Insights from EpocAuto 2025

Insights from EpocAuto 2025

Author: Mark Stone November 17, 2025 Duration: 38:42

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I travel to EpocAuto 2025, held just outside Lyon, France, one of Europe’s most celebrated showcases of classic and vintage motoring.

I explore the event’s standout exhibits, including a stunning display of BBM racing cars and a lesser-known but remarkable French marque curated by Gérard Gamont, who shares the fascinating story behind BBM’s legacy and engineering brilliance. The episode also features an insightful conversation with Jacques Nicolet, CEO of Ligier, as he reflects on the company’s fifty-year journey, its continued innovation, and the enduring spirit that keeps Ligier at the forefront of motorsport.

Along the way, I speak with a variety of exhibitors, who introduce unique automotive projects and delve into the history of vintage fire service vehicles on display. Through these conversations, I aim to highlight the craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural significance that make French motoring so captivating, celebrating both its heritage and its ever-evolving story.

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when the engine is off and the real talk begins. Backseat Driver captures that feeling, hosted by Mark Stone from his home in England's north-west. Mark's own journey from competitive driving in the eighties to decades of motoring journalism and television gives him a unique vantage point. He's not just a reporter; he's lived the life, and that genuine enthusiasm for anything with an engine comes through in every discussion. This podcast is built around Mark's conversations with the prominent figures who shape the automotive world, from legendary engineers and designers to champion racers and behind-the-scenes innovators. You'll hear stories that rarely make it into magazine articles, personal reflections on iconic cars, and unfiltered opinions on where the industry is headed. It's for anyone who finds the culture of motoring as compelling as the machinery itself. Tune in for a deep, relaxed dive into the passion that drives us all, hosted by someone who has truly been there and done it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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