The former host of the Man Show and Loveline lives and breathes automobiles. Though his racing exploits have been documented well here, he’s expanded his gearhead following with his current podcast, CarCast, which delves further into his obsession with cars—particularly his affinity for Porsches of a certain vintage.
That dedication to the marque comes, at least in part, from his reverence for Paul Newman, the late acting legend and racing driver. Like Newman, Carolla’s enjoyed success in both show business and motorsports, despite getting into racing rather late in life. Now the owner of Newman’s class-winning 935, Carolla is a regular competitor at high-profile vintage racing events in the U.S.
The famously critical comedian finds few flaws with the “timeless” Porsche 911.
However, his obsession goes beyond just driving. He’s a dedicated student of the sport who appreciates its history; directing two films in the last few years: The 24 Hour War and Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman.
In a recent interview with Porsche, the acerbic comedian opens about his irks and his loves, a simple recdipe for happiness, and the one thing he wouldn’t dare do inside one of his beloved 911s. It’s reassuring to see someone so famously picky, so concerned with minutiae, and so perpetually irritated find few flaws with the Porsche 911—a car he describes as “timeless.”
Porsche’s Christophorous Magazine asked Adam twenty questions, and these were his answers:
1. What is love?
When you love something more than you love yourself.2. How are you?
I’m doing well.3. How would you describe a Porsche 911 in a nutshell?
I think it’s the most beautiful car ever made; its design is timeless.4. Which very simple things can make you very happy?
Taking my dog for a walk.5. What would you never do in a 911?
Eat chili fries.6. What’s your favorite road?
The Laguna Seca raceway in northern California.7. What can distract you?
Certain forms of cancer—that’s about it.8. Three things you would take to a deserted island?
Two of the things would have to be my twins. And after that a good Amazon account.9. Whom or what do you admire?
My friend Jimmy Kimmel. I met him when he was working at a local radio station. Now he’s a big star hosting the Oscars. And he’s still the same guy, very gracious and friendly to everyone.10. What on a 911 could you do without?
The clock.11. And what couldn’t you?
The tachometer.12. What music did you wake up to this morning?
Classical music.13. Your favorite film?
My two documentaries: Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman and The 24 Hour War.14. Your favorite book?
I like audiobooks. I was recently into one called Freakonomics.15. Your latest social media post?
I just responded to a fan on Twitter who sent me a photo of a ticket he had bought to a show I’m doing, and I invited him to come after the show and take a photo with me.16. Your most treasured possession?
My 1979 Porsche 935 race car.17. Coffee or tea?
Coffee.18. The 911 moment of your life?
Driving in a race at Laguna Seca. That was the most excitement I had in that car ever.19. Your best advice?
If it doesn’t make you money or make you happy, don’t do it.20. What would no one expect of you?
Crying.