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Classic Auto Mall - #218 - Stewart Howden with Guests John Brooks + Keith Martin

Classic Auto Mall - #218 - Stewart Howden with Guests John Brooks + Keith Martin

Classic Auto Mall SHOW Nov 06, 2025 60 min
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About this episode

Stewart Howden hosts a lively discussion with guests John Brooks and Keith Martin, diving into the world of classic cars, motorsport history, and the evolution of automotive literature. Brooks shares insights on his recent book covering the Le Mans races from 2000 to 2009, highlighting the intense competition and key players like Audi and Corvette. The conversation also touches on the importance of safety in classic cars, the resurgence of automotive books, and the unique experiences of car enthusiasts. With anecdotes and expert opinions, this episode is a treasure trove for automotive aficionados.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

international motorsport

"managed to get motorsport, or at least international motorsport in the 50s up and running."

International motorsport means car racing that happens in many countries around the world. The 1950s was an important time for these races to grow in popularity.

Brand

Cooper cars

"Things like Cooper cars. Right. Just up the road."

Cooper cars were a company that made race cars in the UK. They became well-known for their success in car racing, especially in the 1950s.

Concept

Formula One

"...the teams are up there, Formula One's up there. We don't have quite so much here, but the historic side runs well."

Formula One is a top-level car racing series where teams compete with very fast cars on different tracks around the world. It's known for its exciting races and cutting-edge technology.

Concept

Goodwood

"...I'm an hour or so away from Goodwood, which is a fantastic facility. So, yeah, we're, you know, we're looking out..."

Goodwood is a well-known place in the UK where car races and events happen. It's popular among car fans and has a lot of history in motorsport.

Brand

Ferrari

"...to go to Modena for Ferrari or Goodwood, or I imagine still people come and want to see and have their picture made in front of AC cars."

Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are known for their bright red color and participation in car racing.

Brand

AC

"...or Goodwood, or I imagine still people come and want to see and have their picture made in front of AC cars."

AC is a British car brand that is famous for making the AC Cobra, a classic sports car that many people admire. They have been around for a long time and are known for their unique designs.

Concept

London to Brighton vintage run

"...a load of people set off for Brighton on the London to Brighton vintage run. Right. And I didn't I didn't get brave enough to be up there for six in the morning..."

The London to Brighton vintage run is a fun event where people drive old cars from London to Brighton. It's a chance to see classic cars and enjoy a drive with other enthusiasts.

Term

supercharging

"...It's the book is about supercharging and turbocharging. Apparently, some like eighty years ago or seventy five years ago,..."

Supercharging helps an engine produce more power by forcing in extra air. This means the engine can burn more fuel and run faster.

Term

turbocharging

"...It's the book is about supercharging and turbocharging. Apparently, some like eighty years ago or seventy five years ago,..."

Turbocharging makes an engine more powerful by using exhaust gases to push more air into the engine. This helps it run better without using more fuel.

Concept

Le Mans

"I want to learn about the 2000 to 2009 Le Mans era or decade."

Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars compete to see which can go the farthest in that time, making it a big test of speed and endurance.

Brand

Audi

"because it was that dominance of Audi during that era that was probably unprecedented."

Audi is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and is known for its success in racing.

Car

Peugeot 2008

"In 2005, the Pesco Rolos were faster. In 2008, there were six seconds a lap off the Peugeots. B..."

The Peugeot 2008 is a small SUV that's designed to be practical and easy to drive. It looks good and is comfortable, making it a nice option for everyday use.

Concept

pit stops

"...they would arrive every morning at seven thirty and spend the entire day practicing pit stops, practicing, changing things to minimize the amount of time they would spend in the pits."

Pit stops are when race cars stop during a race to get fuel, change tires, or fix things. How quickly they can do this can really change the outcome of the race.

Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"...but really probably the best struggles came with Corvette versus Viper, Corvette versus Ferrari Corvette versus Aston Martin..."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous American sports car that is known for being fast and stylish. It's often compared to other high-performance cars from Europe.

Car

Aston Martin

"...Corvette versus Ferrari Corvette versus Aston Martin..."

Aston Martin is a British car brand that makes luxury sports cars. They are known for their stylish designs and are often seen in movies like James Bond.

