The Rochdale Olympic and Its Legacy with Robert Ballago

The Rochdale Olympic and Its Legacy with Robert Ballago

Author: Mark Stone July 13, 2026 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 Ballago.

I first encountered Robert and his remarkable Rochdale Olympic at a Supercar Sunday event, where it stood out amongst far more familiar machinery. We explore the fascinating history of this rare British sports car, renowned for its pioneering fibreglass monocoque construction, a design that was well ahead of its time and helped establish the Olympic as a genuine engineering achievement.

Robert shares the story of how he came to own the car after years of admiration, along with the challenges and rewards of restoring and maintaining such an unusual vehicle. We discuss what makes the Rochdale Olympic so special, from its lightweight construction and sporting intentions to the curiosity it continues to generate wherever it appears.

The conversation also reflects on the wider appeal of classic car ownership, the nostalgia these vehicles evoke, and the strong sense of community that exists among enthusiasts who dedicate themselves to preserving automotive history.

___

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
Revisiting the Tragedy of Bluebird K7 with Neil Sheppard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:50
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a closer look at the life, achievements, and final record attempt of Donald Campbell, one of Britain's most famous pioneers of speed.Joining…
The Allure of Shitboxes: A Rally Through England and Scotland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m once again joined by Bran DeMan for Part 2 of our adventure on the Lord of the Isles Rally, a journey that proves the best road trips rarely go…
The Panda Rally: A Journey Through Morocco with Simon Nutter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:07
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Simon Nutter to explore the wonderfully eccentric world of rallying in a Fiat Panda.Simon shares his experiences taking part in a var…
Bran DeMan: The Visionary Behind Shitbox Adventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:12
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Bran DeMan, the man behind Shitbox Adventures, a company dedicated to taking unlikely cars on unforgettable journeys.Bran shares how…
Special Brew: Racing Innovation in Africa with Rob Young [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore the fascinating world of Southern African motorsport with Rob Young, author of Special Brew: The Story of the Southern African Formula On…
Classic Car Enthusiasm with Vic Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Vic Piano, a lifelong enthusiast whose passion for classic American cars began with a single unforgettable encounter.Vic shares how s…
Rally Driving and Skoda with Neil Simpson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:27
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Neil Simpson, a distinguished name in rallying and the driving force behind Simpsons Skoda.Neil shares his journey through the sport,…
The Unlikely Triumph of Alan Stacey: A Racing Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:43
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I reflect on the extraordinary life of Alan Stacey, a racing driver who overcame immense adversity to compete at the highest level of motorsport.I’…
Paul Tattersall's Passion for Historic F1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:13
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Paul Tattersall, a familiar face at the Tour of Mull Rally, known as much for his commentary as for his unmistakable outfit, complete…
Vintage Automobiles and Cinema with Nick Pagani [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:12
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Nick Pagani, who shares his extensive experience working with classic American cars in the film industry.Nick talks about his journey…