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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #319

It’s been a wild month for Alan, and we catch up with him after his recent trip to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). We begin the hour with Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, who chats about the auto shows, new cars that will be making their way to the big screen this year, and the mighty Dodge Demon. Next, Steven Cole Smith discusses changes happening in the ever-evolving world of NASCAR. Then, we shift gears and talk car shows with BJ Killeen who offers her thoughts on NAIAS and the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year (NACTOY). We end the show with MMC Detroit’s David Wise who shares detailed information about the importance of ‘numbers matching’ vehicles. Tune in now.

• [00:00:00] Motor Trend Live Stage
• [00:06:33] Ford GT Sold for $2.5 Million
• [00:12:30] Over $100-million to Charity
• [00:19:53] Hyundai’s Feature in Ant-Man
• [00:28:34] Dodge Demon Gets Attention
• [00:35:55] Small, Affordable Pick-Up Truck
• [00:42:15] NAIAS Has Changed
• [00:48:47] NACTOY and Honda Accord
• [00:54:46] Dodge Revamps Old Platform
• [01:02:08] Pealing Back the VIN Onion
• [01:11:34] ‘Numbers Matching’ Goes Way Back
• [01:18:10] A Million Dollar Difference

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Motor Trend Live Stage

Digital media is making everything more accessible, including broadcasting auto shows to the masses. Alan spent over eight hours a day on the Motor Trend Live Stage at Barrett-Jackson. We discuss, along with Josh Hancock, the Discovery Network’s buy out of The Enthusiast Network (TEN). This gave the network access to a huge source of digital assets helping them reach a much wider range of viewership. Discovery has been broadcasting the Barrett-Jackson auction live over their network since 2015, and now they have even more outlets. The Motor Trend Live Stage played host to the vehicles after they rolled off the auction block, and Alan and co-hosts got to share detailed information after the sale. Every year there is an automotive wealth of knowledge at Barrett-Jackson. Hear more now.

[00:06:33] Ford GT Sold for $2.5 Million

This year there was a show stopper of a charity car at Barrett-Jackson and it left NASCAR Hall of Famer, Ray Evernham, speechless. A 2017 Ford GT was donated by Ron Pratte to the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation, which benefits the Autism Society of North Carolina’s IGNITE program. The car sold for $2.5 million while Ray Evernham, Ford Motor Company’s Raj Nair, and racing icon Chip Ganassi adorned the stage. Only 1,000 of these cars are being made and sold for $500,000 apiece, so it was worth every penny that was sent to the charity. After Ray had mellowed from the initial shock, he said that this is going to be a huge game changer for his foundation. Learn more now.

[00:12:30] Over $100-million to Charity

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale is known for its unique rides, heavy-handed bidders, and philanthropic contributions. We chat with Josh Hancock of JoshCAR about a few cars auctioned off this year. There was the original Bullitt Mustang from Steve McQueen’s famous San Francisco car chase scene, which went home with its lucky new owner for $300,000. Also, George W. Bush, alongside Jay Leno, auctioned off a Corvette signed by the 43rd President of the United States, himself. It sold for $1.4-million and benefited the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Military Service Initiative. There was a log car that got resold three times in a row totaling $350,000 benefiting Hope for Heros, National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, and The Royal Canadian Legion. Are you curious about the car that made Craig Jackson tear up?

[00:19:53] Hyundai’s Feature in Ant-Man

We all remember Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds, don’t we? It’s no doubt that movies are an excellent way for a new car to gain traction with fans. Hollywood car consultant Josh Hancock, explains that OEMs are spending a lot of money to have their rides featured in big box office movies. Recently, Hyundai has thrown down some dough to star in the newest Marvel film, Ant-Man. Also, after 12 years circulating through Hollywood, the screenplay for Go Like Hell may finally make it to the big screen. It depicts the story of Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari’s feud and their wars surrounding LaMans. Shifting gears a bit, Josh tells us about a custom designed car that Shaquille O’Neal is having made and rumors of John Wick 3. Hollywood continues to zoom their way into our hearts.

[00:28:34] Dodge Demon Gets Attention

If you took hold of a beast, would you stop talking about it? Of course not! Alan is excited about his newest purchase, a 2018 Dodge Demon and Steven Cole Smith joins in to praise the monstrous ride. The first opportunity that Steven had to test drive the Demon left him feeling as though he could drive it every day, and while most thought the statement crazy, Alan understands. Recently, at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, a brand new Demon, with four miles on it, sold for $159,500, which is $78,500 over sticker price. This is a special car and it should be treated like one, with only 3,300 being manufactured total. Hear what President of Dodge, Tim Kuniskis, has to say about the limited production number.

