Spanners 105 Finale: Matt Kwiek - 1971 Alfa Romeo Berlina

Escaping the Cold

Michigan has been frozen over for the past two months. All the fun cars are tucked away, hiding from the massive amounts of salt dumped on local roads. But MARS is more than just Michigan—we have members spread all over, most of whom originally hail from the Great Lakes region. To escape the cold, we took a weekend trip to a slightly warmer Nashville, TN, to visit our friend responsible for the group's name.

Matt Kwiek and Kwiek Classics

Matt Kwiek has made a name for himself in the Mercedes community. His resto-mod shop, Kwiek Classics, has been growing exponentially, specializing in swapping modern Mercedes drivetrains and more into ‘60s-era Mercedes cars. Out of the eight lifts in his shop, nearly all were occupied by customer cars in various stages of completion. Matt has perfected this swap to a near science—he could probably do it with his eyes closed.

What makes his story even more impressive is that most of his knowledge is self-taught, born out of necessity:
"I bought an old Mercedes as my first car, it broke down almost immediately, and I had to learn to fix it because I couldn’t afford to pay someone."

The Oddball in the Garage

Matt has a unique collection of classic Mercedes, but one oddball in his garage demands attention—his 1971 Alfa Romeo Berlina 1750. This car is absolutely coated in character, with a patina-rich exterior that only time can create. It’s rough around the edges but mechanically sound. Among a sea of Mercedes, the Berlina stands out.

Matt acquired the Alfa in 2021 and revived it after years in storage. It became roadworthy just in time for the September 2021 Round Headlamp Rally, so naturally, it had to be the car of choice. Two days, 1,000 miles—the Berlina made it through 90% of the rally before the tie rods gave out, making steering dangerously unpredictable. Since then, it’s undergone numerous upgrades and maintenance, becoming a well-loved and frequently driven classic.

And honestly? It’s impressive. Trying to keep up with Matt in Nashville traffic—while we were in a Toyota Tundra—was no easy task. The Berlina is healthy, and it perfectly complements Matt’s spirited driving style.

The Search for the Dream Car

Sometimes, while chasing your dream car, you find something close enough and settle until the right one comes along. Matt always wanted an Alfa Romeo GTV—the sportier, two-door sibling of the Berlina. In 2023, that dream became a reality when he found a 1975 GTV and brought it back to life.

But after driving both, he realized he actually preferred the Berlina. It was more practical and handled better, thanks to its longer wheelbase, and ultimately, the GTV just didn’t capture him the same way. So, he sold the GTV and kept the Berlina.

A Keeper Amongst the Mercedes

Among the shiny V8-powered Mercedes that fill his shop, the Berlina stands out as a bundle of character and a true driver’s car. It’s earned a permanent spot on Matt’s very short list of cars he swears he’ll never sell.

📸: Jon Zomer

Watch the Spanners Season One Finale

A Rainy Start, But Spirits High

The morning of Sunday, April 30th, 2023, started early—7:30 AM sharp at Coffee Rescue in Portage, MI. Jamie, the owner, opened her doors two hours early just for us, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee mixed with the excitement of the day ahead. The weather may not have been ideal, but that didn’t stop a dedicated group of classic car enthusiasts from rolling in, eager for the adventure.

Backroads and Hidden Treasures

Fueled up (on caffeine, at least), the group hit the road for our first stop—a private collection in Galesburg, MI. The route was filled with winding back roads, the kind of roads that make you appreciate a well-sorted classic. Upon arrival, they were greeted with an eclectic mix of Euro, American, and British machines, all tucked away in an enthusiast’s dream garage.

With time to "talk shop," everyone swapped stories about their own builds, restorations, and future projects. There’s something about standing in a garage filled with history and sharing that passion with like-minded folks that just hits differently.

Behind the Scenes at Gilmore

From Galesburg, the convoy made its way to Gilmore Car Museum—but not for the usual museum experience. This time, the group was granted an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the restoration and storage areas. Walking through rows of cars in various stages of restoration, they got a glimpse of the meticulous work that goes into preserving automotive history.

Seeing rare cars up close and learning about the processes behind their preservation made this stop a real highlight of the day. We even got a few sneak peeks at projects not yet on display!

The Open Road to Holland

With engines warmed up and excitement still high, the group embarked on the next leg—the road trip to Holland, MI. The exact route? Well, let’s just say it was a "choose-your-own-adventure" kind of drive, but the goal was simple: enjoy the road, enjoy the cars, and enjoy the company.

(Insert rolling shot of cars on the road)

The final stop took the group to Eclectic Motorworks, where Carl opened up his workspace to show off some truly special projects. From customers cars to rare finds, the shop was filled with stories waiting to be told. It was the perfect way to cap off an already incredible day.

A Massive Thank You

As the event came to a close, it was clear that the weather hadn't dampened the turnout or the enthusiasm. Watching a long line of classics cruising together was a sight worth the drive.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out, to our hosts who graciously opened their doors, and to Coffee Rescue for fueling the start of our adventure. You all rule so much.

