Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Sophie Hayter, whose career spans both the automotive and aerospace industries, with a lifelong passion for historic machinery.
Sophie shares how her fascination with steam traction engines began through her family, particularly the influence of her grandfather and the heritage of engines associated with Eastnor Castle. We explore how that early exposure developed into a deep appreciation for the engineering and stories behind these remarkable machines.
Beyond steam engines, Sophie talks about her own Land Rover and her professional role overseeing landing gear and undercarriage maintenance in the airline industry. She explains the extraordinary engineering behind aircraft landing gear and the strict standards required to keep aircraft operating safely.
This episode connects the worlds of historic vehicles and modern aviation, celebrating the craftsmanship, engineering, and personal stories that keep mechanical heritage alive.
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https://pod.link/1656058575

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Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore the magnificent alpine passes of Europe with my guest Louis Hendrickx, whose passion for driving and road trips has taken him across some of the continent’s most breathtaking routes.
Louis explains how his fascination with alpine roads began with a chance discovery of a book dedicated to these legendary mountain passes. That moment sparked a journey which has since seen him travel across Europe in his BMW Z4, seeking out the perfect driving road and the unforgettable scenery that comes with it.
We talk about the unique freedom of long-distance driving adventures and the growing car culture that surrounds these trips. From enthusiast gatherings to scenic driving destinations, the conversation celebrates both classic and modern cars enjoying the landscapes they were made for.
This episode reflects on the art of driving in Europe, where the combination of skill, scenery, and great roads creates an experience that continues to draw enthusiasts back year after year.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I head to Ainsdale Beach to witness a remarkable recreation of Sir Henry Seagrave’s legendary land speed record attempt.
Held between 14th and 16th March, the event brought history back to life with the iconic Sunbeam Tiger Primrose, once driven by Seagrave himself, reaching speeds of over 150 mph on the sands. I explore the significance of this moment and what it means to reconnect with such an important chapter in automotive history.
The event also welcomed Michael Ashcroft of the Aintree Circuit Club, alongside Andy Green, who demonstrated the car’s capabilities and helped bridge the gap between past and present. Also in attendance was Annick Coatalen, granddaughter of Louis Hervé Coatalen, the car’s designer, adding a personal and historic connection to the occasion, as well as Vijay Mallya, the car’s current owner.
I take a closer look at the organisation behind the event, the challenges of bringing such a historic machine back into the spotlight, and the enduring fascination with speed, engineering, and legacy that continues to inspire generations.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the golden age of cinematic car chases from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s with Joe Pep.
We begin with the legendary pursuit in Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, a sequence widely regarded as the benchmark for every car chase that followed. We explore why that scene became so influential and how it changed the way action was filmed on screen.
The conversation then widens to examine how these high-octane moments drew audiences into cinemas, from the raw, practical stunt work of earlier decades to the increasing reliance on digital effects and artificial intelligence in modern filmmaking. Along the way, I reflect on the cultural significance of icons like the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Charger, cars that became characters in their own right and symbols of their era.
This episode celebrates the craft, the adrenaline, and the lasting cultural impact of the car chase, a cinematic art form that still gets pulses racing today.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a hard look at the enduring allure of supercars and the often sobering realities that come with owning them.
I’m joined by Nick Foster, an experienced specialist who works daily with some of the most desirable performance machines on the planet. We discuss how the supercar world has evolved, including the dramatic shift from boutique production numbers to large-scale manufacturing, as seen with Ferrari increasing output from hundreds to thousands of cars per year.
Nick explains what truly separates high-performance cars from everyday vehicles when it comes to servicing, reliability, and long-term care. We also explore the realities owners face as these cars pass through multiple hands, often accumulating hidden issues and deferred maintenance along the way.
This episode offers a candid and practical insight into the modern supercar landscape, cutting through the glamour to examine what ownership really involves and the expertise required to keep these machines at their best.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk