Bangers & Classics

It's the Bangers & Classics Christmas podcast, featuring some sparkling (it says here – not that anyone will believe it) chat about films, film music, and cars.

There's also news about the quiz. News which, it has to be said, proved to be wrong, thereby forcing the lads to step away from the delights of the B&C Christmas Party and make a last-minute correction.

We'll be back in 2023 if James and David have recovered from the party by then.

Merry Christmas.

Reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated (by us, it has to be said), yet here we are. And to mark our return it gives us great pleasure (it says here) to present the Bangers & Classics Quiz.

The rules are simple. There are twenty questions (unless we've contrived to get the numbers wrong, always a distinct possibility). Your job is to answer them and thereafter send your answers by Direct Message to the Bangers & Classics twitter account, @BangersClassics. 

We're counting on you to do this, as we're stumped by quite a few of the questions and need all the help we can get. 

If you get the outright highest score then you win a prize and we'll also give a prize to a runner-up (selected by lucky dip if there's no outright runner-up). 

In the event that more than one person achieves the highest score then we'll select two prize-winners by lucky dip. 

Each prize winner can choose between either a Bangers & Classics mug OR any one of the currently available books written by James or David.

You've got until midnight on 7th December, 2022, to submit your entry. Prize-winners will be notified by Direct Message on 8th December. 

The judges's decision is final etc. 

Good luck. 

After their close shave on Halloween (not literally, to James's great relief), the intrepid (it says here) duo offer their unique take on Guy Fawkes' Night.

But will this episode sparkle or just be a bit of a damp squib?

Contains an excerpt from: 'After the Rain' by Keys of Moon (https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon), used under under a Creative Commons 4.0 licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and promoted by https://chosic.com/free-music/all/

It's Halloween and the B&C crew are on the road, doing their utmost to avoid witches, warlocks, ghouls, ghosts, and vampires. But it's not just politicians whom they must flee: enraged owners clubs, jealous admirers of Hammer Horror actresses, and EV advocates all want their pound (454 grammes for those working in metric) of flesh too.

Undaunted, our dynamic (it says here) duo's journey takes them to dark places where people speak in hushed tones of the uncanny, the unfeasible, and the impossible.

Will they make it to their journey's end or will they, in the words of Rabbie Burns, be caught by warlocks in the mirk by Alloway's auld haunted kirk?

As you huddle round the fire, clinging to its warmth and light for comfort as the veil between this world and the one beyond becomes ever more fragile, you'll be glad to know that the daring B&C duo have ventured forth into the darkness, braving all that lurks in the shadows for your entertainment. 

They will return (we hope) on Halloween itself.

Finding themselves in 1975, David having legged it from 1972 after being made an offer he couldn't refuse and James having been, er, coaxed away from Hammer Horror actresses, the duo dive into the year's cars, music and films. 

Their verdict: we're gonna need a bigger podcast. 

In this, the 83rd episode of Bangers & Classics, James and David take a wild on the wild side...in 1972.

Whilst doing their best to avoid a bloke with big teeth and a cape (no, not the one who wants his dishwasher back...), they tackle the thorny question that's long been on everyone's lips (it says here): is the Fiat 126 a Banger or a Classic.

There's controversy, too, as David disses a film regarded by many people as a classic as well as having a pop at one of Britain's best-loved cars. And to cap a typically erratic appearance on the pod, he manages to enter a car from the wrong decade in the challenge.

James, meantime, gets on his bike in search of a certain actress. We'll leave it to you to work out which one.  We're sure he'll be fine as long as he keeps clear of disused churches and Triumph Stags.

In this Federal bumper-sized edition of Bangers & Classics, James and David travel back to 1982 – a year about which David has mixed feelings. [We're not saying it concerns a girl, but...it concerns a girl.]

Be that as it may, this week's choice of car to face the Banger or Classic inquisitors proves somewhat divisive.  The challenge throws up (not literally – well, we hope not) a real curio, though perhaps it's better left in the 'lost, thank goodness' file.

There's also much chat about music and films, the latter of which includes a surprising revelation. What is it? Well, you'll have to listen to find out...

Returning after a much lauded two week break, James and David travel back to 1960. They'd have stayed there too but for an incident involving James's beard, a Routemaster bus, and David's attempt to persuade a young Geoff Hurst that he wasn't really cut out to be a footballer...

