iDriveSoCal

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV with available 3rd-row seating.

It’s hard to beat the fit and finish in Volkswagen vehicles.  And that holds true with the 2020 Tiguan.

Plus the Tiguan’s smooth sure-footed performance, high-tech features and Euro-styling combine for a serious value proposition.

I recently picked up a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan from my friends at Ontario Volkswagen for this review.

–>Continue reading or click play below to listen.<–

Available LED headlights and daytime running lights

Sometimes it’s difficult to accurately categorize vehicle class sizes.   That’s because carmakers state a vehicle is in one particular class size.  And then automotive journalists put a vehicle in a different category.

Sidebar: And if you’ve ever noticed, rental car companies play funny games with size categories too.  Of course, that’s to better pad their profit margins.  And, I find that practice super-annoying but hey, that’s between you and me. ;0)

So, back to Tiguan’s class size.   If you go to VW.com Tiguan is currently categorized as a midsize crossover SUV.   But, I’m putting the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan in the compact crossover SUV category.

And while I could refer to the vehicle’s dimensions in comparison to others in the industry, I’m not going to.  Instead, I’m calling the 2020 Tiguan a compact crossover SUV because Volkswagen is adding to its lineup this year.

2020 VW Tiguan Courtesy of Ontario Volkswagen

In recent past years, Volkswagen offered only the Tiguan and Atlas.  And since the Atlas was much bigger than the Tiguan most of the industry called Atlas full-sized and Tiguan midsized.

But for 2020, VW is introducing a new Atlas Cross Sport.  It’s slightly shorter than the Atlas and doesn’t offer a 3rd-row of seating as the Atlas does.

And yes, you read correctly at the top, Tiguan does offer a 3rd-row of seating.   So here’s Volkswagen crossover SUV the line-up and seating-row options for 2020.

Notable changes for the 2020 VW Tiguan include increased standard driver assistance and a new SE R-Line Black trim option.

Also new for 2020, on the SE trim and above is available wireless phone charging.

So, with the addition of the SE R-Line Black below are all the trim options and manufacturer’s suggested retail starting prices for the 2020 VW Tiguan.

2020 VW Tiguan SEL – My Test Driver For This Review

4MOTION all-wheel drive adds $1,300 to any trim.

As always, pricing I share only reflects starting manufacturers suggested retail prices.  Getting your Tiguan equipped to your liking will impact the price.

But always keep it simple and go see my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  They give you both the best deal and buying experience in all of Southern California.

Randy Halcomb

cell: 909-772-1728

email: RHalcomb [at] OntarioVW [dot] com

Or email me and I’ll introduce you personally: Tom [at] iDriveSoCal [dot] com.

Volkswagen keeps it simple by offering the same engine across all trim levels.  And that’s a 184-hp, turbocharged 4-cylinder that puts out 221 lb-ft of torque.

Available drive modes: snow, on-road, off-road and off-road custom

Additionally, VW gives all Tiguan trim levels the same 8-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode.  Plus that transmission also includes Tiptronic shifting for when you want to be in even more control of the vehicle’s performance.

The 2020 Tiguan drives like a sure-footed and responsive Volkswagen – just as you’d expect.  The turbocharged 4-cylinder appropriately kicks-in earlier and revs higher in sport mode.  And manually shifting gears with Tiptronic is fun.

22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway – w/out 4MOTION

Fuel economy for Tiguan is pretty similar regardless of the trim option you go with.  And the only major difference that comes into play 4MOTION all-wheel-drive.

LED taillights

So 2020 Tiguan’s without all-wheel-drive is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.  And when you add 4MOTION all-wheel-drive there’s just a slight drop to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The 2020 Tiguan is unmistakenly a European vehicle.  And to that end, also unmistakenly a Volkswagen.  It’s bold and clean from every angle.

Available LED headlights move with your turns

And the R-Line Black trim gives Tiguan an aggressive and sporty new dimension that immediately had me doing a double-take.

When you close the door of a Volkswagen you can both hear and feel the quality.  That’s because it’s always solid with attention to the fit and finish – especially inside.

