Get your podcast episode fix: 

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-bucket-seat/id1118549176?mt=2

I’ve really slowed down on my posts here on the site, but the podcast episodes will keep coming. So, subscribe on iTunes to stay up to date! Don’t forget to leave a review, and rate us too, please? 

Also, check out @thebucketseat on instagram, and on Facebook. Both are pretty current sources for all of your Bucket Seat goodness in the future. 

Thanks, and enjoy! 

Episode #10!! 

Download Here

Episode #9: Multimatic & The Ford GT 

Listen Here

Trevor and Josh speak with Michael Gooch from Multimatic about his role in the Ford GT build, and his time at Le Mans for the historic win after Ford's 50 year hiatus.

Still working out the audio kinks, so bare with us!

Episode #8: $15,000 Used Car Challenge Pt.3  

Listen Here 

Finding an interesting car while on a budget can be seem like an uphill battle, but it doesn't have to be. I go for: 15 Cars for under $15k in 15 minutes. 

Episode #7: Getting into Automotive Journalism in Canada: drivermod.ca

Homegrown (Canadian) automotive journalist Phillip Oliveria explains what his new site drivermod.ca is all about. And, takes us through what crazy Canadian builds he has featured, and what the plans are for the future of the site.

Outside of drivermod Phillip shares his plans for his MX-5 build (spoiler alert: motor swap), his opinions on the Mazda RF, and the Fiat 124.

Check out all of the content we discuss in this episode on www.drivermod.ca

We’re also up on iTunes now, so please download, subscribe, and give us a rating - it all helps! 

Episodes #5 and #6 are now available! 

Episode #5: Automotive design

Josh and Trevor recount a recent visit to listen to Giorgetto Giugiaro speak to his history in automotive design, the role key Canadian designers have had in the automotive industry, and a Fiat Zagato Abarth.

Episode #6: $15,000 Used Car Challenge Pt.2

Finding an interesting car while on a budget can be seem like an uphill battle, but it doesn't have to be. This solo episode is a random smattering of what's available for $15k or less, today, on the Canadian market.

Note: Despite the episode intro, I edited out the majority of the vehicles - sorry, all 15 aren't in there. If I can get quicker at it, I'll eventually do 15 in 15

Podcast Episodes #2, 3, and 4 are up! 

Episode #2: $15,000 Used Car Challenge 

In this episode Josh and Trevor get a bit more comfortable with their mic set up, discuss a new wagon from Kia, the Volvo XC90, and begin a regular segment on finding $15k used cars in 15 minutes. 

Episode #3: Tokyo 

In this short episode, I blabber on about the 2017 Subaru Impreza, and the new Subaru Global Platform. I was tired, and in hotel room early in the morning....give me a break. 

Episode 4: Starting a Dealership

Lief Sorensen visits The Bucket Seat podcast to share his journey from washing cars at a dealership, to owning and operating one in Canada's biggest city. Check out West Toronto Kia, and meet Lief in person - he’s one of the best. 

Podcast Episode #1: E30 Touring

Trevor, and Josh discuss the search for, evaluation of, purchase, and delivery of a car from the U-S-Of-A into Canada. They discuss the common myths of problematic border crossings, complicated paperwork, and "Canadianizing" a vehicle that once resided in the US - and it just so happens to be an E30 Touring that was imported from Germany.

http://shoutengine.com/TheBucketSeat/e30-touring-15499

WARNING: First episode alert...it’s rough, but its getting better. Stay tuned for the next installments of The Bucket Seat Podcast. 

THE BUCKET SEAT GOLD: 2006 Saab 9-2X Aero

Price: $12,900

Location: Toronto

Source: Kijiji 

The seller of this car refers to it having the “unicorn trim”, which is completely true. However, the car in itself is a unicorn. 

Birthed from a single parent who had a special Japanese playmate on the side, the Saabaru ended up being a beautiful oddity. At the time, GM had complete ownership of the Saab brand, and were creating Frankenstein models using their existing platforms (ex. the 9-7X was really just a Chevy Trailblazer ). The beauty of this short lived strategy was the 9-2X Aero - which came from GM’s 20% stake in Subaru at the time. The 9-2X Aero was really an Impreza, but used Saab’s body styling - it also got better sound dampening/insulation, and some god awful two tone seats. 

All of the politics aside, I still think it looks better than the Impreza of its generation, and because of its rarity, it’s extra cool. God forbid you need a new front bumper for one! 

This example has a TON of Km’s on it, but if you’re really into the car you’ll replace it with another EJ motor, and you’ll relish every damn moment of the process. There are few of these left out there - and if having something few others do is your thing, this is a car for you. 

Lots of great upgrades on this one too. 

Congrats to the future buyer, and kudos to the seller who kept it lookin good. 

Photo creds go to the seller from the Kijiji link. 

THE BUCKET SEAT GOLD: 2006 VW Jetta GLS TDI - Manual 

Price: $11,500

Location: Toronto

Source: Kijiji

There are certain unique cars that come around once in a blue moon, and certain unique cars that turn up often and unexpectedly. This Jetta is of the blue moon varietal. 

