… === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === While most EV conversions strip away the character and soul of a gas car with a great engine, the Volkswagen Microbus is one of those vehicles that was never really defined by its engine. Well, actually - if it was - it was defined by its acceleration, or rather the lack thereof. Many VW Buses had no more than 50 horsepower to work with, making them virtually undriveable above 50 MPH. The Kindred EV Bus, however, rewrites the rulebook - accelerating from 0-60 in just 7.6 seconds. While that may not seem particularly notable when many modern EVs are twice as fast, this changes the game for this 23-window Microbus - making it genuinely usable in everyday driving. And when…

You know the saying - the grass is always greener on the other side. Well…that same grass might be covered in diesel soot - but we don’t care! Many American car enthusiasts will forever desire the forbidden European diesels we were never offered here in the US. Derek decided he’d had enough - and went some lengths to acquire his new unicorn wagon - a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C250 Turbodiesel (S202). And the level of unicorn doesn’t stop at diesel station wagon - this one is also has a 5-speed manual, a slicktop, cloth seats, AND a Bruno Sacco design - making it 100% Carmudgeonation-proof. Our hosts Derek Tam-Scott and Jason Cammisa discuss why the S202 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is such a desirable package even 30+ years after it debuted. Moreover, Derek and Jason discuss why diesels are much more enthusiastic than others may think - citing examples like the euro-only BMW M550d and Audi S6 TDI Avant. Also discussed are the endless variants of Mercedes diesels and their tune-ability, primarily discussing the OM605 and…

Last week was a wild one. We witnessed two of the most controversial models from Ferrari and Mercedes ever to be debuted - none other than the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door and the Ferrari Luce. In case you’re not familiar: - The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is Mercedes’ replacement to the outgoing version, which has now gone full EV and straight to battle with the Porsche Taycan. It debuts many new design elements in a slippery 0.22 drag coefficient package, doing 0-60 in as low as 2.0 seconds with an 186 MPH top speed. - The Ferrari Luce is Ferrari’s first all-electric vehicle and first true five-seater. It also launches a new and unfamiliar interior and exterior design language from ex-Apple design chief Jony Ive and his collective, LoveFrom. Given that everyone has an opinion on these new EV modes of rapid transport (including your favorite and least favorite journalists, the Italian government, your grandmother, and the pope, to name a few) - we decided to ask, why? What attributes about the Luce and the AMG-GT…

As a society, we’ve been throwing around the phrase “The kids are alright” for decades. But in the automotive landscape, is that really true? On today’s episode, Derek and Jason dissect the theory that young people are getting less interested in cars and whether or not it has any validity in 2026. Before getting into the thick of it, Jason and Derek discuss the latest Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo GTS joining them in the studio. Carmudgeonation occurs, naturally. Between unintuitive infotainment and UX, lackluster interior volume, and - naturally being a current Porsche - an eye-watering sticker price of over $180K, the newest Taycan certainly leaves some ground to be desired. But not all is lost, as the updated adaptive air suspension, good looks, and the endlessly mind-bending acceleration certainly make up for lost appeal. And of course, the existence of any wagon still on sale in 2026 - let alone, a Porsche wagon, is a win regardless of its flaws. The bulk of this episode discusses youth interest in cars…

The term “Restomod” gets thrown around a lot these days. In an era where more people are modifying and modernizing old cars more than ever before, it’s probably time we draw some boundaries to truly understand what OEM+, OEM++, and Restomod REALLY mean in the current modified car landscape. === Visit https://JasonSentMe.com for a quote on Hagerty's Guaranteed Value® Insurance! === The subject of today’s studio background is a 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230SL - yes, a Pagoda - with a host of Mercedes family modifications including but not limited to: 5.4L M113 V8 engine from a W220 S55 AMG 6 speed manual transmission from an SLK230 Brakes from a C126 560SEC Rear multilink suspension from a W209 CLK And many more odds and ends that make it all play nicely together. Effectively transformed from a grandma cruiser to a backroad hell-raiser, Jason and Derek begin to wonder - is this just an engine/transmission swap, or has enough been done to constitute restomod status? This car comes from none other than Matt Kwiek from…

