Classic Cars is the original classic car magazine. It defined the world of classic motoring 40 years ago and still does it today. Every issue is put together by our team of classic car experts and enthusiasts. Using the best expert writing and photography, the magazine helps you experience what it's like to drive, keep and restore the classic cars of days gone by. We bring the stories and people behind the cars to life - showing you how to buy, keep and enjoy your cars. Every issue of Classic Cars is packed with: - Road tests - Drive stories - Expert buying advice - News and events coverage Classic Cars is the original classic car magazine.
Welcome • Back in 1973, Michael Bowler defined what this new magazine would consider a classic. Fifty years on, our world has seen huge change, but his ethos holds true
‘It’s a bar-room brawler in a Savile Row suit’ • Reliant Scimitar enthusiast Jim Pace has always fancied spending a day in an Aston Martin DBS V8 playing Roger Moore from The Persuaders! Today we make it happen
Along came a 360 Spider... • Why chase a low-mileage Ferrari then be afraid to drive it for fear devaluing it?
Cooling down • Historics’ sale provides reality check
Wacky Aston
Jaguar’s GTO • They’re rare, they’re highly prized, but will this XKSS really sell for £10m?
Market cools but prices still rise • Covid rises being unwound, but market is in great health
IN THE TRADE
Triumph over Adversity • Plethora of anniversaries sees Goodwood Festival of Speed survive its toughest year
Bowcliffe takes a bow • The third Yorkshire Elegance concours brings glamour to Bramham Park
August-September highlights • Plan the second half of a classic 2023 summer
‘Abarth Ferrari’ breaks cover • Carlo Abarth’s 250GT Pinin Farina Coupé extracted after 50-year American slumber
Next Month • The November issue of Classic Cars is simmering nicely
CLASSIC CAR
A Swiss reunion
QUENTIN WILLSON • When I discovered the first issue of Classic Car in my local newsagent, it was a window into an exciting new world that gave meaning to my love of old cars
ALEX RILEY • Brace yourself, because I’m going to defend the much maligned Austin Allegro. But wait – before you start typing that email, please hear me out…
CARS SINCE 1973 • To celebrate Classic Cars’ 50th anniversary, our panel of experts reveals the 50 most important cars to be released since Issue One first hit the shelves back in 1973
Mazda MX-5 MkI
Ferrari 288GTO
LCC Rocket
Citroën CX
Fiat Panda
Subaru Impreza
Aston Martin DB9
Austin/MG Metro
Tesla Model S
Audi Quattro
Honda NSX
Saab 99 Turbo
Lotus Elise S2
Porsche 959
Ford Fiesta MkI
BMW X5
Renault 5 Turbo 1
BMW 3 Series (E21)
Lamborghini Countach LP400
Ford Sierra
Rover Streetwise
Ferrari 458 Aperta
Nissan Primera
Renault Espace
Lancia 037
Bentley Continental GT
Volkswagen Golf MkI
Bugatti Veyron
Range Rover Evoque
Aygo/C1/107
Nissan Leaf
Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9
Aston Martin Lagonda
BMW M1
Audi 100 (C3)
Toyota Prius
Rover SD1 3500
Ferrari F40
Alfa Romeo 156
Range Rover five-door
Bugatti Chiron
BMW 3 Series (E30)
Fiat 127 hatchback
Jeep Cherokee
Rover R8 200-series
Ford Escort RS MkII
Lotus Turbo Esprit
MINI Cooper
Porsche 911 GT2/3
McLaren F1
SEMINAL SURVIVOR • This Semi-Lightweight E-type has shrugged off 60 years of racing scraps and...