Car Chat

Sam Hancock joins me this week to discuss what he's been up to in the last few years. Sam has always been connecting car purchases but he's now got a base with cars in stock and things are going extremely well. We chat about historic racing, what it's like driving as a new parent and how Sam's mindset has shifted on GT3 racing and electronic aids. Enjoy, Sam https://www.samhancock.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hancock_sam/ Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:15 - Beginnings in Racing 00:05:48 - The Shift to Historic Racing 00:10:31 - The Appeal of Historic Cars 00:15:14 - Career Highlights and Memorable Races 00:20:00 - The Business of Historic Car Brokerage 00:25:26 - The Future of Racing and Car Collecting 00:30:04 - Changes in GT Racing 00:35:16 - Importance of Car Livery 00:40:53 - Transitioning to Historic Racing Series 00:45:21 - The Driving Experience in Modern Race Cars 00:50:06 - The Accessibility and Appeal of GT3 Racing 00:55:21 - Comparing Historic and Modern Racing 01:00:00 - Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Van Doveren is the founder of Vigilante 4x4, a Jeep Restomod Company based in the USA. Here is an excerpt from our longer podcast which you can find on your podcasts platform (apple, spotify etc.) Audio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/daniel-van-doveren-vigilante-4x4-restomodding-iconic/id1432553826?i=1000652490521 https://www.vigilante4x4.com/ Enjoy, Sam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Car Chat, join host Sam Moores as he delves into the fascinating world of classic Jeep restorations and restomods with Daniel Van Doveren. With Dutch and Swedish roots, Daniel shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to founder of Jeep Heritage and Vigilante 4x4, renowned for transforming vintage Jeeps into modern masterpieces. This conversation takes us from Daniel's early adventures in tech to his passion-driven pivot towards automotive restoration. Discover how road trips across the US in cheap, often quirky Jeeps sparked the inception of Jeep Heritage. Daniel discusses the meticulous process of revamping these iconic vehicles, emphasising the blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge technology that sets his work apart. From scanning original Jeep models in 3D to integrating modern drivetrains and luxurious finishes, Daniel's approach to restoration marries nostalgia with innovation. This episode not only explores the technical aspects of restoration but also dives into the business side, discussing how maintaining a small-scale operation allows for creativity and personal touch in every project. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just curious about the transformation of classic cars into bespoke creations, this episode offers a deep dive into the art and science of automotive restoration. You can explore more about Daniel's work with Jeep Heritage and Vigilante through the following links: https://www.jeepheritage.com/https://www.vigilante4x4.com/ For enthusiasts looking to dive deeper into the world of restomod Jeeps, Daniel's companies offer a unique insight into the meticulous care and innovative engineering that go into each vehicle. Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:36 - Starting Jeep Heritage and Vigilante 02:18 - Moving to the US and Starting Jeep Heritage 08:06 - Memorable Road Trips 23:17 - Choosing the Level of Restoration 27:35 - Design and Engineering Process 27:59 - Scanning Parts and 3D Printing 30:29 - Fine-tuning the Vehicle and Improvements 30:59 - The History of the Grand Wagoneer 32:25 - Developing Vigilante and Upgrades 41:36 - Specs and Pricing 42:59 - Popular Specs and Engine Choices 43:52 - Understanding Customer Needs 45:09 - Engine Options and Performance 45:52 - Increasing Female Audience 47:51 - Suspension and Airbags 49:00 - Building a Limited Number of Cars 55:33 - Demand for Restomods in Europe 56:01 - Regulations and Building for Europe 59:15 - Maintaining Quality and Personalization 1:00:19 - Limitations of Restomodding 1:00:50 - The Role of OEMs in Testing 1:00:55 - Challenges in Achieving Perfection 1:01:12 - Advice for Individuals Considering a Mod Project 1:01:59 - Safety Considerations in Restomodding 1:02:32 - The Importance of Safety in Restorations 1:03:39 - Five Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A short extract from the full episode with Rowan Hick of GlobalWorkshop discussing his personal sim building journey from a humble gaming setup to building a full G force rig. Check out the full episode #198 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/car-chat/id1432553826 Video: https://youtu.be/y6hEotIQTyM Enjoy, Sam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Car Chat, host Sam Moores talks with Rowan Hick, the founder of Global Workshop, a platform designed to assist in the management of vehicle builds, restorations, and races. Rowan discusses the origins of