[00:35:55] Small, Affordable Pick-Up Truck

The year of the truck is upon us, and the Big Three (General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) are releasing large and midsized trucks galore but where are the small, affordable trucks. Automotive journalist Steven Cole Smith tells us that if someone came up with a small truck for roughly $20,000, it would sell like crazy. While we wait for the final MSRP on the 2019 Ford Ranger, we know the other two competing smaller trucks are not cheap. Does an inexpensive truck tickle your fancy? Changing lanes, Steven also gives us a quick update on changes to NASCAR, and on Danica Patrick.

[00:42:15] NAIAS Has Changed

This year in the zero degree weather of Detroit, NAIAS didn’t have much to warm us up with. Automotive journalist BJ Killeen shares her slight disappointment with the large auto show. She was hoping to see the mid-engine Corvette but Chevrolet came with trucks. Chevy made a great choice though because it was the year of the truck and Ford even showed off their new Ford Ranger. Many other cars had nice redesigns but still weren’t able to stand out in the crowd. Following suit, some large manufacturers had separate, invite-only unveilings off-site and BJ and Alan theorize about why this is becoming the norm. Do you think these large auto shows are losing their appeal?

[00:48:47] NACTOY and Honda Accord

NAIAS  may have been a little bit of a let down this year, but there was excitement around the NACTOY awards. Automotive journalist BJ Killeen discusses her thoughts on the winners this year. It’s true, many thought that the Kia Stinger would take home Car of the Year, but the 2018 Honda Accord was the victor. Volvo’s 2018 XC60 deservingly cruised away as Utility of the Year, with its elegant interior and wealth of safety features. The Truck of the Year surprised many, as it is more SUV than truck. However, the body-on-frame design placed the futuristic and luxurious 2017 Lincoln Navigator in this category. Will these results sway your new car buying decisions in 2018?

[00:54:46] Dodge Revamps Old Platform

We’ve all heard about the magnificent machine that is the Dodge Demon, but there is more to this design than many realize. Automotive journalist BJ Killeen explains why she’s impressed by Dodge’s decision to build something like this. The Challenger platform that this beast was built on is already ten years old and Dodge chose a masterful way to give it a little longer life. BJ is really impressed by the car because she appreciates when a company does something really unique. Technology is homogenizing our life on the road and some gearheads still need to hear that growl. Does the need for speed stir something within you?

[01:02:08] Pealing Back the VIN Onion

In the collector car hobby, we often hear the term ‘numbers matching’ and while it sounds fairly self-explanatory, there is so much more to it. MMC Detroit’s David Wise is well versed in the world of matching VIN numbers. Author of 15 reference manuals, David has made it his life to really understand where cars come from. He shares tips on the best way to go about deciding the importance of the uniformity of these numbers before you make a purchase. Purist collectors often dig down to the minute details of the tags, while others just want the most important figures to line up. Is your ride really as valuable as you thought?

[01:11:34] ‘Numbers Matching’ Goes Way Back

If you are an automotive enthusiast, then it’s likely that you’ve searched out your VIN plates. David Wise of MMC Detroit, LLC. explains his experience with the hunt for matching numbers. These numbers go back to their original build and often as the car is up-fitted or refurbished the original parts get lost. These numbers could make a significant difference in the value of your precious ride. The best way to accurately assess your ‘numbers matching’ would be to have a professional give it a hands-on inspection. Do you know what your numbers are?

[01:18:10] A Million Dollar Difference

While the ‘numbers matching’ protocol can mean different things to different buyers, location and awareness of your VIN numbers can be very valuable. David Wise of MMC Detroit, LLC. tells us that the rarity of the vehicle can make a million dollar difference, and it’s important to have a vehicle inspected before buying or selling. ‘Numbers matching’ isn’t typically important when it comes to a fleet or mass production car but one-offs should be documented down to every part. David’s company can be hired to inspect every inch of your chariot for a very reasonable fee. Are you ready to up the value of your ride?

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant,  JoshCAR
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
• Guest: Steven Cole Smith | Automotive Journalist, autoweek.com
• Guest:  David Wise | Managing Partner, MMC Detroit, LLC.
• Event: North American International Auto Show
• Event:: Barrett-Jackson
• Award: North American Car, Truck, Utility of the Year Awards
• Vehicles: Barrett-Jackson Charity Cars

Episode Credits:

• Program Host: Alan Taylor
• Producer: Dave Milligan
• Production Assistant: Joanne Bolden
• Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
• Copy Editor: Jess Baumgardner

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• Barrett-Jackson
• Brembo
• Bridgestone
• Craftsman
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Go RVing
• Haynes Automotive Manuals
• Katzkin
• Patriot Outreach
• Pennzoil
• Shell
• Subaru

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