# Motorweek's 45th Anniversary Episode **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [March 16, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359 "2026-03-16T14:31:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/1 "2026-03-16T14:31:34Z")
This provides a nice retrospective of their incredible 45 years on the air, and there is a very nice tribute to the late Pat Goss: [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/4/a/4a933e8f61d18b214ee29e0b694e1cbb4a96b613.jpeg "MotorWeek S45 E10 | FULL EPISODE") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq1H8gVQKP4) On a related topic, one of their other recent episodes had a segment on the history of the Jeep, and they stated–incorrectly–that the Jeep “was developed by Willys”. As most of the older forum members are probably aware, the original Jeep was developed by the struggling American Bantam company, but because American Bantam didn’t have sufficient production capacity, manufacturing was done by both Willys and Ford. Undoubtedly, there were some design revisions, after American Bantam’s original prototypes, but the bottom line is that Motorweek was incorrect when they stated that the original Jeep design was a Willys project. But, Motorweek is a good show overall, despite that historical gaffe. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2026, 2:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/2 "2026-03-16T14:56:01Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > done by both Willys and Ford. Undoubtedly, there were some design revisions The iconic Jeeps slotted grill was developed by Ford. Bantam did not have a stamping press big enough to make the single piece grill.. But Ford did and reduced the cost of the grill panel for all Jeeps produced for WW2. Willys supplied the Go-Devil engine and made modifications that reduced the weight and lowered the height. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/3 "2026-03-16T14:59:41Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > Willys supplied the Go-Devil engine and made modifications that reduced the weight and lowered the height. Yes, if the original Austin-designed engine had been used, the Jeep would have a whole lot less power output. Among the weight-reduction methods that were used was a simple revision in the way that the vehicle was painted. Other steps were even more important, but just revising the painting process saved a few pounds. ---
**Author:** ![KTPhil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ec9cab/32.png) [@KTPhil](https://community.cartalk.com/u/KTPhil)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 7:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/4 "2026-03-23T19:36:32Z")
That segment, and many many more, also falsely credit Chrysler with inventing the Mini-Van. Have these folks never heard of the VW Bus? Turn the Way Back Machine to 1950… ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/5 "2026-03-23T19:43:41Z")
That is true, but before Chrysler began with their minivans, Lee Iacocca had proposed the same idea to Ford, and they rejected it. After Iacocca moved to Chrysler, he brought the concept of the minivan with him, and the rest is history. > **[The Van Lee Iacocca pitched to Ford before he joined Chrysler](https://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum/threads/the-van-lee-iacocca-pitched-to-ford-before-he-joined-chrysler.60314/)** ---
**Author:** ![KTPhil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ec9cab/32.png) [@KTPhil](https://community.cartalk.com/u/KTPhil)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 8:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/6 "2026-03-23T20:33:02Z")
Interesting, I never knew that about the Ford history. 1950: VW 1960(-ish): Corvair Greenbrier 1980s: Chrysler All three based on earlier passenger vehicle designs to some extent. Thanks, -Phil Someone replied to your post. ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/6/602d295699c664ee41f5e74eb1e2b9d202636f1e.png) > ![](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/45/30_2.png "VDCdriver") | [VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vdcdriver) > March 23 | > > - | - | That is true, but before Chrysler began with their minivans, Lee Iacocca had proposed the same idea to Ford, and they rejected it. After Iacocca moved to Chrysler, he brought the concept of the minivan with him, and the rest is history. [For C Bodies Only Classic Mopar Forum](https://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum/threads/the-van-lee-iacocca-pitched-to-ford-before-he-joined-chrysler.60314/) ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/c/6/c6b98b1e25495fd19503a5b6b5b06144489bb594.png) ### [The Van Lee Iacocca pitched to Ford before he joined Chrysler](https://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum/threads/the-van-lee-iacocca-pitched-to-ford-before-he-joined-chrysler.60314/) ---
**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 10:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/7 "2026-03-23T22:57:43Z")
400,000+ Caravan/voyagers sold in 88 alone. VW Sold 139,000 Vanagons in the us total from 1980-1991. The Vanagon Westphalia is still desired by fans and weekend campers but was a niche model compared to the Chryslet offering. Family friend tripped and rolled the family Westphalia vanagon on a mountain road ending up a few hundred feet below. Both teens crawled out and hiked to a phone, more shaken up than hurt. His dad only cared that the boys were OK. They bought a new ford minivan as a replacement. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/8 "2026-03-24T00:18:02Z")
There were small vans elsewhere earlier, but the one that created the huge market in the US was the Chrysler. ---
**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 4:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/9 "2026-03-24T04:35:46Z")
They gave favorable reviews to the 88 Grand Voyagerl.4,000lb tow rating with the optional t o w package including a trans cooler. Magazine tests suggested 3,000lbs was more realistic our 88 Grand Voyager Se so equipped towed about 2,000lb with ease. The Volvo 144 we towed with previously struggled on the same ramp that the Grand Voyager climbed with ease. Ended up keeping it around for 22yrs. Special ordered with most options for about $1,000 off of msrp at a dealer with a 5day supply [https://youtu.be/KySRTJsZe8I?si=f7p8I41OI4Fgs0wV](https://youtu.be/KySRTJsZe8I?si=f7p8I41OI4Fgs0wV) ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 12:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/10 "2026-03-24T12:43:53Z")
