Between Two Pumps

In Episode 25 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean set out to prove that getting into the collector-car hobby doesn't have to require a six-figure budget. Each of the guys goes shopping through the Hemmings Marketplace with three price caps: $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000. The results are all over the automotive map. A customized 1969 Dodge A100, a project 1940 Ford, a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Volkswagen Beetle convertible, a V12 Jaguar, a funky 1962 Dodge Dart wagon, and plenty more make the list before the $20K category opens the door to everything from vintage off-roaders to '90s Japanese performance cars. Along the way, the guys make the case for buying cars you can actually use, finding value in overlooked models, and remembering that you don't have to marry every car you buy. With plenty of genuinely interesting cars still available at attainable prices, the hardest part might be talking yourself out of bringing one home. If you had $5K, $10K, or $20K to spend on a fun car today, what are you buying?

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:8216d286-5daf-4abe-8226-318bd6110071-42" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:8216d286-5daf-4abe-8226-318bd6110071-42" data-testid= "conversation-turn-86" data-turn="assistant"> In Episode 24 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean take on the technology and features reshaping modern cars. Touchscreens controlling basic functions, questionable electronic shifters, gesture controls, turbocharged everything—some innovations have the guys wondering whether automakers have forgotten that cars still need to be intuitive to drive. But they're not against progress. Backup and 360-degree cameras, better climate control, heated and ventilated seats, Bluetooth, modern sports seats, and integrated towing technology all earn their praise. Then comes the wish list: full-size spare tires, analog gauges, traditional PRNDL shifters, mechanical parking brakes, simple fresh-air vents, and other features that disappeared somewhere along the way. What modern car feature could you live without—and what old-school feature deserves a comeback?

In Episode 23 of Between Two Pumps , the guys leave four wheels behind and dive into the world of motorcycles. With decades of riding experience between them, Mike Musto and Terry Shea talk about everything from the Honda CB750 and the rise of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle to the analog sport bikes of the '80s and '90s—and why motorcycles can deliver a level of immediacy and visceral excitement that even great cars can't match. Terry also finds himself in the market for his first street motorcycle, sparking a conversation about what makes a good first bike, whether to go vintage or modern, and why an inexpensive '90s or early-2000s motorcycle might be the perfect way into two wheels. Along the way, the guys revisit some of their own first bikes, favorite motorcycles, the appeal of adventure bikes, and the seemingly endless rabbit hole of motorcycles available on the Hemmings Marketplace. Plus: Why riding a motorcycle can make you a better car driver, the enduring appeal of analog machines, and one very important piece of advice for anyone thinking about getting into riding: spend more on the gear.

In Episode 22 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean look back at the rise of Japanese cars in America, from the days when Toyota, Honda, and Datsun were dismissed as cheap economy cars to the moment they became benchmarks for quality, reliability, technology, and performance. The guys revisit the cars that changed their perceptions, from early Corollas, Civics, and Accords to the 300ZX, Celica, Supra, Prelude, and more, and explore why so many once-overlooked Japanese cars are becoming increasingly desirable collector vehicles. They also clear up what "JDM" actually means, talk about the engineering that helped Japanese manufacturers earn enthusiasts' respect, and reveal which Japanese classics they'd put in their own garages today. Plus: Is it time for a JDM project car in the Hemmings Garage? It's a nostalgic look at the cars many enthusiasts once ignored and now can't stop searching for.

In Episode 21 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry McGean, and Terry Shea dig into the evolution of the 4x4, from old-school, truck-based rigs to modern SUVs and crossovers. The conversation starts with a simple question: What are you actually going to use it for? Because there's a big difference between needing legitimate off-road capability and needing all-wheel drive to get through the snow. The guys revisit everything from early Ford Explorers, Chevy Blazers, Broncos, and Jeep Cherokees to Grand Wagoneers, Wranglers, 4Runners, Land Cruisers, Range Rovers, and today's Bronco. Along the way, they debate the tradeoffs between off-road ability, highway comfort, towing capacity, reliability, size, power, and practicality—and why the best 4x4 might be the one that can do almost everything well. Plus: overlanding excess, questionable used Range Rovers, bulletproof Toyotas, and the Land Cruiser 70 Series—the "Erector Set of the 4x4 world." If you could have one 4x4 that had to handle the trail, the highway, the family, and the occasional tow, what would you choose?

