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Classic Auto Mall - #228 - Stewart Howden with Guests Alwin Springer + Keith Martin

Classic Auto Mall - #228 - Stewart Howden with Guests Alwin Springer + Keith Martin

Classic Auto Mall SHOW Jan 29, 2026 55 min
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About this episode

Stewart Howden hosts a lively discussion with guests Alwin Springer and Keith Martin, diving into the world of classic cars amidst a snowy backdrop. Alwin shares his journey from Germany to North America, detailing his extensive experience in motorsports and his connections with Porsche and Penske Racing. The conversation touches on the evolution of racing strategies, the importance of teamwork, and the significance of simulators in modern racing. Keith Martin provides insights into the current state of the classic car market, emphasizing the vitality of the hobby and the impact of younger enthusiasts. The episode is rich with stories, industry insights, and personal anecdotes.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Porsche 968

"...I'm gonna guess a Porsche number anyway. Oh. 968. Alright."

The Porsche 968 is a sporty car made by Porsche in the early 1990s. It is appreciated for its good handling and comes in both a hardtop and a convertible version.

Car

Porsche 928

"You both went over. I almost did 928. Yeah."

The Porsche 928 is a fancy sports car made by Porsche that was built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It stands out because it has its engine in the front instead of the back, which is different from most other Porsches. People talk about it because it mixes speed with a comfortable ride.

Car

Volkswagen 550 Spyder

"...but a car was a normal..."

The Volkswagen 550 Spyder is a classic sports car from the 1950s. It's known for being very light and fast, and it has a famous history in racing and pop culture.

Car

Porsche 906

"...I went for, it's a 906 from Canada to Daytona and we raced there. And then people from California came and said, listen, what do you mean?"

The Porsche 906 is a race car made by Porsche in the 1960s. It's known for being very light and fast, and it was used in many racing competitions.

Car

Volkswagen Beetle

"...Got my Volkswagen and a Beetle and put my toolbox in, put my suitcase in it. I know exactly $870 and off we went to California."

The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very different from most cars today. It has a round shape and was popular for many years, especially in the 1960s and 70s.

Car

Porsche 917

"... And I learned physically for four months here at 917 and the engine transmission chassis, everything ..."

The Porsche 917 is a famous race car from the late 1960s and early 1970s that is known for being super fast and winning many races. It has a unique design and a powerful engine, which helped it become a big deal in the racing world. People talk about it because it changed the way race cars were made.

Brand

Penske Racing

"...that again, later foundation for the relationship with Penske Racing. And you've been involved with Porsche and Penske for a long, long time..."

Penske Racing is a well-known racing team in the United States, famous for competing in different types of car races. They have worked with many car brands, including Porsche, to achieve success on the racetrack.

Car

Porsche 963

"The 963, what I did, I, the main manager from the race team and not the race team from Porsche..."

The Porsche 963 is a type of race car built for endurance racing. It's part of a series of cars that compete in long-distance races, where speed and reliability are crucial.

Term

LMP

"...he did LMP one. And he said, okay, look, can you help me?"

LMP means Le Mans Prototype, which is a type of race car built for long-distance races. These cars are designed to be very fast and efficient over many hours of racing.

Brand

BMW

"...Formula One, BMW, but United States and the people."

BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and sports cars. They are famous for their performance and quality.

Concept

Formula One

"...particularly maybe more in Formula One, a lot of strategy. I mean, the tires and the whole thing..."

Formula One is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in fast cars on different tracks. It's famous for its exciting races and the technology used in the cars.

Term

tires

"...I mean, the tires and the whole thing and, you know, just planning it all out..."

Tires are the rubber parts of a car that touch the road. In racing, teams choose special tires to help their cars go faster and handle better depending on the track conditions.

Car

Porsche 935

"...through the 962s, 935s."

The Porsche 935 is a race car that was built from the Porsche 911. It was popular in the 1970s and known for winning many races.

Car

Porsche 962

"...that's when you look at today's 962 in a museum or on an exhibition."

The Porsche 962 is a famous race car from the 1980s that competed in long-distance races. It's recognized for its unique shape and many victories in racing events.

Term

turbocharger

"So what I, what I went and I got with Al is the thing is, let's say an example turbocharger. So we were kind of the development team."

A turbocharger is a part that helps an engine produce more power by pushing extra air into it. This allows the engine to burn more fuel and run faster.

Term

Garrett

"how many turbochargers do you go to a Garrett area search and say we buy?"

Garrett is a company that makes turbochargers, which are parts that help engines run better and faster. They are popular among car enthusiasts and in racing.

Concept

Le Mans

"...because it looked like it was a completely car made only for Le Mans. Because when you, when you, I don't know if you..."

Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. It's held in France and is known for being very challenging for the cars and drivers.

Car

1911 ST

"I have a, I have a 1911 ST. Special car."

The 1911 ST is a car from the year 1911, which is very old and part of automotive history. Cars from this time are rare and special because they were some of the first cars ever made.

