Published by Paul Kramer, Dave Van Epps, Casey Parkin
Leisure
Automotive
Shifted Opinions is the car podcast for enthusiasts who live deep in the details — not just the headlines. Hosted by Paul Kramer, Dave Van Epps, and Casey Parkin, the show dives into real conversations about cars, collecting, driving culture, market trends, and the machines that keep us obsessed. From Porsche debates and market shifts to ownership stories, auction results, road experiences, and the opinions enthusiasts argue about in group chats and garages, nothing is off-limits. Expect sharp takes, honest disagreements, and insights shaped by years inside the enthusiast and collector car world. This isn’t hype, reviews, or influencer fluff. It’s the conversations real car people have when the cameras are off. Because opinions change. Cars don’t. And the best discussions happen somewhere in between.
Another Porsche 911 GT3 RS has gone off Angeles Crest—and this one reportedly traveled more than 500 feet down the side of the mountain. Paul, Casey, and Dave discuss what is known about the crash, how the driver was able to walk away, and why the outcome demonstrates the strength of Porsche’s engineering. The crew also provides an update on Dave’s damaged GT3 RS. According to the initial assessment, the car may require approximately $250,000 in damage before it can be declared a total loss. If that happens, would Dave replace it with another GT3 RS—or has he realized that modern GT cars require too much speed before they become truly exciting? The conversation then turns to advice from three “honest” used-car salesmen. Should buyers automatically reject a Porsche because it has high mileage, accident history, imperfect paint, deferred maintenance, rust, or an odometer discrepancy? Or have online auctions conditioned enthusiasts to value perfect documentation more than the actual condition of the car? The hosts also discuss overlooked Porsche values, the continuing appeal of manual air-cooled 911s, 991 Targa ownership problems, Top Tier fuel, G50 versus 915 transmissions, dry-ice cleaning, driving rallies, and what sellers really mean when they describe something as an “honest car.” Connect With the Hosts Paul Kramer | Auto Kennel Instagram: @autokennel Email: paul@autokennel.com Casey Parkin | Group C Curation Instagram: @groupccuration Email: casey@groupccuration.com Dave Van Epps | Sonderwerks Instagram: @sonderwerks Email: dave@sonderwerks.com Send the hosts your questions for an upcoming episode of Shifted Opinions.
A long drive up California’s Highway 1 reminds Paul why early Porsche 911s are so special—and why owning one is not always comfortable. After spending several days behind the wheel of an early 911, Paul, Casey, and Dave discuss what it takes to make a classic Porsche genuinely usable for road trips and rallies. Dave breaks down modern electric air conditioning, including installation requirements, airflow challenges, upgraded alternators, cost, and how it compares with a traditional engine-driven system. The conversation also covers the current Cayman GT4 market, a Mexico Blue 914 hot rod, upcoming rallies, and Casey’s long-awaited drive in a B5 Audi RS4 that did not quite live up to the dream. Then the hosts answer listener questions about radar detectors, repainting versus preserving patina, preparing a car for an online sale, Tuthill-built Porsches, and Porsche facts that sound completely made up—but are actually true. Connect with the hosts: Paul Kramer — AutoKennel Instagram: @autokennel Email: paul@autokennel.com Casey Parkin — Group C Curation Instagram: @groupccuration Email: casey@groupccuration.com Dave Van Epps — Sonderwerks Instagram: @sonderwerks Email: dave@sonderwerks.com
Special guest Jo Bejar—known as @a_car_gal on Instagram—joins Shifted Opinions to talk about building, repairing and driving classic cars instead of simply admiring them from behind a screen. Jo shares how she bought a neglected 1972 Datsun 240Z at 18, left it unfinished while completing the automotive restoration program at McPherson College, and later rebuilt it for the Great Race. What followed was a cross-country adventure involving a mystery engine, a donated transmission, electrical problems, parking-lot repairs, fuel-system failures and an alternator issue that kept disguising itself as something else. Jo also discusses working on historically significant race cars, navigating a male-dominated industry, her dream Porsche 911 Slantnose project and the automotive work she loves—and hates—most. Before Jo joins the conversation, Dave provides an update on his recovery following the GT3 RS accident and explains the unusual process of evaluating the heavily damaged Porsche. Follow Jo on Instagram at @a_car_gal. Follow Shifted Opinions and subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more honest conversations about Porsche, classic cars, road rallies and the automotive industry.
