Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Episode: Bentley Auction; SL63 AMG Review; Q&A!

Release Date: March 13, 2025
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman
Podcast: The Smoking Tire
Episode Focus: Bentley Turbo R Auction, Mercedes SL63 Hybrid Review, Classic 911s by Singer, Listener Q&A

1. Bentley Turbo R Auction

Auction Overview and Strategy

The episode kicks off with Matt Farah discussing the strategic decision to auction his Bentley Turbo R on Cars and Bids with no reserve. The primary objective was to determine if selling the Bentley through this platform would result in a profit or loss. Matt set a personal challenge, termed a "game," aiming to drive the Bentley as a daily driver for a year while keeping expenses below what he spent on leasing a midsize electric vehicle (EV).

Generating Buzz and Auction Dynamics

Matt and Zack delve into the marketing efforts behind the auction, highlighting the significant attention it garnered. Matt mentions, “We pulled out all the stops to get as many eyeballs as possible on the Bentley auction” (03:24). This aggressive promotion resulted in an impressive 47,000 views on the auction page, underscoring the extensive reach and interest the Bentley Turbo R attracted.

Auction Outcome and Reflections

As the auction progresses, excitement builds with bids reaching $37,000. Matt reflects on past experiences, saying, “The game was, we're playing with house money. And so what can I do? Can I do this?” (19:25). Eventually, the Bentley sells to a bidder named "Awful Mechanic" for $38,250. While Matt acknowledges that the final bid didn't surpass his initial hopes, he remains satisfied with the outcome relative to his game’s parameters. “If we get something with a four, yeah, I'm super stoked,” Matt comments (34:14), emphasizing his contentment with meeting his financial goal.

Audience Interaction and Market Insights

Throughout the auction discussion, Matt and Zack address listener comments and market comparisons. They explore whether the Bentley's final price reflects a premium due to Matt's reputation or if it aligns with the broader Bentley market. Matt muses, “What I'd like it to be worth is just the general knowledge across all of these platforms, that buying a car from me is a safe bet” (46:22), suggesting that his established trust may have influenced the auction's success.

2. Mercedes SL63 Hybrid Review

Performance and Features

Transitioning to the Mercedes SL63 Hybrid, Matt and Zack provide an in-depth review of its features and performance. Matt describes the car as “insanely fast” with “800 horsepower and 1024 pound-feet of torque” (52:14). The hybrid setup offers a 10-mile EV-only range, integrating modern technologies like Bosch traction control and motorsport-grade ABS.

Driving Experience and Critiques

While praising the car’s speed and comfort, Matt raises several criticisms. He points out the limited practicality due to the small trunk and the inconvenience of the electric top mechanism. “The tablet... pops up the video screen... [is] very distracting” (58:22), Matt expresses frustration with the augmented reality dashboard, which he finds unnecessary and disruptive during driving.

Comparative Analysis

Comparing the SL63 Hybrid to other models, Matt observes, “If you were going to rent or, sorry, at least a new EV, so hopefully we wouldn't have problems” (28:08). He contrasts the Mercedes with the Porsche 911 GTS, favoring the latter for its balance of performance and practicality. “This thing's 4,800 pounds. That's a lot of tire and brake” (66:38) Matt critiques the SL63’s weight and brake system, suggesting that it doesn’t match the agility and ease of handling found in modern sports cars.

3. Driving Classic 911s Reimagined by Singer

Experience with Singer’s Restomod

Matt shares his exhilarating experience driving two classic Porsche 911s reimagined by Singer. The Singer-modified cars impress with their seamless integration of modern technology and classic design. Matt notes, “The engine was incredibly smooth” (15:05), praising the meticulous craftsmanship that preserves the essence of the original 911 while enhancing performance and reliability.

