Join Sam Grange-Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for a conversation with Albert Walsh, a veteran of the motor trade with over 55 years' experience. Albert is a well-respected member of Porsche Club GB, regularly consulted for pre-purchase inspections, and a consultant for Manor Park Classics Auctions.

This episode takes you through Albert's journey from driving at 13 in his dad's garage to working for the northwest's most prestigious dealers including Ian Anthony's Porsche Centre, Mercedes-Benz, Bauer Millet, and Bentley Ribble Valley. Albert shares stories about the glory days when customers paid in briefcases full of cash and Friday lunchtimes meant racing E-Types down the East Lancs Road.

From his first car (a sit-up-and-beg Ford Pop) to his beloved 1986 Porsche 911 Super Sport Targa, Albert's collection includes British, French, and German classics. We discuss dodgy dealers, celebrity car deals gone wrong (including David Beckham's TVR Cerbera), and why the 1980s were the heyday of the independent motor trade.

Featured Cars

1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 - Albert's first legal car, written off on Cross Ply’s in the snow

1986 Porsche 911 Super Sport Targa - Bought for £11,750 in 2000, sold for £16,000

2CV - Red one-owner example bought from Ian Anthony's for £1,200

Mercedes-Benz W124 estate in Red - Albert's favourite Mercedes, "the fire engine"

Citroën SM - Fastest front-wheel-drive production car of its time

Lotus Elise - Albert's speciality, ran his own Lotus repair business

What You'll Learn

Why the 1980s were the heyday of the independent motor trade

How Ian Anthony's operated waiting lists over a year for new Porsches

The truth about pre-purchase inspections and spotting cut-and-shut cars

Why customers who "need to check with the wife" never come back

How Martin Inghams’s Autotrader adverts became legendary

The art of "borrowing" stock cars for classic car shows

Key Questions

What makes a good pre-purchase inspection?

Albert uses paint depth gauges, axle stands, and decades of experience to spot welded repairs and hidden damage. The best dealers have nothing to hide. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it usually is.

Who were the big characters in the northwest motor trade?

Martin Ingram (legendary adverts), Lawrence Millet (gentleman dealer), Ian of Ian Anthony's fame (forward-thinking Porsche dealer), Len Taylor (threw rude customers out), and mechanics like Albert's dad who could diagnose faults by ear alone.

What was the worst car you've inspected?

A Porsche Boxster that had been cut-and-shut with welded inner wings, a 997 with piston slap the dealer claimed was "just a lazy tappet," and cars with missing spare wheels and keys the owners swore were "in the garage somewhere."

A Nod to

Ian Anthony's Porsche Centre - Premier Porsche and BMW dealer Mercedes-Benz - Where Albert learned the W124 inside out. Bauer Millets - Lawrence Millet and Chris Bauer's exotic dealership. Bentley Ribble Valley - John Ashworth's Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Lotus dealership - his son Stephen Ashworth is the founder and Chairman of Manor Park Classics. Kinsey Jones - Top Lotus dealer in Europe. Martin Ingram - Independent dealer with legendary Autotrader adverts. Porsche Club GB - Albert served as Register Director and Chairman of Motorsport.

Get in Touch

📧 grangebaileys@gmail.com

💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554

📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady

🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady

#MotorTradeStories #PorscheClubGB #EnsorMercedes #BaronMillet #MartinHam #ClassicCarInspections #Porsche911 #LotusElise #MercedesW124 #CitroenSM #2CV #1980sMotorTrade #NorthwestDealers #TheOldCarLady #ClassicCarDealer

Produced By Worth A Listen Production

Join Sam Grange-Bailey (The Old Car Lady) as she takes an exclusive tour of Martin Buckley's personal classic car collection. Martin is a leading motoring journalist, monthly contributor to Classic and Sports Car Magazine, and author of over 20 books.

His classic car collection spans the 1950s-70s, including a rare 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado (America's first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car), a 1971 Renault 16 TS (the first true hatchback), an NSU Ro80 with revolutionary semi-automatic gearbox, and a one-of-a-kind 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II extensively modified with a Spirit four-speed gearbox (£20,000 conversion), Land Rover Discovery disc brakes, and electronic ignition.

Originally owned by R100 airship engineer Denton Burney, Martin's modified Rolls-Royce demonstrates how thoughtful classic car modifications enhance usability without destroying authenticity. We also discuss his 1956 Riley Pathfinder (nicknamed the "ditch finder"), Range Rover, and exotic Lancia Flaminia.

Featured Cars

1971 Oldsmobile Toronado - First mass-produced front-wheel-drive American car. Martin's childhood dream, imported from Finland. £20-25k

1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II (Modified) - Spirit gearbox, Discovery brakes, electronic ignition. Owned by R100 airship engineer Denton Burney. Martin's favourite.

1971 Renault 16 TS - First true hatchback. "Almost as good a ride as a Citroën DS."

1972 NSU Ro80 - Advanced semi-automatic gearbox. "Something magical about it."

1956 Riley Pathfinder - "Ditch finder" nicknamed from it’s wonky wooden chassis jigs.

Lancia Flaminia - Italian exotic with aluminium V6 and transaxle.

What You'll Learn

Why the Oldsmobile Toronado revolutionised American engineering

How a Spirit gearbox conversion transforms a Rolls-Royce (£20,000 cost

When classic car modifications improve usability without destroying value

Why American classic cars are more practical than their reputation

Martin's philosophy: "Just use them, don't abuse them"

The R100 airship engineering connection to Rolls-Royce ownership

How Discovery disc brakes upgrade classic Rolls-Royce stopping power

Key Questions

Can you modify a classic Rolls-Royce?

Martin's Cloud proves thoughtful modifications enhance usability. Spirit gearbox, Discovery brakes, and electronic ignition make it genuinely usable. Keep original parts for reversal.

Should classics have modern upgrades?

Martin advocates modifications that improve reliability - electronic ignition, disc brakes, modern gearboxes - without altering character. "Just use them, don't abuse them."

Are American classics practical in the UK?

"More usable than people think. Never feel that big when driving. The faster you go, the steadier it feels." Left-hand drive: "Use mirrors, kerb on one side, white lines on the other."

A Nod to

Denton Burney - R100 airship engineer, Burney Streamline creator

Classic and Sports Car Magazine

Manor Park Classics

Get in Touch

📧 grangebaileys@gmail.com

💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554

📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady

#MartinBuckley #ClassicCarCollection #OldsmobileToronado #RollsRoyceCloud #NSURo80 #Renault16 #RileyPathfinder #LanciaFlaminia #ModifiedClassics #TheOldCarLady #ClassicCars #ClassicCarRestoration #SpiritGearbox #DentonBurney #BritishClassicCars #AmericanClassicCars #ClassicCarInvestment

Produced By Worth A Listen Productions

This week on Wheels & Deals, it's a listener special! I'm sharing some of the fantastic stories and comments you've sent in, answering your questions, and even launching a special appeal to track down the history of a very rare car.

We drive into the "dark arts" of the motor trade, explaining exactly why a dealer in the 70's might put sawdust in a gearbox or an egg in a radiator. We also share memories of the short-lived self-serve petrol pumps that took £5 notes, and the ingenious ways people found to get free fuel.

I'm launching a worldwide appeal to help a listener in Mexico, Angel Rivera, uncover the history of his very rare 1960 Mazda R360 Kei car. We have the chassis number and a few clues, but we need your help to piece together its story. And finally, we discuss the future of the motor trade and whether the classic car world is the last bastion of the "good old days."

Pitstops:

• Can you really fix a noisy gearbox with sawdust?

• Did you ever scam a self-serve petrol pump in the 70's?

• Is it sacrilege to put modern upgrades like electronic ignition on a classic car?

• A special appeal to help find the history of a rare Mazda R360 Kei car (Chassis/Engine: 70776).

• What does the future hold for the independent car dealer?

• Do TV appearances give classic cars like the Jaguar XJS a boost in the market?

A Nod to:

• Jason Hall

• Mike Smith

• Martin Buckley

• Angel Rivera

• And all the listeners who sent in messages and comments!

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!

This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Richie Barnett, Markets Editor for Classic Car Weekly, for a look back at the classic car market in 2025. We discuss the standout cars of the year, the surprising market trends, and what we can expect to see in 2026.

We start with the incredible story of a 1933 Mercedes 380 Kompressor garage find that sold for £262,200, and debate whether it was a bargain. We also look at the sale of an ultra-rare 1990 Ford RS200 S for a staggering £382,500, and discuss why some cars continue to defy market trends.

Pitstops:

• The decline of Jaguar E-Type values and whether they've had their day.

• The great debate: will the Jaguar XJS ever have its moment in the sun?

• Are Jaguar XK8s a better buy than E-Types or XJSs for a trip to the South of France?

