John Martin

John Martin

Lubrizol Lubricants

Retired

John Martin
Retired, Lubrizol

John Martin was trained as a physicist (M.S. Engineering Physics, University of Missouri at Rolla), but he has spent his career working as a mechanical engineer because he is an obsessed motorhead.  He has over 20 patents to his credit.

His work experience includes:

  • 8 years at Shell Oil research
  • 6 years at Automotive Research Associates (an independent test lab)
  • 1 year at the Cummins Engine Company
  • 2 years at Harley-Davidson
  • 25 years at the Lubrizol Corporation (the world’s largest additive chemical company)

He is an industry-recognized expert on:

  • diesel engine oils
  • racing engine and driveline oils

John has done R & D work with Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Freightliner, Fed Ex, Mercedes Benz and UPS.  In addition, he has helped design lubes for several NASCAR and NHRA pro stock teams.
In retirement, he writes a monthly column for Fleet Equipment and occasional articles for Engine Builder and Turbo Diesel Register magazines.

John’s car credentials include:

  • ’51 Mercury with a Caddy engine
  •  ’62 Chevy 409-409
  • Several AHRA Ultra Stock and early funny cars culminating with a blown 427 Chevy Camaro in 1969 (Dick Harrell’s #2 car)
  • 1969 Nova SS with a 375 horse 396 engine
  • Shell Mileage Marathon world record (1959 Opel)
  • Honda motorcycle drag racer and road racer

Today John builds street rods:

  • 1940 Chevy convertible street rod
  • 1953 Studebaker Commander custom rod
  • 1967 Chevelle El Camino 396, 4-speed (restored)
  • 1948 Olds 98 fastback early style custom
  • 1934 Ford 5-window coupe with an injected 693″ BBC