Comparisons and Craftsmanship

The hosts discuss the comparison between Singer’s work and other customizers like Gunther, highlighting the superior quality of Singer’s restorations. “This is a 300 mile car. So I was not fucking around in this thing” (16:00) Matt emphasizes the reliability and daily drivability of Singer’s 911s, contrasting them with more extreme modifications that may compromise functionality for performance.

Aesthetic and Functional Excellence

Matt lauds the attention to detail in the Singer modifications, stating, “There's no bus left. It so well captured the essence of what you loved about the original thing without like going overboard” (15:56). The reimagined 911s stand out both visually and mechanically, offering an optimal blend of vintage charm and contemporary engineering.

4. Listener Q&A

Diverse Automotive Inquiries

In the Q&A segment, Matt and Zack address a variety of listener questions spanning topics such as car ownership costs, modifications, and personal automotive preferences.

• Unlimited Funds Car Choice:
  Listener Sandy Lane asks about selecting a car from a country they've never purchased from before.
  Matt contemplates, “A Persang Bugatti Type 35, which is made in Argentina” (70:32), illustrating a unique choice that combines heritage and rarity.

• Handling Leaky Cars at WCCS:
  Listener Finn inquires about managing leaking vehicles at Westside Car Storage.
  Matt explains, “If a car is leaking so much that it's really problematic, we basically force the owner to get it fixed” (87:32), highlighting their proactive approach to maintenance issues.

• Best V8 or V10 Experience Under 100k:
  Listener Alex Palazzo seeks recommendations for V8 or V10 experiences within a $100,000 budget.
  Matt and Zack suggest options like the Dodge Viper and Audi R8, discussing the balance between performance and practicality.

• Ownership of High-Maintenance Cars:
  Listener Enrico Palazzo asks about turning down high-value cars due to maintenance costs.
  Matt advises, “Any car that is not... that's such a pain in the ass that you're now afraid to drive” (85:55), emphasizing the importance of affordability and reliability in car ownership.

• Automotive Wisdom and Career Reflections:
  Listener Christian Larson queries about automotive wisdom and career regrets.
  Matt reflects, “I would have asked more questions before going to college” (87:16), sharing personal insights on pursuing a career in automotive design.

Practical Advice and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the Q&A, Matt and Zack offer practical advice, drawing from their extensive experience in the automotive industry. They discuss the costs and benefits of car modifications, the importance of reliability, and the emotional aspects of car ownership.

5. Conclusion

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Milestones

As the episode concludes, Matt and Zack reflect on the success of the Bentley auction and the insights gained from their experiences with the Mercedes SL63 Hybrid and Singer-modified 911s. Matt announces his upcoming trip to Montana, aiming to enjoy some skiing, and teases discussions for future episodes, including the milestone TST1000 on March 30th.

Appreciation for Listeners and Patrons

The hosts extend gratitude to their listeners and patrons, encouraging new audience members to join their Patreon for exclusive content, early access to shows, and additional perks. Matt emphasizes the community aspect of their podcast, fostering a space for automotive enthusiasts to engage and share their passion.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah [03:24]: “We pulled out all the stops to get as many eyeballs as possible on the Bentley auction.”
• Matt Farah [19:25]: “The game was, we're playing with house money. And so what can I do? Can I do this?”
• Matt Farah [34:14]: “If we get something with a four, yeah, I'm super stoked.”
• Matt Farah [52:14]: “It’s insanely fast. 800 horsepower and 1024 pound feet of torque.”
• Matt Farah [15:05]: “The engine was incredibly smooth.”
• Matt Farah [87:16]: “I would have asked more questions before going to college.”
• Matt Farah [85:55]: “Any car that is not... that's such a pain in the ass that you're now afraid to drive.”

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a comprehensive look into high-end car auctions, luxury hybrid vehicle reviews, and customized classic cars, all while engaging with listeners through thoughtful Q&A sessions. Matt and Zack's candid discussions provide valuable insights for automotive enthusiasts navigating the complexities of car ownership, modifications, and market dynamics.