Global Workshop, detailing how personal necessity led to the creation of a system that simplifies the management of complex vehicle projects for enthusiasts and professionals. Additionally, Rowan shares his personal journey in the automotive world, from modifying a Fraser Clubman to pushing the boundaries of home racing simulators. With a background in software development, Rowan's transition into the automotive sector highlights the merging of technological innovation with automotive passion. This episode provides insights into the nuanced world of vehicle restoration and project management, reflecting on the challenges faced and the solutions developed by those deeply embedded in the craft. Listen in for a detailed discussion on the intersection of technology, personal passion, and automotive craftsmanship with Sam Moores and Rowan Hick. Enjoy, https://www.globalworkshop.com/ Show Notes: 00:00 = Intro 13:18 = Evolution Of The App 18:00 = Use Cases 23:01 = Speccing The Fraser 26:32 = Rowan's Automotive Journey 30:53 = Driving And Racing In NZ 34:43 = Driving The Frazer 37:58 = Rowan's Sim 56:54 = The Future Of Global Workshop 1:03:52 = Tailoring The App 1:11:00 = 5 Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's digital world, how do you stand out when technology and creativity merge? Faruk Heplevent, who started Scope Studio, leads the way in car CGI, film, and photo production. He joins us to share his story from taking photos around the world to leading a company at the cutting edge of digital creativity in the car industry. We'll dive into Scope Studio's exciting project, Scope City, a digital city that's a perfect place for showing off cars. https://thescope.studio/ In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Meet Faruk Heplevent and learn how Scope Studio began. (02:15) Moving from taking photos to leading in CGI technology. (04:22) How CGI is changing car ads and the creation of Scope City. (06:20) A look at how Scope City was made. (11:09) The challenges of working with CGI in car production. (14:18) The freedom and accuracy CGI brings to showcasing cars. (22:42) How AI and new tech are changing the game in digital creativity. (28:05) Finding the balance between new tech and creative vision. (35:46) Why CGI is a greener choice compared to traditional photo shoots. (41:17) How digital marketing in the car world is evolving. (49:43) Imagining what's next for CGI in the car industry. (52:34) Faruk's final thoughts and what's next for Scope Studio. Faruk's story gives us a thrilling look at how technology, creativity, and the car world come together. This episode is a must for car fans and creative pros. Check out the youtube video: https://youtu.be/hVqisk1fMzk Come join us on Car Chat as we zoom into the digital future with Faruk Heplevent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Toone is the founder of Rush Magazine - a new print magazine celebrating the best iconic modern classics & performance cars. https://www.rushmagazine.co.uk/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 4:38 - How to start a magazine 19:50 - The perks of running a magazine 26:10 - Automotive background 32:22 - Big surprises 35:31 - Imposter syndrome and authentic experiences 47:57 - Car Of The Year 56:38 - Issue #2 1:00:37 - How much content do you need for a magazine? 1:07:14 - Fun, cheaper EVs (please) 1:11:12 - 5 Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Woodman, the founder of Lovecars, an automotive media powerhouse, sits down with me to share his journey from the company's inception to its current success, including producing the series "On The Road," now streaming on Amazon Prime. We delve into the origins of his passion for cars, the challenges and triumphs of bringing automotive stories to life on screen, and the memorable experiences of filming across the globe. Join us as Paul opens up about his favorite cars, the excitement of racing, and navigating the complex world of social media, all while building a brand that resonates with car enthusiasts everywhere. Watch the video ep here: https://lovecars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lovecars/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 5:35 - Early success of Lovecars 11:53 - Opportunity vs revenue 19:20 - Ideal audience 22:38 - Starting a TV series 33:30 - Lovecars On The Road 45:45 - TV highlights 49:44 - Filming in America vs UK 53:23 - Top 3 Cars Driven 55:49 - Caterham racing and sponsorship 1:01:33 - F1 chat 1:06:00 - Drag racing 1:10:49 - Social media woes 1:16:08 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's always great to catch up with Iain Litchfield, founder of Litchfield Motors. Litchfield Motors started off importing JDM cars (listen to our first podcast here) We have a catchup and discuss the GT-R world of today, tuning cars, the expansion of Litchfield, dampers and a whole lot more. https://www.litchfieldmotors.com/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 5:01 - Litchfield and GTRs 10:57 - In-house parts 13:46 - Current demand 19:17 - Working on Porsches 26:33 - New M cars 28:58 - GT3 Touring and GT4 34:03 - Custom dampers 36:33 - 992 Tuning 40:24 - Hybrids, EVs, and synthetic fuel 46:51 - GT3RS 58:37 - Jethro’s 996 1:06:48 - 5 Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Tolman is the founder of Tolman Engineering. Chris has an extensive background in rallying and running race teams and has brought this knowledge into his Peugeot 205 Tolman Editions. From running the McLaren driver development cars to Bentley GT3s, there is a wealth of knowledge. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Tolman, the founder behind Tolman Engineering, to explore the thrilling world of motorsport engineering and team management. From the foundational connections in rally racing to the intricate details of running a race team, Chris shares his invaluable experiences and the skills required to excel in this high-octane environment. Dive into the heart of racing as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing the McLaren Driver Development Program, and what it takes to race a McLaren at the highest levels. Chris also sheds light on his diverse experience with racing Genettas, Bentleys, rally cars, and more, revealing the critical differences between road car and race car engineering. At the 28:39 mark, get an exclusive look into "The Tolman 205" project, followed by a discussion on keeping racing ventures economical without compromising on performance. Chris emphasizes the importance of the customer experience in motorsport and outlines the ambitious goals of the Evo project. Wrapping up the episode, we have the 5 questions. Enjoy, Sam https://tolmanengineering.co.uk/ Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 4:32 - Connections in rally 6:05 - Skills building on a race team 8:19 - Running the Mclaren Driver Development Program 17:33 - Challenges of racing a Mclaren 19:26 - Running Genettas, Bentleys, rally cars etc 26:21 - Difference between road car and race car engineering 28:39 - The 205 42:55 - Keeping it economical 48:14 - Customer experience 52:55 - The goal of the Evo 1:04:41 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mick Pacey has been in the business of special air cooled Porsches for 25 years. His knowledge of these cars is truly exceptional. I met up with Mick at Export 56 to have a look round their place, see some of the amazing cars they look after and have a chat about Mick's journey and Porsches. https://www.export56.com/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 5:28 - Buying and restoring Porsches 22:17 - Finding the parts 30:35 - Price range 41:23 - Finding what the customer wants 48:29 - Building the history and databases 1:08:34 - Getting nerdy 1:14:18 - Working with Shell 1:22:23 - FIA certification 1:31:25 - Racecar restoration journey 1:40:37 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Luke of "Cars With Luke" joins me for a catchup. Luke is a content creator based predominantly in the Swiss Alps creating content with a whole host of cool cars. We discuss Luke's creative journey, balancing photography and videography, the Rimac, Luke's cars, Manual vs PDK, GT3s and Porsches along with some of the creative challenges and copyright issues Luke has has to deal with. You can check out our previous episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/cars-with-luke-youtuber-and-photographer/id1432553826?i=1000522028416 https://www.youtube.com/@carswithluke https://www.instagram.com/carswithluke/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 03:29 - Client work 05:26 - Recent drives 09:45 - Garage update 18:13 - 991 vs 992 GT3 25:59 - Content creator downsides 28:25 - 991RS mods 30:55 - Cinematic shorts and copyright 44:25 - Sam’s 911 46:51 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Fenna is the founder of Frontline Cars, a specialist in MGBs. Frontline was founded by Tim in 1991, with a personal remit to enhance the driving experience of classic MG Cars. Tim followed his father’s footsteps as an engineer and used his inherent skill and interest in motorsport to design and develop new ground-breaking core components for the MGB, Midget and Sprite. Today, almost 150 restorations have been delivered under the Frontline name, with Tim’s upgrades at the heart of each and every commission. His constant pursuit of perfection enables each Frontline car to be better than the last. https://www.frontline-cars.co.uk/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - Frontline Cars 07:03 - How to restomod an MGB 13:54 - Typical customer 18:27 - Service offering 35:57 - EV MGB 43:09 - Non - V8s 44:17 - The full process 49:40 - Connecting to cars 53:25 - Australian partners 55:27 - Attracting a younger audience 57:57 - Adding value and resale 1:08:02 - Custom features 1:09:30 - Covid-19 1:14:11 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Fenna is the founder of Frontline