In Episode 20 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean go hunting for the sweet spots hiding within enthusiast-car lineups; the models, trims, and option combinations that deliver most (and sometimes all) of the experience without the flagship price tag. From the Porsche 996 and early Cayman to the C6 Corvette Grand Sport, Mustang GT Track Pack, Mini Cooper, and Camaro SS 1LE, the guys dig into cars where choosing the right spec may matter more than choosing the most expensive badge. Sometimes less power, fewer options, or the supposedly "lesser" model actually makes for the better car to own and drive. The takeaway? Figure out the driving experience you actually want, learn the option sheet, and buy the car that fits you—not the one everyone tells you you're supposed to want. Because sometimes the best version of a great car is hiding in plain sight.

In Episode 19 of Between Two Pumps, Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean tackle one of the most entertaining hypothetical debates yet: What is the ultimate getaway car? Starting with a tongue-in-cheek movie scenario involving corrupt zombie cops, the guys put a wide range of vehicles to the test, weighing everything from agility and durability to all-wheel drive, ground clearance, top speed, fuel range, and real-world survivability. Along the way, they debate the merits of the Porsche 911 Dakar, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, BMW M5, Ford Lightning, and several other unexpected contenders, ultimately narrowing the field to two finalists. It's a hilarious conversation filled with movie references, spirited arguments, and surprisingly thoughtful automotive analysis that proves choosing the perfect escape vehicle isn't nearly as simple as picking the fastest car. Which would you choose—the Porsche 911 Dakar, the Jeep Trackhawk, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments.

In Episode 18 of Between Two Pumps, Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean dive deep into the wonderfully weird side of the collector car hobby, each bringing five of the most unusual, obscure, and unexpected vehicles they could find on Hemmings. From Nissan Figaros, Tatra Type 77s, and Euro-spec BMWs to military Jeep trucks, French grand tourers, Model T snowmobile conversions, and even Italian vineyard utility vehicles, the guys celebrate the incredible variety that makes the collector car hobby so fascinating. Along the way, they debate forgotten automotive engineering, gray-market gems, military oddities, French styling, rare imports, and why discovering cars you've never even heard of is one of the greatest joys of being a car enthusiast. If you could own one truly unusual collector car, what would it be? Let us know in the comments.

In Episode 17 of Between Two Pumps, Mike Musto, Terry McGean, and Terry Shea swap stories about the forever cars in their garages and why, despite decades of new models, more horsepower, and better technology, nothing has been able to replace them. From Terry's long-loved Focus RS and BMW M Coupe to Terry's Fox-body Mustang and Mike's beloved '68 Charger, the guys explore what transforms a car from a possession into part of your identity. Along the way, they debate modern performance cars versus analog icons, the thrill of configuring your dream car, whether today's vehicles still create lifelong emotional connections, and why sometimes the smartest automotive decision is simply keeping the keys to the one that still makes you look back every time you park it.

In Episode 16 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean resurrect the cars and nameplates they think deserve another shot. Terry Shea makes the case for a modern Ford Crown Victoria: big, rear-wheel drive, V8-powered, and finally given the enthusiast treatment Ford never quite delivered. Mike dreams up a reborn second-generation Trans Am with the elegance of an Aston Martin, the attitude of American muscle, and, yes, a screaming chicken. And Terry McGean argues for the return of the great American rear-wheel-drive performance sedan, looking back at cars like the Chevrolet SS, Pontiac G8, and the Impala SS. Along the way, the guys debate what makes retro design work, why some modern interpretations completely miss the mark, whether four-door muscle cars have finally earned their place, and the bigger question: If automakers actually built the cars enthusiasts say they want, would anyone buy them? It's part dream garage, part automotive product-planning meeting, and probably a good reminder of why none of these guys work for an OEM.