The main issue I saw with the Caravans was with the engine mounts, the front lower one would break easily and allow too much angles on the axles and in turn would kill the cv axles, once Chrysler added the 4th (rear) engine mount, the axles lived a long and happy life… Also saw quite a few transfer gear nuts come loose and eat a hole in the rear cover (side pan) of the transaxle, if caught in time, an easy fix, if not, you lost all gears… Our 99 G/Caravan was a work horse and did us right, never left us stranded… ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/11 "2026-03-24T12:56:30Z")
I saw the episode on Sunday. I didn’t know John Davis use to have hair. > [@VDCdriver](#): > > But, Motorweek is a good show overall, despite that historical gaffe. They’ve made a few mistakes over the years. The one thing I don’t like about the show recently is it seems almost every week they are either showcasing a Hyundai or Kia. Far more then any other manufacturer. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 2:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/12 "2026-03-24T14:24:15Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > the front lower one would break easily and allow too much angles on the axles and in turn would kill the cv axles, once Chrysler added the 4th (rear) engine mount, the axles lived a long and happy life… Of course we all know that _money_ is the reason behind why only 3 mounts were used in the initial rollout. The same reason GM didn’t put articulated joints - multi-link? - at the ends of the rear axles on the original Corvair. Get it out the door cheap! ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/13 "2026-03-24T15:28:56Z")
Sometimes it just comes down to you live and learn… ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 3:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/14 "2026-03-24T15:35:08Z")
But it shouldn’t have to involve people getting injured or dying - in the case of the Corvair or later on, the Explorer. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 3:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/15 "2026-03-24T15:36:30Z")
> [@MikeInNH](#): > > I saw the episode on Sunday. I didn’t know John Davis use to have hair. Yes, he did, but one thing hasn’t changed. Why does he always seem to be shouting, instead of just speaking into the microphone? I do like him and his show, but I wish that he would stop shouting. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 3:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/16 "2026-03-24T15:51:32Z")
When the Corvair first came out the swing axle type of independent rear suspension was common, used by VW and Mercedes. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/17 "2026-03-24T17:13:23Z")
Those two mfgs chose to proactively spend the (like small amount per car) money on the independent, in the first place. It definitely reflects those parts of the world where money is everything, and where it is only one of several considerations. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/18 "2026-03-24T18:20:37Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > involve people getting injured or dying - in the case of the Corvair A 1972 government investigation concluded that the handling and stability of the 1960-1963 Corvair were comparable to other contemporary vehicles, finding no abnormal potential for loss of control or rollover. You can search that answer like I did or hit the link below > **[Unsafe at Any Speed?](https://www.corvair.org/index.php/home/history-and-preservation/unsafe-at-any-speed)** > > Corvair Society of America ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 6:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/19 "2026-03-24T18:45:10Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > A 1972 government investigation concluded that the handling and stability of the 1960-1963 Corvair were comparable to other contemporary vehicles, finding no abnormal potential for loss of control or rollover. Well, the frequency of rollovers suggests that many drivers did exceed the performance envelope especially of the first-gen Corvairs. Could it have been as much how they drove as it was the rear-end suspension limitations? At least the way I would drive a Corvair in reasonable condition, be it a 1962 or the updated 1965 onward, I probably would never come close to testing the safe limits of its handling envelope. I’d be too busy in the right hand lane, enjoying the sofa-like bucket seats they put in GM 2-doors back then, cruising along to whatever music I could feed through the bluetooth to FM transmitter to the radio. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359/20 "2026-03-24T18:55:35Z")
> [@texases](#): > > When the Corvair first came out the swing axle type of independent rear suspension was common, used by VW and Mercedes. GM, VW, Porsche, and Mercedes essentially just copied the swing-arm IRS design that Hans Ledwinka invented for Tatra, in **1923**. When Ferdinand Porsche applied Ledwinka’s design to Auto Union’s V16 rear engine race cars of the 1930s, the extreme oversteer tendency (resulting from the incredible rear-biased weight distribution and the swing axles) proved to be deadly for a lot of Auto Union’s race drivers. So, Auto Union decided to hire motorcycle racers who had never driven race cars, so that they could learn the unorthodox handling characteristics of those cars from their training drives. Later, Ferdinand adapted a DeDion IRS design to ameliorate some of the extreme oversteer characteristics. When the Nazis occupied Czechoslovakia, a lot of N a z i officers appropriated Tatra sedans for their personal use, and the unorthodox handling of those cars resulted in the deaths of a lot of those officers. That resulted in an order from higher-ups, prohibiting N a z i officers from driving, or riding in Tatras. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/motorweeks-45th-anniversary-episode/205359.md?page=2)