JRE #597 - Magnus Walker & Alex Ross

1/10/2015

Podcast Topics: #597 – Magnus Walker & Alex Ross

This podcast dives into the world of Porsche enthusiasts, featuring the renowned car collector and builder Magnus Walker and Alex Ross, founder of Sharkwerks. It’s a fascinating blend of automotive passion, British wit, and reflections on the American Dream.

Provocative topics include the horsepower wars in the automotive industry, the allure of classic cars versus modern technology, the unique bond shared by car enthusiasts, and the challenges of navigating a class-divided society.

Underlying themes explore the power of passion and dedication, the pursuit of personal dreams, the enduring appeal of classic vehicles, and the impact of technology on the automotive landscape.

1. The Horsepower War:

The podcast opens with a discussion of the escalating horsepower race in the automotive industry, where car manufacturers constantly strive to outdo each other with more powerful engines.
Joe Rogan, a self-proclaimed “less is more” type of driver, expresses his preference for classic Porsches with lower horsepower, emphasizing the importance of handling and control over brute power.
Magnus Walker, known for his collection of vintage Porsches, shares his philosophy of enjoying the challenge of driving cars with less power, finding excitement in pushing them to their limits.
Alex Ross, however, embraces the power of modern Porsches, highlighting the thrill of driving cars with immense horsepower, pushing the boundaries of performance.

2. Classic Porsches vs. Modern Technology:

The podcast explores the contrasting appeal of classic and modern Porsches, highlighting the tactile and visceral driving experience offered by vintage cars.
Magnus Walker advocates for the importance of feeling the road, the lack of power steering, and the direct connection with the car that classic Porsches provide.
Alex Ross, on the other hand, appreciates the advancements in modern technology, such as traction control and stability management, which enhance performance and safety.
The podcast features a lively discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of both classic and modern cars, ultimately acknowledging the unique appeal of each era.

3. The Car Guy Brotherhood:

The podcast highlights the shared passion and camaraderie that unites car enthusiasts, regardless of their individual preferences or the type of car they drive.
Magnus Walker emphasizes the universal language of cars, suggesting that all car guys understand and appreciate the thrill of driving, tinkering, and expressing themselves through their vehicles.
Alex Ross reinforces this idea, noting that car enthusiasts often find common ground in their love for the automotive world, connecting over shared experiences and a desire to push the limits of performance.
The podcast underscores the power of shared interests and passions in forging meaningful connections and creating a sense of community.

4. The American Dream and the British Perspective:

The podcast features insightful reflections on the American Dream from the perspective of two Englishmen who have made their lives in the United States.
Magnus Walker shares his experiences of arriving in America as a young man with a passion for cars, emphasizing the opportunities for pursuing his dreams and defying limitations that he found in the US.
Alex Ross, also from England, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the freedom and acceptance that he has found in America, allowing him to pursue his entrepreneurial goals and passion for cars.
The podcast contrasts the opportunities offered by American society with the more structured and class-divided environment of their home country, showcasing the appeal of American individualism and the potential for personal achievement.

5. The Importance of Passion:

The podcast emphasizes the importance of passion as a driving force in pursuing one’s dreams and achieving success.
Magnus Walker’s journey from a young man with a passion for cars to a renowned collector and builder serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedication.
Alex Ross’s creation of Sharkwerks, a successful tuning company, exemplifies how passion can fuel innovation and entrepreneurship.
The podcast underscores that passion transcends traditional educational paths, demonstrating the value of pursuing one’s interests and passions, even if they lie outside conventional career choices.

6. The Art of Customization:

The podcast explores the art of car customization, highlighting the unique approach taken by Magnus Walker in blending classic aesthetics with modern technology.
Magnus Walker describes his approach as a stylistic interpretation of vintage Porsche designs, adding his personal touch to create unique and recognizable cars.
Alex Ross, while focusing on performance enhancements, also acknowledges the importance of aesthetics, recognizing the individual expression that customization allows.
The podcast illustrates how car customization is a form of creative expression, allowing enthusiasts to personalize their vehicles and showcase their individual style.

