The Carmudgeon Show

By Hagerty MediaComedy Leisure Automotive

The Carmudgeon Show episodes

August 17 Monterey Car Week Recap, Live at The Hagerty House — Carmudgeon w/ Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott Ep. 249
Monterey Car Week 2026 - another wild ride. This week, we come live from Pebble Beach at the Hagerty House with a live studio audience!Jason and Derek dive into all the different happenings this year - and determine whether or not this year was better or worse than others previously.Jason brought his Rover SD1 to show, and his Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap to go - with appearances including but not limited to: Monterey British, Concours For A Cure, Little Car Show, Concours D’Lemons, Motorlux, Quail Motorsports Gathering, and Pebble Beach Concours. Jason and Derek discuss the good, bad, and the (beautifully) ugly - what’s improved, worsened, and stayed the same.One thing is for sure - the broccoli heads in the G80 M3s are here to stay. But have THEY ruined everything for other attendees? Maybe not…Derek revisits various auction results from Broad Arrow, as well as Gooding and RM Sothebys. This episode was recorded before the $40M Ferrari Luce sale - however some other notable discussed results include the S123 Mercedes-Benz 280TE with a $252K sale, the $17M Ferrari SP3, and several others.Jason and Derek’s favorite new unveiling was of course the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) S1 - which in many ways, is the rebirth of the road-going McLaren F1. The interest in the S1, the GMA T.33 and T.50, and manual Porsche GT cars has led to a trend of manufactures releasing new manual offerings - including the McLaren McL 6GT and Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale. Could this trend continue to repeat? Only time (and money) will tell…All this and more, on this week’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show.

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1 hr 10 min
August 10 Is the Best Lamborghini Behind Us? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott Ep. 248
This week: Jason recaps the latest Hagerty ICONS video - discussing Temerario, the new baby Lamborghini, and its siblings from different eras of baby Lambo family tree. Needless to say, it’s quite a performer - the likes of which have never been approached by any other non-speciality Lamborghini ever. But is that alone enough to make it an icon?
Maybe not. But why?
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The latest ICONS video goes over three distinct chapters in the history of the Baby Lamborghini, each defined by the engine - the first of which is the cross-plane crank V8 era led by the Urraco, Silhouette, and Jalpa. We learn - these cars are pleasantly surprising to drive near their limits, and while they were all a lot slower than the V12 Countach that joined the lineup in the late 70s/early 80s, they exhibited playful driving characteristics, exotic interiors, great sounds, and other pleasant surprises you might not expect. But despite their charm, they didn’t do well for the brand - and Lamborghini struggled to move them.
And so, baby Lambos went on hiatus for a while. But after Audi obtained Lamborghini, they returned - in the form of the Gallardo and Huracán. And quite the opposite happened - a brand once struggling, came back to life filled with 10 cylinder song, and stuck around for well over 15 years.
But what about the newest era - the Temerario, and its hybrid flat-plane crank V8? Will it continue to impress like its 10 cylinder siblings did? Or is it too complicated and too focused on speed to bring the same life back to the brand?
And as we approach Monterey Car Week, the topic returns - what group of cars and drivers will wreak the most havoc? Will it be the Altima drivers? G80 M3s?
Or will it be supercars - perhaps…the ones discussed in this episode?
We’ll find out later this week! In the meantime, watch this episode to find out - or, watch the latest ICONS first! The choice is yours…

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1 hr 1 min
August 03 What Defines Automotive Authenticity? — Carmudgeon Ep. 247 w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Toyota Land Cruiser + 4Runner, Porsche 911, Ford F-150, and Range Rover, all have several things in common. Slow depreciation compared to other vehicles in their class, nameplates that have lasted for decades, loyal owners that keep coming back for more and bucket listed for others.
But what’s the ONE thing they all unanimously share? Automotive authenticity.
That’s right - these vehicles have never strayed too far from their original design and intended purpose since inception. The Ford F-150 has always been a rugged, body-on-frame truck. The G-Wagen, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser have always been boxy SUVs that have stayed true to their design and off-road capability without compromise. The Porsche 911 has always had the engine behind its driver and will continue to do so until the end of time.
Today’s episode explores more into what authenticity - and deception - mean in an automotive context. Blob-shaped SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Ferrari Purosangue are one thing - they claim to do everything well, but end up not fully delivering on this promise and often depreciate like rocks.
On the subject of deception - Jason and Derek discuss the new Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale - the most recent car of its kind which claims to be a manual and automatic at the same time, by automating a dual clutch transmission to operate like a manual on demand - third pedal, gated shifter and all. But is it really good for the brand in the long run vs. spending the development cost on a real manual?
The Carmudgeons….carmudgeonate on our behalf. Tune in to find out.

