If you’re a fan of NPR’s Car Talk, you’ve likely heard of Click and Clack – the Tappet Brothers. These two siblings have been dispensing car advice and entertaining listeners for over four decades. But the question on everyone’s minds is – are Click and Clack still alive?
The Tappet Brothers – Tom and Ray Magliozzi – grew up in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, and started their own car repair business in the ’70s. They eventually became radio show hosts, dishing out car advice and comedic relief to listeners across the country. Their witty banter and infectious laughter made them fan favorites for decades.
Nowadays, you won’t hear new episodes of Car Talk on NPR. But that doesn’t mean the Tappet Brothers have left us for good. So, are Click and Clack still alive? Let’s explore what we know about these two legendary figures and find out.
The History of Click and Clack
Click and Clack, also known as Tom and Ray Magliozzi, are the popular hosts of the long-running NPR radio show, “Car Talk.” The show featured the brothers’ humorous banter and expert advice on cars, earning them a loyal following of listeners. But are Click and Clack still alive today?
- Tom and Ray Magliozzi were born in East Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1937 and 1949, respectively.
- Tom attended MIT and earned a degree in humanities and engineering, while Ray attended Boston University and studied humanities and science.
- In 1977, the brothers opened a do-it-yourself car repair shop in Cambridge called “Hackers Haven.”
It wasn’t until 1987 that Click and Clack started their radio show, which was originally called “Talkin’ Cars.” The show quickly became popular with listeners for its unique blend of car advice and comedic banter.
Despite the success of the show, the brothers didn’t set out to become radio stars. As Tom once said, “We always thought of ourselves as two schleppers who just enjoyed working on cars.”
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Tom Magliozzi passed away at age 77 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. |
| 2014 | The last episode of “Car Talk” aired on NPR, although reruns continue to be broadcast. |
| 2021 | Ray Magliozzi is still alive and occasionally makes public appearances. |
While Tom may have passed away in 2012, his legacy lives on through the many years of joyful entertainment he provided to listeners worldwide. Ray continues to carry on the Click and Clack name, albeit only on rare occasions, and the two brothers have left an indelible impression on the world of cars, comedy, and popular culture.
The Origins of Car Talk
Car Talk was a weekly radio show that aired from 1977 to 2012. The show was hosted by the Tappet brothers, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, who were also known as Click and Clack. The show was known for its entertaining and humorous take on cars, as well as its advice to callers who had car troubles.
- Tom and Ray Magliozzi
- The origins of Car Talk
- The rise of Car Talk
The origins of Car Talk can be traced back to the early 1970s when Tom and Ray Magliozzi were running a do-it-yourself car repair shop in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The brothers were known for their expertise in car repairs and their ability to explain complex car problems in simple terms.
In 1977, the brothers were approached by NPR, who asked them to host a radio show about cars. The brothers agreed and Car Talk was born. The show was an instant hit, with listeners tuning in from around the country to hear Tom and Ray’s humorous takes on cars and their advice to callers who had car troubles.
Over the next few decades, Car Talk became one of the most popular radio shows in the country. The show was syndicated to more than 600 stations across the United States and had a loyal following of listeners who tuned in every week to hear the Tappet brothers.
| Hosts | Format | Length of Show |
|---|---|---|
| Tom and Ray Magliozzi | Talk Show | 1 hour |
Despite its popularity, Car Talk came to an end in 2012 when Tom Magliozzi passed away. Ray Magliozzi continued to host the show for a few more years, but eventually, the decision was made to stop producing new episodes. However, Car Talk continues to live on in reruns and podcasts, and the Tappet brothers remain beloved by car enthusiasts around the world.
Favorite Moments on Car Talk
Car Talk gained millions of fans over the years because of the witty and entertaining banter between the Tappet Brothers, Tom, and Ray. While they offered invaluable advice on car repairs and maintenance, it was their sense of humor that kept the show interesting. In this article, we take a look at some of the favorite moments on Car Talk that fans still talk about today.
- Stump the Chumps: One of the best segments on Car Talk was “Stump the Chumps.” Listeners would call in with car problems and the brothers would try to figure out what was wrong. If they couldn’t solve the problem, the caller would win a prize. The prize was nothing more than a $20 gift certificate for a pizza place, but the chance to stump the beloved mechanics was priceless.
- Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe: The fictional law firm of Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe was a running joke on Car Talk. The Tappet Brothers would perpetuate the myth that they were shady lawyers with questionable ethics who made their money by suing auto manufacturers. The law firm became so popular that a fan once sent in a license plate with the name on it.
