Keith Martin
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In Need of Space
I live in a small house with a one-car garage that’s nestled within the confines of a bustling city, but I dream of owning a giant shop someday. My mechanical wares swamp my existing footprint to the extent that I’ve already overtaken one neighbor’s garage, and I’m working on the other neighbor now. I do the…
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Keith’s Blog: The Indian Reservation Alfa
There was a time in the late ‘80s when I was gainfully unemployed. I had left my job as Sales Manager at Ron Tonkin Grand Turismo and decided to make my living buying, fixing up and selling Alfa Romeos. At that time there was no shortage of non-running but not-yet-decrepit Alfas from the ‘70s lurking…
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Keith’s Blog: Sign Up for the 2020 SCM 1000
Next year’s SCM 1000 is beginning to shape up. Plans include visiting Mt. St. Helens as well as the stunning Oregon Coast — areas we haven’t explored in the previous two tours. The dates are July 12-16, 2020. Once again, the tour will begin with participants’ cars on display in front of the Portland Art…
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I Missed Monterey Car Week
For the first time in 31 years, I missed Monterey Car Week. On the weekend before the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, I can usually be found leading a ragamuffin “Catch Me If You Can” group of sports-car fanatics on a road trip down the Pacific Coast from Portland, OR, to Carmel. It’s SCM’s annual Caravan…
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Keith’s Blog: A Rite of Fall
Each September, the Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon puts on the “Red Duetto Tour.” Hosted by Fred and Lisa McNabb, the entry requirements are simple: You must be driving a 1966-69 “longtail” Alfa spider, and it has to be red. Before I bought my red Duetto, I recall asking Fred if I would be allowed to…
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Keith’s Blog: Walking through Automotive History
I spent Saturday sauntering around the 43rd Annual All British Field Meet at Portland International Raceway. More than 800 British cars were on display. My ride out represented a mix of old and new. SCMer Dave Stewart picked me up in his lovely dark blue MGA Twin Cam, but he was wearing a Tesla jacket.…
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Keith’s Blog: Should You Sell Your Kid’s Car?
Last week I sold our 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce. I told my son Bradley, and he said, “Dad, you sold MY car.” It’s been a tough year for his budding collection. Earlier, we sold the eponymous Bradley GT. He didn’t mind that because, as he said on a YouTube video, “This is a…
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Keith’s Blog: Why I’m Selling the Sprint
“I know Keith’s 1958 Sprint Veloce in and out, I have spent a lot of time sorting it out and a few memorable moments driving it on my test loop. I think it’s the Crown of Keith’s Alfa collection. When he asked me which Alfa he should sell, I never imagined this would be his…
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Conducting the SCM 1000
Steven Harris was a modern-day Herbert von Karajan, conducting the Bridal Chorus from Wagner’s “Lohengrin” in downtown Baker City, OR. Two by two, he brought forward and arranged the multi-colored array of Porsches outside the Geiser Grand Hotel, which is located on the historic Oregon Trail. Harris, a noted Porsche collector and New York City-based…
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Keith’s Blog: The SCM 1958 Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce “Confortevole” is about to hit Bring A Trailer!
Watch your inbox. The SCM 1958 Sprint Veloce “Confortevole” will be on Bring A Trailer this week. As soon as the auction goes lives, we’ll send you an email. It seems that the entire BAT team was in Monterey last week, “watching the market unfold before their eyes.” I can’t wait to see your comments…