Elsewhere, an unusual subject is hauled into the Bangers & Classics courtroom, there's a challenge, and much chat about films and music. 

In this, the 80th episode of Bangers & Classics, James and David zip back to 1978, home of some good music and great films.

Whilst there, and in between bouts of James strutting his funky stuff (it says here) on the dancefloor, they decide if the Fiat Ritmo has sufficiently street cred (or should that be Strada cred?) to be considered a classic.

There's also a challenge, one which sees James attempt to claim victory on a technicality, and the inaugural motor show at the NEC gets a visit. Which leaves just one burning question: did they pay on the door or sneak in through the fire exit?

We have come here to podcast and chew bubblegum, and we're all out of bubblegum...

Yup, it's 1988, and we're here to decide if it's a banger or a classic. Along the way,  the 3rd generation Vauxhall Cavalier faces the jury, we search for a boring car, and James attends a Christmas Party at Nakatomi Plaza in his new vest.

In this episode the boys reluctantly trudge back to the year 2000, a year filled with great, er, um, ah, let me think about that one.

Hmmm. More thinking time required...

Episode 77 sees our resident time-travelling mavericks return to 1986. Whilst there, they argue about the merits of a John Carpenter film, give the Volvo 480 the once over, and seek out interesting coupes to buy. Also, James pretends never to have heard one of finest songs of the 1980s but shows great interest in (it says here) either costume jewellery or an all-girl band.

The rumour: Bangers & Classics has a new format

The official comment (by B&C spokesgeezer Harry Callahan) : "Podcasts? They're for assholes..."

Exhausted by their previous lack of effort, the lads nonetheless draw deep from their energy wells (who writes this stuff?) to bring you the 75th episode of Bangers & Classics - an all expense spared extravaganza that's an avatar for all that this podcast stands for (it says here).

And that, we suppose, is an appropriate time to tell you that next week's episode will adopt a new format. Unless, of course, we change our minds. 

In spite of having to work with an idiot, James has dipped deep into his reserves of Zen and decided not to storm off in huff...

Consequently, he and the aforementioned idiot return with more half-baked opinions, dubious statistics, and controversial conclusions.

In this week's episode, the Bangers & Classics jury decides whether the Sierra Sapphire is a diamond in the rough...or just rough; tribute is paid to Paddy Hopkirk; James deliberately misunderstands the task set by this week's challenge; and the last pre-Fiat Alfa finds itself in the DangerZone.

Having extended their world record for shambolic podcasting to 72 episodes, James and David return with yet another low-fi episode.

Having clashed over the Golf GTI, the duo attempt to patch things up by buying a motorhome for the Bangers & Classics summer tour. But will this feeble attempt at reconciliation work, or is it curtains for B&C?

Elsewhere, David rambles on about a cult 1980s film, the Fiat 127 finds itself in the DangerZone, and Reliant is the subject of a typically poorly researched potted history.

After the shambles of the previous 71 episodes, James and David are back with a whole new approach, as evidenced by this episode's hard-hitting topics, which may include some, all or none of the following:

Why don't manufacturers fit toasters to cars?

Who invented liquid soap, and why?

Did David really suggest that his local council replace rubbish skips with Mazda MX-5s?

Elsewhere, we select an official nautical anthem for Bangers & Classics, talk about some abandoned ideas, issue a public information bulletin, buy a ridiculously opulent car, and try to drum up some enthusiasm for the FSO Polonez. Oh, and the Banger or Classic jury decides whether or not the Rover 200 BRM is a gas.

In this episode of Bangers & Classics, the EV is launched, James falls in love with a Goddess, David proves that he has an 8-track mind, the Nissan Micra is summoned from Toyland to the Banger or Classic courtroom, the Simca 1100 takes the highway to the Danger Zone, and David finds a car with a John Carpenter reference.

In this, the 70th episode of Bangers and Classics, David responds in typical fashion to a grumble about the running time of episode 69, the Suzuki Vitara drives across hills, moors and streams to appear before the Banger or Classic jury, the lads present their ideas for alternative forms of energy before heading back to the gritty streets of the Isle of Dogs circa 1985. And to top off a fuller podcast (Mr. Corrugated, please note) than episode 69, they each scour the classifieds for the ugliest car they can find.

They'll grow up one day. Possibly...

[Sorry about the sound quality. Again. We're moving to another provider with immediate effect.]

