Car Chat

In this episode, I'm joined by Masa Kuji, co-founder of Built By Legends, the renowned Japanese restomod company that brings iconic cars like the Skyline GT-R and classic Honda Civics into the modern age. Masa shares the fascinating journey from producing English-dubbed versions of legendary Japanese car films like Best Motoring and Hot Version to creating bespoke, high-quality restorations with legendary Japanese tuning houses Mines and Spoon Sports. We dive into the meticulous details involved in transforming classic GT-Rs and Civics into reliable, exciting daily drivers that retain their authentic character while incorporating cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements. Masa offers insights into the unique challenges of restoring and improving beloved icons, the evolving market for these collectible cars, and the passion driving the Built By Legends ethos.https://builtbylegends.jp/en/EnjoyShow Notes00:00 The Evolution of the GTR Series02:51 Journey into the Car Industry06:00 Building Built by Legends08:54 The Ethos Behind Restomodding11:59 Collaborations with Legendary Tuners14:51 Performance and Reinforcement of GTRs18:02 The First Built by Legends GTR20:57 Popularity and Market Trends of GTRs24:00 Production Capacity and Restoration Services26:45 Improving Original Designs30:09 Customer Customization and Specifications35:45 Driving Experience of Custom Cars41:53 Customer Relationships and Build Process49:08 Cost and Value of Builds55:30 Restoration Process and Customization01:00:57 Future of Car Builds and Personal Favorites Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonny Hart, founder of Classic Retrofit, joins the podcast to talk about modernising classic cars while preserving their charm. With a background in aerospace and electronics, Jonny has developed innovative plug-and-play solutions that improve reliability, from fuse panels to full climate control systems. We discuss the challenges of integrating modern tech into old-school vehicles, working with restomod pioneers like Singer, and the future of automotive electronics.Enjoy.https://www.classicretrofit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luca Betti, founder and CEO of Kimera Automobili, is a former professional rally driver who now specializes in creating exceptional restomod vehicles, reviving iconic rally legends through modern engineering and innovation.Luca discusses his early career in rallying, sharing pivotal experiences from competing internationally and his transition into entrepreneurship. He reveals the inspiration and meticulous development process behind Kimera Automobili’s acclaimed Evo 37 restomod, designed to honour the legendary rally car with contemporary performance.https://www.kimera-automobili.comLuca also shares details about Kimera's latest projects, including the four-wheel-drive Evo 38 and the ambitious K39 project aimed at Pikes Peak. He emphasises his team's commitment to authenticity, combining classic motorsport heritage with cutting-edge automotive technology to deliver thrilling driving experiences.Enjoy.Show Notes00:00 The Journey of a Racing Driver02:54 From Rally Driver to Entrepreneur06:07 Memorable Moments in Rallying09:08 Transitioning to Team Management11:53 Creating the Kimera Evo 3715:05 The Evolution of Classic Cars17:55 Engineering the Perfect Performance20:57 Balancing Tradition and Innovation24:13 Driving Experience and Daily Usability28:46 The Evolution of Car Dynamics32:19 Introducing the Evo 38: A New Era36:57 The K39 Project: A Return to Motorsport40:14 Challenges and Triumphs in Car Manufacturing47:26 Memorable Journeys and Dream Cars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Riccardo Quaggio is the founder and creative force behind Totem Automobili. Riccardo shares his journey from being a designer at Alfa Romeo to launching a brand that builds fully re-engineered, handcrafted Alfa Romeo Giulia GT restomods with modern technology, custom-built engines, and obsessive attention to detail.https://totemautomobili.com/We discuss how Totem began with an electric restomod before shifting focus to an ultra-lightweight twin-turbo V6 version, the challenges of designing an entire car—including a custom carbon fibre monocoque, a completely new suspension, and a bespoke engine—and why something as seemingly simple as designing a door can be harder than making an engine from scratch.Riccardo also explains the complexities of homologation, crash testing, European regulations, the trade-offs between petrol and EV, and the excruciating attention to comfort and drivability he desires in his builds. Show Notes:00:00 The Golden Era of Car Design02:01 From Designer to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins06:08 