Tiguan front seats & (digital) dash

One feature of the Tiguan’s interior that doubles as an exterior feature is the available panoramic moonroof.  I’m noting that hear because it’s absolutely huge.  It’s so big that I couldn’t fit the entire roof into one picture.  So, you’re going to have to trust me.  It nearly takes up the entire roof.

Spacious 2nd-row backseat

And a nod to Volkswagen engineering is the versatility of 3-rows of seating in a compact crossover SUV.  While the 3rd-row of seating is definitely sized for kids, it’s functionality is brilliant in a compact vehicle.

3-row compact crossover SUV

And when you lay both rows of backseats down you’re left with a generous amount of cargo space.

Up to 73.5 cu ft of cargo space

With the backseats laying nearly flat the Tiguan provides up to 73.5 cubic-feet of cargo space.

So the lead topic in Volkswagen technology has to be the digital cockpit.  This has to be the way the entire automotive industry is going.

Digital instrumentation

The available digital cockpit allows for unique driver personalization.  Up to 4-different profiles can be customized and saved.

Available full-screen navigation

And lots of vehicle monitoring options keep drivers well informed.

Monitor the vehicle and your driving performance

So whether you want to keep track of the vehicle’s performance, or your own skills behind the wheel, Tiguan has you covered.

And Tiguan delivers when it comes to safety and driver assistance tech.

So, the Institue for Highway Safety named the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan as a Top Safety Pick.  That’s when it’s equipped with LED headlights and an adaptive front-lighting system with dynamic cornering headlights.

Plus Tiguan offers all the driver assistance safety technology features that we’ve come to expect in new cars these days.

My Top-3 for the 2020 Tiguan are pretty simple:

My thanks as always to my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  Whether you need to get your VW serviced or pick-up a new one, this is the place to go to in Southern California.  PLMK if you’d like me to introduce you.  General Manager Earl Reed and Randy Halcomb are always happy to connect with iDSC readers/listeners.

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

2019 VW Passat Review

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is the last model year of Volkswagen’s seventh-generation midsize sedan.  And, that’s a model year that I like to buy for a couple of reasons.

First, they’ve been doing it for a while so they’ve definitely got it ‘right’.  Second, the all-new next generation coming out.  So, deals are ripe for the making!

And, my friends at Ontario VW recently gave me a 2019 Volkswagen Passat for a day of test-driving around Southern California’s Inland Empire.

–>Continue reading and listen below.<–

2019 VW Passat – test drive courtesy of Ontario Volkswagen

For 2019, VW keeps the Passat trim configurations pretty simple.  So, there are two of them.  First, the entry-level Wolfsburg.  Second, it’s more feature-rich SE R-Line.

So, what’s up with the ‘Wolfsburg‘ moniker attached to so many Volkswagen models through the years?  Funny you should ask because I’ve been wondering too!

Wolfsburg, Germany is Volkswagen’s Global HQ

Because Wolfsburg, Germany is ranked as the richest city in Germany and happens to be the location of Volkswagen AG’s headquarters.

And Volkswagen AG is known internationally as Volkswagen Group.

VW Group has been the largest carmaker in the world since overtaking Toyota in 2016.

So… now we both know. ;0)

And, with either 2019 VW Passat trim configuration, you receive the same engine.  Plus that’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter4-cylinder.  It delivers 174-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

Additionally, with either trim config, you receive the same 6-speed automatic transmission.  And that trans comes with Tiptronic, paddle shifters, and sport mode.

6-speed Automatic w/ Sport Mode & Tiptronic

Since the 2019 Passat felt way-way more powerful than a midsize sedan with less than 200-horses.  But, how is that possible?  I’m guessing got to be some brilliant engineering in the transmission.

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is rated to deliver 25-MPG in the city and up to 36-MPG cruising the highway!

Because here’s the kicker.  The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is rated to deliver 25-MPG in the city and up to 36-MPG cruising the highway!

Indeed, the ’19 Passat exterior styling is unmistakably Volkswagen.

2019 VW Passat passenger front

For example, the blend of straight lines and curves instantly communicates the European value that Volkswagen is known for.

Additionally, the SE R-Line, LED headlights and taillights help take the exterior look to a borderline luxury level – especially at night.

Of course, they illuminate better than standard lights as well.