This episode goes from vintage racing chaos to very real Porsche ownership advice. Paul Kramer, Casey Parkin, and Dave Van Epps start with The Great Race, Cannonball Run memories, and the kind of car-movie disappointment only a Countach-obsessed kid could understand. Then it turns into a proper Shifted Opinions shop session: 993 cabriolets, a low-mile Boxster Spyder, dead batteries, jumper-pack hacks, a 968 Club Sport, Cayman GTS auction talk, and Paul’s newly acquired Albert Blue 1971 911T. The listener questions get into the good stuff: when does a sports car become too raw to enjoy, what air-cooled Porsche makes the most sense for a first-time owner, whether a cabriolet is secretly the best value 911, what actually makes someone a good driver, and how to keep old air-cooled cars alive on modern fuel. It is part Porsche therapy, part marketplace reality check, and part old-car survival guide.
Most auction listings look effortless. They are not. Paul, Casey, and Dave pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to consign and sell an enthusiast car—from photography, research, and write-ups to reserves that miss and the awkward question of who eats the cost. Dave checks in after his GT3 RS accident, leading to a candid conversation about airbags, old-car safety, and why internet reactions rarely reflect real life. Then it is back to rallies: broken 928s, roadside repairs, speeding-ticket etiquette, slow cars that feel fast, ugly cars that grew on us, and a Porsche 993 with a $51,000 service bill. It is not always polished. That is the point.
Dave is back—and thankfully, he's okay. After a frightening accident in his GT3RS during the Highlands Motoring Festival, Dave shares the full story of what happened, from the crash itself to being airlifted to a trauma center and the recovery process that followed. The crew dives into modern performance cars, airbag injuries, whether today's GT products have become too capable for their own good, and why older sports cars may actually provide better feedback for enthusiastic drivers. Plus, Paul recaps over 5,000 miles of rally adventures across 10 states, Pinewood Derby madness, tornado warnings, wildlife encounters, and what may be next for Overcrest Rally. Questions, comments, or topic suggestions? 📧 Paul Kramer: paul@autokennel.com 📧 Casey Parkin: casey@groupccuration.com 📧 Dave Van Epps: dave@sonderwerks.com
Paul checks in from Oregon after completing the Safari Party rally, sharing stories from gravel roads, beach driving, overland-inspired Porsches, and the incredible people behind one of the most unique automotive events in the country. Meanwhile, Casey breaks down a week of record-setting collector car sales, including a 2011 Porsche GT3 RS, a Heritage Ford GT, Ferrari Speciales, GT2 RS models, and the surprising market trends pushing analog performance cars higher than ever. Dave joins with an update on an incredible Russell Built 964 Safari project, explaining what makes these builds some of the most capable off-road 911s ever created. Plus: The collector car market's latest surprises Safari Party rally highlights Oregon beach driving adventures Ford GT and GT3 RS values Russell Built Safari builds Shifted Opinions merch updates Supporting Pets With Disabilities A fun, laid-back episode packed with rally stories, Porsche talk, collector car insights, and plenty of laughs.
