Keith Martin, founder of Sports Car Market, shares his fascinating journey from a childhood on a farm to becoming a pivotal figure in the classic car community. He discusses his early experiences with cars, including his love for Alphas and Porsches, and reflects on the evolution of the car market. Keith also addresses the challenges of driving classic cars today, the importance of transparency in car sales, and the changing landscape of automotive journalism. His insights into the future of car collecting and the younger generation's interest in cars are particularly noteworthy.
In Episode 102 of the BaT Podcast: Sports Car Market Editor and Publisher, Keith Martin (BaT username: 330america), talks about his wildly varying career arc; formative times on a tractor in Novato; vintage Volvos; a $30 Bugeye as a first car (and one uniquely suited to the utility paths at Golden Gate Park); being driven into the arms of Alfa Romeo by a prototypical experience in an MGA; one of many tough aspects of recovery from a stroke; Sportomatic stories; Alfa SS hot-rodding tips; going "skinny" after years of fat tires; perhaps the least likely use of a dance degree from Juilliard; what counted as a "classic" car in 1968; vintage page layout software; the "secret sauce" of SCM, then and now; doing old car things in new cars, and vice versa; the current structure of the magazine and a plug for subscriptions; the most loving use of the terms "troll" and "reeducation program"; the importance of adhering to one's standards no matter how times change; one inescapable truth about any car collection; and absolute faith in the next generation's love for cars.
Follow along! Links for the listings discussed in this episode:
"...had a Ford 9N tractor and he would take me out and perch me on the nose of the tractor..."
The Ford 9N is an old tractor that was made by Ford. It was popular for farming and is known for being easy to use and reliable.
The Ford 9N is a classic tractor model produced by Ford in the 1930s and 1940s. It was one of the first mass-produced tractors and is known for its innovative design and versatility on farms.
"to drive on my grandmother's 65 Mustang that she bought the day I turned 16 at"
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love. The 1965 version is known for its stylish look and powerful engine, making it a classic choice for car lovers.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. The 1965 model is particularly notable for its classic design and performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
"a friend of mine had a really decrepit bugy Sprite that he wanted to sell and he wanted $30 for it"
The Austin Healey Sprite is a small sports car from Britain that many people enjoy driving. It's light and fun to drive, which makes it a great choice for new drivers.
The Austin Healey Sprite is a small, affordable British sports car that was produced from 1958 to 1971. It's known for its lightweight design and fun driving experience, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.
"I did and it was a V8 or a six-cylinder do you remember the car six cylinder"
A six-cylinder engine is a type of engine that has six small chambers where fuel and air mix to create power. It's often more powerful than a four-cylinder engine but less powerful than an eight-cylinder engine.
A six-cylinder engine refers to an engine configuration with six cylinders, which can provide a balance of power and efficiency. This type of engine is commonly found in many vehicles, including some versions of the Ford Mustang.
"a six-cylinder automatic a six-cylinder automatic fantastic was that still in Marin County"
An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on steering and acceleration without needing to manually shift gears.
"...driving around San Francisco in the bug eye I was I remember being in Golden Gate Park on the uh paths that the gardeners use..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very unique with its round shape. It's famous and has been loved by many people for a long time.
The Volkswagen Beetle, often referred to as the 'Bug', is a compact car that became an icon of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, it has a rich history and a loyal following.
"I drove a uh bugy recently with a 1275 and a T5 transmission and it was just F it's about the most fun you can have in a car"
The T5 transmission is a kind of manual gearbox that helps the car change gears smoothly. It's often found in sporty cars.
The T5 transmission is a type of manual transmission known for its durability and smooth shifting. It's commonly used in various performance and sports cars.
"I drove a uh bugy recently with a 1275 and a T5 transmission and it was just F it's about the most fun you can have in a car"
The 1275 engine is a small car engine that helps the car go fast and be fun to drive. It's often found in compact cars like the Mini.
The 1275 engine refers to a specific engine size, typically a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine used in various small cars, including the Mini. It's known for its peppy performance.
"...I uh went to a junkyard and bought a 58 MGA for $250 that had a missing Grill and had been painted silver with a brush..."
The MGA is a small sports car made by the British company MG. It was popular in the late 1950s and is known for being fun to drive and looking good.
The MGA is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1955 to 1962. It is known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience, making it a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts.
"...and seeing a hole and part of a connecting rod and thinking that my toolkit which was duct tape and STP were not going to help..."
The connecting rod is a part of the engine that helps move the pistons up and down. It connects the piston to another part called the crankshaft, helping to turn the engine's power into movement.
A connecting rod is a crucial component in an internal combustion engine that connects the piston to the crankshaft. It converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion, which ultimately powers the vehicle.
"...he said you know an alpha come come look at this engine and I he popped the hood and here was this alloy twin cam engine with an alloy gearbox huge drum brakes the I mean the rear drum brakes on that Alpha Julietta that he had were bigger than..."
