AutoLooks Podcast

What if the automotive industry is a never-ending battlefield driven by rivalry and ambition? Join us, as I uncover the epic tales of innovation that have shaped the world of cars. From Mercedes' pioneering victory with the combustion engine to Henry Ford's grand vision that brought automobiles to the masses, this episode reveals the intense battles that have defined the industry. Everett J. #autolooks

Can a vehicle embody the pinnacle of understated luxury while remaining virtually unknown outside its home country? Discover the Toyota Century, a masterpiece of engineering and tradition, which has been the hidden gem in Toyota's crown since 1967. This episode unravels the rich history and cultural significance of the Century, a vehicle that stands above even Lexus in Toyota's hierarchy and serves as the choice of Japan's elite. With its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, could the Century redefine what luxury means in different markets? Join us as we untangle the intricate threads of tradition, innovation, and cultural perception that make the Toyota Century a fascinating subject for any luxury vehicle enthusiast.

Can a sports car really be family-friendly? Explore how automotive designers have been tackling this paradox since the 1950s, blending the thrill of sports car performance with the practicality needed for family life. Join us as we navigate the engaging ride through the ever-evolving world of family-friendly sports cars, where style meets practicality without compromise.

What if the vehicles you see as relics are actually the backbone of a thriving automotive industry? Discover how the enduring legacy of older vehicles and how they shape the intricacies and evolution of the automotive industry. Navigating the future of the old car industry brings its own set of challenges, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and the changing tides brought on by the pandemic. Uncover how these shifts impact the availability of affordable vehicles and the habits of consumers, who now lean more towards public transit and ridesharing. Despite these shifts, the need to maintain the old car market remains vital for those relying on affordable vehicles and the small repair shops and manufacturers that support them. Everett J. #autolooks

What if the sports cars of yesteryear could make a thrilling comeback in today's rapidly evolving automotive world? The journey through the sports car landscape is as thrilling as the cars themselves, from their European roots in the 1930s to the iconic models that inspired generations. We explore how wartime encounters with nimble roadsters lit a spark that ignited the American market, leading to legendary creations like the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird. Yet, today's sports car market faces an uphill battle, grappling with evolving consumer tastes and stricter regulations that cloud the future of these beloved machines.

Join us as we embark on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of automobile design, exploring key moments and iconic designs that have defined each era. We kick off with a look at how the automobile transitioned from a luxurious, aristocratic toy into a practical vehicle for the masses. Industry giants like Mercedes-Benz, who catered to the elite, and Ford, who made cars accessible to the average person, played pivotal roles in this transformation. Everett J. #autolooks

Ever wondered how your car door became an essential part of both safety and style? Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating evolution of automotive doors. From the traditional to the exotic, we unlock the stories behind each design. Everett J. #autolooks

Can commuter cities thrive in a future where cars aren't the driving force? Discover how these pivotal urban hubs, which have long balanced the allure of lower housing costs with the trials of car ownership and commuting, are navigating an evolving landscape. Through historical insights, we explore the origin of commuter towns, which have transitioned from industrial worker havens to automobile-reliant communities in the 20th century, and consider why they remain vital in our modern world. Everett J. #autolooks

What if a pickup truck could actually outpace a sports car? Join us as we unlock the thrilling saga of the GMC Syclone and Typhoon, two extraordinary machines that redefined the limits of what trucks could achieve in the early 1990s. Everett J. #autolooks

Can the melodies woven into our lives really steer the course of our personal and automotive journeys? Embark on an evocative exploration of music's role in our experiences, especially when intertwined with the roar of an engine.

What if Canada’s car legacy is more intriguing than you ever imagined? Step back in time with us as we unravel the stories behind Canada's unique automotive brands, meticulously crafted by the big players like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler to meet the distinct needs of Canadian markets. Everett J. #autolooks

What if cars were more than just a means of transportation, but true works of art? This episode takes you on a journey through the artistic value embedded in automotive design. We unravel the creative process behind some of the most iconic cars and the masterminds like Ettore Bugatti who shaped the automotive world with an artful touch. From the sculptural beauty of the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantique to the harmonious lines of the Ferrari 250 Testarossa, we discuss how these vehicles have transcended their mechanical purpose to become symbols of their time.

