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Tag: classic cars

K&F Show #369: The Love Bug Movie Review // The Car That Started It All

Disney’s The Love Bug wasn’t just a hit movie—it created one of the most recognizable automotive stars in entertainment history. Long before KITT, the General Lee, or Lightning McQueen, a little Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie captured audiences with personality, charm, and a racing spirit that made generations of car enthusiasts believe their own vehicles might have a soul.

In this episode, Rob, Corn Dog, and Bernie revisit the original 1969 classic that launched an entire franchise. From Dean Jones’ role as struggling racer Jim Douglas to the villainous Peter Thorndyke and the practical effects that brought Herbie to life, the crew explores what made this Disney film such a phenomenon. They also discuss the movie’s racing action, behind-the-scenes movie magic, and why Herbie remains one of the most beloved automotive characters ever created.

The Love Bug was a massive box office success, earning more than ten times its production budget and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 1969. Nearly sixty years later, it still holds up as a fun, family-friendly movie that combines racing, comedy, and heart in a way few automotive films ever have. Join the guys as they celebrate the movie that started it all and revisit one of the greatest car stars ever put on the silver screen.

TMCP #651 – Rick Love on 50 Years of Vintage Air, Hot Rod Innovation & the Future of the Hobby (plus A/C for S-10’s)!

Vintage Air is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in this special episode, Robert Kibbe welcomes Vintage Air President Rick Love for an in-depth conversation about the company’s remarkable journey from a small hot rod air conditioning supplier to an industry leader. Rick shares how a chance meeting with founder Jack Chisenhall in the early 1980s led to a friendship, collaboration, and eventually a career helping shape one of the most respected brands in the automotive aftermarket. Along the way, he reflects on the family-oriented culture that has helped Vintage Air grow from fewer than 30 employees to nearly 160 today.

The discussion explores how technology has transformed both the company and the hobby itself. Rick explains how 3D scanning, CAD design, rapid prototyping, and Gen V climate control systems have dramatically improved product development while making modern air conditioning easier than ever to integrate into classic cars. From Tri-Five Chevys and Camaros to Japanese imports, Broncos, Scouts, and custom one-off builds, Vintage Air continues expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of enthusiasts.

Rick also shares his thoughts on AI, tariffs, SEMA’s ongoing legislative efforts to protect automotive enthusiasts, and the growing market for reproduction vehicles and low-volume production cars. Whether you’re restoring a classic, building a pro-touring machine, or simply enjoy hearing stories from one of the hobby’s most respected leaders, this episode offers a fascinating look at where the automotive aftermarket has been—and where it’s headed next.

TMCP #650: Ask Rick – Father’s Day Car Shows, Summer Cruise Nights, and Patriotic Auction Temptations

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and on this month’s Ask Rick, Rob Kibbe welcomes National Parts Depot CEO Rick Schmidt for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from car show planning to collector car buying strategy. Drawing from more than twenty years of experience producing NPD’s legendary Silver Springs Ford and GM shows, Rick shares what makes a great event, why most car shows overcomplicate things, and how creating an experience for the entire family is often more important than the cars themselves.

The discussion also dives into the evolving world of reproduction bodies and restoration parts. Rick offers an insider’s perspective on the quality improvements seen in replacement Camaro and Firebird bodies, the challenges of manufacturing and licensing, and why some projects help preserve the hobby while others raise serious questions. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into bringing reproduction sheet metal and complete bodies to market, this segment is packed with fascinating insight.

Of course, no Ask Rick episode would be complete without auction picks. This month Rick evaluates six vehicles ranging from a 1968 El Camino SS 396, 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible, and 1962 Chrysler 300, to a modern Shelby GT350R Heritage Edition, a stunning 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible, and a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Along the way he reveals which cars he’d happily cruise all summer, which ones he’d avoid entirely, and why some of the hobby’s most interesting opportunities aren’t always the most obvious choices.