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stylish car from Italy that is fun to drive and looks great. It's known for being sporty and has a strong reputation among car enthusiasts.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a compact executive car that has been praised for its performance and handling. It features a distinctive Italian design and is known for its sporty driving experience.
"the mg and uh I bought a 63 uh Julia spider norali and I had that all the way"
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider is a vintage sports car from Italy that is loved for its good looks and fun driving. The 1963 version is a well-known model among car enthusiasts.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider is a classic Italian sports car known for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. The 1963 model is part of the Giulia series, which was popular for its performance and handling.
Car
Alfa Romeo 750 Sprint
"...maybe an earlier a 750 Sprint too something with lightweight body panels was that yeah..."
The Alfa Romeo 750 Sprint is an older sports car that was made in the 1950s. It's known for being light and fast, which makes it special among classic cars.
The Alfa Romeo 750 Sprint is a classic sports car known for its lightweight construction and performance. It was produced in the 1950s and is part of Alfa Romeo's rich automotive heritage.
"I have an alpha spider a 90 series 4 with an automatic so I've just had to change my approach to motoring..."
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a cool convertible car from Italy. The 90 series is one of the versions made in the late 80s and early 90s.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian sports car known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience. The 90 series refers to a specific generation of this model produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
"I've still got a Lotus Elise and a uh 65 Alpha Julius spider"
The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight sports car that is very fun to drive and known for its quick handling.
The Lotus Elise is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance. It features a minimalist design and is often praised for its driving experience.
"75 911s that's got 50,000 original miles on it oh my goodness it's an impact"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and unique shape. It's been around for a long time and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world.
"sportomatic yeah imp narrow body car yeah that's that's a very very rare"
Sportomatic is a special kind of transmission in some Porsche cars that lets you change gears without using a clutch pedal, making it easier to drive.
Sportomatic is a type of semi-automatic transmission used in some Porsche models, allowing drivers to shift gears without a clutch pedal. It combines elements of automatic and manual transmissions.
"I have a 912e which is narrow body impact bumpers but uh man there's very few sport matics in those"
The Porsche 912E is a model of Porsche that is similar to the 911 but is usually less expensive. It's known for being light and fun to drive.
The Porsche 912E is a variant of the 912, produced in 1976, featuring a 2.0-liter engine. It is known for its lightweight design and is considered a more affordable alternative to the 911.
"...no assisted steering no assisted brakes the sound of that 2.7 L magnesium motor is..."
Assisted steering is a feature that helps you turn the steering wheel more easily. It makes driving less tiring, especially when parking or turning slowly.
Assisted steering refers to systems that help the driver steer the vehicle, usually through hydraulic or electric means. This makes steering easier, especially at low speeds or during parking.
"...I drove a couple I used to work on Porsches a long time ago when I was a late teen in my late teens early 20s and we had uh 70 maybe 71 or 72 taret sportomatic that we worked on quite a bit..."
The Porsche 914 is a small sports car that was made by Porsche in the early 1970s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique design with the engine in the middle of the car.
The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Porsche from 1969 to 1976. It was known for its lightweight design and handling characteristics, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
"the problem with a Tiptronic or a pdk is really you shift like crazy..."
Tiptronic is a system in some automatic cars that lets you change gears manually if you want, but it can also shift automatically for you.
Tiptronic is a type of automatic transmission that allows the driver to manually control gear shifts, providing a sportier driving experience. It combines the convenience of automatic shifting with the option for manual control.
"the problem with a Tiptronic or a pdk is really you shift like crazy..."
PDK is a special type of automatic transmission used in Porsche cars that can change gears very quickly, making the car faster and more fun to drive.
PDK stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung, which is Porsche's dual-clutch transmission system. It allows for faster gear changes and improved performance compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
"I had one of each that I could afford that I wanted that Sprint vce... I've got the 65 spider vce I had a Sprint Speciale a uh GTV..."
The Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce is a classic car that was popular in the 1960s. It's known for being lightweight and fun to drive, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce is a classic sports car known for its lightweight design and sporty performance. It was part of Alfa Romeo's lineup during the 1960s and is highly regarded among enthusiasts.
"I had a Sprint Speciale a uh GTV you know I just..."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a classic coupe car that is known for being sporty and stylish. Many car lovers appreciate its performance and design.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a classic coupe known for its sporty performance and stylish design. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its driving dynamics.
"...Sprints pasal are are very interesting to me and there's a a colleague of mine who actually would like to sell me his uh can you talk about those a little bit they're kind of weird looking but I like them..."
The Alfa Romeo Sprint is a type of car made by Alfa Romeo that is known for being sporty and stylish. These cars were made a long time ago and are appreciated by car enthusiasts for their unique looks and fun driving experience.
