Keith Martin

It’s a rite of passage that we’ve all experienced. The first time we were behind the wheel of a car, started the engine and actually drove the machine. For most of us, that moment is lost to time and captured only by our memories. However, it today’s world of smart phones with video cameras, nothing…

I’ve known Bob Lutz (“Maximum Bob”) for more than 20 years. I served on his long-range planning committee when he was at General Motors. I’ve also been on several new car launches and several classic car events with him. His motto: “Often wrong, but never in doubt.” That approach is evident in his article about…

This was my fourth year at the Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance, at Hilton Head, SC.  Each year, it continues to develop and grow in size and quality. Hilton Head now resides comfortably in the top tier of vintage car events. It’s more than just a car show. The official name of the weeklong happening is…

It’s been a busy week at SCM World Headquarters. Oregon is having its annual days of fall sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-70s. The leaves are turning and it’s a perfect time to enjoy sports cars. It’s also great weather to run them back and forth to repair shops. The 1967 went to Nasko for…

Last Saturday I tried to give away a free subscription to SCM, but found no takers. Volkswagen was the featured marque at the 22nd Annual European Auto Festival. On the event app’s Vendors page, an online casino SC group appeared in the listings between parts suppliers and detailers, which reminded me how broad the crowd…

You’ve probably read the same things I have. “Kids don’t care about cars.” That’s just not true. While young people today have many more options for social interaction than we did when growing up, they still love cars. I recently spent a weekend with a McLaren 750S Spider. I’ll share my thoughts about driving this…

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…