Wolfsburg Trim 17″ 10-spoke alloy wheels

And while the above pictured 17″ 10-spoke alloy wheels look great.  Another available exterior upgrade is a set of 19″ twin 5-spoke alloy wheels.

The interior of the 2019 Volkwagen Passat is spacious and also characteristically European.  It delivers a fit and finish that I wish more non-luxury automakers tried to emulate.

Passat’s Interior Fit & Finish beckon luxury DNA

However, if you’re new to European cars then Passat’s interior will have you feeling you are, in fact, driving a luxury brand.

Because if you’re not looking at a badge, it takes an educated driver or passenger to know they’re not inside an Audi.

And in the cooler months, heated front seats will keep your butt guessing too! :0)

Tall adults fit very comfortably in Passat’s backseat

As always the Passat’s backseats are super comfortable with ample legroom.

And that’s another feature I wish more carmakers copied.  Case in point, notice the contours on the front-seatbacks for even more backseat comfort.

…another feature I wish more carmakers copied… contours on the front-seatbacks for even more backseat comfort.

That’s a highly appreciated staple of Volkswagen design.  And, it goes a very long way for those of us with bad knees or just a bit taller.

USB Charging Ports

Plus, speaking of the backseats the 2019 Passat helps keep your passengers connected with USB charging ports easily accessed.

15.9 cu-ft with backseats up

Plus, you have 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.  Another nod to VW’s tight fit and finish is the clean, snag-free walls and ceiling of the cargo space.

I like pointing out the little things.  Because they can make a big difference. :0)

And through Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect you can link to Apple’s CarPlay or Android’s Auto applications.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible

So, my prediction is that Apple and Android connectivity is soon added to every new vehicle on the road in the near future.

Hands-free Trunk AccessAnd standard on the SE R-Line you receive Volkswagen’s hands-free easy-open trunk.  Translation; an air-kick underneath the bumper pops the trunk.

One item of note that’s not on the 2019 Passat is Volkwagen’s new digital cockpit.  However, my bet is that the all-new Passat in 2020 will have it – perhaps standard.

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat was awarded a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Which safety-conscious parents such as myself always appreciate.

Plus the ’19 Passat delivers a solid suite of driver assistance safety technology.

And a nod must be given to Volkswagen’s People First Warranty.

6-Years/72,000-mile People First Warranty

That includes 6-years or 72,000-miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.

VW’s People First Warranty – 6-years or 72,000-miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Additionally, that industry-leading warranty is also transferable.

My thanks, as always, to our friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  They provided the 2019 Passat for this review.

2019 VW Passat from Ontario Volkswagen

And Ontario VW should be every Southern California Volkswagen buyer’s first stop to shop and owner’s service destination.

2019 Volkswagen Golf R Review

Test driving the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R left me bummed when I had to return it.

Because it’s that much fun to drive.  And while it literally has a ‘Race mode’, it also easily fits the role of a daily commuter.

Just a super-quick, incredibly agile daily commuter.  Plus, it doesn’t scream ‘look at me.  I’m driving a really fun and fast car.  And, I will likely break the law soon!’

Continue reading below or click play to hear the complete details of my 2019 Volkswagen Golf R review.  And thanks to my dear friends at Ontario Volkswagen for hooking me up with a Golf R for this review!

Now wrapping up its 7th generation, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R is the top-dog when it comes to the automotive enthusiasts Golf.

And I make that top-dog reference because we really cannot bring up the Golf R without giving well deserved ‘props’ to the Golf GTI.

2019 Volkswagen Golf R

Earlier this year I reviewed the 2019 VW Golf GTI Rabbit Edition and was highly impressed.  The Rabbit really ran – boy did it run.

So, I was excited when my friends at Ontario Volkswagen offered up GTI’s more powerful and all-wheel-drive sibling the Golf R for a day of test driving.

Everyone’s first question when we’re talking about performance vehicles is; ‘how much does it cost?’  Followed by the second question of; ‘what are its options?’

But for the 2019 VW Golf R it’s kept pretty simple.  And that’s because the 2019 Golf R doesn’t offer any trim level options.

Starting MSRP $40,395 – But contact Ontario VW

It is, simply the Golf R.  Which makes sense considering there are a bunch of options for Golf’s initial sporty version, the GTI.