After the drama, debauchery and discord of last week's Awards Show, James and David are back with more nonsense. Is the Chrysler Crossfire a banger or a classic, what cars will the lads take to a posh concours d'elegance, and what prompts David to say, “Come back, MX-5; all is forgiven”?

Only one way to find out...

A very special episode, this one, for it contains full and exclusive coverage of THE antisocial (shurely shome mishtake...) event of the year: the Bangers & Classics Awards. The coveted (it says here) awards dished out reputedly include those for: Best Unofficial Steve McQueen Replica Jacket, Most Influential You Tube Channel For People Who Sit On Their Brains, and Best MX-5 Breaker's Yard.

There's also coverage from the inaugural Bangers & Classics Car Show and instructions on how to remove stubborn stains from your jacket.

In this exciting (it says here) instalment of Bangers & Classics, the Renault Vel Satis is dragged out of obscurity and into the B&C courtroom,  the lads agree to help source vehicles for a land-based remake of 'Those Magnificent Men and Their Flying Machines', join forces to plead the Alfa Romeo 164's case, and go off in search of hybrid cars – guess what James 'bought'...

Oh, and there's also news of the year's most exciting awards ceremony...

In this week's exciting (it says here) episode of Bangers & Classics, the lads try to decide whether the Ford Ka is a car or a postcode, go Back to the, er, Past, reminisce about invalid trikes, and select suitable chariots for the Festival of the Unexceptional.

Most of the really controversial stuff was edited out. Most of it...

[We apologise for the sound issues. Blame it on the software we use – we do!]

Regular (other sizes are available) listeners will be glad to know that James has been rescued from the clutches of a group of Hammer Horror actresses. And to celebrate his return, he and David wheel the Ford Fiesta mk.2 into the Banger or Classic courtroom. After sweeping the rust off the floor, the intrepid (it says here) duo each 'buy' a rear-engined classic, contemplate this week's Dangermobile, the Chrysler Neon, and introduce their respective riffs on 'Poldark on Mopeds'.

Yup, it's as sensible as ever...

With James unavailable due to the rigours of being an international jet-set playboy, this episode (number 64, if you're counting) is a solo effort by David. As such, it's mercifully brief. Still, it's well worth listening to if you've never previously heard someone lose an uncontested challenge of their own creation...

Normal (or what passes for it) service will be resumed next week. 

A special 'absolutely no preparation whatsoever' episode, episode 63 of Bangers & Classics sees the lads ramble on about the Renault Megane Cabriolet (1st generation) and Mazda RX8 whilst finding a car for 'Johnny Aculard' to drive in their forthcoming (in their heads) reboot of Dracula A.D. 1972. 

Assembled at breakneck speed by our team of dedicated layabouts, we present the 62nd episode of Bangers & Classics. In this one, David goes into hiding again (for fear of getting a hiding), the Jaguar E-Type wafts languidly into the Banger or Classic courtroom, the boys look at MPVs (remember them) for sale, and the Citroen ZX finds itself in the DangerZone. 

In episode 61 of Bangers & Classics, the Hillman Hunter gets a somewhat mixed reception from the Banger or Classic jurors, the lads go back to the 80s and try to find a car for a Yuppie, and the Alfasud Sprint finds itself in the DangerZone. Oh, and James and David each engage in a little chicanery...

In this week's edition of Bangers & Classics, the Fiat Stilo is hauled from the shadows of obscurity and into the Banger or Classic courtroom. But will it finally be vindicated or sent back to obscurity? 

Speaking of obscurity, the challenge for this week sees the lads wade through fields of broken dreams and rivers of rust in search of coupe versions of 1970s British-built saloons. And when they find their respective choices, controversy ensues...

And no sooner than the dust has settled, cudgels are taken up on behalf of (or not) this week's Dangermobile, Citroen's penultimate tilt at the big car market: the beautiful but flawed XM.

In this, the 59th episode of Bangers & Classics, the ever-generous presenters have added a sprinkling of sound issues to the mix. On top of that, the Rover 75 appears before the Banger or Classic jury in its finest twinset and pearls, David tries to persuade James that the Talbot Solara is worth saving, and this week's challenge involves a hunt for a couple of shatchbacks...

In this, the 58th episode of Bangers & Classics, James gets to wax lyrical about his specialist subject, David doesn't recount the time he was sent surfboard wax instead of a ring he'd bought for his wife, the Banger or Classic jury decides if the Reliant Kitten comes up to scratch, classic vans are sought out, and the 'Three Bs' are explained. 