Live in-studio this week we have the Longbow Speedster and co-founders of Longbow Motors Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott. They join us all the way from the UK to show off and discuss their entry into the rather quiet EV sports car space. You might be wondering - what’s a Longbow Speedster? What does it have to do with a medieval weapon used in the dark ages? And what happened to the windshield? As it turns out, all three of those questions can be answered with a single word: simplicity. While the Speedster is fully electric with a claimed range of 275 miles and a 0-62 time of 3.5 seconds, it’s also one of the only EVs in existence under one ton that isn’t a golf cart. More importantly, it wants to bring a more traditional approach to EV motoring - a handful of tactile buttons and no screens - just driver and machine. Daniel and Mark chat with Jason and Derek about their origin stories as enthusiasts, discussing some festive cars owned like the Seat Marbella Jeans Edition, Toyota Celica ST185, and Mazda MX-6.…

Jason’s got a new episode out on the Hagerty YouTube channel about a car that most enthusiasts love to hate - The Tesla Model S. While it entered production as a Car of the Year winner and paved a path for Tesla’s eventual success in selling cars on the global stage, people have loathed the company’s existence in recent years due to sociopolitical actions from CEO Elon Musk. But is the car good enough to diverge from the hate? === Visit https://JasonSentMe.com for a quote on Hagerty's Guaranteed Value® Insurance! === Ignoring the lever-pulling of one man in particular - it’s hard to argue otherwise that the Tesla Model S is the most significant car of the last 75 years. Enjoying a near 14 year production run, you’d think it’s getting long in the tooth - but actually, it’s been continuously upgraded every year in both hardware and software, so much so that the final version - despite looking very similar - only shares 3% of its components with the original car that debuted in 2012. Over the course of the…

Today’s episode will not be a surprise to anyone who follows the automotive news cycle - because of course we’re talking about the 911 GT3 S/C! In true Carmudgeon-form, Jason and Derek pull apart the blasphemous, recently announced Porsche GT car and discuss whether it’s worth the hate, or better to hate on the haters. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before this - Jason gives an update on his recent battles with finishing his 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap (Mk3), rooted largely from OBD-II getting in the way of the car passing California smog testing. But really - what is OBD-II, why does it matter, and why can it make engine swaps a total nightmare? Derek and Jason discuss (and moan upon) the variables, including how to do drive cycles, set monitors, and stay sane in the process. To add fuel to the fire, Jason discusses the Cabrio’s latest clutch slave mishap that almost left him stranded before a rally with friends. And putting a…

On this episode - a Rhode Island man in a bowtie is found in the studio - who flew more than 3000 miles just to talk about strange Italian cars and the people that drive them. If by that description you were thinking of anyone BUT Donald Osborne - we’d be shocked. But today, he’s here with us! === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === In case you’re not familiar - Donald Osborne is a renowned classic car historian, author, media personality, and professional appraiser. He’s also the Consulting Director for the Audrain Group, having been heavily involved with the Audrain Automobile Museum over the last seven years. You’ve also may have seen him as a regular contributor and co-host on Jay Leno’s Garage. Most recently, he’s become the North American Representative for FIVA - short for Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens - a worldwide organization seeking to protect the historic and cultural interest of vehicles around the world 30…

It’s a transmission episode! Inspired by Jason’s recent roadside spotting of a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia with the rare Automatic Stickshift, the Carmudgeons go for a trip into the origins of abandoning the clutch pedal in manual and automatic transmissions. How has human driving behavior changed or stayed the same throughout history regarding the operation of any transmission? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Jason and Derek begin by discussing the recent repairs on Jason’s (and once Derek’s) Ferrari 308 GT4 - perhaps the only car discussed on today’s episode with a traditional manual transmission. The 308 GT4 just returned from a trip to Aaron Shepherd - one of the most respected auto body specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area - where it received some wonderfully executed rust repair and paintwork. The majority of this episode discusses semi-automatic transmissions throughout history, which begs the question - are any of them any…

Every year, manufactures launch new features that we usually don’t know that we want. Sometimes, these features are so effective and popular, they disrupt an industry and become government-mandated. Other times, they become quickly forgotten and unwanted by society. Until recent years, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the purveyor of new automotive technology - we’d see something in an S Class that we know we might get 15 years later on a Nissan Versa. But even the S-Class had some misses - debuting technology that quickly went away after the next generation. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Nowadays, more than ever - we notice manufactures cutting corners in areas where they have no business doing so. No one-touch windows (Subaru Crosstrek), CarPlay being a $4,000+ option (Ferrari, until 2023), non-amber turn signals (BMW), and lacking spare tires on cars we know need them (Volkswagen e-Golf). This got us thinking - what are the best and…