In a what most enthusiasts would call a “Jalopnik Special” (for the truly hardcore, it is admittedly the “wrong” colour to wear a Jalop badge), this Jetta has the rare combination that attracts a very special breed. This breed adores the simplicity of a manual transmission paired with a relatively fresh diesel motor (a mere 168,000km’s is a lap around the block for these TDI’s), immaculately kept service records, upgraded and replaced essential components, and of course the holy grail of buying a used diesel wagon - the original owner to bestow the keys upon you. If, of course, he deems you a worthy owner. 

The Kijiji post itself speaks volumes of the care this vehicle has been subjected to over its lifetime, and the new owner will be lucky to enjoy what has been so lovingly maintained. 

Wagon love at its finest. 

I'VE DONE IT. 

As of today, I’m officially the owner of my dream car.

It’s not an ostentatious luxury car, or a flashy machine screaming for attention, it’s a wagon. A Subaru WRX wagon is what I set my sights on about 10 years ago and I’ve been methodically angling my way to finally having one I could call my own.

I would love to know how many hours I've spent dreaming of driving, and how I would immediately modify my WRX, for the last TEN YEARS. I feel as though I have assessed every possible combination of tire fitment, the most suitable suspension options for a Canadian winter and summer all in one, sway bar set ups to stiffen and flatten my cornering, power adders, and even aesthetics. However, having finished a 3 year lease on the car, and now buying it out as my own, I feel as though I’ve just been presented with a blank canvas. A blank canvas that I rather enjoy being blank, and even appreciate it’s infinite possibilities more than the thought of permanently altering it. That may just be my state of mind in the moment, perhaps it’s a bit of the ownership honeymoon after dating for 3 years. Or, perhaps it’s a sobering moment of simply appreciating what the Subaru engineers intended the WRX to be. Either way, I’m one hell of a happy owner, and an even happier driver these days.

Oh, and for the blank canvas reference…. I guess it’s not totally blank. I may have made a few initial brush strokes to kickstart the creative process, even if it’s more of an ode to the boxer engine audio gods… it had to be done.

As I continue into the wonderful world of Subaru ownership, I'll be chronicling the process here, most likely for me to keep record of the inevitable progression, but also in case anyone else out there gives a damn about what I end up writing. So far it seems as though a few of you quite enjoy these rants, so for now, stay tuned. 

Next up: 

1. Suspension

2. Wheels & Tires 

Summer of 2015 should be rewarding. 

THE BUCKET SEAT GOLD: 1987 Mercedes 420SEL 

Price: $17,000

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Source: AutoTrader 

I was going to start with something along the lines of "I'm not a fan of old Mercedes, but this one was just too good not to share...", however, after a bit of thought I've realized that it isn't the fact that I'm not a fan of these cars, it's simply my previous lack of understanding that drove my low level of interest. 

Well - my interest is growing, and this car is responsible for it. Take a look for yourself and you'll quickly see why this is such a unicorn of a car. 

It's a bit pricy, and definitely not for everyone (although I'd argue that we can all picture our inner diplomat when we see this car), but I love it. Love it! 

I hope this car doesn't go to waste! Now go and get it! 

THE BUCKET SEAT GOLD: 1986 Toyota 4Runner  

Price: $12,00

Location: Stevensville, Ontario 

Link: Autotrader

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a staple off-road pick for anyone who wants to do more than hop a curb in one of todays overly- modernized-unibody-SUV/CUV-snoozefests that claim to be off-road capable. 

This one in particular has a few fun upgrades, but admittedly, I know very little about the world of off-road modifications. I mean, its lifted 6 inches, has bad ass off-road tires, rear locking diff, a centreforce clutch, and performance cams.... all on its 4 cyl motor. Best of all, its been brought up from our wild neighbours to the south, so the owner claims it is in pretty awesome shape. For the price, which isn't cheap, it ought to be.

From personal experience, and enjoyment on a trip up Black Tusk out in BC, I can attest to how amazing these machines are. We crept up what seemed to be an impassable steep pitch, in a stock 1986 4Runner, only to then watch 2 massively modified offroad machines attempt the same path to barely make it half way up to where we were situated. Needless to say, there were a few bruised egos at the bottom of the trail when we eventually made it back down - felt good in what was at the time, a $5,000 bargin. 

Lots of good times to be had in this thing. 

Enjoy it. 

DINAN LOVES CTMP (Mosport) 

Dinan's cars have always been interesting to me, which comes as no surprise to those who've been following this blog. I simply love the incredibly thoughtful modifications he bestows on his BMW patients. I do have to say his branding, in particular his badges, could use an update - I'm just not crazy about them. 

Also interesting is Dinan's love for Canada's pride and joy, CTMP (Mosport to most of us, and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park to those just joining the party). Also to note, CTMP's site looks like it has finally gone through a serious overhaul - much better now, kudos! 

