Best BMW Group Classic Podcasts (2024)

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#53 Classic Heart with Dee Fragos 37:41

13d ago37:41

37:41

Mechanic Dee Fragos has been repairing cars since he was 13 years old and used to get the spare parts he needed by bus. He talks about his original classic Mini pick-up, why Mini pick-ups are a little known secret and very rare today, how he was almost born in his grandfather’s Mini and how he went on an incredible tour to celebrate the brand’s 60t…

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Past Gas #251: The Original SUV The Ford Bronco Copied 1:00:38

16m ago1:00:38

1:00:38

This week on Past Gas, it’s the history of International Harvester! How did they start America’s love affair with the SUV? How did they get there from making plows and threshers? And why, after a huge run of success, did they fall off the map? Find out today on Past Gas. More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follow Joe on IG…

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Past Gas #250: Mercedes VS BMW in Group A 52:04

13h ago52:04

52:04

This week on Past Gas, it’s the final episode of our series on BMW vs Benz: Group A! How did a 100-year-old automotive cold war suddenly turn hot? How did a new set of rules handed down in 1982 result in some of the greatest cars ever sold showing up at dealerships worldwide? How did evolution after evolution of motors, suspensions, and body panels…

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Why Old Volkswagens Smell Like Crayons - Past Gas LIVE 1:04:35

5d ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Join Nolan, Joe and special guests Jeremiah Burton and Justin Freeman for a very special live event, recorded at Dynasty Typewriter in LA. They dive deep into listener-submitted topics such as Jungle Jim & Pam, Rudolf Diesel and figure out why the heck old VW's smell like crayons. Thanks to our sponsors: Get 20% off your first order now at https://…

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Past Gas #249: BMW in Group A Racing 42:39

8d ago42:39

42:39

In the second part of our series on Group A Racing, we take a look at Mercedes’ primary rival - BMW! How did a glorified bicycle launch one of the most long-lived racing programs in history? How did a handful of Mercedes engineers inspire one of the greatest touring cars ever made? How did BMW turn the e30 into a global superpower? Today, in Part T…

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Past Gas #248: Mercedes in Group A Racing 43:56

19d ago43:56

43:56

It’s the first part of our series on Group A Racing! We’re diving into how it got started and how it led to one of the most intense rivalries in racing history. How did Mercedes executives turning their back on factory racing sponsorships lead directly to one of the biggest Group A rivalries ever? How did the Audi Quattro push Mercedes Benz into Gr…

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Past Gas #247: The Drug Smuggling Brothers That Beat Paul Newman 49:17

26d ago49:17

49:17

This week, we’re telling you the wild story about two brothers that were fixtures in both the Indycar and NASCAR circuits but ended up in prison for operating a drug running operation. It's the story of Bill and Don Whittington…How did these unknown brothers from Texas win Le Mans in their first real race? And how did they evade law enforcement for…

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#52 Classic Heart with Georgia Peck 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

Georgia Peck has a real MINI love story to tell. Brimming with adventure, she also tells us how she races motorcycles at the Malle Mile Festival, why she is fascinated by the BMW R 80 G/S and what wing walking feels like. Plus she explains how she renovated a BMW 2002 with her company Aubrey Peck and organized the memorial service for Stirling Moss…

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Past Gas #246: Pimp My Ride Was a Cultural Moment 56:15

1M ago56:15

56:15

We’re heading back to the early 2000’s to tell you the COMPLETE history of Pimp My Ride! How did it become the top-rated car show on TV? Why did it disappear so quickly after reaching such great heights? And how many of those cars are actually still on the road today? Thanks to our sponsors: Need to hire? You need Indeed. Go to https://Indeed.com/P…

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Past Gas #245: Hot Rods Were The Original Tuner Cars 53:07

1M ago53:07

53:07

This week on Past Gas…it’s the history of Hot Rodding! Hot rod culture might seem tame today, and is probably more associated with baby boomer car shows than rebellious street racers. But the engine building and custom aesthetic work hot rodders did during their heyday not only kickstarted the aftermarket performance and car enthusiast media indust…

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#51 Classic Heart with George Bamford 39:42

