I participated in my first California Mille in 1992. I had just returned from driving in the 1991 Italian recreation of the event. Segments were carefully timed and you were scored to the 1/1000th of a second. While I enjoyed the event, I despised having my 1947 750cc Siata forced […]
Keith Martin
Keith’s Blog: The SCM 928 Could Be Yours
After six glorious months and 3,000 miles, it is time for our 1991 928 S/4 GT automatic to move on to a new home. Long-time SCMers know my pattern. I get interested in a car (often for reasons unknown even to me), buy one, spend what it takes to make […]
Keith’s Blog: If I Were King of the Restoration Shop
I’ve had a lot of hair-brained ideas over the years, but none as ridiculous as opening my own restoration shop. It was the late 1980s, and I was selling 20 to 30 cars a month to overseas clients. One of my chief competitors was Mark Hyman. We had both figured […]
Keith’s Blog: Parades or Concours?
The Rodeo Drive Concours D’Elegance in tony Beverly Hills has been a Father’s Day fixture. To paraphrase Jay Leno, “mere millionaires can mingle with billionaires” during this car show. You know the drill. Prep your car and have it there by 7 am. Get out your folding chairs and prepare […]
Keith’s Blog: Touring is Back
It’s been two years since I have been on a tour. I first had some medical challenges, which were followed directly by the pandemic. Effectively car events have been off-limits for me for a long time. But as we gradually emerge from our health crisis, a thoughtful return to normal […]
Keith’s Blog: Caravan to Concorso is a Go!
Are you ready for an adventure? A tour with no route book, no pre-determined places to eat and where you make your own reservations? Where anything that moves under its own power is welcome? If so, considering joining us in our annual pilgrimage from the Pacific Northwest to Monterey. Here’s […]
Keith’s Blog: Tours for Citroëns, Lancias and Siatas
We are just a couple of weeks away from the 2021 SCM 1000 Classic. We’ve been sold out for some time; our self-imposed limit is 45 cars. Featured this year are the cars of England, although any pre-1975 sports car is invited to apply. Our first tour featured Alfa Romeo, […]
Keith’s Blog: Touring for Cars Old and New
We’ve been kicking around some thoughts about sports cars tours. I wanted to share them with you and get your reactions. I believe the future of tours will revolve around events that involve driving, immersion in the geography and culture of the areas you are in, and nightly “Conversations with […]
Keith’s Blog: Adapt Your Driving to Suit the Car
A friend is driving his 1958 MGA on the upcoming SCM 1000. The route will take us over Mt. Hood, to Crater Lake and to other scenic destinations with plenty of elevation changes. “The brake drums and shoes on my car are tiny. I think I better upgrade to front […]
Keith’s Blog: If SCM Were King of Cars and Coffee
As we emerge from the pandemic, weekend morning car gatherings are beginning to be held again. While I believe that these gatherings represent an important part of our hobby, they are not without their issues. I have addressed this in part before, however here I will go into more detail. […]