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1 hr 3 min
July 27 The Highs & Lows of Working In The Automotive Industry — Carmudgeon Ep. 246 w/ Jason Cammisa & DTS
On today's episode, Jason and Derek settle a common debate - as a lifelong car enthusiast, is working in the automotive industry a dream job?
Short answer: It's wonderful - but if it were as amazing as it seems 100% of the time, none of us would be paid to work in it.
Jason gives us the rundown of his time in the industry - and we quickly realize, there's a lot of prep that happens behind the scenes of Revelations, Cammisa's Ultimate Drag Race & Ultimate Lap Battle, and other Hagerty Media pieces. This includes a sneak peak in the latest upcoming Lamborghini piece, featuring the Urraco, Jalpa, Countach, Gallardo, Revuelto, Temerario, and Jason's Ferrari 308 GT4 - many of which explored several states of function and non-function...
Derek gives us a view into his world - one which he often has to travel around the globe to stand out as a collector car dealer in the modern era. Driving and experiencing dream cars around the world can be quite fun, but perhaps having to manage a personality or two, plus getting sick on an airplane.
All that and much more on this week's episode of The Carmudgeon Show.

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1 hr 19 min
July 20 The Ugliest US Bumpers Ever Produced — Carmudgeon Ep. 245 w Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott
Today’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show is a bumper episode. It’s also a headlight, taillight, and side market episode - all of the above which were effected greatly in the mid-1970s to 1980s by updated US Department of Transportation regulations in 1974.===Visit http://JasonSentMe.com to get a Hagerty Guaranteed Value (TM) collector-car insurance quote! ===
But first, a Rover update!! The Rover is back (temporarily) on the west coast - we get some long awaited updates, new plans, and of course a new chapter of the saga which may send the car back where it just was……the project never stops!
5-mph bumpers were one of the crucial components removed from the Rover to make it tolerable to look at today. These US-mandated bumpers (and headlights and taillights) the bane of existence for many European and Japanese manufactures in period. Most of these manufactures were so perturbed by this regulation, that the bumper integration became a bit of an afterthought. Cars like the Mercedes-Benz R107 and W116 were considered some of the worst offenders given the size and integration of the bumper in comparison to the car’s raw proportions. Other cars like the BMW E21, E23, E24, E28, and E30 were also repeat offenders. Other cars mentioned include but are not limited to: Maserati Bora, Lamborghini Countach, Rover SD1, Volkswagen Scirocco (MK2) + Cabriolet, Citroen CX, Jaguar XJS, Alfa Romeo Spider, Honda Accord, Datsun Z, BMW 2002, Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota Corolla, Ford Taurus, and Ford Thunderbird.
Rarely, did a manufacture decide they would go the extra mile and integrate the bumper into the design of the car - the G-body Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette C3 were one of the few of the time.
And if you didn’t get enough Rover air time this episode or need a recap, Jason’s just written a 5 column article for The Intercooler about his experience so far - you can red it here: https://www.the-intercooler.com/library/features/america-fast-part-two/

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1 hr 7 min
July 13 20 Years In Automotive Journalism: Jason Cammisa’s Most Insane Assignment 20 Years In Automotive Journalism: Jason Cammisa’s Most Insane Assignment — Carmudgeon Ep. 244
Just three days ago, Jason celebrated 20 years in an automotive journalism!

The industry has changed in a number of ways - most noticeably, with video taking over as the primary consumed content medium over print. Jason’s career started at the beginning of the end of the print heydays - a time vastly different than the one we’re currently living in.

Jason’s story starts in Ann Arbor, MI in 2007 - where actually, it almost stopped completely. Very quickly, he’s thrown into the middle of a pyramidal power struggle between the domain name-owning agency Automotive.com, and his in-person editorial team. From getting a speeding ticket on his first day with a press car, to getting fired by one internal team and immediately re-hired by another, to living in a place he struggled to call home, Jason nearly threw in the towel.

But automotive legend Jean Jennings - his (real) boss at the time - is one of the reasons you see him with us today. And a trip from New York to New Orleans in a $250 Cadillac Fleetwood Limo cemented - but almost shattered - their relationship.

This episode, amongst other parts of Jason’s career - is primarily about that perilous journey. Jason recounts his time in a broken-frame Cadillac limo with Jean and another automotive legend - Sam Smith - with nearly 100 breakdowns, bruises, burns, pink tutus and tuxedos, rubber ducks, and unbearable heat.

But somehow, they made it - and you can read more about it here from the original airing of the article in Automobile Magazine in 2007: http://bit.ly/4vqFvhw

(Also, a link to the 1983 Car And Driver Mexico Torture Test - you’ll understand why later in the show: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g17857487/escape-from-baja-mexican-sports-sedan-torture-test-archived-comparison-test-gallery/ )

All this and much more on this special episode of The Carmudgeon Show.

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1 hr 21 min
July 06Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott Guess Collector Car Auction Prices! — The Carmudgeon Show Ep. 243
On today’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show - Jason and Derek compete against each other in a Price Is Right-style game show! Rather than going over the price, the objective is to get as close as possible whether being under or over the result. The winner does not, in fact, get a new car - but is instead continuously ridden with car problems of many sorts, which of course means more opportunities for Carmudgeoning.