Cars, a specialist in MGBs. Frontline was founded by Tim in 1991, with a personal remit to enhance the driving experience of classic MG Cars. Tim followed his father’s footsteps as an engineer and used his inherent skill and interest in motorsport to design and develop new ground-breaking core components for the MGB, Midget and Sprite. Today, almost 150 restorations have been delivered under the Frontline name, with Tim’s upgrades at the heart of each and every commission. His constant pursuit of perfection enables each Frontline car to be better than the last. https://www.frontline-cars.co.uk/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - Frontline Cars 07:03 - How to restomod an MGB 13:54 - Typical customer 18:27 - Service offering 35:57 - EV MGB 43:09 - Non - V8s 44:17 - The full process 49:40 - Connecting to cars 53:25 - Australian partners 55:27 - Attracting a younger audience 57:57 - Adding value and resale 1:08:02 - Custom features 1:09:30 - Covid-19 1:14:11 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thrilling episode, we sit down with the renowned Max Girardo of Girardo & Co for an in-depth conversation covering the exciting world of racing, competition cars, and the latest developments in exotic automobiles. https://girardo.com/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro/ what’s new? 10:26 - Special editions 14:13 - The future of values 18:51 - Selling competition cars 24:34 - The ticket to invitations 30:29 - Max’s road cars 32:47 - Target market 44:54 - Racing the N24 49:07 - 2.7 RS 53:41 - The ultimate 4 seater 57:42 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we have a thrilling conversation with Tom Jaconelli of Romans International, one of the most prestigious names in the luxury car industry. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of supercars and hypercars, exploring what's been happening and the current state of the market. https://www.romansinternational.com/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 02:08 - What’s new? 05:04 - Buyer behaviour 06:55 - Current market 12:05 - Hot buys 15:45 - Exporting to the US 17:39 - Importing and reliability 21:27 - GT3 movements 27:40 - Ferrari’s 33:16 - Value hunting 39:49 - SUVs, hybrids, and EVs 43:52 - Future plans 47:57 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merlin McCormack joins me on the podcast again from Duke Of London to talk about his amazing Testarossa, some ongoing fun project cars and the upcoming move (and spec out) of the next location for Duke Of London. It's always great to chat to Merlin and see what he's been up to. https://www.dukeoflondon.co.uk/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 02:20 - New space 08:29 - Merlin’s day-to-day 11:50 - More plans 16:30 - Challenges of fitting out a car park 20:34 - Expansion plans 24:02 - Merlin’s garage 36:45 - Market trends 42:22 - Dream project car 51:10 - 5 questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I join David Lane (@osheautomotive) at the new workshop and base for Oshe Automotive and Workshop Seventy7 for a catchup. We discuss the last few years, picking project cars and some of the lovely builds David has done. Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 03:13 - How to pick project cars 05:06 - The Oshe Difference 10:33 - DIY vs Commercial builds 13:17 - The custom process 17:53 - Defender mods 28:11 - Engines and power for dailys 33:26 - Sustainable interiors 41:13 - New building 52:32 - 5 Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Symmonite joins me for a deep dive into Synthetic and eFuels. Matt currently races at a club level using P1 Fuels carbon neutral synthetic fuels and has a great understanding of the topic. We coves some of the positives and negatives along with some common beliefs and misconceptions. Will we all be driving our cars with E Fuels in the future? http://www.p1fuels.com/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 03:04 - What’s the difference between all the fuels? 10:13 - Synthetic fuels for mainstream use 17:36 - Volume of production 22:47 - ULES and urban air quality 29:50 - Pushing EV tech forward 38:22 - Synthetic fuel cost 49:30 - Synthetic fuel use-cases 1:04:15 - 5 Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Simmonite joins me for a deep dive into Synthetic and eFuels. Matt currently races at a club level using P1 Fuels carbon neutral synthetic fuels and has a great understanding of the topic. We coves some of the positives and negatives along with some common beliefs and misconceptions. Will we all be driving our cars with E Fuels in the future? http://www.p1fuels.com/ Enjoy, Sam Show Notes: 00:00 - Intro 03:04 - What’s the difference between all the fuels? 10:13 - Synthetic fuels for mainstream use 17:36 - Volume of production 22:47 - ULES and urban air quality 29:50 - Pushing EV tech forward 38:22 - Synthetic fuel cost 49:30 - Synthetic fuel use-cases 1:04:15 - 5 Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.