Auto History Podcast

The episode begins with co-hosts Mike Dell and Mike Wilkerson, from the auto history podcast, discussing the Saturn Car Company—a defunct American automobile manufacturer. Their conversation unfolds with enthusiasm about the history and unique aspects of Saturn, emphasizing its inception as a company intended to emulate foreign car manufacturers’ success within the United States while being distinct from General Motors (GM), its parent company.

Mike Dell expresses his fascination with Saturn’s approach to making cars with plastic body panels, noting how this material choice helps prevent rust and dents, especially in areas prone to harsh winters. He praises the brand for their cars still looking brand new years after production due to the plastic being colored through.

Mike Wilkerson reminisces about Saturn’s emergence during his high school years in 1985 and his subsequent encounters with Saturn’s vehicles. He highlights a particular Saturn movie, “Gung Ho,” and its relevance to Saturn’s innovative ideas. Wilkerson also parallels Saturn’s use of plastic panels with the Pontiac Fiero’s design.

The hosts touch upon Saturn’s early leadership, specifically mentioning retired GM executives and a man named Alex Marr, who spearheaded the creation of a revolutionary small car to compete with Japanese imports. They discuss Saturn’s first car models: the S-Series, SC (coupe), and SL (sedan), noting the quirky center placement of the car’s dashboard cluster—a design choice that resurfaced in modern car designs.

Mike Dell and Mike Wilkerson analyze Saturn’s approach to sales, describing their no-haggle pricing and the unique naming conventions of their dealerships. They also compare Saturn’s retail-like car-selling approach and how it has influenced modern car brands like Tesla.

The conversation shifts to Saturn’s peak year in 1994, boasting nearly 300,000 cars sold. However, they point out Saturn’s struggle and eventual demise due to GM’s complete takeover and subsequent brand engineering, leading to the dilution and decline of the Saturn brand.

The hosts express their disappointment over Saturn’s missed opportunity for revival due to Roger Penske’s failed attempt to buy the brand. They briefly mention that while Pontiac, Hummer, and Saab were also discontinued around the same time as Saturn, Hummer managed a comeback as a GMC model.

Concluding the episode, Mike Dell laments GM’s decision to kill off Saturn, suggesting that the brand’s unique and independent approach was not sustainable within the larger corporate structure of GM. The hosts then close the episode, inviting the audience to send in comments or questions and teasing the next episode’s topic on Mopar muscle cars.

Despite what many say, the  very first Model A was not the one from 1928 that everybody’s familiar with.

The reality is that there was one BEFORE THAT – in 1903, that was the very first mass produced vehicle by the Ford Motor Company.

It was a car, but it was definitely a different kind of car. If you start to think “horseless carriage” you’ll be right on track to take in this episode of The Auto History Podcast as we Explore the Original 1903 (First) Model A – Ford’s Historical Gem.

00:00 Roofed carriage with a two-cylinder motor.

05:35 1903 cars for the rich, resembling Ford. Tech: flat two-cylinder, 1668 cc engine.

08:50 Charger in glacial granite has changing color.

10:10 Unusual car features: right-hand drive, planetary gears.

14:20 Gearing concept for variable speed using pulleys.

18:41 Early roads were simple and interestingly historical.

21:02 Discussion on older and more modern model cars.

24:45 Estimate: Few hundred worldwide, condition uncertain.

Connect with Mike Dell: On X – On the Web

The Auto History Podcast is also Podcasting 2.0 enabled so be sure to boost or stream sats on Modern Podcast apps – PodcastApps.com

The history of cars is long. The amount of detail available to those interested in all-things vehicular is always growing but wow. Where can someone start to get a grip inside of something outside-the-box when it comes to automotive history?

It’s time to listen to The Auto History Podcast.

In this inaugural audio-first episode of the Auto History Podcast, your hosts Mike Dell and Mike Wilkerson, introduce themselves as veteran podcasters with a shared passion for automotive history.

Both Mike’s share details about their podcasting journeys, with Mike Dell starting in April 2005 and Mike Wilkerson following shortly thereafter in June 2005.

This initial episode gives you a taste of their interests and details the upcoming discussions exploring the amazing datapoints in automotive history. Topics that will be included feature not only classic cars like the Ford Model A, but will also delve into the malaise era of American cars in the 70s and 80s.

Mike Dell has a prominent interest in Ford models from 1928 to 1931 and Mike Wilkerson recount his experiences with vehicles that range from Volkswagen Beetles to MOPAR and modern day Dodge Chargers.

The overall intention with The Auto History Podcast is to uncover and share lesser-known aspects of automotive history.

Are YOU ready to learn something about automotive history and how it all impacts culture?

Connect with Mike Dell: On X – On the Web

— The Auto History Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AutoHistorypodcast

— Learn All About Lake Ann, Michigan: https://lakeann-mi.com/about/

— Learn All About Lake Saint Louis, Missouri: https://www.lakesaintlouis.com/1250/About-Lake-Saint-Louis

— The Podcast Insider from Blubrry.Com: https://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/

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— What Does It Mean to Be Podcasting 2.0-Enabled? https://www.creativityfound.co.uk/blog/it-s-not-just-apple-and-spotify-explore-podcasting-2-0-and-find-innovative-listening-apps-and-features-that-can-benefit-both-podcasters-and-listeners

— What is the Ford Model A? https://corporate.ford.com/articles/history/the-1928-ford-model-a.html

— What is a Concept Car? https://www.hankookandcompany.com/en/innovation/innovation-137.do

— What is the Malaise-Era of Cars? https://fuelcurve.com/malaise-era-hoopties-small-cars/

— Learn All About the Imperial LeBaron: https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658498_1658026,00.html

— Learn All About The Imperial Division of Chrysler: https://www.makesthatdidntmakeit.com/imperial

— What is a 440 Big-Block? https://www.drivingline.com/articles/the-440-big-block-v8-was-more-than-just-chryslers-muscle-car-engine/

— What is MOPAR? https://www.motortrend.com/features/what-is-mopar/

— Learn All About the History of The Dodge Charger:  https://www.motortrend.com/features/dodge-charger-history/

— Where has the Dodge Charger Appeared in Entertainment? https://www.topspeed.com/best-dodge-chargers-in-movies/

— Tips on Keeping a Schedule: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/create-a-daily-schedule

— What is an Accountability Partner? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-accountability-partner-brian-a-hall/

— Be Sure to Connect with The Auto History Podcast online: https://autohistorypodcast.com/

The Auto History Podcast is also Podcasting 2.0 enabled so be sure to boost or stream sats on Modern Podcast apps – PodcastApps.com

Welcome to the ‘Auto History Podcast,’ the journey through the fascinating world of automobiles, Trucks and maybe an Airplane once in a while. !

Every episode, join us as we dive into the stories behind the most iconic cars, the greatest innovators, and the pivotal moments that shaped the automotive landscape.

From the Model T to the Tesla, and everything in between, we’ll explore how cars have not just been a mode of transportation, but a catalyst for change, a reflection of culture, and a symbol of freedom and innovation.

Hear firsthand accounts from your host, industry experts, historians, and car enthusiasts who share their insights and personal stories.

Whether you’re a car aficionado or just curious about how automobiles have driven our world forward, there’s something in store for you.

So buckle up, and get ready for a ride down memory lane on the Auto History Podcast!

Subscribe or follow now on your favorite podcast platform and join us for our first episode launching in January 2024. Don’t miss this incredible journey through the gears of time!

Auto History Podcast – where every mile tells a story.