The Alfa Romeo Sprint refers to a series of sporty coupe models produced by Alfa Romeo, known for their distinctive design and performance. They were popular during the 1960s and 1970s and are often celebrated for their unique styling and driving experience.
"...I always prefer Juliet as to Julia's uh just because they rev better they're not better cars but I like I like the feel of them..."
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a smaller car that is also made by Alfa Romeo. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a smaller hatchback that offers a blend of style and performance, often favored for its engaging driving dynamics. It is known for its distinctive Italian design.
"let me give a first a plug here to John Norman at Alpha Parts in Berkeley because he's been my source of alpha stuff for 50 years now..."
Alpha Parts is a store that sells parts for Alfa Romeo cars. They help people keep their cars running well.
Alpha Parts is a company that specializes in parts for Alfa Romeo vehicles, providing enthusiasts with the necessary components for restoration and maintenance.
"...I bought a a 71 V12 Jag automatic on bring a trailer four years ago and we just realized we put 8,000 miles on that car since we bought it..."
The Jaguar V12 is a type of car made by Jaguar that has a 12-cylinder engine. It's known for being powerful and luxurious, and the 1971 version is especially popular among car enthusiasts.
The Jaguar V12 is a classic car known for its powerful V12 engine and luxurious features. The 1971 model is particularly notable for its elegant design and performance capabilities, making it a sought-after vehicle among collectors.
"...I bought a a 71 V12 Jag automatic on bring a trailer four years ago..."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars through auctions. It's popular among car enthusiasts who want to find unique vehicles.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It allows users to buy and sell cars through a bidding process, attracting a community of car lovers and collectors.
"...ancers in Oregon and we did some wonderful things Firebird petruska a lot of original stuff by a"
The Pontiac Firebird is a cool car that was built in the U.S. from the late 1960s until the early 2000s. It's famous for being fast and having a sporty look, which makes it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, the Firebird became an icon of American automotive culture, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. It is often discussed for its performance capabilities and its role in popular media.
"...rs and he's trying to decide does he want a Volvo 240 wagon you know which which is like the Disco is a..."
The Volvo 240 is a sturdy car that was made by Volvo for many years, known for its square shape and safety features. It's loved by many because it's reliable and can last a long time, making it a good choice for everyday driving.
The Volvo 240 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo from 1974 to 1993, known for its boxy design and reputation for safety and durability. It has a loyal following due to its practicality and reliability, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. The 240 is often discussed for its iconic status in the automotive world and its role in establishing Volvo's safety reputation.
"...I've had several 122s and I just love those cars because you can get a handling kit from ipd..."
The Volvo 122 is an older car made by Volvo that many people still love today. It's known for being tough and has a unique style that appeals to collectors.
The Volvo 122 is a classic car produced by Volvo from 1956 to 1975, known for its durability and design. It is part of the Amazon series and has a strong following among vintage car enthusiasts.
"selling my or I am going to sell my 1991 NSX that I've had for a long time and that's a good car and it's been a lot of money to keep it going but I've driven it 20,000 Mi"
The Acura NSX is a sports car that was made by Acura, Honda's luxury brand. The 1991 version is known for being fast and fun to drive, and it has a unique design that makes it stand out.
The Acura NSX is a mid-engine sports car that was first introduced in 1990, known for its innovative design and performance. The 1991 model is part of the first generation, which is celebrated for its lightweight construction and high-revving V6 engine.
"...somebody offered him a gull Wing in the 80s for $15,000 because it was they were terrified of it they didn't want to fix it..."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a famous old sports car that has doors that open upwards like wings. It was very advanced for its time, but some people were scared to buy it because it was complicated to fix.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a classic sports car known for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time. Produced in the 1950s, it features a fuel-injected engine, which was quite innovative and made it a desirable yet intimidating car for many mechanics to work on.
"... have 100% from going you know I was in a I had a Citron ds21 beautiful car and which I bought on bat"
The Citroen DS21 Cabrio is a stylish convertible car made by Citroen that was popular in the mid-20th century. It's famous for its unusual look and smooth ride, making it a favorite among collectors and car lovers.
The Citroen DS21 Cabrio is a convertible version of the iconic Citroen DS, produced from 1955 to 1975. Known for its avant-garde design and innovative technology, the DS21 is celebrated for its unique hydropneumatic suspension and exceptional ride comfort. The Cabrio variant is particularly sought after for its stylish appearance and rarity.
"learned like I had a 122s automatic and I had a 928 automatic the problem with the the Volvo or the a..."
The Porsche 928 is a fancy sports car that was made by the company Porsche. 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's a mix of speed and comfort, making it fun to drive.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It is notable for its unique front-engine layout and was designed to combine the performance of a sports car with the comfort of a grand tourer. The 928 is often discussed for its innovative design and as a departure from Porsche's traditional rear-engine models.
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