This week on Shifted Opinions, the guys trade Thursday-morning coffee for Sunday-evening cocktails and dive into everything from the Ruchlos Rallye to the current state of the collector car market. Dave returns from an epic West Virginia Porsche rally with stories of incredible roads, close calls, and why the people you meet matter more than the cars you drive. Meanwhile, Casey shares updates on multiple high-dollar auctions, including GT3 RS models, Ford GTs, and a Ferrari Pista. The conversation turns philosophical when a listener asks a simple question: Is it really about the car—or is it about the journey? Along the way, the guys debate: Porsche 964 vs 993 ownership Why some collector cars are softening in value The best enthusiast EVs on the horizon Project car updates Fire safety and Element extinguishers Pinewood Derby engineering madness Why rallies create memories that no auction result ever can If you love driving, road trips, Porsche culture, and automotive storytelling, this episode is for you.
Has the Porsche hobby become unrealistic for normal enthusiasts? The guys break down the real reason enthusiasts feel locked out of the market — and why social media, online auctions, and “perfect spec” culture may be doing more damage than the cars themselves. From six-figure GT3 RS auctions to bargain 914s and rally-ready drivers, this episode explores why there’s still fun to be had if you stop chasing internet validation. Also: • Porsche market psychology • Rally culture explained • Affordable enthusiast cars • Bring a Trailer chaos • Pinewood Derby memories • Why imperfect cars are often the best cars “We’re not sure, but cars are involved.”
Old cars break. Air conditioning catches fire. 356s smoke on the side of the road. And somehow… we still love them. This week on Shifted Opinions, Paul prepares for his longest driving adventure yet, Dave deals with a Porsche 356 fire, and Casey dives deep into auction prep, rally cars, Porsche 964 ownership, Bring a Trailer culture, nostalgia cars, and why enthusiasts continue chasing machines that make absolutely no sense. The guys also discuss: Porsche 968 Club Sport impressions Selling enthusiast cars in today’s market Rally-ready budget cars Air-cooled Porsche reliability The emotional connection behind nostalgia cars Why “slow car fast” still matters Japanese enthusiast cars making a comeback Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo memories Collector car insurance lessons Modern Porsche vs air-cooled driving feel Follow the hosts: 🏁 Paul Kramer | AutoKennel autokennel.com 🏁 Casey Parkin | Group C Curation groupccuration.com 🏁 Dave Van Epps | Sonderwerks sonderwerks.com ❤️ Support the charity shirt: https://www.groupccuration.com/charityshirt
What’s the point of owning a car you never drive? In this episode of Shifted Opinions, the guys break down the difference between real enthusiasts and collectors — and why the best cars are the ones that get used. From selling a rare Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo to chasing the perfect Porsche 964 RS experience, this conversation dives into rally culture, ownership realities, and what actually makes cars meaningful. You’ll hear: Why “garage queens” miss the point Real rally stories (breakdowns, chaos, and all) The psychology behind collecting vs driving What makes a truly great car event And why some cars are unforgettable… even if you forgot them This isn’t about hype. It’s about cars, driving, and the people who actually live it. 👉 Want more conversations like this? Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
This week on Shifted Opinions, the conversation goes beyond specs and performance numbers — and into what driving is actually about. From GT rally experiences to time on the Tail of the Dragon, the guys unpack what happens when you take cars like the GT3RS out of controlled environments and into the real world. It’s not just about speed — it’s about feel, adaptability, and the experience behind the wheel. They also explore the reality of modern rally events, what makes them worth it, and why the best moments often come from the unexpected. In this episode: • GT3RS performance beyond the track • What rally driving teaches you about cars • Tail of the Dragon: hype vs reality • 964 RS vs modern Porsche experience • Why community matters more than the car If you care about driving — not just cars — this one’s for you.