7. The Evolution of Porsches:

The podcast traces the evolution of Porsches, from the iconic air-cooled 911s to the modern water-cooled models.
Joe Rogan, a fan of the 997 generation, shares his appreciation for the evolution of Porsche’s technology, acknowledging the advancements in performance and safety.
Magnus Walker, while remaining a strong advocate for air-cooled Porsches, acknowledges the merits of water-cooled models, recognizing the advancements in horsepower and performance.
Alex Ross, as a builder of modern Porsches, naturally embraces the evolution of the brand, highlighting the technological breakthroughs that have shaped the modern Porsche experience.

8. The Allure of the 911:

The podcast celebrates the enduring popularity and iconic status of the Porsche 911, highlighting its 50-year legacy as a symbol of automotive excellence.
Magnus Walker’s passionate collection of classic 911s showcases the enduring appeal of these cars, emphasizing their timeless design and driving experience.
Alex Ross, a renowned Porsche tuner, further reinforces the 911’s significance, acknowledging its impact on the automotive industry and its enduring status as a benchmark for performance and design.
The podcast celebrates the 911 as a cultural icon, showcasing its enduring appeal across generations of enthusiasts and its status as a symbol of automotive excellence.

9. The “Urban Outlaw” Documentary:

The podcast highlights the significance of the documentary “Urban Outlaw” in propelling Magnus Walker to international recognition.
The documentary, which follows Walker’s journey as a car enthusiast and builder, captures his passion and dedication, resonating with audiences worldwide.
The podcast explores how the documentary helped Walker connect with a wider audience, showcasing the power of storytelling and the appeal of authenticity.
The podcast underscores the importance of sharing one’s passion and how powerful a story well told can be in inspiring and connecting with others.

10. The Importance of Driving:

The podcast emphasizes the importance of driving as a sensory experience, highlighting the unique connection between driver and car.
Magnus Walker emphasizes the tactile feel, the sound, the smell, and the overall immersion that driving a classic Porsche provides.
Joe Rogan echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the difference between driving a car as a means of transportation and driving as a form of personal expression.
The podcast underscores the joy of driving as a sensory experience, highlighting the unique connection that can be forged between driver and car, particularly with classic vehicles.

11. The “Sweet Spot” in Car Production:

The podcast explores the concept of a “sweet spot” in car production, questioning whether modern technological advancements have eroded the visceral driving experience that enthusiasts cherish.
Magnus Walker expresses his concern that modern cars, with their advanced technologies, have become too detached from the tactile connection between driver and machine, creating a more sterile and less engaging driving experience.
Alex Ross, while appreciating the advancements in modern technology, acknowledges that there is a certain appeal to the more mechanical and analog nature of classic cars, recognizing the loss of a certain visceral driving experience.
The podcast raises a thought-provoking question about the balance between technological advancements and the essence of the driving experience, inviting listeners to consider whether the pursuit of speed and efficiency has come at the expense of a more engaging and fulfilling driving experience.

12. The Enduring Appeal of Manual Transmissions:

The podcast explores the enduring appeal of manual transmissions, questioning whether they are becoming a lost art in the era of automated transmissions.
Magnus Walker and Alex Ross both express their preference for manual transmissions, highlighting the tactile engagement and control that they offer.
The podcast discusses the concerns that modern cars are becoming too reliant on automation, potentially diminishing the driving experience for enthusiasts who value the engagement of a manual transmission.
The podcast explores the potential for manual transmissions to become a lost art as younger generations become accustomed to automatic transmissions, prompting listeners to consider the future of this cherished driving experience.

13. The Power of Storytelling:

The podcast highlights the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences and inspiring others.
Magnus Walker’s journey, as documented in “Urban Outlaw,” showcases how sharing a personal story can resonate with people worldwide.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in storytelling, suggesting that genuine stories, filled with personal experiences and heartfelt emotions, have the power to captivate audiences.
The podcast demonstrates the power of sharing one’s passion and how a well-told story can inspire and connect with others, creating a lasting impact.