2M ago39:42

39:42

George Bamford talks about how he shares a passion for cars with his father Lord Bamford and where they differ, how he built up his own collection, why he bought two BMW Alpina B12 Coupé as his first cars and why he loves his BMW Z1. He tells us which cars could be the next icons, what has made his Tyre Kicker Club so legendary, why he likes unusua…

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Past Gas #244: Junior Johnson: The Whiskey Smuggler Who Revolutionized Racing 53:43

2M ago53:43

53:43

Junior Johnson's moonshining days were just the start of a remarkable journey that would see him revolutionize the sport of stock car racing. From a stint in jail, to discovering the drafting technique that forever changed how cars raced, to owning a championship-winning team and receiving a presidential pardon, Junior was the true definition of a …

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Past Gas #243: Isuzu: The Unsung JDM Hero 59:55

2M ago59:55

59:55

Today on Past Gas, What happened to Isuzu? How could a company that built such a strong foothold in popular culture during the 80’s and 90’s become such a failure in the 2000’s? And where are they now? The answers to those questions are as winding as its namesake, Japan’s Isuzu River. This is the rise and fall of Isuzu. This episode is sponsored by…

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Past Gas #242: How These Feuding Brothers Traded 500 mph Records 59:41

2M ago59:41

59:41

Brothers Walt and Art Arfons would set and break the Land Speed record three separate times from 1960-1965. They would achieve these records while refusing to set foot on the Salt Flats at the same time nor speaking to one another for years. By 1960, the brothers’ relationship had deteriorated so completely that they would work on their cars in sep…

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Past Gas #241: The NASCAR Truck Series Had A Lot of Firsts 54:03

2M ago54:03

54:03

Today on Past Gas: We’re taking a look at the origin of the NASCAR truck series. What makes these big, fast trucks so special? And who were the oddballs who thought to put pickups on a banked oval, anyway? Today on Past Gas, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series! Thanks to our sponsors: Need to hire? You need Indeed: https://Indeed.com/PASTGAS This epi…

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#50 Classic Heart with Simon Kidston 53:58

3M ago53:58

53:58

The day after the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2024, Simon Kidston talks enthusiastically about what the event was like. He provides fascinating insights into every part of the Concorso, recounts the best stories about the vehicles and explains how the atmosphere manages to be so exclusive and relaxed at the same time. This episode is also avai…

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Past Gas #240: This Engine Dominated Racing For 50 years 49:05

3M ago49:05

49:05

On today’s episode of Past Gas, we’re talking about Offenhauser: one of the most legendary engine manufacturers of all time. How did they remain competitive for nearly 50 years? How did they pull off one of the most dominant runs in motorsport history? Tune in, and find out! Thanks to our sponsors: Go to https://SHOPIFY.COM/gas now to grow your bus…

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Past Gas #239: What Really Happened At Orange County Choppers 56:33

3M ago56:33

56:33

Today on Past Gas: We’re going back to the early 2000’s to give you the full history of Orange County Choppers! How did a gruff steel worker from the Catskills change motorcycles forever? How did he and his son become the biggest thing in reality TV? And why did he nearly lose that son in the process? Thanks to our sponsors: Turn your ordinary wate…

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#49 Classic Heart with Tariq Moosa 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

Tariq Chip Moosa explains why classic BMWs are so important in the car scene, what BMW means to him personally, how he built his award-winning BMW 3.0 CS (E9) and how his company Chicanos Customs has become the largest in the region. Tariq Chip Moosa on Instagram @chip_moosa/ Chicanos Customs on Instagram @chicanos.customs/ BMW Group Classic on Ins…

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Past Gas #238: Katsuhiro Ueo: Japan’s AE86 Drift Legend 56:34

3M ago56:34

56:34

When Katsuhiro Ueo got his first taste of drifting, he was told he couldn’t do it. He was too old. But little did the world know that his passion for motorsports and engineering would combine with his immensely tough work ethic to make him a true legend in the sport, and within just a couple of short years. But who is Katsuhiro Ueo? What was the mo…