This week on Shifted Opinions, we sit down with designer, Radwood co-founder, and Driving While Awesome host Lane Skelton for a raw, unfiltered conversation on car culture—past, present, and where it’s actually going. We break down the real story behind Air|Water—from underwhelming show layouts to why it might be better understood as a trade show for Porsche enthusiasts. Plus, what most people completely missed. Then we go deep into: The origin story of Radwood (and how it accidentally became a global brand) What it actually takes to turn passion into a business The behind-the-scenes reality of selling to Hagerty Why most car events fail creatively And finally—Lane takes us inside one of the most insane automotive experiences on the planet: 👉 A $1 billion private racetrack in Japan that feels like Jurassic Park This is part car talk, part industry reality check—and all operator-level perspective. 📍 In this episode: Air|Water vs Luftgekühlt — what’s missing Why car shows are really about people (not cars) The truth about automotive “taste vs money” Japan’s craziest track: Magarigawa Circuit Radwood’s accidental rise to success How Driving While Awesome stayed passion-first 🎙️ About Shifted Opinions: “We’re not sure, but cars are involved.” Hosted by Paul Kramer (AutoKennel), Dave Van Epps (Sonderwerks), and Casey Parkin (Group C Curation). 📩 Stay Connected: 👉 https://shiftedopinions.com
Dave Van Epps is days away from putting his brand-new 1,200-mile 2025 GT3RS on track at VIR for GT Smokies — and the nerves are real. Paul Kramer talks him off the ledge with hard-earned track wisdom, while Casey Parkin quietly reveals he's managing 14 auction cars, including a landmark 8-car RS collection drop on Bring a Trailer featuring multiple 991 RSes, a Ford GT Heritage Edition, a Ferrari Pista, and a Ferrari Speciale. Also in this episode: the Malibu GT3RS rental that rolled down a cliff (and why traction control on modern Porsches is not optional), the hidden danger of full-leather dashes on Macans and 997s, Paul's long-running saga to rehab a 1971 911T Targa "El Fuego," the G50 vs. 915 transmission debate, whether mid-year 911s have already had their moment, and the best way to upgrade a Luxor beige interior without touching eBay. Topics covered: GT Smokies rally — VIR track day, Asheville, charity fundraising Rented GT3RS rolls off Mulholland — what went wrong Casey's 8-car BaT RS collection listing (991.1, 991.2, 992 RS variants + exotics) Paul makes an offer on a 2024 Macan S Full leather dash peeling: causes, costs & prevention 71 911T Targa rehab budget breakdown G50 vs. 915: is the price premium worth it? Mid-year 911 market outlook (74–75 Carreras) Luxor beige interior upgrade guide Ideal Porsche owner traits & vintage car patience How to track maintenance on a multi-car fleet 🎽 SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE: Casey and the GCC crew have a charity shirt benefiting Pets With Disabilities — 100% of profits go directly to the rescue. Shipping included in the lower 48. Order in batches, be patient, and donate more by ordering more. 👉 https://www.groupccuration.com/charityshirt Questions? Email casey@groupccuration.com Connect with the hosts: 📧 paul@autokennel.com | dave@sonderwerks.com | casey@groupccuration.com 📸 Instagram: @autokennel | @sonderwerks | @groupccuration
Are we overvaluing “perfect” cars? In this episode, we break down the growing obsession with condition, Carfax reports, and collector mentality—and why it might be taking away from what makes car ownership special. From GT4 ownership stories to real rally experiences, this conversation gets honest about: Why imperfections shouldn’t scare you The truth behind Carfax “damage” What real enthusiasts actually value And why driving always beats preserving Plus, we highlight a cause worth supporting: 👉 https://www.groupccuration.com/charityshirt All profits support Pets With Disabilities. 🔗 CONNECT Casey: https://www.groupccuration.com Paul: https://www.autokennel.com Dave: https://www.sonderwerks.com
