In Wheel Time Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Auction Secrets: Inside the World of Automotive Barn Finds and Kia Niro Review Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a prophet tells you to become an auctioneer? For Yvette Vanderbrink, it launched a 25-year career specializing in automotive barn finds and collections. Her extraordinary journey from hospital worker to renowned auctioneer began when a minister at her church mysteriously knew about auction school application papers she'd hidden in her kitchen cupboard.
Yvette shares the struggles and triumphs of breaking into the male-dominated auction world, including how she handled sexist comments and established her reputation through innovative marketing. When one man told her to "make a sandwich and let the boys do it," she simply took his bidding number away. Her pioneering use of early internet technology helped attract national bidders when such practices were revolutionary.
The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the world of automotive collections and auctions, including why Montana ranchers maintain their own fire trucks (the nearest fire station is often over an hour away), and the challenges of conducting a 604-vehicle auction across remote locations with no cell service or electricity. Yvette's passion for connecting collectors with rare finds shines through as she discusses upcoming auctions and her own recent acquisition—a cherished 1963 Bel Air she finally convinced her father to part with.
Don Armstrong also shares his surprisingly positive experience with the 2025 Kia Niro hybrid, achieving 43.7 mpg during real-world testing. With attractive styling, user-friendly controls, and a competitive starting price of $26,990, the Niro proves that practical, fuel-efficient vehicles can still deliver an enjoyable driving experience for city dwellers.

The episode wraps with Jeff's "Motor Minute" highlighting an unusual legal case involving two 1962 Corvettes with identical VIN numbers—a cautionary tale for classic car collectors.

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Hot Wheels Tour: A Celebration of Automotive Creativity in Houston Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Ever dreamed of seeing your custom car immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast model? That dream could become reality as the Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolls into Houston on Saturday, August 2nd.
We're joined by Eric Han, lead designer at Hot Wheels, who pulls back the curtain on this extraordinary traveling car show. Now in its eighth year, the Legends Tour has become a global phenomenon where builders showcase their custom creations for a chance at Hot Wheels immortality. The Houston stop promises to be spectacular, with hundreds of unique vehicles expected to fill the Walmart parking lot in Cypress from 8am to noon.
What makes this event truly special is its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is completely free, making it an ideal weekend activity for automotive enthusiasts of all ages. Parents will appreciate the dedicated play areas where children can test out the latest Hot Wheels track sets, while die-hard collectors can purchase exclusive merchandise only available at the tour. Eric reveals that previous Houston events have drawn massive crowds, with lines forming as early as 6am as builders eagerly arrive to secure their spot.
For Han, the connection between Hot Wheels and automotive culture runs deep. His journey began as a child fascinated with orange tracks and tiny cars, eventually leading to a design career with the company. This full-circle story highlights how Hot Wheels continues to bridge childhood dreams and adult passions in the automotive world. Whether you're a serious builder looking to have your creation judged or simply a fan wanting to experience the excitement, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour represents the perfect celebration of automotive creativity and craftsmanship.
Ready to see if your custom build has what it takes? Register at HotWheelsLegends.com or simply come enjoy the spectacle on August 2nd at the Cypress Walmart (26270 Northwest Freeway). Who knows? The next legendary Hot Wheels design could be sitting in your garage right now!

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7,100 Miles of American Backroads in a Subaru Crosstrek Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered what it would be like to cross America primarily on dirt roads? Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal let us ride shotgun on their extraordinary Transamerica Trail adventure – a jaw-dropping 7,100-mile journey with over 3,100 miles on unpaved terrain, all completed in just 29 days.
The couple's modified 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness proved remarkably capable, conquering elevations approaching 13,000 feet in Colorado and withstanding temperatures ranging from freezing to a sweltering 111°F in Moab. Their detailed walkthrough of the vehicle's modifications reveals the thoughtful preparation behind such an ambitious journey – from the Thule rooftop tent and ARB awning to the critical Primitive Racing skid plates that protected vital components on rough terrain.
What makes their story particularly compelling isn't just the vehicle specs or challenging routes – it's how this journey provided them a completely different perspective on America. Despite both having previously visited all 50 states, experiencing the country from rural backroads allowed them to discover unfamiliar wildlife, connect with locals in remote areas, and witness aspects of American life rarely seen from interstate highways. Perhaps most fittingly, they completed this epic adventure on their 21st wedding anniversary, proving their relationship is as durable as their remarkably capable Subaru.
We also feature Don Armstrong's comprehensive review of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV, a sleek electric SUV with limousine-like comfort and impressive 615 horsepower performance. Don highlights its sharp exterior design, user-friendly 17-inch infotainment system, and competitive positioning in the premium electric SUV market at $44,600 for base models with the high-performance SS trim testing at $64,180.
Subscribe to In Wheel Time for more fascinating automotive adventures, detailed vehicle reviews, and conversations with passionate car enthusiasts who push the boundaries of what's possible on four wheels.

