Car Chat

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 Kalmer 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

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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. 

Starting with a fascination for cars inspired by his father, Jayde discovered his true calling at 40, when he decided to pursue garage design full-time. His first project, an Art Deco revival garage, gained international recognition and launched him into a niche industry, where he's worked with collectors worldwide.

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

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

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

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

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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

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Could restoring classic cars be the future of sustainable, high-performance vehicles? Goran Turkic certainly thinks so.

Goran Turkic is the founder and CEO of Tedson Motors, a company that specialises in high-end restomods. With a background that spans real estate, energy, and automotive, Goran combines a wealth of experience with a deep passion for car design and innovation. His journey took him from a childhood fascination with cars to founding Tedson Motors, where he now focuses on creating advanced, air-cooled hybrids (and non-hybrid), with a particular love for vintage Porsche models.

In this conversation, Goran and I delve into topics like the appeal of classic car restoration, the challenges of building the first air-cooled hybrid, and the future of automotive technology, including e-fuels and hydrogen combustion engines. He also shares insights into what sets supercars apart, the importance of maintaining big engines, and how customisation allows enthusiasts to create truly unique vehicles.

https://tedsonmotors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tedson_motors/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Passion and Ignorance

02:48 From Physics to Automotive Passion

06:09 The Art of Restomods

09:04 The Importance of Chassis Integrity

11:58 The Evolution of Porsche Ownership

15:10 The Leap into Entrepreneurship

17:59 Innovating with Tradition

20:54 The Challenges of Building a Hybrid

24:11 The Future of Hydrogen Combustion

27:03 The Intersection of Performance and Utility

29:56 The Experience of Driving

33:13 The Five-Car Garage Dream

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Dylan Miles joins the podcast to talk about his lifelong passion for cars. We discuss the history and value of classic vehicles, the challenges of running a dealership, and the importance of reputation in the car market. Dylan shares his experiences working in various roles within the automotive industry, from auctions to managing collections, and highlights the significance of emotional connections to cars. The conversation also touches on the evolving market for classic cars, the appeal of modern classics, and the unique characteristics of Aston Martin and Zagato vehicles.

https://www.dylan-miles.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Car Enthusiasm

02:47 Dylan Miles: A Classic Car Dealer's Journey

06:00 The Allure of Brough Superior Motorcycles

08:48 The Value of Classic Bikes and Cars

12:09 Dylan's Career Path

15:03 Driving Experiences: Memorable Cars and Lessons Learned

17:58 The Evolution of Car Dealerships and Market Trends

20:50 The Importance of Reputation in Car Dealing

24:08 The Challenges of Running a Classic Car Dealership

26:57 Finding and Sourcing Classic Cars

30:11 The Significance of Showroom Environment

33:03 The History of the Dealership Location

35:49 The Emotional Attachment to Cars

39:10 The Aston Martin V8: A Hidden Gem

42:08 The Market for Classic Aston Martins

45:11 The Appeal of Modern Classics

48:02 Zagato Cars: A Unique Perspective

50:52 Final Thoughts and Future of Classic Cars

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Thornley Kelham is a renowned UK-based specialist in classic car restoration, maintenance, and bespoke projects. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including full restorations, upgrades, and custom modifications, with a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Known for working on iconic brands such as Lancia, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, Thornley Kelham has also gained recognition for their 'Outlaw' series, which reimagines classic models with modern performance enhancements while maintaining the spirit of the original car.

Simon Thornley is the co-founder and director of Thornley Kelham, bringing decades of experience in the automotive industry. He is passionate about preserving automotive history while pushing the boundaries of restoration, combining traditional techniques with modern technology to deliver world-class restorations and unique custom builds.

https://www.thornleykelham.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Genesis of Thornley-Kellen Workshops

09:50 Building a Holistic Restoration Business

19:50 Navigating Early Challenges and Customer Relationships

30:01 The Evolution of Modified Classics

39:53 Creating Exclusive and Personalized Cars

49:47 The Future of Classic Car Restoration

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Arash Farboud is a British automotive designer and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Arash Cars, a boutique car manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports and hypercars. Established in 1999, Arash Cars has developed a reputation for producing bespoke, cutting-edge vehicles that push the boundaries of technology and design. The company's creations range from lightweight sports cars to powerful electric hypercars, including models like the AF10, AF8, and Imperium. Arash Cars is known for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and a passion for producing limited-run, exclusive cars for discerning enthusiasts.

https://arashcars.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey of a Car Designer

02:46 Challenges in Creating Hypercars

06:01 The Evolution of Car Manufacturing Technology

08:56 The Impact of COVID on Car Development

11:51 Navigating the Electric Vehicle Market

14:47 The Emotional Connection to Cars

18:13 Innovations in Engine Technology

20:59 The Future of Lightweight Sports Cars

23:53 Special Projects and Collaborations

26:46 The Role of Emotion in Car Design

30:09 The Market for Hypercars

33:04 The Experience of Owning Hypercars

36:03 The Challenges of Building a Car

38:59 The Importance of Celebrating Successes

41:52 The Future of Car Manufacturing

44:50 The Balance of Innovation and Market Demand

01:09:33 Designing Bespoke Automotive Solutions

01:12:34 Challenges of High-Performance Engines

01:16:58 The Evolution of Driving Experience

01:20:36 Memorable Driving Journeys

01:34:30 The Future of Restomods

01:49:20 The Business of Car Restoration

02:01:12 The Impact of Automation on Employment

02:04:40 Building a Dream Garage

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David Gomez discusses his journey in the world of cars and customization. From his first car, a GMC Typhoon, to owning iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Diablo and Bugatti Veyron, David's deep passion for cars drove him to commission his own bespoke creations. He founded 7X Design to craft one-of-a-kind vehicles that blend art with driving pleasure. In this episode, David delves into the various levels of car customization, the rewards, and challenges that come with each, and his collaboration with Envisage, an engineering firm, to bring his visions to life. He also shares insights into his vision for his next car, which emphasizes both speed and beauty. David reflects on the exhilarating experience of driving the car for the first time, the critical role of tires in high-speed runs, and the different tracks available for testing. He concludes by expressing his disinterest in conventional hypercars and his ambitious plans for future projects.

https://7x.design/

https://www.instagram.com/7xdesign/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction and David's Car Enthusiast Background

03:19 - From Buying to Creating Bespoke Cars

08:08 - Enjoying and Owning Iconic Cars

15:19 - The Porsche Carrera GT and the Bugatti Veyron

22:28 - Reaching the Pinnacle with the Bugatti Veyron

26:45 - Founding 7X Design and Collaborating with Designers

31:24 - The Art and Science of Creating Bespoke Cars

37:56 - Partnering with Envisage for Custom Car Projects

40:21 - Vision for the Second Car: Speed and Beauty

42:17 - Experiencing Mind-Blowing Acceleration and Tunnel Vision

45:10 - The Critical Role of Tires in High-Speed Runs

47:37 - Testing on Different Tracks for High-Speed Performance

53:22 - Moving Beyond Standard Manufacturer Hypercars

01:00:34 - Creating a Road-Going Version of a Le Mans Hypercar

01:11:04 - The Undervalued Jaguar XJ220

01:14:50 - David's Five-Car Garage: A Blend of Classics, Sports Cars, and Daily Drivers

01:16:18 - The Art, Passion, and Driving Pleasure of Unique Cars

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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

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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

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