This week, Derek and Jason both drive the BMW Z1 - the often-forgotten two-seat roadster that established BMW's Z brand in the late 1980s. Sharing the same chassis and drivetrain with the E30 325i, it's often been overlooked by many as just an E30 convertible with cool doors. But is there more than meets the eye? As it turns out, yes - much more... === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Historically, the "Z" in BMW nomenclature stands for "Zukunft", or "future" in German. While the Z brand became associated with roadsters only, the Z1 debuted far more than just two seats and a folding soft top. The belt-driven doors were only one feature of the Z1 that made it ahead of it's time - multi-link rear suspension, removable body panels, and a host of other forward-thinking innovations made it far more advanced for its time than most give it credit for. This week's subject of Carmudgeonation brings some very interesting foresight on BMW's history…

Sometimes, the milestones hit all at once! On this episode, Jason celebrates 300,000 miles in “OP” (other people’s) cars - 3,000 to be exact - and 20 years doing so! === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Rather than random number generator reviews, Derek hits Jason with a barrage of key words and phrases to jog his memory and keep him on his toes. Also covered on this episode are the results of the Amelia Island auctions, updates on Jasons’ Rover SD1 and Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes you the car enthusiast you are today? It’s an idea we don’t always think deeper than surface level about, but one that is intrinsically associated with our connection to cars and the community that surrounds them. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Jason found an instant connection with Volkswagen Beetles, buying his first at age 14. Derek took a liking to all things Porsche early on, being able to explain the difference between a Porsche 962 and 956 to his local specialty dealership at age 8. (Producer Mike learned how to read at age 3 by observing makes and model names on trunks and tailgates). Rather than focusing purely on the genesis of our car enthusiasm, today’s episode discusses our most formative years of being a young enthusiast and how those years shape us as adults. From observing neighbors and friends cars, to our first cars, to the driving experiences that set the pace for our automotive enthusiasm for years to…

The Broad Arrow Amelia Auction 2026 is coming up soon, and there’s a ton of interesting cars to pick apart. But given an unlimited-budget, what five cars would you pick from this year’s lot? In this episode, Jason and Derek explore just that. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before picking favorites, Derek goes over some of the highlights of this year’s listing - starting most notably with the Black over Red 2003 Ferrari Enzo, estimated to hit $12-16M. The Ferrari Monza SP2 is also a big deal, as it is one of the first publicly sold examples to exist. And of course, the 1988 Porsche 959 Sport is estimated to make a big splash with a $4.25-5M estimate. Jason and Derek then discuss their five picks, aiming to surprise each other with their choices. Jason unexpectedly chooses a number exotics, including the 1991 Testarossa, the F40, the Ford GT Heritage Edition, and the 1973 Dino 246 GTS. Derek is a bit more predictable - choosing some…

Surprise! We’re back on the mics a few days early to discuss the new 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, which Jason has recently driven. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === In this episode, Jason breaks down his experience behind the wheel while testing the ZR1X at Sonoma Raceway. Jason and Derek discuss where C8 has started and how it has progressed, and how the Corvette model lineup has stacked up until now with ZR1X at the top of the food chain. Claimed to be “America’s Quickest Production Car”, the ZR1X claims a sub 9 second quarter mile and a sub 2 second 0-60 - with help from a LT7 V8 engine and a front-axle electric motor to generate 1,250 total AWD horsepower. Jason and Derek also discuss the white elephant in the studio - the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid that Jason has on loan for the week. The Cammisa Verdict is back, and Jason has recently reviewed an array of new cars including but not limited to the Cadillac Vistiq, Mazda CX-70, Alpina…