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Hidden Houston, Guiness Recored Breaking Cars, and the new Chevy Blazer EV SS AWD! Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Houston reveals itself as a treasure trove of unexpected adventures for locals and visitors alike. From art deco aviation history to underwater shark tunnels, our exploration uncovers destinations perfect for beating the Texas heat and creating memorable experiences right in your backyard.
The 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport stands as a stunning architectural time capsule, preserving aviation heritage with vintage uniforms and airline memorabilia in an elegant setting that now hosts weddings and events. For underwater thrills without getting wet, Downtown Aquarium's Shark Voyage takes riders through a 200,000-gallon tunnel surrounded by magnificent predators including an 18-foot sawfish, combining entertainment with conservation education.
When temperatures soar, Lagoon Fest in Texas City offers a 12-acre crystal lagoon escape with white sand beaches, water activities, and swim-up bars. For interactive entertainment, Activate Houston transforms gaming from screen to reality with laser dodging and puzzle solving across ten immersive game rooms. The Museum of Illusions inside the Galleria plays with perception through tilted rooms and hypnotic vortex tunnels, while Hermann Park's pedal boats provide simple family fun on McGovern Lake. Adventure seekers will discover Go Ape Zipline in Sugar Land, featuring Houston's longest ziplines stretching 1,000 feet above Brazos River Park.
Car enthusiasts will appreciate our deep dive into record-breaking vehicles, from the million-mile 1964 Porsche 356C to the astounding 3.25 million-mile 1966 Volvo P1800 owned by the late Irv Gordon. These automotive legends demonstrate extraordinary durability and passionate owner dedication.
We conclude with a comprehensive review of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV, which combines striking design, comfortable interior, and impressive performance (615 horsepower) with practical efficiency (92 MPGe city). At $64,180 as tested, it stands as a competitive option in the growing electric SUV market alongside Ford's Mustang Mach-E, Tesla's Model Y, and Hyundai's Ioniq 5.
Share your own hidden Houston gems or questions with us at info@inwheeltime.com and join us next week as we continue exploring driving destinations in Dallas and San Antonio!

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Your Car Turns Off at Red Lights and Everyone Behind You Hates It Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

The frustrating reality of start-stop technology takes center stage in this eye-opening episode as we explore why this supposedly fuel-saving feature might be doing more harm than good. Through lively debate and personal experience, we unpack how that momentary engine shutdown at stoplights creates a ripple effect of delays for everyone on the road—all while saving minimal fuel.
We dive deep into the political dimensions of this automotive controversy, examining how President Trump's elimination of CAFE noncompliance fines and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's policy shifts are changing the landscape for this once-mandated technology. With 62% of 2023 model vehicles featuring start-stop systems, we explore why so many drivers are seeking ways to permanently disable them, from aftermarket eliminators to DIY workarounds.
Our popular "Guess the Sold Car Price" segment delivers surprising revelations about the classic car market, with vehicles ranging from a 1977 Chevrolet Corvette "with about two horsepower" to a stunning 1948 Lincoln Continental. We also highlight upcoming automotive events across Texas, including a unique car show at Dankin Park baseball stadium and a commemorative Air Force pancake breakfast fly-in. Whether you're frustrated by modern automotive technology or fascinated by classic car values, this episode offers invaluable insights for every automotive enthusiast.
Have you experienced the annoyance of start-stop technology in your vehicle? Share your thoughts with us at info@inwheeltime.com or join us for our live show every Saturday morning!

