Thierry Nardone is the founder and CEO of Nardone Automotive, a French company behind the restomod of the Porsche 928. Thierry’s passion for transaxle Porsches, particularly the 928, inspired him to reimagine this classic grand tourer, blending its original elegance with modern performance and luxury.

Nardone Automotive’s reinterpretation features a carbon-fiber body, a meticulously upgraded V8 engine producing approximately 400 horsepower, and a bespoke interior adorned with Foglizzo leather and Alcantara. The vehicle also boasts contemporary amenities like a Porsche Classic Communication Management system with Apple CarPlay. Thierry wants the car to drive like a sports car but also retain and improve upon the 928s ability to serve as a grand tourer with refinement not found in a 911 etc.

https://www.nardone-automotive.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nardone_automotive/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Thierry Nardone and Nardone Automotive

02:54 The Journey to Restomods: Passion and Experience

05:47 The Concept of Restomods and Initial Projects

09:10 Building a Network: Collaborations and Partnerships

12:05 Designing the Nightweight: Vision and Execution

15:01 The Launch of the Gold 928: Marketing and Reception

17:56 Defining the 928: Engineering and Aesthetics

20:48 Monterey Experience: Feedback and Future Plans

24:09 Customer Alignment: Vision and Expectations

36:35 Customer Engagement and Company Growth

37:30 Performance Goals and Engine Development

40:20 Gearbox Innovations and Torque Management

42:15 Sound Design: Balancing Comfort and Performance

44:44 Weight Management and Vehicle Dynamics

46:40 High-End Sound Systems in Resto Mods

51:00 Driving Experiences and Road Trips

01:01:07 Future Developments and Technology Integration

Maurizio Reggiani, born on February 8, 1959, in San Martino Spino, Italy, is a distinguished automotive engineer renowned for his significant contributions to the high-performance automotive industry. He graduated from the University of Modena with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Reggiani began his career at Maserati in 1982, focusing on engine development, notably for the Maserati Biturbo. In 1987, he joined Bugatti under Paolo Stanzani, overseeing the development of the EB110’s engine, gearbox, and transmission.

In 1995, Reggiani moved to Lamborghini, leading the development of the Murciélago. By 2001, he headed research and development for powertrains and suspension. His tenure as Chief Technical Officer from 2006 saw the launch of models like the Aventador, Huracán, and Urus. In January 2022, he became Vice President of Lamborghini Motorsport, overseeing the company’s motorsport division.

In April 2023, the University of Bologna awarded Reggiani a Laurea ad Honorem, recognizing his contributions to automotive engineering.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://eccentricacars.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eccentricaofficial/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Maserati to Lamborghini

02:48 Engineering Excellence: The Bugatti Experience

06:07 Transitioning to Lamborghini: Challenges and Innovations

09:02 The Birth of the Gallardo: A New Era

11:54 The Impact of Audi Ownership on Lamborghini

14:48 Defining the Soul of Lamborghini

18:06 The Evolution of Lamborghini's Engine Technology

21:02 The Success of the Urus: A Game Changer

23:57 Future of Lamborghini: Hybridization and Beyond

54:36 Energy Storage Challenges in Automotive Engineering

58:52 The Evolution of Hypercars and Performance Expectations

01:00:44 Innovations in Resto Mods: The Eccentrica Vision

01:05:07 Balancing Tradition and Modern Technology in Car Design

01:10:32 Driving Experience: Comparing the Eccentrica to the Original Diablo

01:15:20 Challenges of Low-Volume Production in Luxury Cars

01:20:34 Customization and Personalization in High-End Automotive Projects

01:24:03 Future Prospects for Eccentrica and the Automotive Industry

01:29:25 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Favorites

01:35:37 The Most Undervalued and Interesting Cars Today

Sasha Selipanov is the founder of NILU27 (https://nilu27.com/), a new hypercar company focused on delivering an engaging manual V12 experience. Sasha shares his incredible journey, from designing icons like the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis Essentia, to his latest venture with NILU27, where he aims to reshape the hypercar landscape.

