Show notes 127
Added 2022-09-25 17:01:03 +0000 UTCThis week in pictures we start with a series of shifters from, in order, the TVR Griffith (NBA suit spec), mk1 MX-5 and Honda S2000. Then we have - spoiler alert! - Richard’s new car and a black current-shape 911 with the optional gold alloys. Finally, we have a trio of pictures from Jonny’s trip to see Gordon Murray, Ayrton Senna’s shoes and a Renault Trafic wearing BMW alloys. Of course we do. Now, some links…
Recycled gearknobs - https://www.toxicknobs.co.uk
That video of Senna in the NSX - https://youtu.be/JUVkVB3SUf4
Disastrous time capsule opening - https://youtu.be/kUTez_VqJS4
Comments
Immediately thought of you guys - 'When your car is cold in the morning' - https://photos.app.goo.gl/FH3g2YTgjD4y2DSJ6
Simon House
2022-10-26 16:29:27 +0000 UTCNot a gear knob but handbrake lever in a DAF truck https://photos.app.goo.gl/GTuwx84X52u1nS4q8
iain leake
2022-10-10 11:52:59 +0000 UTCHad to gaze awhile upon that Panda pic...mmm. Vivaros, sharp suited vans I think, now mostly living out the final days of their lives with Amazon delivery sub-contactors, loaded with 553 parcels a day, poor things (van not parcels).
Andrew Higgins
2022-10-09 09:29:20 +0000 UTCThanks!
S Carter
2022-10-03 10:30:34 +0000 UTCJust ordered a Toxic Knob for my MX-5, thanks for mentioning them Jonny!
Matt Tester
2022-10-01 13:01:44 +0000 UTCLook at the button mushroom dick on this Westy. Looks like it’s been in a cold shower for days. It’s borderline irretrievable. https://images.app.goo.gl/ozaY73txeZ38D3ae9
Simon Silvester
2022-09-30 06:58:04 +0000 UTCI have memories of the Fiat 132 from my childhood. Dad had two 132s the first series had a very over gaitered stumpy member with highly polished knob et viola: https://images.app.goo.gl/oxRPPsAMvHQE3NHc6 The second gen one he had I can't find a photo of the interior but it had an overly long rubbery member in Brown like a stubby baseball bat 😳 I also remember seeing similar in the later 126s
C.Hopper
2022-09-29 16:22:16 +0000 UTCLove it!
Ross Hetherington
2022-09-29 07:46:45 +0000 UTCI'm guilty M'Lud of swapping the standard swish diamond-cut VW wheels on my then new Golf for admittedly less attractive-looking 5-spoke Bini C_untryman alloys, but did go to the trouble of making-up VW centre caps and re-using the car's original Volkswagen wheel bolt caps. Most assume they are the original rims anyway, but one chap did accuse me of fitting Audi 'Fat-Fives'. Strangely, even after explaining the obvious logic that they are much better wheels because they are slightly wider, but rather lighter and easier to clean, my wife still insists that I made a mistake...
Carroll Barham
2022-09-29 01:30:07 +0000 UTCAt the risk of teaching a lot of people here to suck eggs, I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere... If you haven't already seen the build thread for Murray's escort, well worth a watch: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_EbteKgElOVMoYEasDzYW4jZK4yCYJ0z
Zoona
2022-09-28 20:54:13 +0000 UTCthis wins.
Zoona
2022-09-28 20:50:55 +0000 UTCBedford rascal had a very 'snickety' gearstick/knob. About 4mm of throw. Very pleasing, if only at unfeasibly low speeds and high lean angles when cornering... https://assets.carandclassic.com/uploads/cars/bedford/C1492747/1987-bedford-rascal-bambi-6309024c31cd9.jpg?ixlib=php-3.3.1&s=84ef1f4057a187eb657e13fe56109009
Zoona
2022-09-28 20:50:14 +0000 UTC...and the Alfa GT Junior has a gear-lever boot that has bears some resemblance to a deflated Panettone.