More plans are in the works for this summer, so stay tuned. Until then, let’s see those photos and videos—drop them in the group; I’d love to see everyone’s perspectives!

Cheers to another successful MARS Rolling Shop Tour!

__________________________________________________________

Comment Below if you think we should do another MARS Shop Tour, and where should we go?

Tom Sturdy’s Obtainable Dream: A 1996 Rover Mini Tartan Edition

It’s only fitting that the first episode of Spanners kicked off with a car that embodies charm, quirk, and timeless design: Tom Sturdy’s 1996 Rover Mini Tartan Edition. While Tom claims he’d ideally have a GT40 in the garage, the Mini is his "obtainable dream car," a slice of automotive history that aligns with his personality and passion.

The Rover Mini Tartan Edition is a unique variant made exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), adding an extra layer of rarity to the already interesting mini. The Tartan Edition gives the Mini a unique set of badging and, in Tom’s case, a tartan plaid interior that blends beautifully with the green trim, popping in contrast to the rich red exterior of the car. He tracked it down from the owner of an Arizona-based British car restoration shop. After sorting out the sale agreement and shipping the car to Michigan, Tom was forced to sit waiting excitedly for the mini to be delivered via freight down the road from his house. That’s how Tom ended up with a right-hand drive Mini that’s technically a 1996 model but retains the unmistakable silhouette of the classic Minis we all know and love.

One of the standout features of Tom’s Mini is its fuel-injected 1.3L engine. Unlike earlier carbureted Minis that require frequent tuning, this system offers consistent and reliable fueling. For Tom, this means he can enjoy vintage styling without sacrificing modern convenience and dependability. Getting the classic look, but it actually starts on cold mornings and runs smoothly through every season. Normally, being a ’90s car, the Mini wouldn’t be on the MARS radar, but with its classic styling that stays true to the originals with tasteful updates like wheels and over-fender add-ons, it stands out. Paired with Tom’s personality, his hands-on approach to wrenching, and a sense of adventure that goes beyond stereotypical car shows, this Mini finds its rightful place in the spotlight.

A Drive Through History

During our time with Tom, he shared the winding road that led him to the Mini. His passion for cars was sparked early, influenced by his father’s love for classic vehicles and weekend wrenching sessions in the garage. Learning to drive a manual isn’t always an easy process, but for Tom, it was unforgettable. His first experience shifting gears was behind the wheel of an aircraft tug while working at an air museum in Washington State. Following that, Tom shared the contrast between driving his Focus ST, where you can hit 60 mph in second gear, and the Mini, where you have to work hard, rowing through all four gears just to get up to traffic speed. It truly embodies the spirit of "slow car fast."

Later in the day, Tom took us for a spin in the Mini to show us what makes it so special as a driver's car. The 1.3L engine pulls smoothly, while the car’s lightweight and sharp steering make it a blast through corners. As we zipped around, it became clear why Tom fell in love with this little car. It’s not just about the look or the rarity; it’s about the driving experience—nimble, playful, and full of personality. Adding to the Mini’s charm are hidden gems like the Japanese toll pass device that still speaks to you in Japanese, a subtle reminder of the car’s JDM roots and unique character.

A Surprise Around the Hill

After returning to Tom’s house, we thought the day was winding down. But Tom had one more story to share. Out behind his house, past a hill, and into his backyard, he showed us his “other” car: a lifted and dirt-tired Scion xB that has been reborn as a rallycross beast.

The story behind the Scion is as unique as the car itself. It started life as a prop for The Autopian’s video series "Worst Foods to Eat While Driving." When the shoot was over, the car was abandoned, its interior reeking of rotting food. Most people would have run—or driven—the other way. Not Tom. Seeing the potential, he cleaned it out, added a lift kit, slapped on some off-road tires, and turned the unloved box-on-wheels into a backyard rally monster. Incredibly, the xB went on to place 2nd and 3rd at a majority of RallyX competitions. Ending up winning its class for the season with the most overall points. You can see more of the HooptieX xB here. HooptieX Driver Spotlight - Tom Watching it rip around his homemade course was the perfect way to cap off the day.

A Thank You to Tom and the Community

We want to thank Tom Sturdy for welcoming the MARS crew into his world, sharing his cars, his stories, and his passion for driving. Tom's enthusiasm for the Mini and his creative approach to car culture remind us why we love doing what we do.

A special thanks also goes out to the community that makes all of this possible. The car world is at its best when it’s inclusive, welcoming enthusiasts of all kinds who believe in getting out there, enjoying their cars, and embracing the driver’s experience. Whether you’re wrenching in the garage, navigating twisty backroads, or sending it at a rallycross event, it’s all about the adventure. Here’s to the cars we love and the people who make them unforgettable.