1
Past Gas #237: Tommykaira: The Japanese Tuners That Perfected the GTR 46:17

3M ago46:17

46:17

There are some fascinating stories behind many iconic factory performance cars, their origins rooted in after-hours tinkering by passionate engineers. And then there’s those who love tinkering after a car hits the market. Today the guys talk about a brand that’s often overlooked, and has created some truly awesome versions of already-renowned platf…

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#48 Classic Heart with Katarina Kyvalova 49:25

4M ago49:25

49:25

Racing driver Katarina Kyvalova tells us how the BMW Z3 M Coupé sparked her racing fever and which iconic female drivers inspired her. She gives great insights into the world of classic motor sport, shares her personal experiences and offers us a preview of the upcoming events in her diary, like the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the Peking to…

1
Past Gas #236: The Rowdiest Family in F1 History 54:22

4M ago54:22

54:22

Gilles Villeneuve and his family have left a lasting mark on racing and its history. How did the Canadian hot head Gilles walk into Ferrari and immediately earn their respect? What did he do to get a circuit named after him? And how did Gilles’s son Jacques become a legend in his own right? Today on Past Gas, the story of Formula One racer Gilles V…

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Past Gas #235: Datsun, Pt 2: Why Datsun Had To Die 53:46

4M ago53:46

53:46

In 1967, Yutaka Katayama, or Mr. K, is now President of Nissan North America. He’s just been called to Nissan HQ to select a concept design to replace the aging Fairlady Roadster. But unbeknownst to the other executives on the selection committee, Mr. K has been quietly operating behind the scenes to push his preferred design through. The concept i…

1
#47 Classic Heart with Sean Myers of Precision Sport 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

Sean Myers from Precision Sport raves about his classic BMW 3 Series (E36). He tells us how he used to go to race events as a child and how he channels his passion into his BMW garage PSI in Florida. Sean Myers on Instagram @seanmyers PSI on Instagram @precisionsport BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠@bmwclassic⁠ JP Rathgen and Classic Driver on Inst…

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Past Gas #234: Datsun, Pt 1: Why Nissan Created Datsun 49:25

4M ago49:25

49:25

August, 1958. Nissan ad man Yutaka Katayama, known to most as Mr. K, is in Sydney, Australia was leading a two car team of Datsun 210s in the brand’s first official motorsport event.The brand had gotten its start barely 20 years ago, and was now in Australia to build brand recognition for their impending global expansion. It was a huge gamble. And …

1
Past Gas #233: Bathurst 1000: Australia’s Most Brutal Endurance Race 50:57

4M ago50:57

50:57

Over the past several decades, “The Great Race” has become a vital part of the fabric of Australian motorsport, and by extension, Australian culture. How did the Bathurst 1000 change Australian motorsport? How has one event given the racing world everything from V8 Supercars to the R32 GT-R known as “Godzilla?” And what about it has made it a cultu…

1
#46 Classic Heart with Stefan Bogner 31:58

5M ago31:58

31:58

Stefan Bogner is a designer and photographer with family links to the BOGNER fashion brand. Here, he talks about his CURVES magazine and his photos of empty roads, and provides some great inspiration for road trips. He also shares his perspective on futuristic car design. Stefan Bogner / CURVES magazine on Instagram @curvesmagazin BMW Group Classic…

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Past Gas #232: What Happened with SAAB? Pt 2 1:02:40

4M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Despite its affinity for front-wheel drive cars, especially in its legendary 99 and 900 badges, Swedish automaker Saab still managed to sell one of its properly cool cars as a wagon with all-wheel drive. The 9-2X Aero. But here’s the thing: It wasn’t a true Saab, but a mashup of GM DNA mixed with Subaru. And, it was entirely built by Subaru, too. B…

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Past Gas #231: What Happened with SAAB? Pt 1 51:44

5M ago51:44

51:44

The story of Saab is one of out-of-the-box thinking. This Swedish brand barely made it past its 70th birthday before it died, but the legacy it built throughout those decades made it something truly special. But what made Saab such a legend in all things detail-oriented and quirky? What were the most legendary and popular models, and what made them…

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#45 Classic Heart with Randy Nonnenberg 39:06

