Keith Martin

I take pretty good care of my old cars. I keep them in top shape. When something breaks, I try to get it fixed right away. They are stored in a climate-controlled garage at SCM World Headquarters. Despite all this, after an active summer, they all seem to need attention at once when fall rolls…

At 6 am, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is already bustling. I’ve just arrived here after an hour drive from Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, where the 2nd Annual Atlanta Concours d’Elegance was held. I’m waiting for a 9:45 a.m. non-stop flight to Portland, and I finally have a chance to reflect on the past…

At 2 p.m. this past Saturday, a 2003 Porsche 911 joined the SCM fleet. I wrote last week that the first-generation, water-cooled 911s, often called the 996, represented a good value in today’s market — and I wanted one. They are out of favor with diehard Porsche fanatics because of their “pancake” headlights, low-horsepower (330…

A truffle hound has nothing on Robb Sass when it comes to spotting overlooked Affordable Classics. When he posted that he had just bought a very nice 911 for under $20k, my “I need one too” alarm sounded. I sent him a message right away. He replied that very nice 1999 – 2004 911s (996…

It was a long, improbable journey and the Bradley GT almost made it. Nearly 4,000 miles from its starting point in Fort Lauderdale, FL, SCM’s 45-year-old kit car finally came to a halt. It had endured the burning summer sun and torrential downpours. Its brakes, doors and ignition systems had been rebuilt en route. It…

Dust. Thick, clinging dust everywhere. That’s a consequence of being 7th in line on a vintage Rover tour to far eastern Oregon. Every year or so, Doug Shipman of the Oregon Chapter of the Pacific Coast Rover Club puts together a summer tour. Camping out is a part of the equation. Our trip started in…

There was something for everyone at the 18th Annual Collector Car and Classic Boat Show on August 26-27. Held in Lake Oswego, Oregon – a suburb of Portland – this show from the Oswego Heritage Council always attracts great cars and great people. For example, an Austin-Healey 100S was on hand, amid a Bugeye Sprite,…

Monterey Mayhem is done for the year. Thousands of classic cars are streaming away from the Peninsula — some in trailers and some driven. During the week, I watched RM Sothebys sell an Aston Martin DBR1 for a record-breaking $22.55m, Gooding hammer a Porsche 917K for new record of $14m and Bonhams set a record…