What vehicles are hidden amongst our favourite children's shows? Join us as we journey through the world of famous children's shows and the automotive influences which hide within them. From the obvious to the unknown, AutoLooks will uncover the vehicles from the top children's shows. Everett J. #autolooks

Ever wondered about the charm and innovation behind pop-up headlights? Join us on a nostalgic journey through the captivating evolution of these iconic automotive features. From their debut at the 1935 New York Auto Show with the Cord 812 to the revolutionary power-actuated headlights in the 1938 Buick Y-Job concept, we explore how pop-up headlights became legends in classic car design. In this episode, we reminisce about the cool factor of pop-up headlights, from personal childhood encounters with an '87 Firebird to the technological advancements that kept them around for decades. Discover the intriguing stories behind various iterations, including rollover headlights, hideaway grills, and the unique designs of cars like the Lamborghini Miura and Toyota 2000 GT. As we delve into the reasons why pop-up headlights eventually faded away, we also explore their potential comeback in modern vehicles. With insights into the latest automotive innovations, we ponder whether these beloved relics might find their place in the industry once more. Tune in to the AutoLooks Podcast for a fun and enlightening ride through the world of pop-up headlights.

In this episode of the AutoLooks podcast, host Everett Jay delves into the concept of dedicated transportation routes, exploring their potential to revolutionize how we move products and alleviate congestion on our highways. The discussion draws inspiration from the classic tune "Convoy" and investigates the historical context of highway systems originally intended for the seamless movement of goods. Everett examines the challenges posed by personal vehicles clogging these vital arteries and proposes alternatives, such as exclusive lanes for transport trucks. He reflects on the legacy of major highway systems like the United States Interstate System and the Trans-Canada Highway, highlighting the benefits of separating the pathways for goods and personal vehicles. The episode explores real-world examples from Canada and beyond, emphasizing the need for dedicated transport routes in congested areas. Everett also discusses the potential cost savings and efficiency improvements that could arise from implementing such infrastructure. Join Everett as he navigates through the intricacies of transportation networks, advocating for a future where dedicated routes could enhance the flow of goods, reduce congestion, and ultimately benefit both the economy and the environment.

Unlock the secret world of car colors and discover how they shape our perceptions and influence our choices. Join us as we explore the vibrant and sometimes unexpected art of naming automotive hues, diving into stories that transform simple paints into rich narratives. From the iconic reds of Ferrari to the bold "Mojito Green" of a Jeep Wrangler, you'll learn how these color choices go far beyond aesthetics, becoming crucial elements of brand identity and consumer connection. Everett J. #autolooks

Could dedicated transportation routes transform our highways and revolutionize industries? Let's unravel the history behind our congested highway systems, originally built for the seamless movement of goods but now throttled by personal vehicles. Drawing inspiration from the song "Convoy," we discuss alternatives that could cut through the chaos—imagine lanes exclusively for transport trucks, vastly improving efficiency in traffic-heavy cities like Toronto. We reflect on the legacy of the United States Interstate System, the Trans-Canada Highway, and the potential benefits of separating the paths of goods and personal vehicles. Everett J. #autolooks

What if you could experience the charm and innovation of pop-up headlights, a beloved relic from automotive history, all over again? Join us as we take you on a nostalgic ride through the captivating evolution of these iconic headlights that once defined eras of classic car design. From the groundbreaking moment at the 1935 New York Auto Show with the Cord 812 to the revolutionary power-actuated headlights in the 1938 Buick Y-Job concept, we promise you'll uncover fascinating stories about how these headlights became legends, only to be eventually replaced by modern lighting technologies.

​ Is market consolidation the inevitable future of the automotive industry? Join us as we explore the fascinating parallels between the consolidation trends of the past and today's market dynamics. As markets reach saturation, we question whether the burgeoning electric vehicle sector will follow a similar path. Everett J. #autolooks

Unlock the fascinating stories behind the car companies that time forgot. Discover the innovative yet short-lived brands that once captured the automotive industry's imagination. Learn why these once-prominent names could not withstand the tide of market consolidation and evolving consumer tastes despite their unique innovations and contributions. Everett J. #autolooks