Keith Martin knows his cars. A writer, publisher, television commentator and car enthusiast, he’s been in the hobby of collecting cars for more than 30 years. He also knows the La Jolla Motor Car Classic is a big deal in the world of big-time car enthusiasts like himself. That’s why he said he’s thrilled to have been chosen as the emcee for this year’s event, which will kick off April 1 with a book signing and culminate April 3 with the main show at the La Jolla Cove’s Ellen Browning Scripps Park. “I’ve heard wonderful things about the Motor Car Classic, with the buzz in the collector car world getting stronger every year,” said Martin, who founded the monthly Sports Car Market magazine 20 years ago. He also launched Corvette Market magazine in 2008 and oversees www.sportscar market.com, which contains the world’s largest and most informative database of collectible cars. The La Jolla car show will feature more than 150 automobiles in 30 specialty car classes, with the featured marque being the German automobile. In addition to awards in specialty car classes, this juried show will also recognize winners in the following categories: a winner’s circle award (comprised of prior best of show and best in class winners), director’s choice, people’s choice, best in show, best in restoration and excellence in design. Mercedes Benz sedans, Auburn speedsters, Jaguar roadsters, Chevy Corvettes, Shelby Cobras, Packards, Ford Mustangs and Ferraris will be among featured cars. For the opening event, renowned author Tom Cotter will present his newest book, “The Corvette in the Barn: More Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology” on April 1 at 5 p.m. at the La Jolla Historical Society’s Wisteria Cottage. Cotter has authored nine automotive books based on his experience with automotive repair, used car and parts sales, as well as his lifelong interest in vintage cars. On Saturday, a car rally of mid-century classics will cruise from Balboa Park to Wisteria Cottage, located at 780 Prospect St. The rally will start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., and Prospect Street will be closed from about 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Also on Saturday, there will be a car tour of San Diego’s top car collector locales, and a reception with food and beverages for those with VIP tickets will follow at 6 p.m. More information is available at www.LaJollaMotor CarClassic.com.