Car

Genesis G80

"On one side and on the other side, I have a Genesis G80. You're, you're a practical man too, right?"

The Genesis G80 is a fancy car that is comfortable and has a lot of cool features. It's made by Genesis, which is a luxury brand from Hyundai.

Car

Chevrolet Nova

"How about the 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS tribute? Yes."

The Chevrolet Nova SS is a sportier version of the Nova, which is a classic American car. The 'SS' means it has better performance features.

Term

383 stroker

"Got a 383 stroker. Aluminum heads."

A 383 stroker is a type of engine that has been modified to make it bigger and more powerful. It helps the car go faster and perform better.

Part

aluminum heads

"Got a 383 stroker. Aluminum heads."

Aluminum heads are parts of the engine that help it run better. They are lighter than other materials and help keep the engine cool.

Company

Holley Sniper EFI

"Holley Sniper EFI, which are so cool. They just bolt and go, right?"

Holley Sniper EFI is a system that helps cars use fuel more efficiently. It's a modern replacement for older fuel systems that used carburetors.

Part

Tremec five-speed manual

"Oh yeah. But they've got a computer and stuff. So, Tremec five-speed manual."

A Tremec five-speed manual is a type of transmission that lets you change gears manually. It's often used in sports cars for better control.

Part

Moser nine-inch 370 posi axle

"Moser nine-inch 370 posi axle."

A Moser nine-inch 370 posi axle is a strong part of a car's drivetrain that helps it move. It's designed for high-performance cars that need extra strength.

Car

Hudson Custom Series 77

"How about the 1937 Hudson custom series 77 country club touring sedan? Beauty."

The Hudson Custom Series 77 is an old car made in 1937. It's known for its special look and was a favorite among people back then because it was comfortable and performed well.

Car

Rauch Lang C55

"Next is the 1921 Rauch Lang C55 double control coach. Now, guess what this car is from 1921? Why it's an electric car."

The Rauch Lang C55 is an electric car made in 1921. It's interesting because many people think electric cars are a new invention, but they actually existed over a century ago.

Car

Volkswagen Type 2 bus

"How about another new arrival, the 1969 Volkswagen Type 2 bus."

The Volkswagen Type 2 bus is a famous old van known for its boxy shape and roomy interior. Many people used it for family trips and camping because it can fit a lot of people and gear.

Term

flat four

"...the newer 1600 cc flat four."

A flat four engine is a type of engine where the cylinders are laid out flat instead of standing up. This helps the car handle better on the road.

Car

Volkswagen Bus

"...my dad's girlfriend's daughters had a Volkswagen bus and we drove from Salisbury to Ocean City, Maryland."

The Volkswagen Bus is a famous van that many people love for its unique look and roomy space. It's often used for road trips and camping.

Part

crate V8

"350 cubic inch crate V8. Well, we saw the restomods at Barrett Jackson Corvettes..."

A crate V8 is a ready-to-install engine that you can buy to put in a car. It's often used to replace old engines or to upgrade performance.

Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"...8. Well, we saw the restomods at Barrett Jackson Corvettes coming out of the woodwork and bringing crazy mo..."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a well-known sports car from America that has been around since the early 1950s. It's famous for being fast and having a cool design, making it a favorite among car lovers. People often talk about it because it has a long history and has changed a lot over the years.

Part

four-speed manual transmission

"And especially with a four speed manual transmission. And that just is, as we say all the time, it's begging for a fifth gear."

A four-speed manual transmission is a type of gearbox that lets you change gears manually. Some people wish it had a fifth gear for better performance on highways.

Car

Oldsmobile Cutlass

"And last but not least, the 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible. I think we've got this one sold or, I think it's going overseas."

The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible is a classic car that many people enjoy for its stylish design and the fun of driving with the top down.

Car

Jaguar Etypes

"Me, it is. But it just, it, well, also the big surprise for me is I've had a fair number of E-types and this is not a sports car."

The Jaguar E-Type is a classic sports car that was made from the early 1960s to the mid-1970s. It's famous for its beautiful design and fast performance, making it a favorite among car collectors. People often talk about it because it's considered one of the best-looking cars ever.

Car

Porsche 911

"So what will you replace it with? I bought a 911 C4S. There you go."

The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around since the 1960s. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. People talk about it a lot because it has a rich history and has improved with each new version.

Car

Ford Mustang

"...e on a late model, like a 2002 Corvette or a 2005 Mustang, it looks like a new car, but it really, it's 20..."

The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that first came out in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and having a sporty look, which makes it very popular. People often talk about it because it's a big part of car culture in the U.S.

Car

Porsche Boxster

"...years overlooked that and said, oh, it's got the Boxster headlights and all that. And it's got this and g..."

The Porsche Boxster is a sporty convertible car that started being made in the late 1990s. It's designed to be fun to drive while also being more affordable than some other Porsches. People like to talk about it because it combines good performance with the joy of open-top driving.

16 cars featured

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