In this, the 57th (the clue's in the title) episode of Bangers & Classics, James has not one but two quasi-supernatural sightings, David breaks the rules yet again, the Cortina mark IV stares down the Banger or Classic adjudicators, and two automotive failures (no, NOT the presenters) get their day in the sun. 

Back after a week's break, this episode sees the lads get, er, roadwise. Elsewhere, a Peugeot that was originally intended to be a Talbot finds itself in the Danger Zone, James continues his love affair with Italian cars, and David finds an X1/9 with a sunroof...

The one in which James and David indulge in their Bond fantasies, Ed Harris doesn't drive a Vectra, and there's some chat about cars which would allow James to travel with not one but two Hammer Horror actresses sitting alongside him in the front. 

In episode 54 of Bangers & Classics, the lads decide whether or not the Spitfire (the roadgoing one) was a Triumph or disaster, take a brief look at a Lamborghini in which you could go mud-plugging, and each set out to find an interesting Kei car for sale in the UK. 

No long-winded intro today. Suffice it to say it's the 53rd episode of Bangers and Classics, and it's got to be less depressing than listening to the news.

In this, the first anniversary episode of Bangers & Classics, the remarkable story of the first Bangers & Classics hero is told, James is underwhelmed by David's choice of cars for this week's episode, David gets his own back, and the lads are joined by a special guest. Oh, and James sets his sights on another Countess...

After last week's exertions, the lads are back with an episode that's a bit shorter in length but big on surprises. Okay, one surprise. But it's a big 'un.

Elsewhere, David tells a story about an unusual hillclimbing (or should that be hill descending?) accident, one of the duo (hint: it's James) manages to adhere to the challenge rules, and a delectable Italian finds itself in the Dangerzone.

So here it is: the 50th episode of the Bangers and Classics podcast. This one is crammed with special guests including the legendary Clin...oh, hang on.

Ah. Slight change of plans there. It seems that the 1977 Sherpa conveying the guests to the B&C HQ has, er, broken down. So it'll be James and David as usual, then.

Sorry about that.

The one in which James talks about his new book, David walks slap-bang into someone famous, there's much love for Magnum Force, and a car that may have been the baddie in the preceding 'Dirty Harry' film finds itself in the Dangerzone. Elsewhere the Renault Laguna (possibly a beige one) is hauled before the Banger or Classic jury, and some more defunct motoring apparatus is discussed.

In this, the 48th (but who's counting) episode of Bangers & Classics, we find out if Honda's pocket rocket from the 1980s has the, ahem, CRX factor. James waxes lyrical about an Alvis Parsley (I think that's the right name – this handwriting is harder to decipher than hieroglyphics) film and there's much chat about biscuits. Elsewhere, fresh from his defeat in last week's challenge, James ups the ante this week by finding an Italian car with plenty of space for golf bats whilst David's efforts to find a black phase 1 Renault 25 Turbo, and thereby become a yuppie, are frustrated. 

In this action-packed episode (it says here) of Bangers & Classics, the AMC Pacer in hauled (no easy task) front of the Banger or Classic jury, Kenny sets the lads a tough challenge, a Gandini-penned car finds itself in the Danger Zone, and Hammer Horror actresses throughout the land go into hiding...

We're confused: is this the first Bangers & Classics podcast of 2022, or have we finally managed to teleport back to 1980?

Either way, the Bangers & Classics judges say 'Audi y'do' (okay, I'll get me coat) to the 80 (or, as our American friends called it, the Fox. And the 4000. Oh, and the 90). Elsewhere, there's a car that may or may not be named after a biscuit, David treats us (it says here) to a supposed fact about yellow lenses, James meets a renowned stunt driver, and a UFO drops in. In other words, it's business as usual...

Gadzooks! It's the final Bangers & Classics podcast of 2021 – unless you're James, in which case it's the first of 2022...

Either way, there are predictions from Mystic Mog, the Jensen Interceptor wafts insouciantly into the Banger or Classic courtroom, and the lads each buy a car for someone they don't like. 

It's the Bangers & Classics Christmas Special!

Recorded at our Christmas Party (thankfully, we managed to get it in the can before the fuzz arrived), it features special guests including gremlins (hence the poor sound quality) and a domestically appliance-challenged gentleman from Transylvania.

