Classic Auto Mall — Show #263Airdate: September 30, 2026
Stewart welcomes Kim Barnes, Business Development Manager, Vintage Tires for Michelin North America and "car girl" for a discussion about the differences between modern and vintage tires. From Michelin's pioneering radial tire technology to rolling resistance, handling, ride quality in tire design. She explains period-correct appearance and what goes into developing tires for classic automobiles. Plus how tires offer clues to how a vehicle has been maintained.
Kim shares some of her favorite vehicles, including her AMC Gremlin X Levi's Edition, and her desire for a Fiat X1/9. The conversation also covers the upcoming 2026 SEMA Show, the Greenwich Concours and others and recalls meeting Stewart when she was involved in the Monticello (NY) Art in Motion event. She discusses attracting younger enthusiasts to concours events through programs such as "30 Under 30", compares judging cars for an event to speed dating, her interest in "wedge-shaped" vehicles, 1980s–1990s automotive design and recounts an unfortunate injury to the Michelin Man.
Steve joins Stewart with news from Classic Auto Mall, including recent arrivals, where vehicles have found new homes, upcoming events and new YouTube videos. Additional topics include Rétromobile in New York City and the Billy Joel motorcycle auction planned by Gooding Christie's.
Featured Topics
Personalities: Kim Barnes, Billy Joel, Pierre Cardin
Featured Vehicles: AMC Gremlin X Levi's Edition, AMC Hornet Gucci Edition, AMC Rambler, Dodge Caravan, Ferrari, Pininfarina, Fiat X1/9, Ford Bronco, Ford F-150, Jeep Commando, Lancia, MG TC, Plymouth Volaré Road Runner and Saab Sonett.
Events and Locations: 2026 SEMA Show, Audrain, Greenwich Concours, Iowa, Monticello Art in Motion, Radnor, Rétromobile New York and Rhode Island.
Additional Topics: BFGoodrich, Bring a Trailer, Gooding Christie's, Michelin vintage and radial tires, The Partridge Family and designer-edition automobiles.
WEBSITES:
Classic Auto Mall: www.classicautomall.com
Classic Auto Mall on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ClassicAutoMall
Michelin: www.michelin.com
SEMA Show: www.semashow.com
Greenwich Concours: www.greenwichconcours.com
Audrain Auto Museum: www.audrainautomuseum.org
Bring a Trailer: www.bringatrailer.com
Gooding Christie's: www.goodingco.com
Retromobile Auto Show: www.retromobile.us
Tire Rack: www.tirerack.com
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CONTENT NOTE: Contests, Prizes, Offers, Vehicles & other items may no longer be available or offered after each show's original broadcast or posting date.
Recorded in our Showcase Studio just inside the entrance of the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA, Host Stewart Howden, Classic Auto Mall President and Classic Car Specialist Steve Saffier talk about this unique and amazing place often with amazing guests.
YES...Classic Auto Mall is a REAL former shopping mall that covers almost EIGHT football fields with an average of nearly ONE THOUSAND classic vehicles under one, climate controlled roof and they're all FOR SALE!
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