5M ago39:06

39:06

Randy Nonnenberg shares his stories about how he used to work at BMW M GmbH and the BMW Technology Office in Palo Alto, how he professionalised his hobby of searching for cars and founded the classic car auction site “Bring a Trailer”, why he loves his BMW 535is (E28) and what fascinates him about BMW racing cars from the 1970s. Randy Nonnenberg on…

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The Big Three #4: This Car Show is Banning Dodge Chargers 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

This week, the boys dive into the F1 Australian Grand Prix, Fiskers downfall and pay respects to Marcello Gandini. Plus, a Cybertruck update and why a Houston car meet is banning muscle cars. More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follow Joe on IG and Twitter @joegweber. Follow James on IG and Twitter @jamespumphrey. Follow D…

1
Past Gas #230: The Bugatti Queen: Sex, Drugs, & Racing in the Roaring 20s 46:24

5M ago46:24

46:24

With hands blistered by a red-hot steering wheel and a head still reeling from a long night of sex and champagne, Hellé Nice won the first all-female Grand Prix at Montlhéry. The next day, Bugatti invited her to their showroom to convince Nice to compete under their name. She signed a sponsorship deal with Lucky Strike cigarettes, and with her imma…

1
The Big Three #3: Is Nissan Killing The GTR? 51:45

5M ago51:45

51:45

This week the boys chat about all the new (old) cars we're able to import in 2024, how Porsche's new hybrid drivetrain might piss some people off, and the exciting start to F1 Academy. Plus, after a 17 year run, could this be the last year Nissan is making the GTR? More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follow Joe on IG and T…

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Past Gas #229: Mazda Pt 4: Mazda Pt 4: The First Japanese Car to Win Le Mans + 787B sounds 1:00:00

5M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Le Mans, 1991. The Mazdaspeed team has been chasing gold at the legendary endurance race for the better part of a decade, and the team can only watch on anxiously as the clock ticks past midnight. With a looming ban on rotary engines, they know that the rotary-powered 787b is their last chance at victory. And for now, roughly every 3 and a half min…

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#44 Classic Heart with Mike Burroughs aka StanceWorks 36:08

6M ago36:08

36:08

The “die-hard BMW fan” Mike Burroughs aka StanceWorks works full-time on his restomod projects and presents them on YouTube. He talks about the challenges with his BMW 3 Series (such as an incredible engine swap), why BMW models from the 1980s are so popular today and how to buy one. StanceWorks on Instagram @stanceworks BMW Group Classic on Instag…

1
The Big Three #2: Dodge's Charger EV Video is Unhinged 1:01:12

5M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

This week, James, Nolan, and Justin talk about the VW Golf’s 50th birthday, the return of Scout, and the WILD Dodge Charger announcement from last week. Plus, thoughts on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, how a Ford Van broke a bunch of records, and Bugatti's newest 16 cylinder engine. More about Show: Follow Nolan on IG and Twitter @nolanjsykes. Follo…

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Past Gas #228: Mazda Pt 3: The RX-7 & Mazdaspeed 46:53

6M ago46:53

46:53

1974. For the past six years, Mazda Sports Corner have taken the rotary engine to task against the racing titans of Europe. And back in Japan, Mazda’s high-revving rotaries have captured the attention of the underground racing scene, and can be heard screaming at 9,000rpm down streets and expressways across the country. But how did two tuning compa…

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The Big Three #1: Unpacking Tesla's Empty Promises 45:16

6M ago45:16

45:16

INTRODUCING: The Big Three, Donut's new podcast that examines the latest car news, racing headlines, and anything noteworthy in the automotive landscape. A perfect weekly update for anyone even slightly interested in cars, The Big Three is an entertaining glimpse into an inclusive yet opinionated world. Join hosts James Pumphrey, Nolan Sykes and Jo…

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Past Gas #227: Mazda Pt 2: The Birth of the Rotary Engine 57:35

6M ago57:35

57:35

It’s October 1963, and the 10th Tokyo Motor Show is underway. Toyo Kogyo’s Mazda brand has had some success, but to prove its worth as an independent business to the government, Toyo Kogyo President Tsuneji Matsuda has hedged the company’s future on a new, pistonless engine technology that many considered to be a fantasy. But soon, that fantasy wou…

