This week on Clangers, Mike, Tom and Craig dive into the wonderful world of the unexceptional – those cars from the late 1990s and early 2000s that sit somewhere between modern classic and banger.

Craig has bought another car, and surprisingly, it’s actually desirable. We also tackle a listener question inspired by the Festival of the Unexceptional: when does a well-preserved old banger become a Clanger?

Along the way, we discuss the cars that enthusiasts adore despite their distinctly unexceptional reputations, including the Mercedes W210 and Vaneo, SsangYongs, Hyundai Amica, Renault Vel Satis, Honda Logo, Chrysler Neon, CityRover, Kia Shuma and Kia Sedona.

Plus, Mike faces another round of “What IS Mike On About?”, involving an old Men & Motors press release, a mysterious mini-MPV and some familiar names from the world of motoring journalism.

And, of course, there’s Craig’s latest purchase and plenty of arguing about what deserves a Clanger rosette.

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This week, the Clangers dive headfirst into the wonderfully strange world of special editions. Not the exotic homologation specials or limited-run supercars, but the everyday hatchbacks, saloons and family runabouts that were given a second lease of life with some stripes, a fancy badge and a tempting finance deal.

From the Citroën AX Salsa and Mini Special to the Nissan Micra Wave, Fiat Panda Italia ’90 and the legendary Skoda Felicia Fun, Mike, Tom and Craig celebrate the cars manufacturers created to shift stock and keep buyers interested. Along the way there are tales of dead dogs in car boots, a brand-new game called What IS Tom On About?, and plenty of debate over the greatest special editions ever made.

Plus, what should we tackle next? Could an EV ever become a true Clanger? Which new cars are future Clangers in waiting? And are there cars people dismiss as Clangers that clearly aren’t?

If you love obscure trim levels, forgotten badges and automotive marketing madness, this is the episode for you.

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Episode 13 of The Clangers Pod dives into the cars that went from overlooked underdogs to fully fledged modern classics.

This week, Mike, Tom and Craig look back at the cars they dismissed when new — but which are now loved, collectable and, in some cases, surprisingly valuable. Did the road testers get it wrong, or were these cars hiding secret talents all along?

Expect debate, nostalgia and questionable opinions on everything from the Rover 75 and Mercedes A-Class to the Toyota Yaris Verso, Jaguar X350, Citroën Berlingo and humble Ford Escorts and Sierras.

There’s also:

* Craig’s latest automotive purchase

* A new game: “What IS Tom On About?”

* Memories of forgotten heroes and misunderstood motoring oddballs

* Teasing next week’s special editions episode (with potentially disastrous consequences)

If you love late-90s and early-2000s cars stuck somewhere between bangers and classics, this is the podcast for you.

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Please subscribe, leave a review and tell us which forgotten cars deserve future classic status.

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