“…the starting MSRP for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R is $40,395.”

Of course, there are various features you can configure but the starting MSRP for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R is $40,395.

As always, that’s just MSRP.  Which, I include as a point of reference but you really shouldn’t worry much about it two reasons.

First, you’ve got to get yours configured to your liking.  And second, and more importantly, simply go see my pals at Ontario Volkswagen in Ontario, California.

Tell them Tom from iDriveSoCal sent you and you’ll be glad that you did.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R delivers 288-horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.  And that coming from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine.

So, the Golf R delivers an additional 60-horsepower over its GTI sibling.  The other big delivery point of the Golf R over the GTI is the transmission.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R delivers 288-horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque… [with] Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

The GTI gives you front-wheel drive whereas the Golf R gives you Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Plus the Golf R delivers the option of dual-clutch automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions.

For us purists, the manual is a blast.  But the automatic is faster and always easier to commute with.

So, when considering which transmission to go with, I find it a bit of a toss-up.

And the Volkswagen Golf R’s fuel economy is highly respectable.

It’s rated 21-MPG in the city and 29-MPG on the highway.

However, I’ve come across reports stating drivers are actually reaching 30-MPG on the highway.

…rated 21-MPG in the city and 29-MPG on the highway.

Of course, this is with premium fuel, etc.  But it’s worth stating that the Golf R, for as sporty of a drive it delivers, it also comes with incredible fuel economy… somehow?!?!?

So, I think this crazy but it’s not too hard to find criticism of the 2019 Golf R’s exterior styling.  Look, it’s a very subjective thing.  And perhaps if I was in my 20’s or even 30’s I might opine differently.

But I love the outside of the Golf R.  And here’s why.  It is sporty in all the right places without being obnoxious and calling attention to itself.

It is sporty in all the right places without being obnoxious and calling attention to itself.

You have LED lights in the front and rear.  The addition not available that I’d like to see is foglights on the front.

The LED lights do the job.  But foglights always look cool.  And you can never have too much illumination.

Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R

Great looking rims (my test driver had the optional 5-spokes) with black colored brake calipers on display.

5-spoke wheels are my choice.

And my favorite, the rearview subtlely highlighting 4x functional tailpipes.

Those 4-pipes play a sweet sound!

So the perfect fit for this subdued exterior styling is that the Golf R can easily be a daily driver.

But one that literally has a ‘Race mode’.

Lap timer in Race mode

Personally, I’d prefer not to call attention to myself when having fun driving the freeways of Southern California.  Or anyplace else for that matter. ;0)

And much like the outside, the interior of the Golf R is subdued but classy.  It comes only in one color, Titan Black Leather.

Golf R front seats from the back

The fit and finish throughout the interior punches above its weight class.  And even though that’s something that most of us have come to expect from Volkswagen, it’s still notable and appreciated.

The fit and finish throughout the interior punches above its weight class.

I found enough nooks to stash stuff inside the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R.  And when it comes to cargo space the hot-hatch continues to excel with 22.8 cubic feet with the back seats up.

Plenty of versatile cargo space

Drop the back seats down and you grow your cargo space to 42.3 cubic feet.

4-adults can hit the highwayOverall the interior of the Golf R is spacious for what it is.  4-adults can hit the highway and 5-adults can get across town in relative comfort.

The driver’s seat is a 12-way power-adjustable with lumbar support.  But it doesn’t have memory options which are something I’ve grown to really appreciate as I constantly switch cars with my wife.

And the other element of the interior I’d love to see in future Golf R’s is ventilated front seats.  The Golf R does heated front seats for 2019 but not ventilated.

For being a serious enthusiast car the Volkswagen Golf R for 2019 comes with impressive technology and safety features for its class.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit keeps the Golf R leaning tech-forward and delivers great driver-focused functionality.  I was excited to find that feature in VW’s serious performance vehicle.

VW’s Digital Cockpit in Golf R

Additionally, safety technology that comes in the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R but not in much of its class includes:

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you infotained.  And the Fender premium audio system does its namesake justice in pumping out said infotainment.

We cannot cover a Volkswagen review with touching on its industry-leading People First Warranty.