Reimagining the Alfa Romeo: The Restomod Concept10:01 Building a Car from Scratch: The Engine Development13:48 Navigating Regulations: Crash Testing and Compliance20:02 Electric vs. Petrol: Understanding Customer Preferences24:04 Challenges in Electric Vehicle Development30:05 Balancing Comfort and Performance in Car Design34:32 Developing Traction Control and Customization Options38:00 Innovative Engine Design and Performance Goals44:26 Challenges in Scaling Production and Supplier Relations48:28 Future Developments and Customer Satisfaction50:19 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Preferences56:39 Dream Garage: A Blend of Classic and Modern Cars#AlfaRomeo #TotemAutomobili #CarChatPodcast #Restomod #AutomotiveDesign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are joined by Daniel Morad, professional racing driver and AMG factory driver, to dive into his journey from karting at eight years old to competing on the world’s biggest endurance racing stages. We talk about his early days in go-karting, the challenges of moving through the ranks, and the intense physical demands of racing – including how he bulked up his neck to survive 5G corners!https://moradness.com/Daniel shares the highs and lows of his career, from winning championships and being a Red Bull Junior Driver to dealing with career setbacks, pivoting into sports car racing, and ultimately landing a factory role with Mercedes-AMG. We explore the business side of motorsport, the hustle behind finding sponsors, and how he revived his racing career after years away from the track.He also dives into his work with Moradness, his motorsport lifestyle brand, and how sim racing plays a role in his training today.Enjoy, SamShow Notes:00:00 The Reluctance Towards Data00:24 Journey into Motorsport03:54 The Dynamics of Karting08:23 Understanding Karting Mechanics10:08 Transitioning to Formula Cars15:11 The Challenge of Increased Power19:30 Navigating Competitive Racing20:24 The Reality of Racing Politics30:27 Endurance Racing Insights32:03 The Journey to Sports Car Racing34:26 Winning the Rolex 24: A Career Milestone36:54 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence42:33 The Importance of Networking and Sponsorships48:50 Navigating the Financial Realities of Racing56:25 Driving Techniques: Mastering the Cup Cars01:01:04 The Role of Data in Racing Performance01:11:30 Sim Racing: A New Frontier in Driver Development01:13:11 The Evolution of Sim Racing Equipment01:19:07 Driving Techniques and Sim Racing Dynamics01:25:36 The Debate of Sim Racing Realism01:31:17 Experiences in Real Racing01:36:48 Memorable Driving Experiences and Car Preferences#CarChatPodcast #DanielMorad #AMG #EnduranceRacing #SimRacing #Moradness #Motorsport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we sit down with Tim Dutton, the man behind Ivan Dutton, a specialist restoration business dedicated to pre-war Bugattis. Tim shares his deep-rooted family history in motorsport and Bugatti restoration, tracing back to his grandfather’s time as a riding mechanic at Brooklands.https://www.duttonbugatti.co.uk/The conversation covers the intricacies of restoring and maintaining these historic machines, from the engineering brilliance of Ettore Bugatti to the evolving world of vintage car ownership and racing. Tim explains the differences in Grand Prix Bugattis, the art of engine tuning, and the challenges of recreating rare parts with old-school techniques.From driving a Bugatti 35 down to Monaco for the historic GP to racing in the Le Mans Classic at sunrise, Tim’s stories highlight the passion, skill, and dedication required to keep these legendary cars alive. They also touch on the evolution of historic racing, the impact of modern technology, and how the market for classic Bugattis has changed over the years.If you love vintage motorsport, engineering craftsmanship, or just great car stories, there is lots here. Show Notes:00:00 The Allure of Le Mans and Vintage Racing03:00 A Family Legacy in Bugatti Restoration06:04 The Evolution of Motor Racing08:57 Understanding Bugatti Ownership12:05 The Artistic Vision Behind Bugatti14:55 Restoration Processes and Challenges18:04 Tailoring Cars to Drivers' Needs21:13 Driving Experience of Vintage Grand Prix Cars23:50 The Technical Aspects of Racing Bugattis27:02 Modern Challenges in Restoration and Engineering30:50 Understanding Advance / Retard in Classic Cars32:36 Modernizing Pre-War Cars for Comfort35:26 Restoration Challenges: Balancing Authenticity and Modern Standards39:32 The Evolution of Machining and Restoration Techniques42:43 Navigating the Market for Classic Bugatti Cars51:40 Racing Dynamics: The Importance of Authenticity56:12 Testing Classic Cars: Challenges and