Sophie Hayter on Vintage Transport and Aerospace

Sophie Hayter on Vintage Transport and Aerospace

Author: Mark Stone April 6, 2026 Duration: 35:42

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.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now


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: 50

Backseat Driver
Podcast Episodes
Ilkley Jubilee Rally with Joe Mallinson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:35
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Joe Mallinson, the new Clerk of the Course for the Ilkley Jubilee Historic Rally, to discover just what goes into organising one of B…
The Motorsport Influence on Watch Design with Ilias Strousidis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Ilias Strousidis, a racing driver and watch designer whose two great passions, motorsport and horology, have come together in a fasci…
Biker Granddad's European Adventure with Chris Allsop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:32
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Allsop, affectionately known as the “Biker Granddad”, who at the age of 75 has set off on an extraordinary motorcycle adventure…
World of Land Speed Records with Louise Noeth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:44
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Louise Noeth, better known as “Land Speed Louise”, whose passion and expertise have made her one of the leading authorities on land s…
NASCAR and IndyCar with Vic Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined once again by Vic Piano, whose passion for American cars is matched only by his remarkable knowledge of American motorsport.Together, we…
Adventures in Steam Traction Engineering with Andrew Mawdsley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:02
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Andrew Mawdsley from the North West Vintage Machinery Club to discuss his remarkable journey into the world of steam traction engines…
Mike Manns and the Chrysler Turbine Car [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:25
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by the American author Mike Manns.Mike is a respected car restorer from Missouri whose lifelong passion for classic vehicles has led him…
The Decline of Iconic Automakers with Joe Pep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:18
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I welcome back Joe Pep for a thought-provoking discussion on the decline of some of Britain and America's most iconic car manufacturers.Together, w…
The Iconic Cars of TV with Joe Pep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I welcome back Joe Pep, better known to many as "Joey the Pencils", for a fascinating look at the iconic cars that helped define some of television…
The Rochdale Olympic and Its Legacy with Robert Ballago [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:16
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a closer look at one of Britain's most intriguing and underrated sports cars, the Rochdale Olympic, with classic car enthusiast Robert Balla…