Car

Cadillac

"Those who didn't, for whatever reason, like a Cadillac or like, well, Viper Chrysler in the prototypes didn't really put in the effort."

Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars made in the United States. They are known for their high-quality features and comfortable rides.

Car

Audi R8

"...the amount of money that Audi were throwing at the R8 and its development. You know, Audi didn't win by accident."

The Audi R8 is a luxury sports car made by Audi. It's known for being very fast and having a stylish design, making it a favorite among car lovers.

Car

Dodge Vipers

"...000, one of the chapters in your book was Nest of Vipers. I love that."

The Dodge Viper is a super-fast sports car that stands out because of its big engine and bold look. It's popular among people who love powerful cars and racing.

Term

V10 engine

"...People were people afraid of the Viper because of the V10. Did that mean anything or was that didn't really matter?"

A V10 engine is a type of engine that has ten cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's powerful and often found in fast cars like the Dodge Viper.

Concept

GT1

"And they were into GT1 and they pretty quickly figured out that the GT1 cars, particularly by 97, weren't really GTs road going cars."

GT1 is a type of car racing class where cars are built for high performance. Over time, these cars became so specialized for racing that they were no longer suitable for regular driving.

Brand

BMW

"especially since BMW and Toyota were moving to Formula One."

BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury and performance cars. They also race in various competitions.

Brand

Toyota

"especially since BMW and Toyota were moving to Formula One."

Toyota is a car company from Japan known for making reliable cars. They also compete in racing events.

Car

Hyundai i20

"I like that. A 15 or 16 year old Hyundai i20. That's the third Hyundai that we've had when we'..."

The Hyundai i20 is a small car that's great for driving around town. It's known for being reliable and not too expensive, which makes it a good choice for many people.

Car

Chevrolet Camaro

"So some of the new inventory this week, new arrivals. My notes. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS convertible."

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS convertible is a classic car that many people love. It's known for being fast and having a cool look, especially with its special features like hidden headlights.

Car

Ford Mustang

"Other new arrival is the 2006 Ford Mustang Selene S281 Coupe. We were just talking about Steve."

The Ford Mustang Saleen S281 Coupe is a special version of the Mustang made by a company called Saleen. It has more power and better performance than regular Mustangs, making it a sportier option.

Car

Chevrolet El

"1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS Chuchu custom."

This is a car that also has a truck bed, making it useful for carrying things while still being fun to drive. The SS version is the sportier model with better performance.

Car

Hyundai I4

"...every car you buy. I don't care if it's a mundane Hyundai i4 or whatever it is. Save everything."

The Hyundai i40 Wagon is a larger car that has a lot of space inside, perfect for families or carrying stuff. It's known for being reliable and a good value for the money.

Car

Alfa Romeo Spider

"I have a real, you know, my 65 alpha spider has got lap belts in it, two inch lap belts."

The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic convertible car that was made in 1965. It's known for its good looks and fun driving experience, making it popular among car enthusiasts.

Car

Lotus Elise

"...a 996, it's got airbags. It's just, even my Lotus Elise has got four airbags. If you're enjoying driving ..."

The Lotus Elise is a small, very light sports car that is really fun to drive. It's designed to be fast and handle well on the road, which is why people who love driving often talk about it.

Car

Ford Gt350

"... just, you know, have you heard about Lee Cross's GT350 tour? Oh, absolutely, 100%."

Ford is a well-known car company that makes many different types of vehicles, from trucks to sports cars. People often talk about Ford because of its long history and popular models.

Car

Porsche 356

"...e American pickers was in a crash and his Porsche 356? Yeah, how terrible."

The Porsche 356 is an older sports car that many people admire because it helped start the Porsche brand. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive, making it a classic among car lovers.

Car

Porsche 911S

"...u're selling the 9, what, the 912? I've got a 75, 911S Sportomatic. That's right, the Sportomatic."

The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

Car

Porsche Carrera RS

"...2.7 is a great car. That car weighs the same as a Carrera RS. Wow."

The Porsche Carrera RS is a classic sports car that is famous for being light and fast. It's very popular among collectors because of its racing history and unique features.

14 cars featured

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