In Episode 15 of Between Two Pumps , Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean get personal as they confess the cars they never should have sold, the purchases they probably should regret (but don't), and the smartest automotive decisions they've ever made. From a fuselage-era Chrysler Newport and a rare GMC Sprint SP to an E30 M3, Porsche 968, Volkswagen GTIs, and a 928 that exceeded every expectation, the guys revisit the cars that shaped their lives—along with the stories, missed opportunities, and hard-earned lessons that came with them. Whether you've sold your dream car, bought a questionable project, or still think about the one that got away, this episode is a reminder that the best car stories are often about the decisions we wish we could undo.

In Episode 14 of Between Two Pumps, the guys put a budget on their imagination and build their ultimate dream-spec project cars using one simple rule: the car has to be available right now on the Hemmings Marketplace. Mike dreams up the ultimate Fox-platform sleeper—a Coyote-swapped 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe with modern suspension, big brakes, and just enough subtle modifications to surprise everyone at a stoplight. Terry McGean goes lightweight and high-revving with a rally-inspired second-generation Toyota Celica powered by a Toyota 2ZZ engine, blending vintage style with modern performance. And Terry Shea leans into classic American practicality with a 1957 Chevrolet wagon body-swapped onto a 9C1 Caprice chassis for the ultimate road-trip machine. Along the way, the conversation dives into engine swaps, junkyard builds, body swaps, factory parts-bin engineering, Fox-body Fords, Toyota performance engines, and the eternal question every car enthusiast asks: If you had $50,000 and one dream build, what would you create? Because sometimes the best project car isn't the one in your garage—it's the one you've been building in your head for years.

In Episode 13 of Between Two Pumps, the guys tackle a question that has shaped the collector car market for decades: What actually makes a car rare? From BMW M5s and M3 Lightweights to Buick GNXs, Bullitt Mustangs, Dodge Demons, Porsche special editions, and the infamous 1978 Corvette Pace Car, the conversation explores how manufacturers create exclusivity—and whether collectors should believe the hype. Along the way, Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean debate limited-production runs, homologation specials, canceled promotions, performance badges, and the difference between genuinely rare cars and vehicles that were simply marketed as such. They also dive into modern performance brands like BMW M, AMG, Audi RS, and Porsche GT models, asking whether today's endless stream of special editions has diluted what once made these cars truly special. Because when every car is a special edition, it's fair to ask if any of them still are.

In Episode 12 of Between Two Pumps, the guys tackle a question that's becoming harder to answer every year: Do performance badges still mean what they used to? From BMW M and M Sport to Mercedes-AMG, Audi S and RS models, Volvo R-Designs, and Volkswagen R-Lines, the conversation explores how automakers have expanded their performance brands beyond the hardcore enthusiast cars that built their reputations. Along the way, Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean debate whether these modern "sport" packages offer genuine performance improvements or simply deliver the look and image of the real thing. The episode also dives into the evolution of BMW's M division, the rise of AMG sub-models, classic muscle car parallels, halo-car marketing, and whether enthusiasts should embrace these watered-down performance variants or reject them altogether. Because sometimes the biggest question isn't how fast a car is—it's whether the badge on the trunk still means what you think it does.

In Episode 11 of Between Two Pumps, the guys tackle a question every enthusiast seems to be asking: Can you still buy a truly analog driver's car in the modern era? From BMW M Coupes and Porsche 996s to Subaru BRZs, Volkswagen GTIs, Mitsubishi Evos, Mustangs, Lotuses, and Civic Type Rs, the conversation explores the cars that continue to deliver genuine driver engagement in an increasingly digital world. Along the way, they debate where the line exists between "analog" and simply "engaging," and whether modern performance cars have become too heavy, too complicated, and too disconnected from the driving experience enthusiasts crave. The episode also dives into affordable modern classics, overlooked performance bargains, manual transmissions, and the cars they'd buy today before values climb even higher. Because sometimes the best driver's car isn't the fastest one—it's the one that makes you look for the long way home.

