Backseat Driver

About Backseat Driver

Based in the north-west of England, former competitive driver Mark Stone moved into radio and motoring journalism after his competitive driving career came to an end in the late 1980s. Over the years, Mark has written for many of the well-known motoring magazines and made numerous TV appearances across Europe and is still an enthusiastic driver. In the Backseat Driver Podcast, Mark interviews prominent people from all over the world of motoring.

Publisher

Mark Stone

Category

leisure · leisure · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Sept 2022

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

225 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Ruben Verdes Part 2: Judging Automotive Excellence

   It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined once again by Ruben Verdes, an authority on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as we turn our attention to the fascinating world of classic car concours, judging and the preservation of automotive history. In the second part of our conversation, Ruben shares his extensive experience as a concours judge and vehicle valuer, explaining what really happens behind the scenes at some of America's most prestigious classic car events. We discuss the differences between British and American car culture, why the United States has such a thriving concours scene and what makes these gatherings so important to collectors and enthusiasts. Ruben takes me through the judging process, from the initial practical checks to the detailed examination of originality, authenticity, condition and presentation. We explore how judges reach their decisions, why accurate provenance matters and the lengths organisers go to in ensuring that cars are genuinely what their owners claim them to be. We also discuss the considerable influence that winning a major concours can have on a car's reputation and value, alongside some of the remarkable vehicles and personalities Ruben has encountered over the years. Beyond the prestigious competitions, Ruben reflects on the wider American classic car scene, from major national events to local cars-and-coffee gatherings, and explains why both have an important role in keeping enthusiasm for historic vehicles alive. Above all, this is a conversation about the responsibility that comes with owning and preserving significant cars. Ruben believes these machines should be seen, enjoyed and appreciated rather than hidden away in private collections, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to experience motoring history for themselves. It's another fascinating insight into the world of Rolls-Royce, Bentley and classic car collecting, and a reminder that preserving automotive heritage is about much more than simply keeping old cars in immaculate condition.

2. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Affordable Motorsports Watches Worth Buying

   It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Hamish Robertson from the Watch Collectors Club to explore the fascinating relationship between motorsport and watches, and how the two have become almost inseparable over more than a century. With the practical role of timekeeping in early motoring, when dashboard clocks and specialist watches could be found in cars from manufacturers including Bugatti, Peugeot and Mercedes. From there, we trace the rise of the chronograph and its transformation into the watch most closely associated with racing drivers and motorsport enthusiasts. Hamish takes me through some of the watches that helped define that relationship, including Heuer’s Autavia, Carrera and Monaco. We discuss Jack Heuer’s clever approach to motorsport sponsorship, his relationships with individual racing drivers and how Steve McQueen helped turn the distinctive square-cased Monaco into a cultural icon. We also explore the extraordinary story of the Rolex Daytona, a watch that was not always particularly desirable but eventually became one of the most recognisable and sought-after watches in the world. Hamish explains how changing movements, dealers, marketing and celebrity ownership all contributed to creating the Daytona mythology we know today. But motorsport watches are certainly not confined to expensive Swiss mechanical pieces. We discuss quartz and digital watches, including the remarkable durability of Casio’s G-Shock, and why accuracy and resilience can matter considerably more than mechanical tradition when a watch is actually being used in demanding conditions. From affordable microbrands and heritage reissues to some of the finest examples of haute horlogerie, we look at the enormous choice available to enthusiasts today and why motorsport continues to inspire watchmakers at every price point. We also discuss the growing community around watch collecting, the role of clubs, exhibitions and specialist shows, and how organisations such as the Watch Collectors Club are helping enthusiasts understand and enjoy the stories behind the watches on their wrists. ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy (https://116trophy.com) Hodder Tyres (https://HodderTyres) Tarox Brakes (https://www.tarox.co.uk) Listen Now (https://backseatdriver.captivate.fm)

3. 

   27 Sept 2026

   The Remarkable History of Rolls-Royce with Ruben Verdes

   It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Ruben Verdes, a leading authority on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, to explore the remarkable history, craftsmanship and stories behind some of the world’s most celebrated motor cars. Ruben’s involvement with these marques stretches far beyond simply owning or admiring the cars. As a consultant, museum manager, concours judge, editor and treasurer of the Rolls-Royce Foundation, he has spent decades researching the vehicles, the people who built them and the owners whose stories form part of their history. We trace Ruben’s fascination with cars back to childhood journeys with his father before exploring how that interest developed into a lifelong dedication to automotive history and preservation. Our conversation takes us through the evolution of Rolls-Royce, from the days when customers purchased a chassis and commissioned a coachbuilder to create the body, through to the move towards factory-built cars. We also discuss the enormous importance of aero engines to Rolls-Royce, the company’s relationship with America and the fascinating story of cars produced at its Springfield factory. Ruben takes us behind some of the mythology surrounding the marque too, including the legendary Silver Ghost reliability trials, badges, coachwork and the importance of establishing genuine provenance. He explains how careful archival research can sometimes reveal a very different story from the one that has been repeated about a particular car for decades. Ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than Rolls-Royce. It is about preserving motoring history properly, understanding the craftsmanship and engineering behind these extraordinary machines, and making sure the stories attached to them are every bit as authentic as the cars themselves ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy (https://116trophy.com) Hodder Tyres (https://HodderTyres) Tarox Brakes (https://www.tarox.co.uk) Listen Now (https://backseatdriver.captivate.fm)

Who has been a guest on Backseat Driver

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Paul M Ellender
• Nigel Worswick
• Nigel Owen
• Neil Fretwell
• Lisa Schwartz

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27