Today’s episode aims to answer a simple question: does “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” still apply in today’s automotive world? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Spurred by guest appearances of Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM and CLK63 AMG Black Series, Jason and Derek explore all angles of the motorsport-to-road car pipeline in this episode. From the NASCAR Camry to the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, many race series manufactures feature cars that resemble road car counterparts but end up being entirely different under the skin. Other times, homologation road cars like the E30 BMW M3, Subaru WRX STI, or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution end up being very similar to what consumers can go buy off the showroom floor. But at the end of the day, what part of a marque’s motorsports marketing inspires an enthusiast enough to become a consumer of the product? Is racing ever enough? Find out more on this week’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show. (P.S - We’ll be taking a…

On this episode of The Carmudgeon Show, it’s a showdown between the NA2 Acura NSX and the Ferrari F355 - both of-the-period rivals in the late ‘90s to early ‘00s, now analog sports car classics in 2026. Although seemingly quite different at first, both cars have much more in common than you might expect. But which one is better? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === As both the 355 and NSX have benefitted from a major popularity boost in recent years, both cars have earned their way into enthusiasts’ hearts - and wallets - with 90th percentile examples selling well above $150,000. But alas, this wouldn’t be The Carmudgeon Show without pulling apart all the flaws with these mid-engined contemporary classics. While both cars do a lot well - particularly in the induction noise department - numb steering, lackluster interior materials, and pricey timing belt services are some of the many points to be picked apart by Jason and Derek. And how do…

This week, we discuss some of the most insane auctions of recent times - and why everyone is scratching their heads at the results. The Bachman Collection, consisting of 48 Ferraris, just sold for over $114 million dollars and consisted of some of the most controversial specs ever produced. Ok, maybe we’re being kind - many of these specs were just downright UGLY. But that didn’t stop bidders from paying well above top dollar - with highlights including a 2003 Ferrari Enzo that sold for $17.875M, a 1995 Ferrari F50 that sold for $12.21M, and a 2017 LaFerrari Aperta which sold for $11M. Many cars sold for more than twice their previous records, including two Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradales that collectively fetched over $3M. Derek and Jason discuss what this might mean for the collector car market overall, and whether or not these results are an indicator for where Ferrari values are headed in comparison to Lamborghini, Porsche and other brands. All this and more on this week’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show.…

The last few years have been a rollercoaster for wagon fans in the US and around the world - we’ve gained some and lost many more. But could the tides be changing? Tailgates opening to new beginnings? We dive into the origins of the station wagon to find out... === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Both fans of the station wagon, Jason and Derek discuss their personal origin stories with wagons. Jason’s begins with a 1975 Chevrolet Impala Wagon that he grew up in the back of - which spurs a conversation around 1970s and 80s American station wagons from the GM clamshell tailgate, the Buick Estate Wagon and Roadmaster, to the rare Cadillac Castilian. Derek discusses growing up in the ‘90s (1890s, of course) - while his family cars were convertibles and sedans, the school run was enveloped in Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable wagons, Volvo 240 and 740, Mercedes 300TE and E320, E34 BMW 5 series, and Audi 5000 and 200 Avants. Exploring how many…

The day has come… Jason’s VR6 swap on his Mk3 Volkswagen Cabrio is finally on the road! ….well, sort of. With some frustrating snafus along the way, there’s still plenty of work left to be done. But not enough to prevent a first shakedown (and burnout, of course) from happening with the existing stock 12-valve VR6 before it gets replaced by a built motor from Techtonics Tuning. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Derek and Jason begin today’s episode with a recap of the swap progress so far - in a matter of weeks, Jason’s 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio went from being gutless, to gutted, to glorious - receiving not just an engine swap, but also a full subframe and suspension swap from a VR6 Jetta as well. To top it off, Jason mounted period correct BBS RX multi-piece wheels that really tie everything in together. If Volkswagen had made a true Mk3 GTI Cabriolet, this is about as close as you could get! After discussing hours and dollars spent on…

2026 has begun - and we’ve already had a healthy mix of highs and lows. But Carmudgeonation carries on, this week bringing along some pretty heavy metal that ISN’T an IROC-Z Camaro - rather, the 1974 Porsche Carrera RSR IROC. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Jason is nearing the finish line on his MK3 VW Cabrio VR6 swap - with much of the car torn apart and roughly put back together again, he discovers a fatal engine flaw that will put him back quite some time. While the VR6 runs, a bastardized time-sert has cracked the head - pushing Jason to make the decision to go big and begin the process of a full Techtonics VR6 engine build. But not all in the land of 6 cylinders is lost. Derek and Jason kick off the new year by driving an iconic race car that happens to be road-legal - the 1974 Porsche Carrera RSR IROC. A car they both agree, is perhaps the most extreme 911 either of them has ever driven. The story goes - in October of 1973,…

