Chris Martin was born and raised in Arkley, Hertfordshire, and while still at school had a weekend job at local racing driver John Britten's garage. He then graduated through the motor trade in London, going from an apprenticeship with a main Ford dealer and a spell with an Alfa Romeo dealership to working on formula racing cars through the 1980s, followed by twelve years as a design engineer in Formula One. Since moving to Australia in 2003, he has authored various motor-related books, written for classic car websites and magazines, and is a regular contributor to Classic & Sports Car. He runs a vintage Amilcar, is restoring another and served for five years as President of the Australian Motorlife Museum.