Gregg May
2022-09-28 19:37:43 +0000 UTCI seem to remember my old P38a Range Rover auto shift knobs were a bit of a snake charmer special....
Gregg May
2022-09-28 19:36:03 +0000 UTCThis Espada is up thethere with the best. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3d/f6/b0/3df6b0133ec549c11f0ef6346f88ce27.jpg
John Reymondos
2022-09-28 16:48:34 +0000 UTCStrong contender for the best 'chode' gear knob has to be the Mercedes CLK-GTR, especially with it's purple leather sheath - https://bestcarmagz.net/sites/default/files/7947543rare-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-coupe-and-roadster-up-for-auction_9.jpg
Rob Caulfield
2022-09-28 13:58:28 +0000 UTC100% yes.
Daniel Achterhuis
2022-09-28 13:02:59 +0000 UTCWhen I’ve got a sec I might put the extended Italo version of the theme tune up here.
Smith and Sniff
2022-09-28 07:16:29 +0000 UTCShe’s not back until tomorrow…
Smith and Sniff
2022-09-28 07:15:35 +0000 UTCThat TVR gearknob (somewhat dear to my hearth as I own a Griff 500) reminds me of that Simpson’s episode where Homer gets super fat and takes to wearing ponchos.
Martin Laver
2022-09-28 06:35:12 +0000 UTCPerhaps the ultimate cobra-knob, in that it was purportedly deadly as well as in terms of its shape - I propose to you the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 shifter. Unique amongst all gear knobs as having allegedly caused the death of a Star Trek actor (unless there's an issue involving Leonard Nimoy and the magic wand off of an early Mini 850 I'm unaware of).
Tom Martin
2022-09-28 00:36:27 +0000 UTCThe Panda looks ace. Great stance
Sean Hamerton
2022-09-27 20:31:32 +0000 UTCThey actually look pretty decent too on that Traaaaafic
Vlad Tataranu
2022-09-27 19:54:50 +0000 UTCI would like to propose that horrible little stub from the Prius for a chode shifter award
Snowy
2022-09-27 16:47:25 +0000 UTCThe crucial question is... Has Sniff been murdered?
Ross Hetherington
2022-09-27 14:26:43 +0000 UTCExcellent episode, chaps. As a Panda 100HP owner for over 2 years, you’re going to absolutely love yours, Rich. The Facebook group for 100HP owners is always very friendly and helpful if you ever need some advice. One last thing, more weird music please. I now have my parents humming “The One” and singing “Boots Vouchers”. They hate it, but I think it’s great.
Daniel Achterhuis
2022-09-27 12:38:51 +0000 UTCMe!
Daniel Achterhuis
2022-09-27 12:34:24 +0000 UTCI wonder how many others looked through these photos and thought "I'd rather have the Panda than the Porsche". Me
Robin Capper
2022-09-27 08:14:49 +0000 UTCIn high school, I half-inherited the family Land Rover (Series III) as the car that got me to a summer job in a grocery store. Everything on a Landie feels like you should treat it like a tractor, and I did - probably with less mechanical sympathy than I have now. One day, I smacked the gear lever into reverse, and 80% of it broke off in my hand, leaving a tiny stub on the floor. Being panicked about being late, I cast about for a solution, and one presented itself: a two-foot length of copper pipe, which I sleeved over the nub. It rattled like crazy, and fell off in the corners, but it worked. Dad's longer-term solution to this was even sillier. You can't simply weld the break, because of the plastic ball that the shift lever goes into (heat transfer would melt it). So he filed two flat sides to the nub and fitted a pair of vice grip pliers as the shifter. We drove it like that for over a *year* before eventually swapping the transmission - he would sometimes unsnap the pliers and throw them in the dashboard tray in what he said was "the ultimate anti-theft device." That Land Rover is now gently composting in the backyard. Re: Loafers. Can't help but include a link to the other great slip-on-favouring helmsman, RUF test driver Stefan Roser absolutely rinsing the CTR Yellowbird around the N-ring - https://youtu.be/3U26ddkVw2Q
Brendan McAleer
2022-09-27 00:14:45 +0000 UTCMr Porter would be very well advised to take the Panda’s wheels down to South West Wheel Repair in Exeter (worth the drive) and stick it on some Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons - perfect for scything up and down the hills of Bath over the winter
Ed Storer
2022-09-27 00:11:19 +0000 UTCIt used to be imitation 19 in wheels from the Mk2 Audi A8 on Boras, no? And the Mk4/Mk5 Golfs too.