2025 has come to a close - and it’s another year-end episode reflecting on the best and worst cars Jason and Derek have encountered this year. Maximum Carmudgeonation is achieved today, so hold onto your hats - and we guarantee, you’ve never listened to another podcast where the Vinfast VF8 and McLaren F1 are both mentioned. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before getting into the thick of it, Jason updates us on his MK3 Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap - with the 2.slow and the rest of the front + rear subframes out, we learn one other MK3 (Jetta GLX) has been sacrificed in the name of top-down VR6 burnouts. A myth is busted - Harbor Freight plastic carts don’t appear to be makeshift engine stands after all. But they do explode catastrophically! Derek also goes over some highlights of another year dealing cars at OTS - with sales and consignments including the likes of the Ferrari F50, Porsche Carrera GT, and an array of modern Ferrari…

Derek brings in a rare French treat to the studio this week - a Peugeot 205 Rallye. Take a 205 GTI, replace the fuel injection with Weber DCOE 45 carburetors, remove weight, and you’ve got the key components to the Rallye.Jason, naturally, attempts to make the episode about MK1 Volkswagens - in particular, the Rabbit and the Golf GTI. He’s always claimed his 16V-swapped MK1 Cabriolet is the most fun car he’s ever driven - but can the 205 Rallye dethrone the gold standard?===Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! ===...well, yes. Sort of. But first, we have to understand where Peugeot was coming from when they conceived the 205. Derek and Jason discuss the stately and reserved aura of the Peugeot brand before the launch of the 205 in 1983, referencing cars like the 204, 304, 404, 504, and 604. Although the 205 was a modern departure from its stodgy (and abundantly French) past, the base car remained quite frumpy - until the GTI came around, boasting…

This week’s episode topic comes from a listener-submitted AMA request - one worthy of its own episode. They ask - what single metric about a car’s driving experience tells you the most before you drive it? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === At first, you may think there’s one straightforward answer. But you’d be wrong. Discussion begins with Jason’s MK1 Volkswagen Cabriolet - a car he claims is the most fun he’s ever driven. Derek roughly agrees - but counters with the Peugeot 205 Rallye, and much more substantially - the McLaren F1. But how can a nearly 40 year old subcompact convertible be as rewarding to drive as a hypercar? Mass seems like the obvious answer - but a 4000 lb car from today can often out-dance a 2000 lb car from 35 years ago. Take a Lotus Elise (perhaps, with a small cow in it) and a Rivian R1T - both will dance around a race track in a much more similarly than differently vs. any car and truck combination from even 10…

That’s right - on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show, Jason and Derek risk their lives to deliver crucial mass-market automotive journalism by getting behind the wheel of the VinFast VF8 - one of the most criticized vehicles ever to be sold in the US. But c’mon, really - is it as bad as everyone says it is? Well. Uh…yeah. It’s even worse than you thought. === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === Before jumping down the throat of the VF8, Jason and Derek discuss the recent developments of ADAS systems and vehicle acceleration regulations being considered within the Chinese market: “The cars are too damn fast!” - CCP, probably. Surprisingly, Jason and Derek both agree - and discuss the potential benefits of having acceleration-limited vehicles, referencing the terror of Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat drivers, F80 and G80 BMW M3, and of course the Nissan Altima. As a counterpoint to the VF8, Jason discusses his recent experience driving…

The 911 Turbo is 50 years old this year! We’ve come a long way since the days of having just four manual gears to row and enough turbo lag to sustain the birth, life, and death of a civilization. From the beginning of the 930 until now, the Turbo has always been the flagship of the 911 range - but has it been worthy of being at the top? === Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! === During this episode, Jason discusses his involvement with the latest 50 Years Of Turbo video, discussing some special cars he was able to drive like an early Euro 930 all the way up to the 50th Anniversary 992 Turbo S. Jason and Derek break down the Turbo lineage and where it comes from - first materializing on the Carrera nameplate on the 356, working its way into the nomenclature of the 911 range including the 1973 Carrera RS and Carrera 3.0, and eventually into the 1975 Turbo Carrera. After covering the various versions of 930 (including how the terms “930” and…