Our discussion points include:
2003 Bentley Arnage R

1989 Volkswagen Best Seller Wolfsburg Limited Edition Cabriolet

1988 BMW M3

2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Sahara 4x4

2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster 6-Speed Conversion

1984 Rover Vitesse SD1 TWR Group A Spec

1977 Fiat Bertone 850 T Visitors Bus

1990 Porsche 911 Targa

2002 Ferrari 360 Spider 6-Speed

1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel

Jason also gives us an update on his Rover SD1 and his Volkswagen Cabrio VR6 swap - including the good, the bad, but not the ugly! The Rover returns to California after more than 15 months of being away, but alas - it’s not quite finished. The Cabrio, while also not quite finished, is finally CARB legal!

All that and more on that process in this episode of The Carmudgeon Show.

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54 min
June 30 Rivian R2 Review + Torturing The Chief Designer & Engineer Live — Carmudgeon Ep. 242 w Jason Cammisa
On today’s episode, Jason and Derek get some exclusive seat time: both with the new Rivian R2, and with Rivian’s Chief Designer Officer Jeff Hammoud and Chief R2 Engineer Max Koff!
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The show hits the road, traveling to Rivian’s beautiful flagship space in San Francisco, where Jeff and Max face their worst nightmare: being peppered with questions and feedback about the new R2 - a make-or-break vehicle for the company. After Jason and Derek’s collective ~200 miles, they cover a host of issues - new design + UX features (halo wheels, rear drop glass, to name a few), acceleration times, uphill burnouts, R1 vs. R2, and most importantly (to Jason only) - the absence of Apple CarPlay. And of course, no episode is complete without a mention of Sacco Mercedes-Benzes and old Volkswagens (Mk1 Scirocco and Mk3 Corrado VR6).
Will the R2 allow Rivian to continue its planned trajectory as a manufacture? And what’s going on with R3?? Time will tell, but we have a suspicion the Tesla Model Y better watch its back…

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1 hr 40 min
June 15 An Actually Usable VW Bus: The Kindred EV Bus — Carmudgeon Ep 241 w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott
This week, we drive an icon that’s been electrified - the Kindred EV Bus, based off of the Volkswagen Microbus. While most of us typically mourn the conversion of many classic cars to EV, this particular conversion may change your mind…
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While most EV conversions strip away the character and soul of a gas car with a great engine, the Volkswagen Microbus is one of those vehicles that was never really defined by its engine. Well, actually - if it was - it was defined by its acceleration, or rather the lack thereof. Many VW Buses had no more than 50 horsepower to work with, making them virtually undriveable above 50 MPH.
The Kindred EV Bus, however, rewrites the rulebook - accelerating from 0-60 in just 7.6 seconds. While that may not seem particularly notable when many modern EVs are twice as fast, this changes the game for this 23-window Microbus - making it genuinely usable in everyday driving. And when the rest of the vehicle was already defined by its iconic styling and form within function, is it now even better than original?
All this and more on this week’s episode of The Carmudgeon Show. Special thanks to Kindred Motorworks for lending us this bus for testing! Check them out at https://kindredmotorworks.com/

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58 min
June 08 This Unicorn Diesel Manual Slicktop Wagon Is One of Sacco’s Best — Carmudgeon Ep 240 w Jason Cammisa
You know the saying - the grass is always greener on the other side. Well…that same grass might be covered in diesel soot - but we don’t care!

Many American car enthusiasts will forever desire the forbidden European diesels we were never offered here in the US. Derek decided he’d had enough - and went some lengths to acquire his new unicorn wagon - a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C250 Turbodiesel (S202). And the level of unicorn doesn’t stop at diesel station wagon - this one is also has a 5-speed manual, a slicktop, cloth seats, AND a Bruno Sacco design - making it 100% Carmudgeonation-proof.

Our hosts Derek Tam-Scott and Jason Cammisa discuss why the S202 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is such a desirable package even 30+ years after it debuted. Moreover, Derek and Jason discuss why diesels are much more enthusiastic than others may think - citing examples like the euro-only BMW M550d and Audi S6 TDI Avant. Also discussed are the endless variants of Mercedes diesels and their tune-ability, primarily discussing the OM605 and OM606 “superturbo” builds found on a variety of different Mercedes-Benzes from the 1980s to the early 2000s, from W123 to W210 and beyond.

All this and more, on this episode of The Carmudgeon Show.

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1 hr 1 min

About The Carmudgeon Show

From the publisher's feed

Part of the Hagerty Podcast Network, the Carmudgeon Show is a comedic, information-filled conversation with Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott, two car enthusiasts who are curmudgeonly beyond their years. Proving you don’t have to be old to be grumpy, they spend each episode talking about what’s wrong with various parts of the automotive universe. Despite their best efforts to keep it negative, they usually wind up laughing, happy, and extolling their love for cars. Which just makes them angrier and more bitter.