Ed Storer
2022-09-27 00:10:00 +0000 UTCAudi A3 air vents in that escort, very non standard from Mr Murray, perhaps they weigh less and provide superior aerodynamic diffusion
John Gallop
2022-09-26 22:18:14 +0000 UTCAnd who in Honda let those loafers be fully extended in an NSX without a locking diff. YOLO. You Only Leave One.
Andy Cooper
2022-09-26 18:50:15 +0000 UTCSaab rims on a Vauxhall and the reverse, can sometimes be passable. However here in Northern Ireland there is a fascination with huge dished Merc rims on smokey diesel Boras sans suspension travel. Utter toss.
Andy Cooper
2022-09-26 18:47:39 +0000 UTCRichard Porter's Rat-Look Panda fits to the cadence of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in case anyone else fancies the highly irritating earworm I've picked up.
Jem Barnard
2022-09-26 16:22:01 +0000 UTCI've got a Ti S2000 shifter knob on my '22 Civic Si :)
Kevin Perham
2022-09-26 16:00:13 +0000 UTCPistonheads' review of the new retro Seven has flung up a corker, if you'll excuse the terminology... https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-britishcars/caterham-launches-new-super-seven-600-and-2000/46225 Image 7 offers a well polished chode, with room for a variety of fruit alongside.
Daniel Smith
2022-09-26 14:55:41 +0000 UTCSo, what you're saying is the name of the show should be The Late Smith and Sniff. After the wives get done with them.
david marden
2022-09-26 13:49:36 +0000 UTCThe BMW wheels on the Trafic/Vivaro thing, they’re the closest stud pattern. I think BMW are 5 x 118.something, and the vans are 5 x 120, you can use wobble/variation bolts to make up the small difference and spigot rings to correct the centre-bore. Otherwise you’re looking a small fortune for proper load rated van wheels in the correct fitment. Land RoverRange Rover wheels are also common too. I only know this as I had both an L322 and a Vivaro at the same time years ago and considering putting the same wheels on the van.
Mark Sheridan
2022-09-26 12:56:29 +0000 UTCWith all this obsessive discussion of penile variety I thought that koro might spark some interest. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koro_(medicine)
Chris Rayner
2022-09-26 12:04:26 +0000 UTCI spent about 10 minutes of this podcast cycling to work on my little Brompton in Naples traffic, stuck behind a Panda 100hp. You made me determined to keep up with it and risked my life. Thanks, lads.
Adam Francis Smith
2022-09-26 09:49:10 +0000 UTCThe pre facelift MG3 has such a good gear knob. I’ll Insta DM a photo to Jonny. It’s proud and round at the top, your palm fits very well onto it .
Grampian Glider
2022-09-26 09:39:38 +0000 UTCLand rover / Rangie transfer box lever is a chode
Jamie W
2022-09-26 09:10:31 +0000 UTCReason to wear BMW alloys on Trafic... Renault alloys are shit and expensive... BMW wheels are great plentiful and cheap. End of.....you wheel (s) nobs
Paul Fargher
2022-09-26 08:42:11 +0000 UTCPulled the Panda trigger
Jonathan Knight
2022-09-26 08:21:55 +0000 UTCNever seen the Senna NSX Italian loafer video! What a classic!!
david price
2022-09-26 08:19:04 +0000 UTCThis was an hilarious cast. Thanks both!
Alex Packer
2022-09-26 07:46:54 +0000 UTCIIRC the hummer H2 has a big silly gear lever, but it’s like a plastic L bracket rather than a T-bar!