We explore Sasha’s design philosophy as he talks about balancing the artistry of classical beauty with modern engineering, his hands-on approach to design, and his vision for analog, emotionally-driven sports cars. Hear stories from his remarkable journey through car design, including major stops at Bugatti, Lamborghini, Genesis, and Koenigsegg. Sasha shares insights into the creation of the Gemera and CC850 at Koenigsegg, and how those experiences inspired him to pursue his lifelong dream of crafting a hypercar that prioritizes emotion over sheer numbers. Discover the passion behind NILU’s vision for redefining the modern hypercar and the car Sasha has always wanted to create.

https://www.instagram.com/nilu27_official/

https://nilu27.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Allure of Classic Sports Cars

02:47 Sasha Selipanov: A Journey in Car Design

06:06 The Competitive Nature of Exterior Design

08:57 The Chiron Project: A Designer's Perspective

12:14 Reflections on Design Choices

15:08 Heritage vs. Innovation in Car Design

17:57 The Koenigsegg Experience: A Dream Realised

20:53 Designing the Gemera: Challenges and Triumphs

24:13 Creating a New Hypercar: The Vision Behind Nilu27

27:04 The Shift from Numbers to Emotion in Car Design

39:47 The Shift in Automotive Values

42:06 Beauty and Experience in Car Design

45:55 The Joy of Manual Driving

49:49 Craftsmanship vs. Industrial Production

54:34 Market Dynamics and Customer Interest

01:00:21 The Future of Manual Cars

01:02:21 Innovative Designs and the Cybertruck

01:10:27 Personal Favorites and Dream Cars

Lee Gray is the Co-Founder of Kyron Audio. Kyron started building loudspeakers for the discerning ears of professional musicians in 2001, and have continued the quest for the most realistic and musical home audio systems.

One of the things you will notice is the Open-baffle design. Unlike traditional boxed speakers, Kyron’s systems employ an open-baffle design, eliminating enclosures to reduce resonance and coloration. This approach enhances clarity and delivers a more natural sound.

https://kyronaudio.com.au/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Childhood to Audio Design

06:11 Crafting the World's Best Loudspeakers

11:57 Innovative Speaker Technology: The Dipole Design

17:51 Active Systems vs. Passive Systems: A New Approach

24:04 Bespoke Audio Solutions: Tailoring to Client Needs

29:53 The Art of Speaker Design: Beyond the Box

34:45 Crafting Perfection in Audio Design

47:10 Innovations in Amplification Technology

49:32 The Perfectionist Mindset in Audio Engineering

52:58 The Emotional Experience of Listening to Music

01:00:45 Challenges of Daily Listening and Audio Quality

01:04:06 The Importance of Speaker Design and Quality

01:09:20 Judgment and Perception in Hi-Fi

01:12:45 The Shift from Forums to Personal Connections

01:15:38 The Desire for a Hassle-Free Audio Experience

01:18:57 The Evolution of Technology and Consumer Expectations

01:24:18 Nerding Out: Passion vs. Practicality

01:30:58 Memorable Journeys and Experiences

01:34:06 Choosing the Right Sound System

An audio only version from my visit to Le Mans Coupes with Oliver Hulme. Retailers of Superformance GT40s, Cobras along with the Hyper Racer X1 and Spartan.

https://lemanscoupes.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Misha Charoudin, youtuber, racing driver and Nurburgring expert tells me about some of the intricacies of Time Attack after his trip to Australia with the Ioniq 5 N.

Enjoy,

Sam

Misha Charoudin is a Nürburgring-based Youtuber and now racing driver. He started out filming videos at the track and has progressed to the point where he now films videos of himself driving multiple cars daily at the 'Ring. Misha shares in-car driving, vlogs and lots of behind the scenes footage of car setups, local culture etc.

In addition, Misha is the CEO and co-founder of Vulcan Alpha, a company that designs and produces high-performance car parts focused on aerodynamics, such as wings and splitters. Known for his approachable style and deep knowledge of motorsport, Misha's videos attract millions of fans worldwide, establishing him as one of the most prominent Nürburgring content creators.

https://www.vulcan-alpha.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@mgcharoudin

https://www.instagram.com/mgcharoudin/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Misha Charoudin and His Journey