Photo: Jon Zomer

The Mars logo was designed shortly after the group name was officially chosen. A planetary shape as a play on words to the planet Mars, and the side profile of an MGB GT to be the mascot car. The car in question was an unfinished project for 2 different Mars members. Later, nicknamed "burn barrel" for other reasons. The original outline that translated into today's logo came from a side profile photo of this car.

This 1972 MGB GT suffered from horrible rotting rust and repairs that did not hold up. An attempt was made to patch the car up enough to take it racing, but there was just no real structure left to support it. So, instead of just crushing it all at the scrapper, all parts that could be used have been removed and stashed away to keep other cars on the road.

It only made sense to make a full-scale replica of the logo using the car it was traced from. 20 minutes with a Sawzall in the cold, and with help from metal hot glue gun, we were left with the ultimate MG owners wall art/background prop for our new space

Photos from: Jon Zomer & Tom Sturdy

Spanners 104: Mike Pixley’s '56 MGA Coupe

In Episode 104 of Spanners, we get to know Mike Pixley, an artist and car lover with a knack for blending creativity and engineering. Mike’s passion for classic cars runs deep, and he’s never been one to settle for ordinary. His latest project, a 1956 MGA Coupe, perfectly shows how he turns old cars into something truly special.

Falling in Love With Cars

Mike’s story starts in the garage, where he spent countless hours as a kid tinkering with tools and dreaming about cars. He also fondly remembers track days with his dad, which fueled his love for racing and all things automotive. One of his favorite memories? As an 11-year-old, he got lunch lap ride alongs in two original Ferrari 500 Testa Rossas. That’s the kind of experience that sticks with you forever and helped shape Mike’s lifelong obsession with cars.

These early experiences led Mike to vintage open-wheel racing, where he now competes in Formula Continental alongside his dad. Racing sharpens his skills and fuels his creativity, both of which he brings to his car projects.

The Lotus Elan: Too Perfect to Drive

Before diving into the world of MGAs, Mike restored a Lotus Elan, a beautiful and lightweight British sports car. He poured years of work into making the car perfect. But when it was done, it was so flawless that he couldn’t bring himself to race it or even drive it on the street. Feeling like the car deserved to be more than a garage queen, he decided to sell it, sending it back to England where it could be used and appreciated. That decision taught Mike a valuable lesson: sometimes, cars are meant to be driven, not just admired.

The “Wabi-Sabi” MGA

After the Elan, Mike took on his first MGA project with a very different mindset. He wanted a car he could enjoy without worrying about every little scratch or imperfection. The goal was simple: a fun, beach-ready car that didn’t mind a bit of sand in the seats. This carefree attitude led Mike to embrace the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi,” which finds beauty in imperfection.

The MGA’s wear and tear became part of its charm, turning it into a car that wasn’t just fun to look at but a joy to drive. Owning this car also introduced Mike to a community of like-minded British car enthusiasts. Through meetups and events, he’s inspired others to take a more relaxed approach to classic car ownership, focusing on the experience rather than perfection.

The MG A 2Z: A Big, Bold Vision

Now, Mike’s taking on his biggest project yet: a 1956 MGA Coupe he calls the "MG A 2Z." This isn’t just a restoration—it’s a complete reimagining. The car will pair its classic British chassis with a Nissan inline-6 engine from a 240Z. Mike describes the original MGA as “fun at speed,” but getting to that speed took longer than he liked. By combining the MGA’s timeless design with the power of the Nissan engine, he hopes to create a car that’s fast, fun, and still streetable—a true gentleman’s sports car.

Mike’s background as a sculptor is also shaping this project. He’s always admired the curves of the Jaguar E-Type Mk1, and he’s drawing inspiration from classic Ferraris and Maseratis, too. The MG A 2Z will be more than a car; it will be a rolling piece of art. To bring his vision to life, Mike will need to learn new skills like sheet metal work and using an English wheel. It’s a challenge he’s excited to take on.

A Shoutout to M.A.R.S.

Mike is quick to credit the Michigan Automotive Relic Society (M.A.R.S.) for their support and camaraderie throughout his journey. This grassroots group is made up of car lovers who share a passion for fixing up European sports cars and getting them on the road. They organize everything from massive rallies to casual drives and encourage anyone to dive into car restoration, no matter how daunting it may seem.

“They’re supportive, fun-loving, and drive these cars practically year-round,” Mike says. “Their lives are better and more interesting for it. If you’re a gearhead or love the sinuous sculpture of uncluttered design, check out M.A.R.S. It’s not all skinned knuckles and empty wallets—you can do this too!” 

What’s Next?

Mike’s journey with the MG A 2Z is just getting started, and Spanners is there to capture it all. This project isn’t just about building a car—it’s about pushing boundaries, learning new things, and celebrating the love of cars in all its forms. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, an artist, or just someone who appreciates a good story, Mike’s journey is sure to inspire.

Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible project. With his creativity, passion, and determination, there’s no doubt Mike’s MG A 2Z will be something truly special.

Photos provided by Micheal Pixley & Jon Zomer