Amid the revelry, David narrates a ghost story, the lads buy each other a car for Christmas, try to decide if the Riley Elf is a cracker or turkey, and James addresses the nation.

In this week's episode of Bangers & Classics, the lads take a final look at Christmas presents for petrolheads, David breaks the rules, James finds a classic with every conceivable extra (apart from, perhaps, a towel...), and they offer advice to a chap who's keen to avoid spending Christmas with the in-laws. Elsewhere, it's the Suzuki Jimny's turn to stand in the Banger or Classic dock, and the Renault 9 finds a new career as a Dangermobile. Sort of...

In this week's episode, David spots some Spitfires, an East Anglian antique dealer asks the lads (who are, of course, antiques themselves) for buying advice, and the Renault Clio merely shrugs its shoulders when summoned before the Banger or Classic jury. Elsewhere, there are more Christmas present suggestions, and tribute is paid to Frank Williams. 

In this week's edition of Bangers & Classics, recorded at Kenny's annual classic car show picture contest, James gets in touch with an actress who appeared in Hammer Horror films and a James Bond movie. David, meanwhile, isn't at all jealous. Well, not much. Okay, a bit. Elsewhere, there's a close encounter with the latest side-splitting video from Remi Gaillard, the wall snob makes another appearance, and the Ford Orion attempts to turn in a stellar performance before the Banger or Classic jurors. There's a festive theme too, with more helpful (it says here) present suggestions, and a chap who's even older than James asks the lads to find him a new motor.

In the latest episode of Bangers & Classics, the lads pay their respects to a great writer and racer before settling down to more of the usual nonsense. Topics discussed include Scalextric, 1970s car snobs, the Nissan Micra, and the best car on which to spend ten thousand virtual pounds. And listen to the end for another of James's shock announcements...

In this episode, James gets yet more free stuff, David gets more bills, and the Vauxhall Chevette is towed into the Banger or Classic courtroom. With Santa on the way, the lads talk about Christmas presents for car fans, Kenny's annual virtual car picture competition is discussed, David ends up on the naughty list by having yet another dig at the MX-5, and a couple of rare cars that are available for sensible money are sought out. Oh, and there's also a shattering revelation - fans of a certain Mazda roadster should tune in for that one!

Now back in the UK, James and David reveal that they're now stars of a certain TV show in Transylvania, discuss which home appliance the new Range Rover most resembles, and manage to squeeze not one but three films into the podcast. Elsewhere, a car that looks like a bar of soap (according to James) pleads its case before the Banger or Classic High Inquisitors, David inadvertently upsets James, and two great ideas to make electric cars emit more noise are revealed.

Did the lads make it out of Transylvania, what happened to the XJS, why is the Countess furious, and is the Count really going to release 'You're so Vein' as his Christmas single? You'll find the answers to some, none or all of these in this brief update. 

In this special Halloween edition of Bangers & Classics, James and David come to you not from the comfort of their own hearths but from a region steeped in legend and immortalised in fiction: Transylvania.

Invited to a rural castle by its enigmatic owner on the premise of testing the new all-electric Dacia,  the lads arrive full of zest, vigour...and blood!

Music by Kevin MacLeod. 

In this week's edition of Bangers and Classics, James turns into a 1990s superhero: Mondeo Man, David almost comes up with a sensible suggestion, the Renault Espace Gallicly shrugs its shoulders in the face of the Banger or Classic inquisitors, the Nissan Cedric wins a coveted (it says here) trophy, and James shockingly reveals that he can't samba.

In the latest episode of Bangers & Classics, James decides not to buy a Moke but gets yet more free stuff, David runs out of paint after failing to spell 'Transylvania' correctly, a stunning new business idea is revealed, the Scirocco mark 2 breezes into the Banger or Classic courtroom, the challenge yields some surprising results, the lads give sage (and onion) advice on how to deal with car (and wall) snobs, and a new road test criterion (with added Sumo wrestler) is born.

In this week's episode of Bangers and Classics, James gets some goodies, David's wallet is emptying faster than a free bar in the House of Commons, there's more on motoring apparel, the Triumph Stag gets pushed into the Banger or Classic courtroom, and the lads take the weekly challenge seriously (just for once).

In an episode so good they recorded it twice (it says here), the lads pontificate on whether or not a car interior should look like Liberace's lounge, decide whether the Jaguar XJ-S/XJS is a copper-bottomed classic or a bell-bottomed banger, find two very different classics for sensible money, and spend someone else's dosh on roadgoing versions of Group B cars.