04:57 The Rise of Boosted Boris

09:54 Content Creation at the Nürburgring

15:11 The Challenges of Driving and Filming Cars

19:52 The Evolution of Apex and New Ventures

35:18 Reflections on Apex and Future Endeavors

41:12 Memorable Driving Experiences and Lessons Learned

46:25 The Birth of a New Company: Vulcan Alpha

55:20 Experiences in Australia: Racing and Community Support

01:01:56 The Changing Landscape of Automotive Media and Influence

01:09:24 Future Aspirations and Diversifying Ventures

01:10:51 Expanding Horizons and Regrets

01:11:47 The Dream Track Car

01:12:44 The Essence of Driving

01:14:09 The Challenge of Content Creation

01:16:05 Building Unique Projects

01:17:30 Favourite Car Builders and Projects

01:19:24 Understanding Time Attack Racing

01:21:15 The Evolution of Car Builds

01:24:11 5 Questions

Jan Kalmar is the founder of KALMAR Automotive and a lifelong petrolhead. Based in Denmark, Jan has dedicated his life to automotive innovation, combining his love for fast cars and endurance racing with a passion for building rugged vehicles. Jan has set some crazy long distance records and has a real passion for adventure drives. Kalmar Automotive specialises in bespoke restomod Porsches for road, off-road and track.

https://kalmarautomotive.com/home/

https://www.instagram.com/kalmarautomotive/

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Jan Kalmar and His Passion for Cars

02:27 The Journey of Building Cars and Racing

04:54 Long-Distance Driving Adventures and World Records

10:09 Challenges and Lessons from Extreme Driving Experiences

13:27 Planning and Logistics for Long Road Trips

24:39 The Philosophy of Adventure and Risk in Driving

36:41 The Capabilities of the Cayenne in Off-Roading

43:31 Building Off-Road 911s and the Evolution of Adventure Cars

51:14 The Shift from Track Racing to Adventure Driving

54:31 The RestoMod Experience

57:29 Modern Technology Meets Classic Design

01:01:05 The Adventure Range Philosophy

01:06:15 Creating a Unique Driving Experience

01:10:05 Aerodynamics and Performance Challenges

01:15:55 The Philosophy of Modern Coach Building

01:20:11 The Evolution of Porsche Design

01:25:12 The 9X9 Project: A New Class of Cars

01:30:57 The Future of Performance Cars

01:38:17 Final Thoughts and Five Questions

Jayde Deverson is a renowned designer of luxury garages for car collectors. Jayde has spent over 15 years transforming garages from simple storage spaces into bespoke, functional environments that reflect the owner’s passions and car collections.

https://www.equusauto.co.uk/

https://www.deversondesign.com.au/

Enjoy,

Sam

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luxury Garage Design

03:03 The Journey to Designing Garages

05:59 First Project and Building Reputation

08:57 The Importance of Practical Experience

11:58 Challenges in Garage Design

15:06 Client Confidentiality and Promotion

17:45 The Garage Design Landscape

21:08 Creating Personal Spaces

24:03 Unique Design Inspirations

27:01 The Balance of Aesthetics and Functionality

29:58 Cultural Differences in Garage Design

32:53 Future Trends in Garage Spaces

50:19 Designing Automotive Country Clubs

59:40 Building Design for Car Preservation

01:12:58 The Balance of Car Usage and Preservation

01:21:26 Memorable Driving Experiences and Car Choices

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

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

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

Colin Hoad of CAT Driver Training joins me again to discuss everything you need to know before starting racing.

Check out the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/eaZDb5d - all profits go to the charity Mission Motorsport (https://www.missionmotorsport.org/)

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 - Understanding the Cost of Racing

08:58 - The Importance of Curiosity and Commitment in Racing

15:59 - Logistics and Support in the World of Racing

22:12 - Choosing the Right Car and Series for Your Racing Goals

31:12 - The Importance of Budgeting and Track Knowledge

34:05 - Building Track Knowledge and Comfort through Track Days

36:48 - Accelerating Learning and Reducing Stress through Instruction and Coaching

39:41 - Managing the Emotional Challenges of Racing

53:41 - Understanding the Impact of G-forces and Maintaining Observation and Focus