Solutions59:15 Iconic Bugatti Models and Their Features01:01:03 The Challenges of Racing on Open Roads01:02:28 The Thrill of Trialing and Endurance Racing01:04:55 The Bonds Formed Through Racing01:06:32 The Art of Engine Turning and Car Restoration01:09:10 The Dilemma of Concours Restoration01:12:49 The Stories Behind Historic Cars01:15:22 The Evolution of Bugatti and Its Legacy01:20:34 The Future of Bugatti in Modern Automotive Culture01:30:02 Memorable Driving Experiences and Dream Cars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marlon Goldberg shares his journey from car dealerships to founding Workshop 5001, diving into Porsche restoration, car culture, and the importance of technical knowledge in sales. We cover the philosophy behind Workshop 5001 and what makes these cars so special. https://workshop5001.com/Show Notes: 00:00 The Porsche Restoration Landscape02:58 Marlon Goldberg: Journey into Porsche Restoration06:13 The Evolution of Car Dealerships09:01 From Sales to Operations: A Career Shift11:47 Building Relationships in the Car Business15:10 The Singer Experience: Crafting Classic Cars17:56 Starting Workshop 5001: A New Venture20:47 Navigating the Challenges of Car Restoration23:57 The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Sales26:53 Building Cars: The First Projects30:11 The Philosophy of Restoration33:01 The Future of Car Restoration and Education49:02 The Challenges of Sympathetic Restoration52:23 Personalized Client Engagement in Car Restoration55:10 Documentation and Quality Assurance in Restorations01:00:54 Engine Building: Techniques and Innovations01:06:50 Client Expectations and the Evolution of Air-Cooled Engines01:12:03 Collaboration and Innovation in Custom Builds01:19:12 Performance and Practicality in Modern Builds01:24:22 Memorable Journeys and Personal Reflections01:30:03 Market Trends and Undervalued Cars01:34:49 The Future of Automotive Technology and Electric Cars01:36:34 The Ideal Five-Car Garage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gordian Von Schöning (CTO at HWA) joins us for a chat about his journey with HWA. We cover what goes on at this impressive company, a bit about it's genesis and the projects along the way including their new HWA Evo. This is not your average restomod. https://www.hwalegacy.com/https://www.hwaag.com/en/Enjoy, Sam Show Notes:00:00 Rethinking Restomodding00:49 Gordian's Engineering Journey03:07 HWA's Legacy in Motorsports05:56 The Evolution of HWA08:48 Technology in DTM Racing12:13 The Relationship Between Racing and Road Cars14:53 HWA's Role in Road Car Development18:12 Customer Racing Dynamics21:05 Balancing Performance and Usability23:55 The Impact of Balance of Performance (BOP)26:53 HWA's Shift to Road Car Projects31:49 The Evolution of the HWA Evo36:43 Design Philosophy and Customer Involvement41:05 Powertrain and Performance Specifications46:15 Weight Management and Engineering Challenges50:34 Production Plans and Future Projects52:53 Unique Features and Market Positioning54:19 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Craig Callum, Senior Design Manager at Hot Wheels (@cforcraig), joins us for a fascinating conversation about his journey through the automotive and toy industries. From dreaming of being a car designer at age five to working at MG Rover, Lego, and now Hot Wheels, Craig has always been driven by creativity. We discuss his time freelancing for Lego while snowboarding in the Alps, his role in creating the popular Speed Champions line, and how he's now leading the design of Hot Wheels' iconic mini cars.Craig shares insights into designing cars both big and small, the challenges of scaling car designs for toys, and even how Hot Wheels projects inspire real car manufacturers. He also reveals his personal love for hot rods, his Ford Model A builds, and his perspective on car culture in Los Angeles.Enjoy, SamShow Notes:00:00 The Journey to Car Design02:57 The Evolution of Design Thinking06:11 The Role of Imagination in Design09:01 Hot Wheels: Merging Fantasy and Reality11:50 The Challenges of Scale in Design15:07 The Experience of Studying Car Design17:57 Career Path: From Internships to Design20:50 The Transition to Freelancing and Lego24:05 Designing for Lego: A New Adventure26:57 The Impact of Design on User Experience30:10 Speed Champions: Bridging Cars and Lego33:01 The Future of Design and Personal Passion44:39 The Evolution of Adult Lego Fans48:02 Sam's Journey at Lego and Speed Champions52:55 Transitioning to Hot Wheels56:21 Life on the Road: Building a Camper Van01:00:15 Managing Design at Hot Wheels01:06:53 The Hot Wheels Legends Tour and Community Engagement01:12:41 Personal Car Collection and Experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices