This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Martin Buckley, leading motoring journalist, senior contributor for Classic & Sports Car, and author of over 20 books about classic cars. My dad always described him as "a car dealer cleverly disguised as a journalist" - a description Martin happily accepts!

Martin shares how his father Ken sparked his passion with incredible cars when they weren't classics, just "old cars" - including an Aston Martin DB2 bought for £300 and sold for £360. But it was a BMW 2800 CS that truly ignited Martin's automotive obsession at age 12-13, describing it as "like a spaceship" with its electric windows and stunning looks. From writing his first article about BMW CS cars on the day of Live Aid to becoming one of Britain's most respected motoring journalists, Martin's journey is fascinating.

Pitstops:

• Ken Buckley's eclectic car collection including Austin Atlantics and Rover P6Bs

• The NSU Sports Prinz that the postman fell through the floor of

• Why BMW CS cars rusted worse than any British or Italian car

• Martin's teenage Jaguar 3.8 manual overdrive and the inevitable crash

• From car cleaner to motoring journalist without formal training

• The birth of classic car magazines and when "old cars" became "classics"

• Martin's unfulfilled dream of designing the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow replacement

A Nod to:

• Classic & Sports Car magazine

• Car magazine

• Motor Sport magazine

If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at grangebaileys@gmail.com.

Come Along for the Ride with Me at:

📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady

🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady

💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554, share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.

Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!