“We’re not sure, but cars are involved.” We open this episode recognizing our rally friend Phil Bazell (@crocgt4) and the impact he’s had on the driving community. 👉 Watch this special video shared in his honor: https://youtu.be/5YviK-vcGAY?si=Zdpbwby9IxcP-LF7 We start with a simple but powerful question: If you had one last drive… what road would you choose? Then the episode shifts into one of the wildest real-world stories we’ve covered. A routine car sale uncovers a vehicle stolen in 1977—with mismatched VINs, duplicate titles, and a resolution nearly 50 years in the making. Inside this episode: The emotional connection behind the roads we never forget How a stolen car resurfaced decades later What VIN mismatches actually mean for ownership and value Why due diligence matters more than ever with vintage cars Plus real stories from inside the industry: A repo story that proves why dealers shouldn’t act like banks A transporter chase that turned into an action-movie moment The hidden risks in shipping and title transfers Listener questions include: Does fixing a VIN issue hurt value? Is restoring a complicated car still worth it? Porsche pricing vs real driving experience Montana LLC purchases—what actually works 🔗 Connect with the Hosts: Paul Kramer (AutoKennel): https://autokennel.com Casey Parkin (Group C Curation): https://www.groupccuration.com Dave Van Epps (Sonderwerks): https://www.groupccuration.com/charityshirt
In this episode of Shifted Opinions, we’re joined by Shannon Harper, owner of Harper Porsche and creator of the Plática event. This conversation looks at how Porsche culture is evolving—through dealerships, builds, and community-driven experiences. Using Harper Porsche as a case study, we explore what separates a standard dealership from one that creates real enthusiast engagement. From restoration philosophy to the rise of Plática, this episode highlights the growing importance of storytelling, creativity, and connection in today’s Porsche world. Explore more from the hosts and their work: AutoKennel — https://autokennel.com Sonderwerks — https://sonderwerks.com Group C Curation — https://groupccuration.com
Every car tells a story—and the most meaningful ones come from experience. In this episode of Shifted Opinions, the discussion focuses on the lessons that come from driving, owning, and truly engaging with enthusiast cars over time. From memorable moments behind the wheel to insights into today’s market, the conversation highlights what really defines a great car experience. It’s not about perfection—it’s about perspective, passion, and understanding what makes cars meaningful in the first place.
On this episode of Shifted Opinions, Casey Parkin, Paul Kramer, and Dave Van Epps break down two of the most important experiences in enthusiast car culture: the Hill Country Rally and Amelia Island. From 1,900-mile vintage Porsche drives across Texas to the collector car world at Amelia Island, this episode explores what makes these events so significant—and why drivers continue to come back year after year. In this episode: • Hill Country Rally: long-distance vintage driving, preparation, and real-world challenges • Amelia Island vs Pebble Beach: what sets each event apart • Radwood, Works Reunion, and the evolution of modern car culture • Auction insights, rare cars, and collector trends • Driving etiquette, rally strategy, and mechanical realities This is a deeper look at what connects drivers, collectors, and enthusiasts beyond the cars themselves. 📩 Contact the hosts: https://shiftedopinions.com
In this episode of Shifted Opinions, the conversation moves through several corners of enthusiast car culture — from frozen racetracks to classic Porsche collecting. Paul Kramer, Dave Van Epps, and Casey Parkin start with the growing buzz around modern ice racing events, where wildly different machines — vintage Porsches, Lamborghinis, rally builds, and everything in between — end up sliding across frozen courses in one of the most unusual automotive gatherings of the year. Paul shares what it was actually like attending the event while recovering from surgery, navigating the ice, the crowds, and the chaotic logistics behind the scenes. From there, the discussion shifts to a topic that has captured the attention of Porsche enthusiasts everywhere: Magnus Walker is selling part of his collection. The hosts take a closer look at several of the cars headed to auction and debate which one they would personally keep. Along the way, they explore the mindset behind collecting — why certain cars resonate with enthusiasts far beyond their market value. Later in the episode, the conversation turns toward the kind of detail only true car nerds obsess over. Steering wheels. Road wheels. The design choices that completely change how a car feels and looks. The group digs into the subtle elements that define great builds — from iconic Porsche wheel designs to the small decisions that can elevate or completely ruin the character of a car. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about enthusiast cars, collecting, and the details that shape automotive culture, this episode of Shifted Opinions delivers exactly that.
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