• The rise of usable and practical 90s classics like the Golf GTI and Peugeot 205 GTI.

• Are big-engined mainstream cars from the 90s the next big thing in the classic car world?

A Nod to:

• Classic Car Weekly

• Manor Park Classics

• Iconic Auctioneers

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!

What are your predictions for the classic car market in 2026? Are there any cars you think are poised for a comeback, or any that you think will continue to decline? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by the legendary Mike Smith, from managing and driving cars for the Bond films to co-authoring the official Bond car book, Mike is a true Aston Martin aficionado who was even approached to present Top Gear. But his story starts long before Hollywood, with a childhood obsession that saw him racing stock cars at just 10 years old and throwing rubber plants across showrooms by 17.

Pitstops:

• Racing stock car Minis at 10 years old and nearly winning his first final before the petrol tank gave out

• Playing "Herbie" and spotting red, white, and blue Minis inspired by The Italian Job on family drives

• Getting secretly trained as a general manager at 16 while racing Audi Quattros

• How he took a rubber plant as a deposit on a car deal (and why he felt entitled to hurl it across the showroom)

• From BMW dealer to Bond insider: how knowing obscure car specs got him onto 007 film sets

A Nod to:

• The Saint's Volvo P1800 (and later Aston Martin)

• Corgi Toys with working steering wheels

• The Italian Job

• Ralph Renton's Renault dealership

• Manchester City FC

• Lionel Smith's dealership

• Roger Moore, George Lazenby, and the Bond legacy

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!

This week on Wheels & Deals, for our Christmas special, I’m joined by Martin Buckley from his Classic Car Barn to talk about one very special vehicle, a Range Rover with the registration RAY 606W, was it associated with Charles and Diana??

Martin also shares the fascinating story behind a photograph of a BMC Pininfarina 1800, a car that went on to influence both the Lancia Gamma and the Citroën CX. We then delve into the dramatic history of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, including a personal connection to one of the drivers, Lance Macklin, through his wife Sheila.

Pitstops:

• The story of how a one-off BMC prototype influenced the design of two of the most iconic European saloons of the 70s.

• The tragic tale of the 1955 Le Mans disaster and the surprising connections to Winston Churchill’s private secretary.

• A look at some of the other incredible cars in Martin’s collection, including a Maserati Ghibli and a Monteverdi 375/4.

• The story of how Martin acquired his three-door Range Rover for just £6,000 and its potential connection to the royal family.

• A discussion on the timeless appeal of the classic Range Rover and its classless image.

A Nod to:

• BMC (British Motor Corporation)

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!

This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by Dan O'Grady, a very special guest all the way from Australia, who shares some incredible stories about his family’s adventures in the car trade. From his father’s early days as a young entrepreneur in Adelaide, painting Matchbox cars and selling them at school, to his audacious trips to the UK in the 70s to buy and export classic British luxury cars back to Australia, this is a tale of incredible deals, high-stakes risks, and a passion for cars that spans generations.

Pitstops:

• The story of how he, with a bit of skill and a lot of nerve, built a successful car import/export business in the 70s.

• The genius of the classic car leasing scheme launched in the 80s, and the tax loophole that made it all possible.

• The challenges of running a classic car warranty business

• His earliest memories of cars, playing with Matchbox toys on the carpet and learning the art of the car dealership from his dad.

A Nod to:

• The Sunday Times

• Key Garage

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 subscribe, like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by a man who has been a huge part of my family’s life in the motor trade, the one and only Barry Moran. Barry’s story is a fantastic journey through the golden era of British motoring, from working on aircraft to becoming one of the go-to guys for American muscle and classic British sports cars in the North West.

Pitstops:

• The story of a 1962 Le Mans lightweight E-Type, bought for £15,000 and sold for a £5,000 profit – a car that’s now worth millions!

• Racing a full-house Boss Mustang with a 427 Holman and Moody engine, and the constant battle to keep it on the road.

• How a £500 E-Type, bought from a scrapyard, became a successful racing car in the hands of Malcolm Hamilton.

• The truth about the disastrous GM diesel engines of the 70s and the graveyard of broken V8s in Fort Lauderdale.

• The story of Barry’s dad swapping a brand new MG for an Oldsmobile, and how that sparked a family love affair with American cars.

A Nod to:

• De Tomaso • Val Martin (Stadium Garage, Ashton)

• Malcolm Hamilton • Upper Yard Spares (Leeds)

• Holman and Moody

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!

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