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Our special guest this week is Andy Talbot. Andy will be known to many car and motorsport fans for his voice as part of the commentary team of Motorsport Mundial and Auto Mundial, the weekly shows on ITV4.

Tonight though, Andy is here to share his passion for all things Volkswagen and the story of his own Californian VW Trekker AKA 'The Thing'.

Growing up on a diet of 411's and K70's helped to develop this VW passion. California blended into the mix starting with detailed observation of the cars in California Highway Patrol (CHiPs), his own California experience driving a Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible whilst listening to the Eagles' 'Hotel California' and a family connection epitomising 1960's style.

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This week, Brian & Andrew delve deep in to the world of the cars used or driven by great (and sometimes not so great!) world leaders.

From the legendary Citroen DS used by general De Gaulle to the Rover P5 built for Harold Wilson with a special holder for his pipe, although he never got the built-in Humidor box for his cigars.

Top gifts to be expected when visiting the Shah of Iran would certainly include a locally built Peykan. "Thank you so much, I have always wanted one of those."

What do you do when you are Leonid Brezhnev and Matra give you a white Matra Rancho? Well, you spray it blue of course. Then, go and see Citroen and get a Citroen SM, but if you go and see Maserati they will give you a Maserati Quattroporte.

We find out where to park for the Queen's Coronation to see the procession and all the state cars.

Oh, and if you've enjoyed this, please like and subscribe, and listen to our previous podcast episodes.

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After safely gargling with TCP (other gargling products are available), Andrew bravely joins us this evening as 3 On The Column celebrates the revolutionary safety research by British Leyland in the 1970's that led the way to some of the safety features that we take for granted in today's cars.

Building on the slogan "Safety Fast", BL expanded this concept across their range of cars to show the world how safe their cars could be, including the periscope on the MGBGT and the child catcher on the bonnet of the SRV 5.

We pay tribute to Keith Adams, the author of www.aronline.co.uk, for the detailed story of anything British Leyland.

Why Michael Caine would only have Quartz Iodine lights on the Mini Cooper.

How safety was styled in to the Triumph TR7 and Volvo 240 without you even noticing.

Getting a clip round the ear from a trafficator, getting Assignment 6 if you are reaching out to Europe not the USA and why is the dipswitch on the floor so hard to reach?

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This week, Andrew and Brian recall the glory days of the multi-skilled and general crime busting heroine, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. It is not known for sure if Skippy could drive but since she could do everything else, we look at Skippy's car choices in the Australian home market at the time.

The star car drawings of the Tin Tin books, our first introduction to French cars, are re-enjoyed.

We take a look at the hero cars of Gerry Anderson. If you have to drive a car into the sea, a Hillman Imp with a sunroof could be your best choice, but remember that while Captain Scarlett is indestructible, you may not be.

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As a superfan of Mr Bean, you would expect Lewis to be looking to buy a Lime-flower Green Mini but no, Lewis wanted a Blue Reliant Supervan 2.

First came an 81 Robin, with no front wheel, stacked up on bricks, helping to put Lewis on the map as a collector of these fine 3 wheeler cars. As the word got out, the vehicles started coming to him. His fine collection now includes Bonds, Regals, an Albion and an ex-Post Office Scammell Scarab.

We look in to the place in society of these vehicles over the years, their successes and failures, how to drive one properly, how to survive the crash gearbox and Lewis's big bang.

Tommo gives Lewis a nudge towards a prize trophy. We learn how to start a Scarab and why you should always drive it over the cobbles.

Plus a weekend away for 2 in the Zundapp Janus 750 complete with double bed!

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Our special guest tonight is Lord Loxley, AKA Sham to his friends, star and founder of one of the most exciting Facebook car clubs, Auto Anonymous.

Sham gives an exclusive appearance on our podcast to tell us the Auto Anonymous and Finger of Approval stories: from the early days of lock down car meets with a few friends to the truly international clubs they are today, with over 11,000 members.

He's known for sourcing rare cars to bring to the Auto Anonymous stands at the classic motor shows, and working with celebrities and their cars. And how did he get Fabio Lamborghini signing his car?

Sham tells us how the club members and their passion make Auto Anonymous what it is today and brings exciting news of what he's planning for 2026.

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3 On The Column meets Kam from Nordik Rides.

Nordik Rides is a fast growing Facebook Group dedicated to Volvo, Saab, DAF, Scania, in fact anything with a Nordic feel in the motoring world, both classic and modern - all are welcome. This time of year Santa, with his Swedish reindeer and a sleigh, would also be most welcome to join, especially if loaded with Saab and Volvo toys.

Kam states that the growth of Nordic Rides is down to an 'anything goes and all are welcome' policy with cars and trucks, both old and new. If you have a brand new Volvo V90, why not bring it along and show it next to a classic Volvo 145 estate? Kam says people love to see how the lineage develops from the classic through to the latest cars.

This open policy and welcoming approach has given Nordik Rides a fast growing group membership of over 2600. In this episode Kam, talks about the cars that inspired him to set up Nordik Rides and what it's like to run a great club.

Download, listen, and enjoy the world of Nordik Rides, and remember to like and subscribe to hear even more from 3 On The Column.

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Tonight, 3 On the Column welcomes the renowned Allan Jones, who expertly takes us through the story of the Ford Capri Mark 1 Special Editions, as well as sharing his personal story and telling us about his own cars.

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