TMCP #647: Mecum Auctions Insider David Morton – Live Auction Energy, Collector Car Trends & The Future of Car Culture

In this episode of The MuscleCar Place Podcast, guest host Bernie McPartland sits down with Mecum Auctions Senior Communications Manager David Morton during Mecum Houston for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the fastest-growing forces in the collector car world. What starts as a conversation about auctions quickly evolves into a deeper discussion about why live automotive experiences still matter in today’s digital world. David shares how his background in sports marketing helped shape Mecum’s growth strategy, why the company continues doubling down on live events rather than online-only auctions, and how Mecum has effectively become a motorsport-style entertainment experience that draws massive crowds, television audiences, and passionate enthusiasts nationwide.

The episode also dives into the rapidly changing collector car market, including the explosion of trucks, SUVs, restomods, and 1980s/90s-era vehicles as younger generations enter the hobby. Bernie and David discuss everything from Broncos and K5 Blazers to exotics, custom builds, Steve McQueen movie cars, and the emotional storytelling that continues driving collector enthusiasm. Plus, Rob Kibbe shares a Dallas Kibbe Racing Update covering Dallas’s aggressive summer racing schedule, preparation for the Charlotte Summer Shootout, and the challenge of balancing racing life with getting a Porsche 944 ready for prom season.

TMCP #646: Ask Rick – Memorial Day Muscle, Summer Flip Strategy, and Parade-Ready Classics

In this episode of The MuscleCar Place, Rob Kibbe and Rick Schmidt kick off May with a thoughtful look at Memorial Day—balancing its deeper meaning with the traditions that bring car enthusiasts together, from local parades to community gatherings. The conversation then shifts into the latest Dallas Kibbe Racing update, where steady progress on the track is matched by a big off-track milestone: a new presenting sponsor stepping in behind the program. From there, Rick delivers his signature straight talk on topics ranging from whether giving a car as a gift is a great idea or a logistical gamble, to the future of continuation builds like Revology and whether the Camaro comeback rumors hold any real weight.
The episode wraps with two fun but strategic car-buying segments. First, the guys pick parade-ready classics under $50K that can be enjoyed all summer without losing money. Then, with the budget removed, the focus turns to real profit—analyzing a ’92 Corvette ZR-1 as an undervalued opportunity, a 2000 Saleen Mustang as a niche play, and a ’71 Chevelle as the safest bet for consistent return. As always, Rick cuts through the noise with practical insight, making this episode equal parts car culture, market reality, and smart enthusiast thinking.

TMCP #456 – Ask Rick, The Realities of Classic Cars as Investments; Which 2021 Muscle Cars Are Collectible?

Investing: In this day and age of huge government stimulus packages, thoughts turn to rising costs and inflation. Since our audience could invest in something, why not follow Rick’s model and invest in what they know best; cars! Rick shared that one of the lessons his father believed most was to invest in yourself first, and as such the stock market is now where he chose to invest but instead in his businesses and in assets. The car collection they curated…..wasn’t actually for an investment though, though it resulted in one. In addition they chose to purchase low mile, highly optioned cars not as speculation bets, but simply because they liked them! Some are rare, some are not, but all are special. Today if they wished to sell a portion of the collection they would certainly see a great return….but that day may or may not ever come. Why? They still like the cars!

TMCP #386: Mike Fadel of Streetside Classics; Consigning Cars and Beating the Auctions – Ask Rick; Is There Value of Having Your Car Judged?

In this episode I spoke once again to friend of the show Mike Fadel, Director of Sales and Consignments at Streetside Classics. Streetside has made a major impact for both buyers and sellers of collector cars, muscle cars and otherwise by going strictly consignment and by utilizing massive amounts of data to fine tune where cars cab be bought and sold. And….it’s working! In just the last few years they’ve been growing at a rapid rate and I wanted to see if he could give me the hottest look at what 2019 holds.

Ask Rick: On this edition of Ask Rick Rick shared the final results from the recent AACA show in Ocala and regarding the judging of his 1955 Pontiac Star Chief  specifically. He told me it passed with no issues! He went on to say that prior to AACA judging he did correct quite a few things with the car and he would be proud to enter it even into a Pontiac specific show. The vehicle specific shows are a bit different than AACA since the people that judge are specialists in those cars specifically where an AACA judge has a breadth of knowledge regarding all makes and models. The AACA shows do a great job of judging overall quality of a vehicle as a collector car and is something to look for when purchasing a car.