Calum Gillies
2022-09-26 07:42:46 +0000 UTCLamborghini Espadas have a lot of excess gear lever curtains. Caterham 7s have a textbook sunken pudding. With the Panda 100hp put Winter/all season tyres on it then it’s the perfect car to arse about in when it is icy or snowing.
Alex Mills
2022-09-26 07:17:17 +0000 UTCOr a Puma
Harvey Baldwin
2022-09-26 07:14:26 +0000 UTCA black Lotus Emira with the same gold on the alloys is going to look sensational when I get one.
Andrew Jones
2022-09-26 06:12:15 +0000 UTCRe 100hp tyres, last time I replaced ours I went with Pilot Sport 3s in 195/50. They’re slightly taller than the 195/45 that’s stock, but excellent all round tyres, cheap, give better ride comfort (v slightly) and make the speedometer 100% accurate. I let our insurer know but it made no difference to our premium. Sorry, very boring post, but hopefully helpful.
Oli Matthews
2022-09-26 06:00:54 +0000 UTCOnly chode shifter I can think of is the low ratio box on a defender but I am not sure that counts.
Robin White
2022-09-26 04:25:27 +0000 UTCCobra gear shift (my first car) 1988 Toyota cressida auto: https://cdn-fastly.thetruthaboutcars.com/media/2022/07/19/9150779/rare-rides-icons-the-toyota-cressida-story-part-iii.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1
David Stafford
2022-09-26 00:17:24 +0000 UTC30yrs later and I'd still smash Sarah green.
S Carter
2022-09-25 21:38:49 +0000 UTCIf you're looking for the longest gearstick the original Land Rover series 2 was long and thin, with an elaborate bend. From 1st to 2nd was like being on a rowing machine and when it's actually in gear it has as much lateral movent as most cars in neutral.
Martin Stephenson
2022-09-25 20:50:58 +0000 UTCStill listening to the cast, I thought I would comment on gearknobs before I forgot!! Not sure about a 'Chode' one, maybe a Suzuki Cappuccino??? But my thoughts on a Cobra Head would be K11 CVT Micra!!
Noel Huggett
2022-09-25 20:16:05 +0000 UTCEnjoyed the chode talk feature. Adding to the catalogue of automotive interior appendages, I've often thought that the dashboard of an EP3 Civic Type-R appears to have a permanent bonk-on.
Rupert Procter
2022-09-25 20:04:23 +0000 UTCAnyone who has driven a Honda with one of those knobs on a very hot day knows exactly how the Gestapo guy from Raider of the Lost Ark felt when he burned his hand on the bronze headpiece.
Brendan McAleer
2022-09-25 18:42:40 +0000 UTCDonkervoort has a hallowed history of chody knobs, check out a manual D8.
Jasper Maters
2022-09-25 18:18:11 +0000 UTCSenna peddling in those loafers with white socks is a pure classic piece of film.
TD
2022-09-25 18:12:33 +0000 UTCHidden knob - lotus Esprit
Matt Hutchinson
2022-09-25 17:46:39 +0000 UTCI couldn't walk let alone drive in those shoes that Senna wore - yet he took that NSX off the speedo.. What a man.
Mike Broom
2022-09-25 17:41:30 +0000 UTCNice panda.
Ardas
2022-09-25 17:34:49 +0000 UTCThe TVR knob is very much an "egg in a birdsnest" micro-knob
Martin Mees
2022-09-25 17:31:10 +0000 UTCExcellent choice on the HP Mr Porter. I love nothing more than fannying around in our white 'Pandamonium' edition. I've yet to hear the podcast but expect to hear the word "gun" said in verbal italics many times.
Martin Mees
2022-09-25 17:24:37 +0000 UTCChoad - very short but very wide road fully of chod
Tatty_Morgs
2022-09-25 17:07:08 +0000 UTCPanda FTW!
Stevo Johnson
2022-09-25 17:02:58 +0000 UTC