- The Puzzler: The Puzzler was a weekly segment on Car Talk where the brothers would present a riddle and listeners would call in with their answers. The Puzzler was often themed around cars, but sometimes it would be a general knowledge or logic puzzle. The brothers would then reveal the answer at the end of the show. Even though the Puzzler was just a small part of the show, it became a favorite with fans.
Car Talk may have ended in 2012, but the legacy of the Tappet Brothers lives on. These moments are just a few of the many reasons why their fans miss them so much.
Tappet Brothers: Are Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers Still Alive?
As much as we love reminiscing about the good old days of Car Talk, many fans are still left wondering if Click and Clack are still alive. The truth is, Tom Magliozzi of the Tappet Brothers passed away in 2014 at the age of 77 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. However, his brother Ray Magliozzi is still alive and well.
It was a sad day for Car Talk fans when Tom passed away, but the memories and laughs he brought to millions of people will never be forgotten. Even though we can’t hear the brothers on the airwaves anymore, their impact on the world of cars and comedy will continue to be felt for years to come.
Car Talk: A Look at the Numbers
The Tappet Brothers became a cultural phenomenon during their time on Car Talk. Here are some interesting statistics that demonstrate the show’s popularity:
| Year Car Talk First Aired | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Number of Stations Carrying the Show | 660 |
| Number of Weekly Listeners | 4 million |
| Number of Episodes Produced | 1,200 |
These numbers speak volumes about the impact that the Tappet Brothers had on car enthusiasts and everyday listeners alike. No matter how to track the numbers, one thing is for sure: Car Talk was one of the most beloved radio shows of all time.
Impact of Click and Clack on Car Culture
Tom and Ray Magliozzi, famously known as Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers, hosted the popular radio show “Car Talk” from 1977 to 2012. The show was more than just entertainment, it had a significant impact on car culture and the automotive industry in the United States.
- Encouraged Car Maintenance – Tom and Ray emphasized the importance of regular car maintenance on their show. They encouraged people to take their cars to mechanics for routine checks and repairs. This resulted in more people becoming aware of the benefits of regular maintenance, which ultimately led to an increase in car longevity and reduced repair costs.
- Introduce Car Humor – “Car Talk” was not just an informative show, it was also funny. Tom and Ray infused humor in their discussions about cars and automotive problems. This helped make the show more engaging and accessible to people who might otherwise be intimidated by car mechanics.
- Inspired Auto Enthusiasts – The show inspired a new generation of car enthusiasts. Listeners who were drawn to Tom and Ray’s passion for solving car problems soon found themselves becoming passionate about cars in general. The show inspired a greater interest in cars and automotive culture, leading to increased participation in car clubs, events, and forums.
Tom Magliozzi, one half of the Tappet Brothers, passed away in 2014, but his legacy lives on. The impact that he and Ray had on car culture is still felt today. “Car Talk” remains a beloved show and a source of inspiration for car enthusiasts everywhere.
Here is a table summarizing the impact of Click and Clack on car culture:
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Encouraged Car Maintenance | Tom and Ray emphasized the importance of regular car maintenance on their show, which resulted in increased awareness and reduced repair costs. |
| Introduced Car Humor | The show infused humor in their discussions about cars and automotive problems, making it more engaging and accessible. |
| Inspired Auto Enthusiasts | The show inspired a new generation of car enthusiasts, leading to increased participation in car-related events and forums. |
The Tappet Brothers’ contribution to car culture through their show “Car Talk” was significant. Their legacy lives on to this day and continues to inspire and educate car enthusiasts everywhere.
The Legacy of the Tappet Brothers
Tom and Ray Magliozzi, better known as Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers, were the hosts of the popular radio show Car Talk. The duo shared a passion for cars and humor, which translated into a successful career in radio. Their show aired for 35 years and was syndicated on over 600 stations across the United States.
Although Ray Magliozzi retired in 2012, the legacy of the Tappet Brothers lives on. Here are five ways the duo continues to impact the automotive world:
- Inspiring a generation of car enthusiasts: Through their engaging and humorous approach to discussing cars, the Tappet Brothers cultivated a large following of dedicated fans. Many listeners credit the show for sparking their interest in cars and inspiring them to pursue careers in the automotive industry.
- Redefining the traditional car review: Rather than providing straightforward car reviews, the Tappet Brothers injected humor and wit into their discussions of vehicles. Their unique approach was refreshing and entertaining for listeners and helped set a precedent for modern car reviews.
- Emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance: The Tappet Brothers were strong advocates for regular maintenance of cars. They often reminded listeners that spending time and money on preventative maintenance could save them significant repair costs down the road.