58:59 - The Significance of Consistent Track Time in Racing

01:02:22 - Racing Frequency and Budget Constraints

01:03:21 - Adapting to Changes in Track Conditions

01:05:16 - Maintaining Perception of Optimum Performance

01:06:10 - Developing Muscle Memory through Practice

01:08:01 - Balancing Enjoyment and Competitiveness

01:09:25 - The Emotional Roller Coaster of Racing

01:11:17 - The Importance of Thorough Preparation

01:14:04 - Handling Unexpected Situations on the Track

01:17:31 - Prioritizing Safety with Checklists and Procedures

01:19:55 - Ensuring Safety with Proper Belt Management

01:21:48 - Attention to Detail: Simple Safety Measures

01:23:43 - Avoiding Pitfalls through Thorough Preparation

01:25:38 - The Importance of Brake Checks and Steering

01:26:38 - Learning from Personal Mistakes

01:29:00 - Considering the Impact of Racing on Personal Relationships

01:30:22 - Supporting Mission Motorsport through Book Sales

01:31:43 - The Racer Remembrance Event

I join James (@MrJWW) in his new Koenigsegg London dealership for a catchup on all of the crazy projects now underway with DRVN group. In pt1. we discuss Koenisegg and particularly the crazy one off Jesko engined, CC850 gearboxed Agera that James recently drove. We then move onto Boreham Motorworks and the licensed Ford products that will be coming along with Pt.2 where we will have the Evolito (355 Restomod) story including the genesis of that project and where it has got to now.

https://koenigsegglondon.com/

https://borehammotorworks.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Koenigsegg and Special Project

10:01 - The Evolution of the Gemera and Jesko Models

19:30 - Modifying and Upgrading Koenigsegg Cars

25:14 - The Theatrical Engagement of Cars and the Rise of Electric Vehicles

34:37 - The Appeal of Restomods and Lightweight Electric Cars

Colin Hoad of CAT Driver Training joins me for a deep dive into how to start racing. This is an extract from the long podcast you can find on apple podcasts etc. "Car Chat".

Full Podcast:

Enjoy,

Sam

Links:

https://catdrivertraining.co.uk/

Christopher Shelley of Dymag Group Ltd is with me this week to chat all about their crazy light wheels. Dymag has a long history of producing wheels for racing. Unfortunately so good they got banned 😂 (the other manufacturers pulled some strings). It was really interesting to have a dive into this technology and Chris’s journey. Here is a short clip.

Check out the full podcast on all podcast platforms.

Enjoy,

Sam

In this segment of "Car Chat" Episode 202, Sam Hancock describes racing in the historic Spa Six Hour Classic. Amidst the pouring rain and darkness, Sam navigates a packed grid in a GT40, showcasing the high stakes and skill required in historic racing. He stresses the paramount importance of preserving these classic cars, balancing the urge to compete with the necessity to protect. Tune in for the full episode for a catchup with Sam and what he's been up to over the last few years.

Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sam-hancock-professional-racing-driver-dealer-in-exceptional/id1432553826?i=1000653200323

https://www.samhancock.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hancock_sam/

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

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. The full audio episode is available on your podcast platform: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/car-chat/id1432553826

Check out Rowan's videos of the rig here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOhrgo9a-BA

Enjoy,

Sam

Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Craig Toone, the founder of Rush Magazine. From an epiphany on Scotland's scenic NC500 to establishing a unique voice in the automotive world, Craig's story is a riveting tale of passion, creativity, and the drive to create something truly remarkable.

https://www.rushmagazine.co.uk/

📘 Episode Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction: Meet Craig Toone, the man who turned a memorable road trip into a thriving automotive publication.

(02:15) The Birth of Rush Magazine: Discover the road trip that sparked the creation of Rush Magazine and how Craig transitioned from his engineering background to becoming a magazine publisher.

(04:22) Learning Curve: Craig shares his self-taught journey through the realms of graphic design and self-publishing, highlighting the challenges he overcame to bring Rush Magazine to life.

(11:09) The Philosophy Behind Rush: Explore what makes Rush Magazine stand out in the automotive magazine landscape and how it aims to connect with its audience.

(14:18) From Digital to Print: Learn about the strategic move from digital issues to print publication and the importance of building an engaged community.

(22:42) Memorable Drives: Craig recounts surprising experiences with cars that left a lasting impression on him and influenced the content of Rush Magazine.

(28:05) Looking Forward: Hear about the future ambitions for Rush Magazine, the evolving community around it, and what readers can look forward to.

Craig Toone's venture into the world of automotive publishing is not just about cars; it's a compelling story of following one's passion, the art of storytelling, and the creation of a platform that resonates with car enthusiasts and beyond.

Join us on Car Chat as we cruise through the journey of Rush Magazine with Craig Toone. Discover the roads traveled, the lessons learned, and what drives the passion behind this unique automotive publication.

Don't forget to hit the Like button, drop your thoughts in the Comments, and Subscribe for more captivating stories and automotive explorations! 🔔

#CarChat #RushMagazine #CraigToone #AutomotivePassion #ModernClassicCars #CarCulture