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Barn Finds: Montana's Hidden 600-Vehicle Treasure Trove Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

An automotive time capsule awaits discovery in the rolling hills of Montana where approximately 600 vehicles lie scattered across 100 acres of countryside. This extraordinary barn find collection, headed to auction through Vanderbrink Auctions, features everything from 1920s classics and vintage fire trucks to Plymouths, Rivieras, and even a rare 1961 bubble top with intact glass. The remote location adds to the mystique – so far from civilization there's no cell service, creating a treasure hunter's paradise where viewing requires dedication and extraction demands ingenuity.
Our hosts dive deep into what makes this auction special, exploring the logistics of purchasing vehicles from such a remote location and imagining creative uses for these automotive relics. The conversation turns playful as they contemplate converting a 1923 American LaFrance fire truck into a mobile barbecue pit, complete with sauce-dispensing hoses – a quintessential example of American automotive enthusiasm and creativity.
The episode transitions to Jeff's Car Culture segment featuring extraordinary high-mileage vehicles that have made their way into the Guinness World Records. From a 1964 Porsche 356C with one million miles to the ultimate distance champion – a 1966 Volvo P1800 owned by Irv Gordon that achieved an astonishing 3.25 million miles before his passing. These remarkable stories of automotive longevity reveal not just mechanical resilience, but deep bonds between owners and their beloved vehicles.
Marrs rounds out the show with a surprising array of local Houston-area driving destinations, including the Art Deco 1940 Air Terminal Museum, an underwater shark tunnel train ride, and even a zipline adventure park hiding in plain sight. These hidden gems remind listeners that automotive adventures don't always require long-distance travel, sometimes the most unexpected experiences are right in our backyard, waiting to be discovered with the same enthusiasm as a field of forgotten classics in Montana.

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Volvo EX40, the Largest Car Collections, and the Land Rover Defender... Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Automotive enthusiasts, buckle up for a three-course journey through the cutting edge of electric vehicles, the rarified world of elite car collections, and the rugged charm of an off-road icon reborn.
We start by examining Volvo's latest electric offering—the 2025 EX40 Twin Motor Ultra AWD. Built in Belgium on the framework of last year's XC40, this all-electric crossover brings 402 horsepower and advanced pixel headlight technology to the premium EV segment. However, not everything about modern technology improves the driving experience. The EX40's touchscreen-centric control system requires four separate taps just to power down the vehicle—an unnecessarily complex solution to a problem that never existed. Despite these interface frustrations, the EX40 delivers competitive performance against rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Genesis, though at a premium price point starting at $62,045 for the Ultra trim.
We then explore automotive passion at its most extreme with a tour of the world's most impressive car collections. From Dmitry Lomakov's Soviet-era treasures in Moscow to Ken Lingenfelter's performance-focused American muscle cars, these collections represent deep dedication to automotive preservation. The Sheikh of Abu Dhabi specializes in off-road vehicles including a massive Mercedes monster truck, while the Sultan of Brunei reigns supreme with approximately 7,000 vehicles valued at $5 billion—including 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and numerous one-off custom creations that exist nowhere else.
Finally, we take the wheel of the 2024 Land Rover Defender, Slovakia's boxy tribute to off-road capability. With its distinctive silhouette and doors that "shut like an old Norge refrigerator," the Defender combines rugged charm with modern luxuries. The mild-hybrid powertrain delivers 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, propelling this 5,000-pound fortress with surprising efficiency. While the $81,923 as-tested price positions it against premium competitors like the Lexus GX and Jeep Wagoneer, current import tariffs present challenges for Land Rover's supply chain.
Whether you're fascinated by electric innovation, dream car collections, or capable off-roaders, join us for these automotive explorations that showcase the breadth and depth of today's automotive landscape. What would you choose: cutting-edge technology, historical preservation, or go-anywhere capability?

