Marc Corea

Photo credit: LKN Images

Jeff sits down in an “undisclosed location” in Cornelius, NC – surrounded by Jaguar E-Types, a classic Mercedes cabriolet, an air-cooled Porsche 911 Targa, and… a rogue Ford Fairlane – to talk with Marc Corea, owner of MotorcarTrader.com. 

They cover the emotional pull of classic cars, transparent selling, Lake Norman’s car culture, and why the E-Type might be the most rewarding (and occasionally stubborn) driver’s car ever made.

Marc is a lifelong enthusiast and specialist dealer who has bought, sold, and consulted on hundreds of Jaguar E-types, Mercedes SLs, Austin-Healeys, and more. He runs MotorcarTrader.com in Cornelius, NC, focusing on high-quality examples, deep documentation, and long-term client relationships.

Episode Highlights

• How a father-son 1981 Porsche 911 SC Targa set Marc on a lifetime path (and how he tracked the same car down decades later).
• Why honesty beats hype in classic car sales – and how the right expectations create happy, repeat collectors.
• The Lake Norman car scene: Cars & Coffee meetups, the Lake Norman Car Group, and a community that values relationships over transactions.
• A practical reality check on vintage ownership: maintenance, parts, and the joy that comes from doing it right.
• Why Jaguar E-types are singular to drive – and how originality, documentation, and small details (like red primer on the frame rails) matter.
• 2025 market notes: demand shifting toward well-sorted, higher-end cars as restoration timelines and talent get tighter.
• The Mercedes lens: from Ponton cabrio to 250 SL, why classic Benz engineering still feels overbuilt—in the best way.

Motorcartrader.com | YouTube: @MarcShark100

Special mention:
LaunchCLT

Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a licensed real estate broker and accomplished digital marketing professional.

Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.

When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, playing pickleball, cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.

Jeff Hamm
Broker: LKNreal
Founder: Epic Journey Media

Photo credit: LKN Images by Kathleen Martin