From Lambos to Picantos: Road-Trip Stories w.Tom Ford - Top Gear Magazine

Tom Ford, Associate Editor for Top Gear Magazine, has carved out a unique space within the motoring world. With his career spanning from TV shows like Fifth Gear and Top Gear America to his current role at Top Gear Magazine, Tom has always pursued the unconventional. Known for his adventures with everyday vehicles on extraordinary journeys, he combines his passion for storytelling with a love for car culture, from supercars to small hatchbacks.

In this episode of Car Chat, Tom shares his transition from supercar fanatic to someone more enamored with the people and stories in car culture. He talks about taking a humble Kia Picanto down some of France’s narrowest roads and navigating icy Swedish landscapes in sports cars ill-suited for the conditions. Tom's approach to road trips, whether in rugged vehicles or unexpected places, reflects his belief that the best journeys aren’t about the cars themselves but the experiences and stories they create.

https://www.instagram.com/tomwookieford/

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/tom-ford

Show Notes:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Ford and His Journey

02:48 The Joy of Car Culture and Adventure

06:02 The Difference Between Driving and Road Tripping

08:55 Memorable Road Trips and Experiences

11:49 Getting Started in Automotive Journalism

15:07 The Evolution of Automotive Journalism

17:59 The Impact of Time on Car Reviews

20:53 Resto Mods and Unique Car Projects

23:51 Exploring Car Culture in Japan and China

33:26 Embracing the Slow Life in Cars

37:18 The Impact of Injury on Driving

41:42 The Intersection of Wealth and Car Collections

45:35 The Personal Connection to Cars

50:52 The Evolution of Performance Cars

54:15 The Joy of Driving Unique Cars

01:00:53 Reflections on Car Ownership and Identity

01:07:40 The Skoda Yeti: A Personal Favorite

01:14:23 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles

01:25:00 Exploring the World of Camper Vans

01:39:25 Dream Garage: The Ultimate Car Collection

From Dream to V12 Superquad | Engler Automotive

In this episode of the Car Chat podcast, host Sam Moores welcomes Viktor Engler, the founder and CEO of Engler Automotive. Viktor discusses his journey from a childhood in Slovakia, where his passion for cars was ignited by a book about Ferruccio Lamborghini, to becoming the creator of the unique “Superquad” vehicles. These vehicles, which defy traditional automotive categories, combine elements of both cars and motorbikes, featuring an Audi R8 engine and custom-built components. Viktor shares stories of overcoming financial challenges, securing investor support, and the engineering feats required to bring his vision to life. He also talks about the introduction of the new V12 superquad, a limited-edition vehicle boasting 1200 horsepower, 1200 kilograms of weight, and 1200 newton meters of torque, priced at 1.2 million euros. This episode provides a deep dive into the world of innovative vehicle design and the persistence required to bring such groundbreaking concepts to market.

https://www.super-quad.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Engler Automotive and Superquads

02:05 Childhood Dream and Inspiration

09:43 Finding Investors and Making Sales

14:27 Challenges with Audi and Obtaining Permission

19:19 Innovative Features: Motorbike Controls and Custom Steering System

25:23 Development and Unique Aspects of Superquads

29:42 Reactions and Experiences on the Road

35:28 Driving Experience and Getting Used to Superquads

38:18 Throttle Choice and Safety Measures

42:30 The Importance of Steering Wheel Controls and Physical Buttons

49:06 The Desire for More Powerful Engines, Particularly V12s

52:55 The Development of A V12 Engine and Unique Gearbox

01:06:24 The Most Undervalued and Interesting Cars in the Market

The Story Of Oil Stain Lab w. Nikita Brida

In this episode of the Car Chat Podcast, Nikita Bridan, co-founder of Oil Stain Lab, joins us to share his fascinating journey from a career in car design to launching his own automotive design consultancy. Nikita dives into the inspiration behind their standout project, the "Half 11," detailing the unique challenges they encountered during its creation. He explores their design philosophy, which centers around minimalism, problem-solving, and cleverly integrating function into the aesthetics.

We also discuss the decision to use an LS engine in the Half 11, addressing the challenges and controversies it sparked. Nikita sheds light on the design and development process of their latest project, the HF 11, and shares his experience at Goodwood, where the Half 11 was showcased. He reflects on how the car was received at the event and talks about the importance of branding and positioning in the automotive world. Finally, we touch on iconic cars like the Lamborghini Countach and Mazda 787B, and their lasting impact on the industry.

https://hf-11.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 Starting a Design Consultancy and Building the half 11

19:44 Challenging Porsche Purists with the half 11

25:18 The Design Approach of Oilstain Lab: Minimalism and Problem-Solving

33:23 Creating a Fake History and Pushing Boundaries

38:05 Cutting a 911 in Half: The Journey of Building the half 11

46:36 Collaborating with Experts: The Role of Engineering in the Design Process

47:42 The Controversial Decision to Use an LS Engine

48:38 The Development of the HF 11

49:34 The Most Undervalued Car at the Moment

52:25 The Most Interesting New Car

01:31:25 Sam's Dream Five-Car Garage