That includes 6-years or 72,000 miles.  It’s a bumper to bumper limited warranty that a dealer like my friends at Ontario VW will be happy to detail for you.

Driver-focused ergonomics

But beyond the great longterm coverage and peace of mind is the fact that the warranty is fully transferable.

So, I really didn’t want my day of test driving the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R to end.  It’s really that fun to drive!

The car has a ton of power for its size.  Again, ‘Race’ is one of it’s driving modes.  And that’s the mode where I spent most of my time driving.

Race mode provided a comfortable enough drive to be in throughout the day, while also providing power and stability whenever I felt like ‘getting on it.’

And not because I was driving aggressively the entire day.

But because Race mode provided a comfortable enough drive to be in throughout the day, while also providing power and stability whenever I felt like ‘getting on it.’

Race mode is a blast

And yes, when in Race mode, there’s a little engine/exhaust sound pumped through the sound system.  I won’t lie, the little kid in me loved it!

Another aspect of driving the 2019 VW Golf R was the combination of the power, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and the dynamic chassis control.

It looks great – and performs even better!

Because combining all of that engineering provided for a truly impressive and exceptional handling experience.

Finally, I’m happy to report that the Golf R isn’t going away for good as previously suggested in the rumor-mill… And I believe that came from VW itself at one point.

Coming soon, the Mk8 Golf R!

Nevertheless, the Golf R Mk 8 (aka Mark 8 and aka 9th generation) is now on VW’s rollout plan for 2021.  So, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Rs will be it for a while.

So, contact my friends at Ontario Volkswagen about the 2019 VW Golf R while they last!

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

Combine the open road and exquisite classic cars

The Motte Historical Car Museum is off the beaten path.  But when you go you’ll surely agree it’s well worth the trip.

Menifee in Southwestern Riverside County plays host to the cozy museum with a collection of very cool classic cars.  And they’re displayed in a building that, while fully restored as well, helps turn back the hands of time just like the vehicles it houses.

Who else but our own Professor, Clinton Quan, made the recent trip and shares the complete report in this iDriveSoCal Podcast.  Click play below and take a look at some of the classic beauties he spotted during his trip.

***Transcription***

Recorded in Los Angeles, CA

Clinton “The Professor” Quan: They’re like, “Wow, I didn’t realize there are so many car shows and I didn’t realize that there were so many car museums.”

Tom: This is the Motte Historical Museum, out in Menifee, California

Clinton Quan: There’s definitely cars from the 1920s,

Tom: Made me think Great Gatsby.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: Like, that time period, right?

Tom: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast. All about mobility, from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with the good Professor, Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello, Clinton.

“Made me think Great Gatsby.”

Professor: Hi, Tom.

Tom: Hello. This podcast, we’re talking about another automotive museum, one that the good Professor kind of pulled out of his bag of tricks…

I don’t know. We’ve almost come to a year of doing the iDriveSoCal podcast and you’re still surprising me with some of these little pocket events in museums and whatnot that you find.

So, keep that up. Let’s see how long you can keep that up until I’m like, “Oh, this one again?”

Professor: I’ll try. But I think a lot of people are really surprised at how many car museums and automotive events in Southern California.

Tom: There’s so much.

1931 Cadillac

Professor: Yeah.

Tom: There’s so much.

Professor: Because a lot of my friends, they’re like, “Wow, I didn’t realize there are so many car shows and I didn’t realize that there were so many car museums.”

Tom: Yeah, all you got to do it look and you can keep yourself busy year-round.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: And hey, partially that’s what iDriveSoCal’s gonna help. We’re gonna be a… Is the right word “repository?”

Professor: You could say that.

Tom: I’m making myself laugh because I’m thinking about other… And whatever. So as we have been, your go-to place. iDriveSoCal.com.

Professor: Resource.

Tom: Yeah, your resource. Thank you. But not only automotive but also the future of mobility.

And a lot of the future of mobility is… Well, we’ll see what it’s gonna be, but it’s an exciting time, right?

1924 Electric Ford Model T

Professor: Yes.

Tom: But for always and all time, there’s going to be a large segment of the population that happens to be in love with cars.

Cars that are coming out of manufacturers right now, rolling off the assembly lines right now, and for some time to come.