In Episode 10 of Between Two Pumps, the guys explore a different way of looking at collector cars: not by horsepower, rarity, or auction results—but by the adventures they unlock. From the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and the snowy mountain roads of the Planai Classic to Radwood, TROG, vintage racing, and the Great Race, the conversation dives into the events that inspire enthusiasts to buy cars they might never have considered otherwise. Along the way, they discuss everything from Curved Dash Oldsmobiles and Austin Sevens to Fox-body Mustangs, BMW 2002s, and even the world's nicest Pontiac Aztek. The episode examines how experiences can influence collector car values, why certain events create demand for overlooked vehicles, and how the right adventure can completely change the way you view a car. Because sometimes the best reason to buy a collector car isn't what it is—it's where it can take you.

In Episode 9 of Between Two Pumps, the guys tackle one of the collector car world's most debated questions: does anybody still want pre-war cars? What starts as a conversation about Model As, Packards, and Full Classics quickly turns into a deeper discussion about why younger enthusiasts are becoming fascinated with analog experiences, tactile machines, and cars that demand skill, patience, and intentionality to drive. Along the way, the crew explores everything from Pebble Beach-era classics and vintage road rallies through the Alps to manual chokes, non-synchronized transmissions, and the surprising appeal of technology from another century. From million-dollar Duesenbergs and coachbuilt Packards to humble Model Ts and Austin Sevens, the episode breaks down why these cars still matter—and why the experience of driving them may be more relevant now than ever in an increasingly digital world. Because sometimes the slowest cars create the most memorable experiences.

In Episode 8 of Between Two Pumps , the guys dive into one of the biggest debates in car culture: stock restorations versus day-two builds, restomods, and full-blown pro touring machines. What started as simple bolt-on upgrades and period-correct modifications has evolved into a world of giant-killer Camaros, track-ready muscle cars, and classics rebuilt to outperform modern performance cars. Along the way, the conversation explores the origins of pro touring, the emotional connection enthusiasts have with modifying cars, and why some builds feel timeless while others become little more than expensive parts catalogs. From first-gen Camaros and big-block Chargers to one-lap legends and modernized muscle, the episode breaks down what actually makes a modified car work—and why the best builds are about more than horsepower numbers or oversized wheels. Because sometimes the most interesting classics aren't the ones left untouched—they're the ones reimagined with purpose.

In Episode 7 of Between Two Pumps , the guys dig into one of the most misunderstood concepts in the collector car world: the idea of the "blue chip" car. Is it about rarity? Performance? Cultural impact? Or simply a safe place to park your money? From mid-year Corvettes and modern ZR1s to Dodge Chargers shaped by Hollywood and pop culture, the conversation breaks down why some cars become untouchable icons while others—despite performance or pedigree—never quite get there. Along the way, they explore rising stars, overlooked opportunities, and the subtle forces that drive long-term value. Because in this market, it's not just about what a car is —it's about what it means .

In Episode 6 of Between Two Pumps , the crew tackles one of the most polarizing debates in car culture: are classic cars meant to be preserved… or driven? From concours-level restorations to bug-splattered cross-country road trips, the conversation dives deep into the psychology behind "garage queens" and the people who own them. Is it about perfection, competition, and preservation—or are some owners missing the entire point? The guys unpack everything from muscle car collecting trends to Pebble Beach-level judging, accidental garage queens, and the emotional weight of cars that sit too long. Along the way, they share personal stories, including long-owned Camaros, forgotten Barracudas, and the regret that comes from not making memories behind the wheel. Because at the end of the day, the question isn't just what is your car worth —it's what has it given you?