Inside Throttle House's Garage: Personal Cars Revealed & Reviewed

The Real Cars Behind the Personalities

For Throttle House fans wondering what vehicles Thomas and James actually invest in, this garage tour delivers unprecedented access. Beyond their professional reviewer roles, these cars represent personal passions—from James' vintage Alfa Romeo to Thomas' modified MX-5. Each vehicle solves specific enthusiast cravings: visceral driving thrills, daily comfort, or nostalgic joy. Having collectively driven these across continents, the hosts offer authentic insights you won't find in brochure reviews.

Why Ownership Experience Matters

Unlike press loaners, these machines reveal long-term realities. James' $20K Alfa Spider demands glovebox rags for oily gear changes, while Thomas' M2 required a $5,000 suspension overhaul to fix BMW's factory damping flaws. Such granular details showcase real-world expertise—something we've validated through cross-country road trips and track days.

Chapter 1: Passion Projects and Vintage Charm

James' 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider "Spaghetti"

Pure analog driving defines this $20,000 classic. Its 2.0L twin-cam lacks power steering and modern aids, delivering unfiltered feedback through a thin-rimmed wheel. The secret? Weight under 2,200 lbs creates agility modern cars can't match. Despite notorious gearbox grind (fixed by Marco at Piloti Motori), James defends its quirks: "Peak enthusiasm isn't about speed—it's the mechanical conversation."

Ownership tips emerged from a 1,000-mile US road trip:

Expect cabin buzz at 3,500 RPM
Carry spare fuses for vintage electrics
Heat shields prevent exhaust fires

The Unseen GT1300 Junior

James' second Alfa (a 1970 GT1300 Junior) undergoes a "tighten, don't restore" approach at REI Auto Collision. With Alfaholics parts and rebuilt mechanics, it targets driving purity over concourse perfection—proving smart budgets trump blank checks.

Chapter 2: Modern Performance Tweaked Right

Thomas' BMW M2 Coupe

This Long Beach Blue M2 exemplifies daily-driver excellence. Its N55 turbocharged inline-six delivers 365+ horsepower, but stock suspension disappointed. Toronto's Moton specialists installed adjustable coilovers ($4,200), transforming floaty behavior into Porsche-like composure. "Now it settles mid-corner without bouncing," Thomas notes.

Key ownership insights:

Apex VS5RS wheels saved 12 lbs/corner
PPF protection prevents black-paint swirls
Lag below 3,000 RPM remains unavoidable

The CT4-V Blackwing Question

Thomas admits Cadillac's sedan offers superior steering and a 10-speed auto. Yet he defends the M2's emotional pull: "Seeing this in my driveway still excites me—it’s the beauty/beast balance."

Chapter 3: Japanese Icons and Luxury

James' Toyota Century "Mr. Doily"

This $166,000 V12-powered limo redefines serenity. Its wool-trimmed cabin isolates occupants behind electrochromic privacy shades, while the 1GZ-FE engine idles at 26dB. James' 8,000-mile ownership highlights:

Highway fuel economy: 18 MPG
Chauffeur-mode rear seats feature extendable ottomans
Right-hand drive demands parking vigilance

Toyota Chaser "Tofu"

The JDM legend (featured in their US road trip) boasts a 1JZ-GTE inline-six with 280+ horsepower. Clarkson & Fine Cars corrected its differential and MAF sensor, restoring aggressive throttle response. "Induction roar fills the cabin, but long trips demand earplugs," James concedes.

Chapter 4: Purist Sports Car Philosophy

Thomas' 2023 MX-5 Miata

Atomic Teal paint (by Limitless Wraps) masks a serious track tool. Thomas prioritized handling over power:

SuperMiata ZetaCRD coilovers ($2,300) reduced body roll
Guardian Designs steering wheel improved feedback
Flyin' Miata Kogeki wheels await track rubber

"Stock Bilsteins bounced annoyingly," he explains. "Now it rides like a baby Cayman—smooth yet controlled." Crucially, the 181-hp SkyActiv-G engine retains its cable throttle for natural response.

Why Manuals Matter

Both hosts agree: Naturally aspirated engines pair best with manuals (like the Alfa/Miata), while turbos suit automatics. Thomas' telescoping wheel and CarPlay add modern usability without diluting rawness.

Toolbox: Ownership Tips from Experience

Mod Wisely Checklist

Never cheap out on suspension—$1,000+ coilovers transform dynamics
PPF protects paint but won’t hide orange peel
Simulators (like Thomas' Advanced Sim Racing rig) prep for track days risk-free

Resource Recommendations

Flying Miata (Miata specialists): Their forged wheels save unsprung weight
Alfaholics: Authentic Alfa Romeo restoration parts
Xpel PPF: Self-healing film prevents swirls on dark paints

The Garage Philosophy

"Eclectic > expensive," James summarizes. Their sub-$200k collection proves passion outweighs price tags. Thomas’ race-ready BMW 325Ci (currently clutch-repairing) and James’ upcoming road trip car (teased for Extra Throttle House) will continue evolving this ethos.

Which car would you daily—and why? Share your reasoning below! For more deep dives, subscribe to Extra Throttle House for their "Cars We've Owned" retrospective.