THE BUCKET SEAT GOLD: 1993 Volvo 240 

Price: $2,500

Location: Toronto

Link: Craigslist

This is the last generation of this amazingly boxed out body style - I love it! Biggest bonus, its a manual with just under 200km's on it. 

One of the most interesting things about this car, is that the current owner bought it FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. That my friends, is rare. It has never been in an accident, and has a ton of smart upgrades and replacement parts that the loving owner has amassed since owning the car over the last 3 years - the wheels and tire combo alone are enough to make me brutally jealous of whomever picks this up. 

I'll put it this way, If I had a place to put this car, it wouldn't have ever made it on my blog. Yes, even with the blue interior. 

It's quirky, hipsters love it (current owner is NOT a hipster, just for the record), Volvo enthusiasts adore it, and personally - I'd turn this into one hell of a race car. 

Snap this up - it's full of value. 

All photo credits, and care put into owning this car for the last three years go to a friend of mine, and true Volvo enthusiast: Clayton Hanmer

Friends & loyal readers, keep sending me your vehicles! Im starting to get decent traffic on my site, and as this project progresses I will continue to list the great finds that are out there, and help you find a loving owner.

- Trev 

THE BUCKET SEAT GOLD: 1991 BMW 318is (M conversion) 

Price: $12,500

Location: Toronto

Link: Kijiji

As the endless digging continues, I've found this; a 1991 BMW 318is. It's immediately important to note that it is far from its original 1991 trim, as this E30 has gone through a frankenstein-esque transformation to take on a new identity. If it is indeed what the seller claims it to be, you are looking at a very flattering, modernized tribute, to the E30 M3 (in it beats the powerplant and V6 heart of an E36 M3, of the 1996-1999 vintage of course).  

That all said, the purists will hate it, but I for one love it. I absolutely love the idea of transforming these machines into what our imagination and ingenuity can conjure. Finding an all-original E30 M3 is now for the likes of collectors and investors... I say modernize, restore, and make better to our hearts content - that's truly what I love about cars like this.   

I'll leave the exploration to you - but go and check it out - I'd love to hear more about this car. 

Special note: those Alpina wheels.....damn, nice touch. 

MOSCOVICI & PROULX: GRACING CANADIAN AUTO FILM 

The Moscovici & Proulx team have recently been responsible for some of the most impressive automotive films to hit one of our many screens. I say this not only for Toronto, or Canada, but globally.  

  As one who devours as much auto film content as possible, I make my previous statement with conviction. Even before I knew of the Moscovici & Proulx team, I was anticipating the launches of their work. Together they've impressed beyond belief - we should all be proud of what they've already accomplished, and look forward to what's next. To be noted, Tamir Moscovici was deservingly one of the judges at last years Jalopnik Film Festival, sitting along side the top brass in the automotive scene. Not a bad place to be recognized.  

  The list goes far beyond the two I detail below, and although these aren't the latest pieces, they're must-watches: 

  Urban Outlaw

    First up, my absolute favourite and perhaps the release I anticipated the most, was Urban Outlaw. I know this is a 2 year old film that isn't new news, but it's worth revisiting. It's the tale of Magnus Walker, his life story, and most importantly, his love for the Porsche 911. His particularly coined phrase "Porsche Passion" can be heard in almost every piece of press he's received since the release of the Urban Outlaw film - and his new found ability to preach the Porsche gospel across the globe should heavily be attributed to the flattering picture Moscovici & Proulx were able to paint of the dreadlocked brit in the 32 minute film. It should be noted that many of the subsequent pieces of film, interviews, and features that have been done on Magnus have paled in comparison to the richness and honesty found in Urban Outlaw.

  Ok, enough about how amazing I think the film is - but on to what I truly believe it has done for the Magnus Walker brand, and how he has become a global ambassador for Porsche.  Curiously, he is most known for the modifications he imparts on each of the cars in his collection, not normally a trait that purist brands like Porsche typically encourage (think of the Singer 911...also awesome... but not acknowledged in the same way Walker has). The film was launched in 2012, and since then Walker has skyrocketed into the limelight. 

  Kaz - Pushing the Virtual Divide - The Movie 

    In a full feature length film, Kaz captures the undeniable passion that went into, and still courses through the veins of the Gran Turismo platform. It's told through the eyes of Kazunori Yamauchi (the founder/creator of the the franchise), and immerses the viewer in the massively talented and emotionally invested life he has led to bring the worlds most popular driving simulator from the ranks of "a great video game", to helping shape the world of automotive engineering, testing, and racing. 

You'll immediately make a connection with Kaz, his love for GT, and cars is infectious. The film wraps you in what true love for cars really means - I don't know how else to describe it. 

Now go and watch it already! 

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Two last points to note: Don't forget to check out the latest addition, Ayrton's Wish - you wont be disappointed, its stunning. Also, after you've watched any of the three films for the first time, go back, watch again and pay extra close attention to the sound design on these films - it's rarely this good when it comes to films in auto. 

  Car Porn Bonus: Desert Outlaw.....drool. 

  Keep it up guys - you're killing it. 

Image Credits: Tamir Moscovici