In this episode, we’re joined by Max Banks, one of the key figures behind Alfaholics, the world-renowned specialists in classic Alfa Romeo restorations and performance upgrades. Founded by a family with a deep passion for Alfa Romeo, Alfaholics has earned a global reputation for transforming vintage Alfas into meticulously restored and enhanced machines, blending classic beauty with cutting-edge engineering.

Max shares the story of Alfaholics, the way their parts business helps the restomods (and keeps prices down) and we took their Super for a drive.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://www.alfaholics.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alfaholicsltd/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Thrill of Lightweight Cars

02:54 Max Banks and Alfaholics: A Family Legacy

06:08 The Evolution of Alfaholics

08:58 Racing Heritage and Development

11:49 The GTA-R Program: Balancing Performance and Character

14:45 Parts Supply and Market Positioning

18:05 The Unique Business Model of Alfaholics

20:54 The Process of Building a GTA-R

24:14 Customer Relationships and Expectations

27:05 The Future of Alfaholics and Car Development

39:38 Evolution of the GTA-R and Track-Oriented Builds

42:30 Memorable Nürburgring Experiences

44:51 Driving Dynamics of the GTA-R

46:46 The Joy of Driving Lightweight Cars

47:15 Daily Drivers and the Appeal of SUVs

50:06 Changing Customer Profiles in the Automotive Market

52:02 Building and Pricing the GTA-R

54:26 Racing Adventures and Championship Wins

56:25 Driving the McLaren M6B

01:00:12 The Team Behind the Racing

01:02:40 Options Beyond the GTA-R

01:05:01 Memorable Driving Trips and Car Preferences

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Thierry Nardone is the founder and CEO of Nardone Automotive, a French company behind the restomod of the Porsche 928. Thierry’s passion for transaxle Porsches, particularly the 928, inspired him to reimagine this classic grand tourer, blending its original elegance with modern performance and luxury.

Nardone Automotive’s reinterpretation features a carbon-fiber body, a meticulously upgraded V8 engine producing approximately 400 horsepower, and a bespoke interior adorned with Foglizzo leather and Alcantara. The vehicle also boasts contemporary amenities like a Porsche Classic Communication Management system with Apple CarPlay. Thierry wants the car to drive like a sports car but also retain and improve upon the 928s ability to serve as a grand tourer with refinement not found in a 911 etc.

https://www.nardone-automotive.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nardone_automotive/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Thierry Nardone and Nardone Automotive

02:54 The Journey to Restomods: Passion and Experience

05:47 The Concept of Restomods and Initial Projects

09:10 Building a Network: Collaborations and Partnerships

12:05 Designing the Nightweight: Vision and Execution

15:01 The Launch of the Gold 928: Marketing and Reception

17:56 Defining the 928: Engineering and Aesthetics

20:48 Monterey Experience: Feedback and Future Plans

24:09 Customer Alignment: Vision and Expectations

36:35 Customer Engagement and Company Growth

37:30 Performance Goals and Engine Development

40:20 Gearbox Innovations and Torque Management

42:15 Sound Design: Balancing Comfort and Performance

44:44 Weight Management and Vehicle Dynamics

46:40 High-End Sound Systems in Resto Mods

51:00 Driving Experiences and Road Trips

01:01:07 Future Developments and Technology Integration

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Maurizio Reggiani, born on February 8, 1959, in San Martino Spino, Italy, is a distinguished automotive engineer renowned for his significant contributions to the high-performance automotive industry. He graduated from the University of Modena with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Reggiani began his career at Maserati in 1982, focusing on engine development, notably for the Maserati Biturbo. In 1987, he joined Bugatti under Paolo Stanzani, overseeing the development of the EB110’s engine, gearbox, and transmission.

In 1995, Reggiani moved to Lamborghini, leading the development of the Murciélago. By 2001, he headed research and development for powertrains and suspension. His tenure as Chief Technical Officer from 2006 saw the launch of models like the Aventador, Huracán, and Urus. In January 2022, he became Vice President of Lamborghini Motorsport, overseeing the company’s motorsport division.

In April 2023, the University of Bologna awarded Reggiani a Laurea ad Honorem, recognizing his contributions to automotive engineering.

Enjoy,

Sam

https://eccentricacars.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eccentricaofficial/

Show Notes:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Maserati to Lamborghini

02:48 Engineering Excellence: The Bugatti Experience

06:07 Transitioning to Lamborghini: Challenges and Innovations

09:02 The Birth of the Gallardo: A New Era

11:54 The Impact of Audi Ownership on Lamborghini

14:48 Defining the Soul of Lamborghini

18:06 The Evolution of Lamborghini's Engine Technology

21:02 The Success of the Urus: A Game Changer

23:57 Future of Lamborghini: Hybridization and Beyond

54:36 Energy Storage Challenges in Automotive Engineering

58:52 The Evolution of Hypercars and Performance Expectations

01:00:44 Innovations in Resto Mods: The Eccentrica Vision

01:05:07 Balancing Tradition and Modern Technology in Car Design

01:10:32 Driving Experience: Comparing the Eccentrica to the Original Diablo

01:15:20 Challenges of Low-Volume Production in Luxury Cars

01:20:34 Customization and Personalization in High-End Automotive Projects

01:24:03 Future Prospects for Eccentrica and the Automotive Industry

01:29:25 Memorable Driving Experiences and Personal Favorites

01:35:37 The Most Undervalued and Interesting Cars Today

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