Keith Martin
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Keith’s Corner: The Road to Reno and On to Bloomington
The B Team has made its way to Reno and back. All three MGBs ran flawlessly, and only Legal Files Analyst John Draneas running out of gas slowed us down. There will be a complete writeup in the issue of SCM we are now working on, but here are a few pictures of six boys…
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Keith’s Corner: June 14th
The Portland Art Museum has never looked so good. All 16 cars for the Allure of the Automobile have been moved from their transports into the museum, and even the august New York Times took notice.SCM has been very involved with helping the museum meet and exceed its $700,000 fundraising goal, and SCMers have been…
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Keith’s Corner: From Rocky Roads to Shakespeare’s Lair
‘Tis the season to be rambling and rumbling, and Team SCM in all its various guises is on the road. Two weekends ago, we joined the Pacific Coast Rover Club for their annual Memorial Day outing in Central Oregon. Just getting there proved more exciting that we thought it would be – Wendie, her 17-year-old…
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Flying in the Star
The Martins and Flying Star owner Paul Emple Location, location, location. The mantra of real estate agents, it applies equally to concours and vintage tours. Who can deny that a significant part of the appeal of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is its stunning setting, on the 18th Fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Course,…
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Keith’s Corner: The SCM Fleet is Leaving the Harbor
We continue the rush to get five SCM vehicles ready for two events happening over the next 10 days. The 2006 Lotus Elise and the 2000 Boxster S have to be ready to launch on this Thursday, heading out in the afternoon to meet everyone in Eugene, Oregon. It’s the start of the 1,000-mile Oregon…
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Keith’s Corner: May 24th
While the multi-million dollar auction sales make exciting reading, it’s more prosaic stuff that’s keeping the SCM car teams busy this week. SCM “Legal Files” columnist Draneas took the burgundy MG for a couple of days and came back with this report: It drives pretty good although not as good as the GT. Here is…
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Keith’s Corner: Will You Drive Our MGs Back From Reno?
We’re looking for a couple of drivers to pilot two of our 1974 MGs from the MGA/B National Convention in Reno, back to Portland. The cars would be available as of Monday night, June 13 or Tuesday morning, June 14. SCM will pay for your gas and publish the story of your trip in our…
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Keith’s Corner: May 10th
Portland car season is heating up, and the pace of car repairs and refurbishments at SCM proves it. SCM staffers Chad Tyson and Tony Piff have been running a non-stop MGB shuttle program, running the three cars between the SCM Garage, Guy’s Interior Restorations (for new seat cushions, new dash pads), and Harold’s Auto Service…
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Keith’s Corner: From Infineon Raceway to Seabrook, Texas
This is the season. As the weather continues to improve, enthusiasts begin bringing their winter-stored beauties out for tours, rallies, and shows. Wendie and I spent a delightful four days on the California Mille last week, starting in front of the tony Fairmont Hotel. Organizer Martin Swig and sponsor Chopard graciously provided us with a…
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The Allure of the Automobile
Portland, Oregon is a quaint town. Bicyclists swarm in their own lanes, groups of runners go clomping by like gazelles or hippos—depending on their body mass—and there always seem to be a few happy people in line at the medicinal marijuana dispensaries. Given its tree-hugging reputation, it comes as a surprise to some that the…