It’s highly likely that the Grumman LLV has been a regular part of your life for much longer than you’re aware of. But what is it? And why is it so important? Luckily for you, the newest Revelations episode on the Hagerty YouTube channel answers all of the above. === This episode of the Carmudgeon Show is sponsored by Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ === Before getting deep into the excitement of mail delivery vehicles and government contracts, Jason discusses his recent autocross experience at Sonoma Raceway in his MK7 Volkswagen e-Golf and E30 BMW 325i - with none other than Randy Pobst as his passenger and coach. The results of this endeavor surprise us - from new learnings about tires, to beating lap times in ways we might not expect. Meanwhile on the other side of the track, Derek discusses his recent track day at Sonoma driving his 1982 Porsche 911 SC - bringing the oldest car on track by a good 15 years closest to a 1997 BMW M3. Most of the episode is devoted to discussing the Grumman LLV…

On today's episode, Derek and Jason discuss a very important important question -- which era was peak car? Or is the best era yet to come? We promise you this - the answer is much more complicated than you think. === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === Fresh off the release of Retrospective, a new Hagerty show that explores old magazine comparison tests and how they stack up in the modern era, Jason begins to wonder which era is peak car. Having discussed what is "peak sports sedan" between BMW E90 M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and Audi B7 RS4, Jason and Derek break down the criteria of what makes a car era great as a whole - from serviceability and intended purpose, to speed, value, styling, and other intrinsic characteristics. More importantly, is the true value of a car established by the opinions of enthusiasts or non--enthusiasts? All this and more on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Learn more about your ad choices.…

Whether it's going racing or producing zero to sixty times, many car manufactures have spent decades doing whatever it takes to get a competitive edge on their performance figures. But in a world of democratized speed where your average EV truck or SUV can do an 11 second quarter mile, does anyone still value the numbers? And at what lengths will manufactures go to keep their performance figures competitive? === This episode of the Carmudgeon Show is sponsored by Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ === Before digging into the data, Jason discusses his recent trip to the Wednesday Night Drags at Sonoma Raceway - garnering some rather unusual attention in his MK3 Volkswagen Cabrio with the almighty 2.slow . Upon laying down several solid runs, he finds his mid 18 second quarter mile times are far more lethargic than what Volkswagen reported in period. This prompts the larger discussion at hand - historically speaking, do manufactures cheat or "optimize" their test data? Jason brings in his own…

Today's episode explores an array of different tangets: most notably, Sacco-era Mercedes-Benzes, the ALSO Elecric Bike, and a broad discussion of manual swaps. === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === Derek and Jason begin the episode discussing yet another Sacco-era Mercedes-Benz fleet update - Derek's newly acquired W140 Mercedes-Benz S500 Grand Edition and the installation of a new steering box on Jason's 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth. Jason then takes a turn to discuss the new ALSO Electric Bike, a sister company of Rivian. The first Series-Hybrid Bicycle of its kind, the ALSO draws parallels in function to road cars like BMW i3 REX, where both vehicle have a backup generator propelled by an alternate energy source (in this case, pedal power). Jason gives reason for why car enthusiasts should take an interest in this new two-wheeled technology and how it might change the future of mobility. Naturally, conversation finds its way…

This week, The Carmudgeon Show finds itself in a new and unfamiliar setting…The Motoring Club in San Francisco! === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === Jason and Derek leave the cave and are joined by a live studio audience of Motoring Club members this week who are excited to hear their banter - that is, until audience members find out they are the subject of a grand roasting based on their choices of vehicles. The boys crank the heat up to 11, but even they find challenges with what they can and cannot roast… A plethora of vehicles are covered, including but not limited to: - E36 BMW 318Ti - BMW i3 - 987 Porsche Boxster Spyder - 997 and 991 Porsche 911 GTS and Turbo - E30 BMW 325 - BMW 2002 - R129 Mercedes-Benz SL500 - W140 Mercedes-Benz S420 - Volkswagen Westfalia - Hyundai Ionia 5 N - Fiat Panda Sisley - Renault Espace Quadra - All sorts of Range Rovers (RRC, P38, L322, L405) - G87 BMW M2 - Audi TT - Nissan Stagea -…