- Advocating for consumer rights: The Tappet Brothers were vocal advocates for consumer rights. They frequently discussed issues related to car safety, dishonest dealerships, and automotive regulations on their show.
- Creating a sense of community: The Tappet Brothers created a sense of community among their devoted listeners by answering their questions, featuring their stories on the show, and engaging with them through various events and activities.
The legacy of the Tappet Brothers is undeniable. Through their radio show and unique approach to discussing cars, they inspired and entertained millions of people and left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.
Who were the Tappet Brothers?
If you’re a true car enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard of Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers. Don’t let the playful monikers fool you, though, because these two brothers were experts in all things auto. Tom and Ray Magliozzi, the real names of Click and Clack, hosted the Car Talk radio show for over 30 years and entertained millions of listeners with their witty banter, humor, and expert advice on car repairs.
The Tappet brothers were born and raised in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, and started their careers in engineering. Tom received a degree from MIT, while Ray studied at Boston University and Northeastern University. However, their true passion was cars, and they eventually left their engineering jobs to start their own garage, which they called Hackers Haven.
- Tom and Ray started hosting Car Talk on Boston’s NPR station in 1977, and by the 1990s, it was the most popular weekend program on NPR.
- Their show was known for its humorous take on car repairs, and listeners loved their witty commentary and banter.
- Over the course of their career, the Tappet brothers received numerous awards for their work, including a Peabody award and being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
The Tappet brothers retired from Car Talk in 2012, but their legacy lives on. They may no longer be with us, but their impact on the world of cars and radio will never be forgotten.
| Full Names | Birthplace | Educational Background | Profession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom and Ray Magliozzi | East Cambridge, Massachusetts | Tom: MIT Ray: Boston University and Northeastern University |
Radio hosts, car enthusiasts, garage owners |
Rest in peace, Click and Clack. You will always be remembered as two of the greatest car experts to ever grace the airwaves.
Famous Guests on Car Talk
Car Talk was not just about cars and automotive advice – it was also a place where famous people came to chat and have fun. Over the years, the show had various guests who entertained listeners with their wit, humor, and anecdotes. Here are some of the most famous guests who made an appearance on Car Talk:
- George Stephanopoulos – the former White House Communications Director and current anchor of ABC’s This Week, talked about his first car and the funny story of how it ended up in a ditch.
- John Lithgow – the actor best known for his roles in Third Rock from the Sun and Dexter, talked about his love of cars and how he rescued an old Fiat from a scrapyard.
- Tom Wolfe – the legendary author of The Bonfire of the Vanities, talked about his admiration for the American automobile and how it inspired some of his writing.
- Julia Sweeney – the actress and comedian, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, talked about her experiences with her first car and how it helped her become more independent.
- Steve Martin – the actor and comedian, known for classics like The Jerk and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, appeared on the show for a special April Fool’s Day episode, where he played a prank on the hosts and pretended to be an expert mechanic.
- Mister Rogers – the beloved children’s entertainer, talked about his memories of driving to work every day in a big station wagon.
- Ray Magliozzi’s son – in an episode that aired in 2008, Ray’s son made an appearance on the show and asked his father for advice on buying his first car.
These famous guests added a new dimension to Car Talk and made the show even more enjoyable for listeners. Their stories and experiences showed that even successful and famous people have a love for cars and driving.
Are Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers Still Alive FAQs
1. Who are Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers?
Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers are Tom and Ray Magliozzi, hosts of the popular NPR radio show Car Talk from 1977 to 2012.
2. Are Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers still alive?
Tom Magliozzi passed away on November 3, 2014, at the age of 77. Ray Magliozzi is still alive and well.
3. What was Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers’ radio show about?
Car Talk was a humorous call-in show where Tom and Ray answered questions from listeners about their cars and offered advice and suggestions.
4. What were some of Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers’ best moments on the radio?
Some of the most memorable moments on Car Talk include the phony car test drive, the tale of the sticky caliper, and the time they helped a listener propose to his girlfriend.
5. What was the impact of Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers on the world of cars?
Tom and Ray Magliozzi brought a unique and entertaining perspective to the world of cars, and their influence can still be felt today in shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
6. Did Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers have any other media appearances besides their radio show?
Tom and Ray Magliozzi appeared on several TV shows, including Sesame Street, and even made a cameo in the Pixar film Cars.
7. What is the legacy of Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers?
Tom and Ray Magliozzi’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved Car Talk, and their unique blend of humor and expertise will always be remembered.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers. Though Tom may be gone, the memories of him and Ray on Car Talk will always live on. Be sure to visit again later for more interesting articles.