14. The Evolution of Magnus Walker’s Collection:

The podcast reveals Magnus Walker’s evolving collection, which now includes both classic and modern Porsches, showcasing his appreciation for the diversity of the brand.
Walker’s decision to add newer Porsches to his collection reflects his desire to experience the full spectrum of Porsche’s offerings, expanding his horizons beyond his early focus on vintage cars.
The podcast illustrates how passions can evolve over time, prompting listeners to consider their own evolving interests and how they might seek new experiences and challenges.
The podcast encourages listeners to embrace the joys of diversity, highlighting the potential for growth and discovery that comes from exploring new areas of interest.

15. The Unique Appeal of “Ugly Duckling” Porsches:

The podcast introduces listeners to the “ugly duckling” Porsches, often overlooked models like the 924, 944, and 928, which have a devoted following among enthusiasts.
Magnus Walker, known for his adventurous tastes, has recently acquired a 924, showcasing his willingness to explore less conventional models.
The podcast highlights the diversity within the Porsche world, suggesting that there is a place for every type of enthusiast, regardless of their preferences or the models they cherish.
The podcast encourages listeners to challenge their preconceived notions and embrace the joys of discovering the unique appeal of often overlooked cars.

16. The Joys of Track Driving:

The podcast dives into the world of track driving, exploring the thrill and challenges of pushing cars to their limits on a closed course.
Magnus Walker shares his experiences with track driving, highlighting the unique connection between driver and car that a track environment provides.
The podcast discusses the importance of a skilled driver in maximizing the performance of a car, regardless of its age or technology.
The podcast highlights the importance of a controlled environment, such as a race track, for experiencing the full potential of a car and pushing the boundaries of driving performance.

17. The Impact of Safety Regulations:

The podcast delves into the impact of modern safety regulations on the automotive landscape, suggesting that they have influenced the design and performance of cars.
Magnus Walker expresses his concern that modern safety standards, while important, have contributed to the production of heavier and less engaging cars, limiting the potential for truly lightweight and exciting vehicles.
Alex Ross, while understanding the need for safety, acknowledges that there is a trade-off between safety and performance, suggesting that enthusiasts may be willing to sacrifice some safety features for a more exhilarating driving experience.
The podcast raises a thought-provoking discussion about the balance between safety and performance, inviting listeners to consider the potential impact of regulations on the evolution of the automotive landscape.

18. The Importance of a Supportive Partner:

The podcast highlights the importance of a supportive partner in pursuing one’s passions, particularly in the often demanding world of car enthusiasts.
Magnus Walker expresses his deep appreciation for his wife Karen’s support and understanding, acknowledging her role in allowing him to pursue his automotive dreams.
The podcast underscores the importance of having someone in your corner, particularly when pursuing unconventional passions or challenging goals.
The podcast celebrates the power of a supportive partner in enabling individuals to achieve their full potential and follow their passions with unwavering commitment.

19. The Enduring Appeal of Driving a Porsche:

The podcast concludes with a celebration of the enduring appeal of driving a Porsche, regardless of model or era.
Magnus Walker and Alex Ross share their passionate perspectives on what makes driving a Porsche a unique and unforgettable experience.
The podcast emphasizes the connection between driver and car, the thrill of performance, and the legacy of Porsche’s excellence.
The podcast leaves listeners with a sense of inspiration and a desire to experience the joys of driving a Porsche, showcasing the enduring appeal of this iconic automotive brand.

Memorable Quotes:

“Too much horsepower is never enough. I’m the less is more type of guy, but I gotta say horsepower is addictive.” – Alex Ross
“I think it’s my age. My era, you know, I’m forty-eight, so I grew up born in 67, grew up in the seventies.” – Magnus Walker
“I’m not building customer cars. I’ve helped my buddies out occasionally. So when Alex approached me with the car and just sort of left it and he gave me the classic line like, well, I think it’s gonna become the all time classic line for me goes, just treat it as if it was your own car and do whatever you wanna do with it.” – Magnus Walker
“I think that’s one of the things that people miss when they talk, oh, I don’t care about cars. Cars get me there. Everybody gets wrapped up in cars. I think what they’re dealing with is the difference which between, like, a modern commuting car and what you’re driving, which is essentially like a ride. You’re you’re in a ride.” – Joe Rogan
“It’s a smelly sorta come in smelling with it. You know? He’s got a lot of sort of sweat and oil and fuel smell.” – Joe Rogan

JRE #597 – Magnus Walker & Alex Ross