In the latest (well, it was when I typed this) episode of Bangers & Classics, James gets a compliment, talks about a dynamite (literally...) 1960s toy, and misplaces an email. Meantime, David keeps falling over classic cars as well as his feet, has great fun with a Plip device and finds a Marina that boasts a part from a US muscle car (but not, alas, the engine). Elsewhere, the lads pay tribute to Messrs. Greaves and Sinclair, and the Ford Capri turns up at the Banger or Classic courthouse wearing a woollen coat and cheap shades...

In this, the 31st episode of Bangers & Classics, James spots The Flying Dutchman, David talks about the annual French knitting contest, and roofs are explored. In addition, James promulgates (it says here) a plausible theory, David upsets the National Association of Flip Flop Wearers, the Simca 1100 ignores the Banger or Classic jury, and the weekly challenge goes, well, the way of all weekly challenges.

In this week's episode, David gets the rubber ear from a noted motoring journo, James owns up to having once owned a Princess, and there's valuable (it says here) advice for anyone thinking of buying an insurance write-off. The aforementioned Princess travels (probably on the back of a breakdown truck) to the HQ of the Banger or Classic Inquisition, confusion reigns over this week's challenge, the lads select their favourite muscle cars, and a motor industry figure with an impossibly superb moniker gets a mention. 

This week's episode features cleaning tips from David (no, it's not 'get someone else to do it'), a big garage bill for James, and a difference of opinions on Banger or Classic. Elsewhere, a couple of cheap to buy V8s are spotted, the lads consider whether or not they should become the new Starsky & Hutch (James decides he'd rather pair up with Glynis Barber), and a salesman struggles with a Citroën Pluriel's roof.

In this week's episode, David is on hand to dispense more marriage guidance tips, James reminisces about an Amazon (not the distribution company nor the archaic Volvo), and Charlie Watts is remembered. An attempted amphibious vehicle challenge hits a snag, so the lads decide to seek out Unimogs instead; the Vauxhall Cavalier appears before the Banger or Classic jury; pop songs in motoring commercials are (over) analysed, James waxes lyrical about the Suzuki Jimny, and David somehow refrains from dropping a broken piano on an MX5...

And so to the 27th episode of Bangers & Classics which, we regret to say, is not being presented by Martin Freeman and Duncan Bannatyne. Also not appearing are The KLF, Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann. On the plus side (it says here), the Austin Maestro's fate is decided in 'Banger or Classic', the lads each go in search of a classic hot hatch, with predictable results, before deciding on which film car to accept from an anonymous (but sadly fictional) benefactor, and David takes his life in his hands by relating a story about his other half. Oh, and there's something for motorsport fans too...

In this week's episode of Bangers & Classics, James spots a Unimog that may or may not belong to Arthur 'Two Sheds' Jackson, David wonders if there's a link between Nick Straker and UFO, and tribute is paid to Graham Robson. The Volvo 480 ES faces its moment of truth in front of the Banger or Classic jury – will it be on the receiving end of a clogging or will its pop-up lights come to the rescue? The Lada Niva is compared to the Range Rover, its erstwhile rival in (cold) war and peace, and remakes are discussed: will the lads come around to the manufacturers' way of thinking or is it the case that even Crayford Engineering couldn't convert them...

The lads conduct the draw for the prize winners and then talk a bit about punk rock. 

In this, the 25th edition of Bangers & Classics (a fact somehow overlooked by the lads when recording it...), David eyes a life on the boating pond waves, James's ancestral pile is infested by Morgans, British Leyland manage to mess things up on the other side of the world, and classic American station wagons are discussed, which gives James the chance to dust off his favourite book. Oh, and the Peugeot 405 strides into the Banger or Classic courtroom, but will the lads notice its presence?

Four cars/countries left. Who will play whom for a spot in the final. James Ruppert makes the all-important draw. 

In this supersized edition of Bangers & Classics, David celebrates an anniversary, James digs out his water wings, and a handily-placed time machine takes the lads back to the 1970s where, before being evicted from the decade, they take a close look at motoring in the 70s and 'persuade' the Rover SD1 to appear before the banger or classic Grand Jury. They then nip across to Cape Canaveral to explain why so many astronauts drove Corvettes and take their usual haphazard look at car manufacturers who didn't just make cars...

