Victory By Design

[Fuel Injected]

Has anyone else seen this show? I've never had a real interest in vintage race cars but I could watch this show for hours on end because its like learning about automotive tech/history all over again.

I really like the fact they drive all the cars too, and not on a Sunday cruise either - the host pins it on nice twisty roads.

The episode I saw airs Sunday at 8pm Eastern on Channel 59 (Speed Channel)

[Martini Focus]

It's a great show, I really enjoyed the Porsche episode!

[AirCooln]

The shows concept is really good. Give some history, tour the car, and take them out for a spin. I just thought the execution was poor.

I have always though the host to be a bit of a pretentious prat. Alan Decateney (however you spell it) is his name. I was watching the Barrat Jackson auction one year where he co-hosted. He seems to have a bit of an attitude against anything that’s not European and newer then about 1950. On this show some of his comments especially while driving, are just lame. Replace him.

I swear I wanted to pull an Elvis and shoot the TV, the next time the words "Here are the SU carburetors" where uttered.

However actually driving the car is the shows one saving grace in my view. He really flew in the cars I saw. There must be some very nervous owners off camera!

[rainman]

That has to be one of my favourite programme offerings on Speed - nice content and really good production values including camera and sound.

I have to agree that there must be some VERY nervous owners watching behind the scenes as their pride and joy is lightly stroked, then molested by the host :p

[Yvan]

I like the show but it's a bit dry. There has to be more vintage film footage, old engineers and racers that could be interviewed etc that would use the medium a bit better.

[Wedge]

Originally posted by Fuel Injected
Has anyone else seen this show? I've never had a real interest in vintage race cars but I could watch this show for hours on end because its like learning about automotive tech/history all over again.

I really like the fact they drive all the cars too, and not on a Sunday cruise either - the host pins it on nice twisty roads.

The episode I saw airs Sunday at 8pm Eastern on Channel 59 (Speed Channel)

I know exactly what you mean. I've never had any kind of interest in vintage cars before either. I just saw this show for the first time yesterday. All I could think was: Damn! These cars are amazing! It was very interesting watching our Automotive roots in action. I thought all the old technology was very cool. I especially loved the positive camber on the front wheels. Not to mention how the old drivers could slide those cars through the corners.

[Fuel Injected]

I was also impressed with the horsepower output of the 1930's and older models...Some of the maserati's were over 200bhp - twin supercharged flat 6's...almost 80 years ago and reliable enough for a grand prix race...

The show makes you want to hit up Barret Jackson with someone else's cheque book.

[soloZ]

I love watching the show, My favorite one so far was the old Ferrari one they showed last year and the open cockpit LM car or what ever it was. That show was awesome a nice hot lap in the can am style car and I had the stereo pumping as he went down the long straightaway, thats one of the best things I have heard in a long time.

[ctenche]

Oh I totally agree! The Ferrari episode of that show is incredible. Seeing and hearing those Ferraris wind it up in that rural setting is awesome. I taped the show a couple of years ago and every once in a while I pull it out just to hear those engines.

Awesome!

[Nissan Racer]

They did one episode that talked about what they have to go through for each show, from finding the cars to insuring them etc...pretty cool

[John Powell]

the host's name is "Alain De Cadenet" - one of those Englishmen with a French name. At least it's not mis-pronounced the same way as many Anglo/French names, like "Bewley" for "Beaulieu".;)

[Doc Driver]

Alain was a pretty good driver in his day - 70s if I recall. Used to race Group 1 Triumphs if I recall. Aging myself now and not liking it.

[John Powell]

Doc. Don't get too down about aging, try something like this. Go out and buy yourself a good used race car and go racing, I did, and I'm now 63 years old.:) Another advantage is that you don't have to keep your opinions to yourself anymore. You can say anything that's as outrageous as you can make it, and the young lads will put it down to the wisdom of an elder statesman.;) ;)

[de Jager]

Originally posted by John Powell
You can say anything that's as outrageous as you can make it, and the young lads will put it down to the wisdom of an elder statesman.;) ;)

Or the random babbling of a crazy old man. :D

I'm kidding!!!