We recently lost Claudio Lombardi, one of the most brilliant and innovative engineers of all time. Today’s episode discusses the legacy of rally-winning engines in his wake, as well as the origins of those engines in their various forms going all the way back to the early 1950s. === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === This week's episode covers many wins - not just motorsport-related ones! We begin with a recent trip to England, where Jason & his dream team walked away with several notable awards from the International Motor Film Awards, including Best Journalism Film for the fourth time in a row! While across the pond, Jason also makes an appearance at Gordon Murray Automotive to tour the factory and meet Gordon Murray himself, who gives a nut-and-bolt rundown of the latest and greatest, including the GMA T.50, T.50s, T.33, and T.33 Spider. Jason and crew then a detour over to Gordon’s personal car and motorcycle…

Which is more fun - running the Colorado Grand amongst million-dollar collectibles, or doing a $2000 budget car rally with friends? The answer is complicated and may not be what you expect. === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === The Colorado Grand is an invitation-only vintage rally takes place on Colorado backroads each September. It’s not a race—just a scenic, 1,000-mile road trip for owners of highly collectable sports and racing cars, mostly built before 1960. Think Ferrari 250 GT SWBs, 250 Testarossas, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwings, pre-war Bentleys, Aston Martin DB4 GTs, Jaguar D Types, and all kinds of other sporting classics touring the Rockies at their own pace. Joining on today’s episode is Tazio Ottis, Derek’s business partner who joined him on the rally, and joins us to discuss the event and his 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint that he and Derek drove below and above 10,000 feet of elevation. For contrast, Tazio…

The Malaise Era, a period of the US auto industry from the early 1970s to the mid 1980s, was certainly not one that garners much enthusiasm or celebration from your typical modern day car enthusiast. The rather abrupt introduction of stricter emissions and safety standards, plus the demand for better fuel economy, gave US automakers quite the fight to stay relevant and afloat while Japanese manufactures infiltrated US market share. Despite the struggle though, the Malaise Era was actually an important period of innovation that indirectly created a lot of important engineering and incredible cars. But why? === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === This week's episode follows Hagerty's latest Revelations video highlighting the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL - and how despite being at the end of a generation of Bruno Sacco cars, its original design was conceived all the way towards the beginning of the Malaise Era. Much of why the R129…

Hagerty has a new show on the block - Driveway Finds! And it just so happens that its hosts/creators, Dustin Hallinan and John Brito, live a short drive away from The Carmudgeon Show studio. Chaos ensues. But maybe not in the way you’d think… === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === Dustin and John are on a mission to rescue forgotten classics and bring them back to life - in various states of condition. In their debut episode for the channel, they take on John’s neighbor Ernie’s beloved 1968 Pontiac Firebird, a car he bought barely used and racked up over 200,000 miles with before parking it in a field back in 1984. Derek and Jason chat about project cars - particularly the subject vehicles of the next upcoming episodes in the series. Dustin and John most certainly have an affinity for American Muscle, driving to the studio in one of their latest finds - a 1963 Chevrolet Impala they recently acquired with just 72,000…

Air-cooled Porsche 911s are wonderful to drive. With charming handling characteristics, bank vault build quality, and often cheerfully entertaining powertrains, it’s no surprise that they’re a hot commodity in the collector car marketplace with millions of fans around the world. There is one problem, however……by modern day standards, they’re SLOW! === This episode is sponsored by Battery Tender. Visit https://www.batterytender.com/ and use code HAGERTY20 for 20% off. === On this week’s episode, Jason and Derek discuss their recent seat time in the 1988 Vonnen Porsche 911 Hybrid — a radical twist on Stuttgart’s beloved icon. Vonnen has taken a standard 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 G50 and added batteries and a sandwich motor between the engine and flywheel that adds nearly 150 HP and 130 TQ to the standard car. This isn’t Jason’s first rodeo with a Vonnen-modified 911, as his first experience began with a similarly-equipped 991 Carrera Coupe he tested nearly 10 years ago with Road & Track. Spoiler alert -…