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Car Talk, Auto Appraisals, and the Volvo EX40 review Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Looking for straight talk about electric vehicles? Our review of the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra pulls no punches, exposing both impressive features and frustrating flaws in this Belgian-built EV. With 402 horsepower and advanced pixel headlight technology, the vehicle offers plenty of power and premium features—but requires navigating through four separate touchscreen interactions just to turn it off.
The real-world economics of EV ownership take center stage as we reveal how driving 270 miles required two charging sessions costing $33.59, while the same money would fuel a conventional truck for 232 miles without the charging delays. At an MSRP of $62,045 for our test model, the EX40 faces stiff competition from Mercedes, Audi, and Genesis alternatives.
Auto appraiser Michael Wooding joins us to discuss the current state of the classic car market, revealing how economic uncertainty has created a buyer's paradise where normally $25,000 vehicles are selling for just $8,000. Wooding shares valuable insights about auto appraisals for insurance purposes, diminished value claims, and project cars in various stages of restoration.
We round out the episode with upcoming car events across Texas and breaking automotive news, including Volvo's decision to trim its US product offerings, the elimination of fuel efficiency penalties for automakers, and Rivian's impressive new electric pickups and SUVs packing over 1,000 horsepower.
Whether you're contemplating an electric vehicle purchase, curious about the value of your classic car in today's market, or simply want to stay informed about the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, this episode delivers the unfiltered, expert analysis you need to navigate your automotive decisions.

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Across the Pond: Abarth, Radbourne Racing, and Car Collections Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Automotive passion knows no borders in this fascinating exploration of European racing heritage and the world's most extraordinary car collections.
We're joined by Lincoln Small, author of "Abarth Radborn Racing and Me," who transports us to the vibrant racing scene of 1960s Britain and Italy. Lincoln shares how he discovered Abarth's modified Fiats "like an epidemic" across Italy before bringing the underdog brand to compete against Britain's beloved Mini Coopers. His firsthand account reveals how these tiny, lightweight Italian machines with minimal horsepower managed to "humiliate lots of very large engine cars" through exceptional handling and engineering.
The conversation shifts to the business side of racing as Lincoln explains how he established Radborn Racing and created a network of dealerships offering Abarth parts and conversion services throughout the UK. Though our international connection was unfortunately cut short, the interview provides a rare glimpse into a fascinating chapter of European motoring history.
Jeff takes us on a journey through the world's most impressive automotive collections, from Dmitry Lomakov's Soviet-era military vehicles in Moscow to Ken Lingenfelter's performance-driven treasures in Michigan. We discover Gary Duncan's Japanese car obsession featuring 100 Nissan Fiegos, the "Rainbow Sheikh's" $2.3 billion off-road vehicle museum in Abu Dhabi, and the mind-boggling collection of the Sultan of Brunei – 7,000 vehicles worth approximately $5 billion, including 600 Rolls-Royces and 450 Ferraris.
Whether you're fascinated by racing history, rare automobiles, or just wondering what someone does with 7,000 cars, this episode satisfies your automotive curiosity. Join us every Saturday morning from 8-11 am for our live broadcast of the full In Wheel Time Car Show!

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The $75,000 Question: Why Ultra-Luxury Car Buyers Are Walking Away Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

The ripple effects of Trump's tariffs are sending shockwaves through luxury car dealerships across America, upending a market that remained resilient even during the pandemic and chip shortages. When customers start canceling orders for $750,000 Lamborghinis rather than pay an additional $75,000 in tariffs, something significant is happening.
What makes this story particularly compelling is the human element behind the headline numbers. While wealthy buyers can simply walk away from these purchases, dealership employees - from mechanics to salespeople - face the real consequences. One luxury dealer reports earnings down 70-90% compared to previous years, forcing painful business decisions that affect ordinary working people.
The tariff situation has evolved rapidly. European vehicle duties jumped from 2.5% to 25% in April, with British automakers receiving some relief at 10% starting June 30th. The European Union now faces a potential 30% tariff beginning August 1st if new trade agreements aren't reached. This uncertainty has created havoc in a marketplace where exclusivity and predictability typically reign supreme.
Meanwhile, Ford continues experiencing quality control challenges, leading the auto industry with 89 recalls issued so far in 2025. Their latest action affects nearly 700,000 crossovers with fuel leak issues at a cost of approximately $570 million - a reminder that even domestic manufacturers face significant challenges in today's complex automotive landscape.
For enthusiasts seeking alternatives to both new car headaches and ultra-luxury prices, the classic car market offers intriguing options. Iconic 1960s vehicles like Corvettes, Buick Electras, and Pontiac Grand Prix models are selling for reasonable prices between $15,000-$25,000, providing automotive joy without the financial and political complications of today's new car market.
Want to join the conversation? Catch our live broadcast every Saturday morning or find us on your favorite podcast platform. The automotive world keeps changing, and we're here to help you navigate it.

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