In the latest episode of Bangers & Classics, James worries about a shark attack on his bank account, David spots a Viper, and a Beagle lunches on an Imp. Elsewhere, the lads look at the cars from the Bond films, discover just how BL managed to shift so many Metros, and try to figure out if buying a Cappuccino is a Smart move or whether you'd do better to put your money in Bonds. The draw for the European Classic Nations Cup is made (will England avoid Germany?), and the BMW Z3 rolls off the set of Goldeneye and into the Banger or Classic courtroom.

In this week's edition of Bangers & Classics, David leaves a court via the bin shelter, James spies on a military convoy, the ghost of Euro 2020 pops in and announces a new competition, the Triumph Dolomite has a Banger or Classic shaped mountain to climb, the lads reminisce about old-school F1, and the Renault 5 GT Turbo regrows its mullet, pulls on its favourite ripped jeans and resumes its battle with the Peugeot 205 GTI.

In this week's bumper (or should that be fender?) edition of Bangers & Classics, the lads pay tribute to Carlos Reutemann, James pulls on his stringback gloves and enthuses over a Bentley, David dons his string vest and raves about a Lotus (hint: it's not the Emira), and the Lancia Beta appears before the Banger or Classic beaks; will it emerge triumphant or will it be banished to the salt mines? Elsewhere, two famous British designs, neither of which has a full complement of wheels,  are remembered, and the world's most expensive Escort Ghia heads off to sunnier climes (and, no, we don't mean Bognor Regis...)

In episode 20 of Bangers & Classics, the boys try to figure out if E10 is the latest boy band from East London or just HMG's idea of a bad joke, James Taylor and a Beach Boy are outcooled by Warren Oates in the California sun, Martians take over a Citroën factory, the Vauxhall Nova pleads its case before a Burberry-clad Banger or Classic jury, James reveals the latest entries in his car spotter's notebook, David wears a disguise to the shops, and the safety (or otherwise) of old cars is discussed.

In this, the 19th episode of Bangers & Classics, David unveils his personal theory about how Autozam AZ-1s were imported to the UK, James dodges an irate phone call from the 911 Owner's Club, the credentials of a certain 1990s Ford are, ahem, probed by the Banger or Classic inquisitors,  the allure of poverty-spec models is debated, the Fiat Barchetta sails into port to take on the MX-5, James buys a woolly hat, a notebook and thermos and embraces his new life as a Land Rover spotter, and David tries to start a petition. 

In this special edition of Bangers & Classics, we reveal which car was voted as the worst of this year's contenders in the BangerVision Car Contest AND the draw is held to determine the prize winner. It's gripping stuff (it says here)...

In this episode, a polarising Porsche and the second most annoying yuppie couple from 1980s British TV adverts end up in the dock. Not to be outdone, John Lennon ends up in a ditch, Paul McCartney is the unwitting victim of Beatlemania (featuring a VW Beetle), and a 1970s BMW comes over all pugilistic. Elsewhere, David thinks it's his lucky day when he stumbles across a trio of British classics but it's James who drives off into the sunset with the girl.

Episode 17 of Bangers & Classics, the podcast which hits all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order. This week, the Metro finds itself in the dock before the Banger or Classic adjudicators, the lads launch the world's greatest (it says here) car contest, James takes off his beard and goes undercover, David wins a prestigious award for sartorial inelegance, Eric Morecambe's gearbox is discussed, and another challenge is attempted, with the usual outcome...

In this week's shambolic episode, the lads are confronted by more technical issues; maybe it'd help if they put 50p in the meter. But amid the chaos, not one but two coupes are offered up to the Banger or Classic inquisitors, there's news from Norway about Tesla, James sells a car to a film producer, Charlton Heston is tipped for a starring role in the Bangers & Classics film, David returns to an old obsession, the worst mass-produced car of the 70s and 80s is named (owners of Allegros, Princesses and Marinas can rest easy), favourite driving roads are discussed, and the lads decide to set up a new airline.

In this week's Bangers and Classics, the lads hit technical problems, someone crashes both of David's cars simultaneously, and James makes up for a flat battery by getting himself all wound up about timepieces. The Alfa Romeo 166 finds itself in the dock in 'Banger or Classic', James, having donned his best tweed suit and brogues, presents the gentleman's guide to 1980s BMWs and then joins a *somewhat* more casually attired (think Steptoe on dress-down Friday) David to discuss the future of car sales in the UK. Oh, and the Bangers and Classics klaxon finally gets an airing...