There is never a such thing as owning too many Volkswagens... ...or so they say. Is that really true? === The Carmudgeon Show Sponsor, Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ === Bidding farewell to his Honda Beat to make room for another topless driver, Jason's newly acquired 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio finally makes it home after much anticipation - but not without the drama that comes with a 1000 mile roadtrip home in a 29 year old Volkswagen arising from a low-mileage slumber. Fear not - the Mk3 Cabrio doesn't replace the Mk1 Cabriolet, rather, it will supplement the Cabriolet and the Scirocco with a few extra creature comforts and soon-to-be VR6 power. Jason's journey begins in Washington, where he picked up the Cabrio just freshly serviced at Griot's Garage for some pre-roadtrip services. The first stop at Techtonics Tuning in Sheridan, Oregon reveals the opportunity to get the Cabrio on the dyno and see just how few horses remain in the original 2.0L ABA engine. A worth bonus - the entertainment…

There is technically no overall winner of Monterey Car Week. But unofficially, it's safe to say - the GMSV S1 LM takes that title. === The Carmudgeon Show Sponsor, Vredestein Tires:https://www.vredestein.com/ === Monterey Car Week was more than three weeks ago now, yet we're still having withdrawals. This week, Jason and Derek dive deeper into their individual experiences at the world's most anticipated automotive event of the year, how the event has evolved with new audiences and activities, and how we might expect the event to change next year given these changes. From The Quail, to Concours D'Lemons, to Motorlux, to drifting at Monterey Motorsports Fest, Car Week always has something for everyone. Amongst those highlights, Jason and Derek discuss their exclusive peak around the new Gordon Murray Special Vehicles concept cars: the S1 LM and the Le Mans GTR. Both cars pay tribute to the McLaren F1 in very different ways, but match in their bespoke 4.3L NA V12 powerplants. Derek also discusses his time…

A French forbidden fruit enters the studio on this week's episode - none other than the Alpine A110. But hang on...how did this non-25-year-old import end up on US soil? And WHY is it here? === The Carmudgeon Show Sponsor, Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ === Manufactures keep telling us that lightweight sports cars for the masses aren't possible to produce anymore due to rising safety standards. And yet, here we have the Alpine A110 - an incredible mid-engined, sub-2500-pound sports car you can buy brand new that can do far more than just be cute and French. In Jason and Derek's rigorous testing, they find it's compact, athletic, fast, comfortable, and premium-feeling - disappointing, it certainly is not. Derived from the original A110 which dominated various stages of motorsport throughout the 1960s and 70s, it's no surprise that Renault-Alpine knew where to reference their framework when developing this car for the European market. Jason and Derek discuss throughout the episode how the little…

Jason and Derek escape the studio this week to record from Hagerty's Motorlux event, the kickoff to Monterey Car Week 2025. We join them at this year's highlighted Bruno Sacco display, featuring designs that defined Mercedes-Benz in the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. The legacy of Sacco certainly lives on - but maybe not quite in the ways you might have originally thought... === The Carmudgeon Show Sponsor, Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ === Rumor has it, Sacco never designed a single car himself. But how is that possible? In this episode, Jason and Derek discuss the ways in which Sacco's design philosophies defined Mercedes-Benz's image and technological growth over several key decades. We celebrate his achievements as a individual designer, but in reality, it took a village to build his legacy. Sacco was a "manager of minds" - one who is attributing for communicating and executing his vision across an entire team of designers, eventually building a department that had not previously existed but…

In celebration of 200 episodes of The Carmudgeon Show, Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam Hyphen Scott debrief their recent weekend-long Pacific Coast Rally with friends. === The Carmudgeon Show Sponsor, Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ === Indecisive between his BMW 850CSi and his two BMW E30 325is, Jason chooses Beatrice the Bronzit 325i sedan as his rally companion. Derek, leading the pack, brings along his newly acquired Porsche 911SC stuffed with a Euro high-compression 3.2L. They are joined by friends in a Mazda FD RX-7, Mercedes-Benz R129 300SL, Volkswagen MK5 GTI, BMW Z3 2.8, and a Mazda NC Miata - all of whom compete for the worst fuel economy achieved over the weekend. The final answer may or may not surprise you… Jason and Derek also discuss expectations of Monterey Car Week 2025, which is happening this week! They cover parties such as Motorlux, upcoming auction hammer prices from Broad Arrow, RM Sothebys, and Bonhams, plus a comparison of what to expect vs. other international car events…