1
#43 Classic Heart with Neil Clifford 41:48

6M ago41:48

41:48

Neil Clifford, CEO of the London fashion brand Kurt Geiger, made his first list of cars-to-buy at age 8. He shares how he owned (and lost) one of the 13 Bristol Fighter models, what makes British cars unique and how British humour helps with car breakdowns. He also tells us why the BMW Alpina B5 Touring is his favourite daily driver and why the BMW…

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Past Gas #226: Mazda Pt 1: Mazda Used to be a Cork Factory 51:19

6M ago51:19

51:19

It’s the morning of August 6th, 1945. Jujiro Matsuda is heading back home after visiting his company headquarters in nearby Hiroshima, where his small trucks called Mazdas have become fixtures of the city. And suddenly, behind him, there’s a bright flash. The city that had grown on the backs of the Mazda trucks for more than a decade had vanished i…

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Past Gas #225: Macau GP - “Asia’s Monaco” is a Notoriously Dangerous Street Circuit 53:51

6M ago53:51

53:51

Beyond the Macau Grand Prix’s rich history, the event has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing motorsport enthusiasts and fans to the vibrant city to witness the convergence of speed, strategy, and sheer determination on a circuit that combines tradition with cutting edge automotive technology. But for all of its positive influence, the history of…

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#42 Classic Heart with Paolo Tumminelli 43:23

6M ago43:23

43:23

Classic Heart with Paolo Tumminelli. The professor of design concepts provides enlightening insights into the cultural history of automobiles. He also explains why the BMW i3 was a truly new, unique and revolutionary type of car, and how it stood out in the electric car segment. BMW Group Classic on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@bmwclassic⁠⁠⁠ JP Rathgen and Classi…

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Past Gas #224: F1's Greatest Rivalries: Hamilton vs Rosberg (aka “The Silver War”) 54:09

7M ago54:09

54:09

August, 2014. Gasoline and burnt rubber linger in the air at Spa-Francorchamps circuit, where the podium celebration for the Belgian Grand Prix is underway. The announcer calls the name of the second place finisher - Nico Rosberg. This should be a moment of celebration. But the crowd below roars with boos. Because the driver who Rosberg has overtak…

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Past Gas #223: The Mustang That Took Down Porsche 1:04:00

7M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

The 70’s and early 80’s were practically an arms race of automotive engineering. From fuel injection to turbos to aerodynamics, manufacturers and privateers alike were breaking new ground in the name of ever-faster lap times. It was an age of pioneering that bridged the gap between the legends of the past and the racing we love today. What was Grou…

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#41 Classic Heart with Bryan Calvero 39:23

7M ago39:23

39:23

Bryan Calvero is the founder and creative director of the lifestyle brand Period Correct. He shares childhood memories, inspired by the Southern California music and car scene, his model cars, and big dreams. He talks about his commitment to young people today and his brand's mission. And he tells us, among other things, how he ended up designing H…

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Past Gas #222: Cosworth Pt 2: WRC Rally & the Ford Escort RS Cosworth 52:23

7M ago52:23

52:23

Just one decade into their journey, Cosworth had dominated IndyCar racing and changed the face of Formula 1. But while any other company would be satisfied with that kind of record, Mike and Keith were far from done. Even though Cosworth already had a stack of incredible achievements under its belt, what the company has been able to achieve post-19…

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Past Gas #221: Cosworth Pt 1: The Most Successful Engine Maker in F1 History 1:07:25

7M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Between 1968 and 1974, every single Constructors Championship in F1 was won by the same Cosworth engine - the DFV - and in 1969 and 1973, every single F1 race was won by a DFV-powered car. This one engine was responsible for F1 wins across four decades - the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. But who the hell is Cosworth? What’s their magic formula? And most …

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#40 Classic Heart with Jim Huff 36:46

7M ago36:46

36:46

Jim Huff is a big fan of the Neue Klasse and owns various models. He talks about what makes these four-door family cars so special to him, how he races his BMW 1800 TI at tracks like Laguna Seca and how he drives his BMW 1600 every day. He also shares his idea for the “Neue Klasse Exchange Program”. Jim Huff on Instagram ⁠@moderngeneralstore BMW Gr…

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