[Doc Driver]

Thanks John, but down here in the South (Nashville) it is all that oval stuff. Need to haul to Road Atlanta for right turns. Still trying to convince the other half that is what I need.

Shawn: I'll remember that comment when we have to tow you in.

[Dave]

I have always though the host to be a bit of a pretentious prat

Careful how you spell that last word!

Personally, I kind of like De Cadenet. I think he adds some much needed sophistication to the Speed Channel's host landscape. I can only take so much of the stereotypical show host with his radio voice, fast food waste line, and bad tupee.
Chris, you drive a classic british car yet you don't like a classic british TV show host? What gives!? ;)

[AirCooln]

You know...I went back and checked the spelling of your last name, just to make sure it wasn't the same.

Who is that host from the Top Gear? Something Clarkson. Now there is a great British automotive TV (and print) journalist. Bring him in, and I'll watch it every week, and buy the DVD boxed set.

[Dave]

Top Gear is an awesome show and Jeremy Clarkson is a very appealing on-screen personality, agreed. He's like a large version of a 10 year old boy, oozing enthusiasm and an ear-to-ear grin every time he gets to beat on some gazillion dollar super car. His use of humour and wit is really entertaining too. And talk about big budget production! That show has crane shots galore, super high quality editing, a private test facility, access to the best cars on the planet, etc., etc. Best automotive show in the world as far as I can tell. Too bad we don't get it here (although I've heard it does air sometimes on BBC Canada).

[Marsh]

The best thing about Jeremy Clarkson is that he's 6'2" tall. So if he says he can fit, then so can I!

[Fuel Injected]

Whoever said Jeremy Clarkson is like a 10 year old is 100% correct, thats really the only way to describ him, its great.

Tiff Needel however is the KING of automotive journalism...anyone who saw his McLaren F1 review laughed at his antics at Goodwood, or his M3 and 911 Turbo reviews, I could watch him drive a festiva and still be blown away.

[Dave]

yeah, Tiff is the man for sure. I prefer him to Clarkson, though they're both very entertaining in their own ways. The younger blonde haired dude on 'Top Speed' is pretty good too, if a bit generic.

[JAYh]

I have two gigs of Top Gear on my hard drive, haha. I like Clarkson's review of the RX8, I think he's really good.
The one where Tiff races an old Audi Ur-Quattro against Vicky ??? in an Evo VI TME is pretty neat too.

They just don't show quality TV like that around here... :D

- J

[Nissan Racer]

Some of Speed Channels other test shows are pretty cool. Tommy Kendall (sp?) and Hans Stuck at Nurburgring in the new BMW 5 series was really cool
Hans: "I think I'll pass you now!" (in heavy German accent )

[Carguy]

IMHO Victory by Design is an excellent show. I particularly enjoyed the Maserati episode, not to mention Ferrari and Porsche. I agree with Dave about De Cadenet in that he brings some sophistication to the Speed Channel. I like the technical/historical/driving experience link they make... although I'd like a little more discussion on the tire/suspension technology and how it compares with today's advances. Another show I've enjoyed in the past is the Goodwod festinal in England. Lots of vintage cars and race cars plus a mild hill climb competition where there is always a late model F1 car blasting up a very narrow road (paved) with some fun turns... Damn! If only I could win the lottery!!! ;)

[AlienDNA]

I was watching the Jaguar episode tonight.

That XJ-13 has got to be the sexiest car ever built....

[Greg F]

Originally posted by AlienDNA
I was watching the Jaguar episode tonight.

That XJ-13 has got to be the sexiest car ever built....

I would soooo love to drive that thing. What a fantastic sound. :drool:

[soloZ]

Thats funny my dad and I were watching that show aswell. I like that group 44 Jag. But yea the XJ-13 sounded sooooooooo nice and the body is beautiful

[speedevo]

if they really wanted to be critical and drive they shoulda got the guy from Top Gear :D