#2049 - Live from Coffee and Cars: Classics, Tech & Car Culture

Cars, Community, New Technology, and Classic Builds at Coffee and Cars

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The C&C Auto Show broadcasts live from a packed Coffee and Cars event in Augusta, Georgia, where restored classics, modified trucks, sports cars, and family-built race cars provide the backdrop for a wide-ranging automotive conversation. Local owners share the stories behind vehicles such as a modernized 1946 Ford pickup, a Coyote-powered 1968 Ford truck, a 1993 Mustang Cobra, a racing-themed Mazda Miata, and a European 1969 MGB.

The episode also explores changing vehicle technology and consumer concerns, including physical controls versus touchscreens, driverless robotaxis, salesperson-free car buying, electric-vehicle discounts, key-fob relay theft, flying vehicles, humanoid robots, and the shrinking number of new-car models. Listen to or watch the embedded episode for automotive news, practical consumer advice, memorable car-owner stories, and the atmosphere of a thriving local car gathering.

Questions and Answers

Explore the episode’s key conversations about classic cars, vehicle technology, consumer choices, restoration projects, and automotive security.

Why do some drivers prefer buttons and knobs over touchscreens?

Physical controls can be easier to find and operate while driving. The hosts prefer buttons and knobs for frequently used features such as climate controls and the radio, while reserving touchscreen menus for settings used less often.

What is unusual about the new driverless robotaxi discussed in the episode?

The vehicle has no steering wheel, pedals, or traditional mirrors. It is designed as a bidirectional pod, allowing passengers to sit facing one another while the vehicle travels in either direction.

How does the salesperson-free dealership experience work?

Shoppers can walk around the dealership, scan a vehicle’s QR code, review its information, and complete a purchase without speaking to a salesperson. A human representative remains available for customers who want assistance.

What made the restored 1946 Ford pickup special?

The truck was a 14-year project fitted with a 5.0-liter engine and electronics from a 2000 Ford Explorer. It also included modern comforts such as power windows and air conditioning, while carrying a meaningful name honoring a family friend.

What upgrades were made to the 1968 Ford truck?

The truck received a complete frame restoration, a third-generation Coyote engine, a 10-speed transmission, and a Crown Victoria front suspension. Its owner worked on the project for about ten years as time and money allowed.

What is the 24 Hours of Lemons racing concept?

It is an endurance racing series built around inexpensive cars and a strong community spirit. One guest described rebuilding a 1991 Mazda Miata with his family and racing it during a weekend that included about 15 hours of track time.

Why can cold tires create problems when leaving a car show?

Tires that have been sitting may have less traction until they warm up. Accelerating too hard can cause the tires to spin or the vehicle to slide sideways, so drivers were encouraged to leave the event calmly.

How can thieves steal a vehicle using its key-fob signal?

A thief may use a signal amplifier near a home to capture and extend the signal from a key fob stored inside. The episode recommends keeping the fob in a Faraday pouch or metal container that blocks the signal.

Why might shoppers find discounts on some electric vehicles?

Some electric trucks and other EVs have remained on dealer lots longer than expected. The hosts note that slow-selling vehicles may receive large discounts, potentially creating opportunities for shoppers who already want an EV.

Why are automakers reducing the number of vehicle models?

Manufacturers can save money by offering fewer models and sharing more parts across different vehicles. That approach may eventually help lower costs, but it could also leave buyers with fewer choices.

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