For a long time to come, and certainly, the history.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: And this is the Motte Historical Museum, out in Menifee, California, which I guess that’s considered Inland Empire?

Professor: I believe that is considered the Inland Empire. It’s a little east of the city of Perris, which is spelled P-E-R-R-I-S.

Not to be confused with what everyone assumes.

“It’s a little east of the city of Perris… it’s off the 215.”

Tom: Of course, I’ve buzzed by there and I know that I’ve buzzed by Perris, as well as Menifee, and I don’t know what else comes to mind for Menifee, but I know I’ve been through both.

Professor: Yeah, it’s off the 215.

Tom: Okay. So, the Motte Historical Museum has… First off, the museum itself is really old and cool looking.

Professor: Yeah, it looks like a barn.

Tom: From the pictures that you shared, yeah. And so the collection is really neat, too. Do they define their collection? It seems to be ’20s to ’30s, maybe ’40s?

Professor: I think that’s a good description.

Tom: But there’s a Thunderbird that had to be from the ’50s that I saw in the pictures.

Professor: Yeah. It’s probably ’50s, ’60s.

Tom: Anyway, it’s a private collection. Apparently, the Motte brothers-

Professor: Yeah, Motte Classic Cars.

Tom: You know what? I’m stealing your thunder. You tell me about it.

1931 Ford Victoria @ The Motte Historical Museum

Professor: Well, the Motte brothers, they were in the agriculture business.

They were farmers. And-

Tom: Oranges or something, out here? Or do you know what?

Professor: That I don’t know, but probably oranges. I know that in Riverside, that’s-

Tom: Lot of orange groves out there?

Professor: There’s a lot of orange groves out there.

Tom: Okay.

Professor: Yeah, in fact, I believe it’s a state park that’s dedicated to the citrus fruit.

Tom: You grew up here. I did not, so I get a pass on that lack of knowledge.

“…there are about 24 vehicles currently on display in the museum.”

Professor: Yes, you do. So going back to the museum, I think they started their collection back in the 1950s.

They purchased an old Chevrolet and that was the start of the collection and there are about 24 vehicles currently on display in the museum.

They do have more vehicles that they store elsewhere, and they’ll rotate the cars from time to time.

Something for Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone

Professor: It is used as a special events venue, so they do have a number of other special events, including weddings.

It’s a popular wedding venue. If you check out the website, you’ll see some wedding photos, as well. So, if they take the vehicles out and they leave some of them inside, it’s a great place to host a cocktail reception, as well.

Tom: All right. And the cars that they have, again, going back to… Would you say the oldest is… I mean, those hot rods had to be like 1920s?

Professor: Oh, I think there were some cars. There’s definitely cars from the 1920s, I believe.

Tom: Well, the first one that you showed me was a Packard, and that was a beautiful…

Professor: Oh, yeah, a Packard. I believe that was a V12. I would say that car was-

Motte Historical Museum

Tom: I think I saw the placard that-

Professor: Right in the center of the museum.

Tom: And rightfully so. I mean, that thing’s gorgeous.

Professor: Yeah, caught my attention right away.

Tom: I think I saw the placard that said it was a 1937.

Professor: Okay, that sounds right.

Tom: But yeah, so the stuff that you’re going to see at the Motte Historical Museum is-

Professor: Mostly American cars.

Tom: Yeah, it immediately made me think Great Gatsby.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: Like, that time period, right?

Professor: Yeah, it could include that time period, as well.

Tom: And a little bit before, a little bit after.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: On both sides. Excuse me.

Professor: They also had some hot rods, as well.

Tom: Oh yeah?

Professor: Yeah, remember the photo? Three hot rods.

Tom: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, gotcha. But that had to be ’20s.

Professor: Yes.

WWII era Lincoln Continental

Tom: It wasn’t American Graffiti hot-rod kind of thing.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: Okay, so it being called the Motte Historical Museum, were there other pieces of history that were on display, or is it really all automotive?

Professor: It is pretty much an all-automotive museum.

Tom: Okay.

Professor: Now, there is a second floor to the museum. It doesn’t take up the entire space of the museum, and they do talk about the history of the Motte brothers and their influence in the valley, in that area.

Tom: And of course, you focused on absolutely none of that, because you were completely enthralled with the cars, right?