In this, the 14th episode of Bangers & Classics, the lads each undertake a challenge, with wholly predictable results, James attends a party but is thwarted in his quest for a nice Bristol, David's attempt to take a sultry French model home has a similar outcome, a car that probably wasn't driven by an astronaut finds itself under the 'Banger or Classic' microscope, and James dons his favourite cravat and presents the definitive guide to Land Rover etiquette. 

It's the 13th episode of Bangers & Classics, but the lads aren't worried. After all, what could go wrong? Well...apart from a mob carrying flaming torches and pitchforks descending on B&C headquarters, things go pretty much as usual: James is awarded an OBD for services to beards, David obsesses about trousers, listeners are subjected to one of the worst puns in recorded history, David takes on the Red Baron (or is it the red barns?) and James makes yet another shocking admission. Oh, and there's some stuff about cars too...

A crackerjack of an episode, in which James sneaks up on another MGB GT before making a startling admission about a Lotus Esprit, David gets frozen out by a Rover 213, and the lads find new wheels for both Snake Plissken and Audrey Hepburn. There's animal crackers when David talks about a duck and James reminisces about a ferret, and in a shocking development Bangers and Classics is taken over by a military junta equipped with Toyota Hiluxes...

In this action-packed (it says here) episode...James encounters an MGB GT with added M appeal, the boys re-ignite the rubber v. chrome bumper debate, Pandora's Box is opened when the Rover SD3 (or is it a Honda?) gets the banger or classic treatment, David tells of being denied a flight in a hovercraft (which may or may not have been full of eels), James eagerly anticipates being offered a flight in a car, a lot of old pony is spoken about the Ford Mustang, and the lads cruise down a couple of technological blind alleys in their American land yacht. 

In this, the tenth episode of Bangers and Classics, it's High Noon for the TR7 as the boys decide whether it's a Banger or a Classic; James has a breakdown, reveals his alter ego and then embarks on an examination of every special edition of the Vauxhall Nova; David tries to keep things real by talking about limited edition cars but ends up yakking on about a forthcoming book; and some of the finest car magazines no longer in existence come under the spotlight. Just the usual mayhem, then...

On this week's Bangers and Classics, is James a Sharp Dressed Man? Does David really wear an anorak whilst podcasting? Who played keepy-uppy using Davy Jones of the Monkees as the ball? What's David's new obsession, and was James really rugby-tackled at Wembley? Oh, and there's some car stuff as well...

In the latest star-studded but typically anarchic episode of Bangers & Classics (featuring Dave Prowse, Donald Pleasence, Benny Hill and Lee Marvin), the lads give advice on how to (and how not to) transport a rat, decide to set up a car hire firm with a suitably idiosyncratic USP, and talk about Bristols, 1990s SEAT Ibizas and Public Information Films.

This is the one where James and David deny the inevitability of electricity as credible propulsion by driving a modern one and probably will never be invited to try one again. The lads are agog at the prices achieved by classic cars at the moment, then compare and contrast good and bad classics This episodes involves guest appearances from a Bond Bug, 5GT Turbo, Bricklin SV-1 and some Beetles.

Listen to the latest Podcast…On Her Majesty’s Stationary Service where David and James watch some top quality early ‘90s telly:  Tales of Modern Motoring, make some suggestions about buying a classic car, the shocking disappearance of ’90s motors, before suggesting how classic car Shows could be a lot better and give a shout out to car show stalwart Kenny. 

Bangers & Classics Podcast present 'An Innocenti Man' with James Ruppert and David Milloy. where James admits to not being a Land Rover anorak and David claims to have been a model for a clothing line. Both of them can be considered beautiful flops like most Lancias and the Renault Avantime. Talk turns to milk floats and one of them turns out to actually be an Innocenti Man.

James Ruppert and David Milloy talk about the weird world of naming cars, how brilliant old car adverts are and suggest just what supercars their own comic book superheroes should drive.

The pilot episode, in which James Ruppert and David Milloy explain what a banger is and isn't, touch on the hideous 2009/10 scrappage scheme, recall the 'suitcase test', and compare old-fashioned buttons with new-fangled touchscreens. 

James and David wax lyrical about the Austin Allegro, rust, bodged repairs, how to 'change' an oil filter without changing it, and car chases in 1970s films...