Professor: It’s interesting you use that word “enthralled,” because that came to mind, as well. I was thinking the exact same thing. Yes, that is 100% correct.

Tom: See, if I had gone there, I would look at the cars. I would take pictures. I would read up on them because I have to read all the placards at a museum.

But then I would definitely go read about the guys behind the museum, as well. But that’s how you and I are a little bit different.

Professor: I just went up to one of the staff members there and asked her about the Motte brothers and she just gave me a one-word answer: They were farmers. She just said, “Farmers.”

Like, “Okay, that summarizes.”

Tom: And then she went back to her game on her mobile device that she was playing.

Professor: Either that or reading or doing something.

Tom: Now, the venue, as you said, sure, it can be rented, whatever else.

1950’s Ford Thunderbird @ The Motte Historical Car Museum

But it’s one of these museums like the Marconi, where it’s open only certain times during the week, throughout the year, yeah?

Professor: They’re open Wednesday to Sunday, so they’re only closed Monday and Tuesday.

Tom: So you got the weekends all the time?

Professor: Yeah, you got the weekends all the time and then you got Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Tom: Is there a fee to get in?

Professor: It is complimentary. There is no fee.

Tom: Okay. Not even like a donation box, if you wanted to kick in a couple of bucks or something?

Professor: I’m sure there’s a donation box.

Motte Historical Museum

Tom: Everybody’s got a donation box.

Professor: The hours are ten to four.

Tom: All right.

Professor: Ten to four, Wednesday to Sunday.

Tom: Okay.

Professor: And their one big annual event is The Big Barn Classic Car Show, and that takes place the last weekend in April. I believe it’s a Saturday.

Tom: Big Barn Classic Car Show?

Professor: Yeah. That’s their one big annual event.

Tom: All right. What goes on then?

“…their one big annual event is The Big Barn Classic Car Show, and that takes place the last weekend in April.”

Professor: They have a number of classic cars.

Tom: They show cars.

Professor: They have a number of classic cars from, I’m sure, a lot of people who live in Inland Empire and they want to show off their passion for their classic cars.

Tom: All right, there you have it. Now, you’ve been to this museum before.

Professor: Yes, I’ve been there once before.

Tom: Only one time before?

Professor: Only one other time.

Tom: And this was something that you did while you were on a test drive for one of our partners, right?

It was a vehicle review for the 2019 Honda Civic Coupe, which is a good-looking redesigned vehicle, right?

Professor: Yeah.

Tom: And we’ll save the rest of that for another, but what else about the Motte Historical Museum in Menifee, California, if you have anything else to share?

Professor: Oh, one other thing. They do have another event that will be coming up in February. It will be their open house.

“They do have another event that will be coming up in February. It will be their open house.”

Tom: Okay.

Professor: Yeah, and that will be from … I believe that’s the ninth if I remember correctly, and it’s from ten to two.

Tom: Okay, is that on a Saturday or Sunday, most likely?

Professor: Oh yes. That would definitely be on a weekend.

Motte Historical Car Museum

Tom: Okay. And auto shows, auto museums, always good family-friendly fun, and this looks like a really neat one, too.

It looks like one that I’ll have to be stopping by because I love… Going to see the historical vehicles at a Petersen Automotive Museum is cool.

Professor: Yeah.

Tom: Because they have some amazing vehicles. But then the environment is state of the art.

Professor: Yeah.

Tom: Whereas, this is something where you go and…

Is the building just made to look old, or is it actually old? Or do you know?

Professor: I believe it is actually old, yes.

Tom: Because it looks like it’s in an old barn that’s been updated, converted, whatever.

Professor: Yes.

Tom: And it’s just a neat, neat space. So not to plug you guys, but hey, why not? It’s such a neat space. It would be a cool space for an event, such as a wedding or whatnot.

But honestly, didn’t mean to be a commercial for events at the Motte Historical Museum. But a cool spot, nonetheless.

So, Professor, are you good?

Professor: Yes.

Tom: All right. Thank you, as always, good Professor, for your expert analysis, in this case of a Southern California automotive museum, again, the Motte Historical Museum in Menifee, California.

For iDriveSoCal, I am Tom Smith. As always, thank you so much for tuning in.