Classic Cars

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 • Thundering towards Goodwood in the ex-Birkin Le Mans Blower Bentley had me thinking about the powerful effect of motor sport endeavour and victory

‘I’ve gone to heaven. It’s a real pinch-me moment!’ • Ex-RAF man John Purcell knows Britain’s quick jets inside-out – and his automotive tastes favour fast flag-fliers too. Will a 1976 TVR Taimar be his top gun?

Split-screen ’Vettes a good buy • When a fine example sells for under the US market, it’s time to take notice

There’s a catch • No victory lap at Bonhams’ Goodwood

A car of stars • Ex-Steve McQueen 275GTB/4 back in play nine years after making record price

Online classic sales now dominant • Live auctions rose a little in the last decade but online sales have soared, spurred by covid-19 restrictions

German Techno wonders • Specialist dealers deliver the concours-level goods at Techno Classica Essen

Stuttgart meets Sussex • Porsche to the fore as the 911 celebrates its 60th at the Members’ Meeting

Salon’s capital performance • Richard Hammond brings art-deco glamour to Salon Privé London

May-August event highlights

Huge Dutch hoard disinterred • 230 classics hidden for 40 years: the greatest find in a decade?

1980S FAST MOVERS • The August issue of Classic Cars is looking quick

I built the Mantis

Colophon

THE INSIDERS • I have huge respect for those clever collectors who coveted unrestored classics while the rest of the hobby was focused on glossy paint and new leather

THE INSIDERS • Writing my last column for Classic Cars brings back memories of all the on- and off-track adventures I’ve shared with you over the past six years

LOTUS ALCHEMY • Lotus applied its impeccable development nous to sprinkle excitement on saloons and hatchbacks with humble roots, but do they really deserve that storied badge?

Which is the most deserving of its badge?

‘TONY ASKED IF WE COULD SET THE CAR ON FIRE’ • Ian Grindrod navigated for Tony Pond during the works Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus’s first rally season. He recalls a turbulent, difficult year defined by huge, clashing personalities

LANDMARK LUXURY • Sixty years ago, Mercedes-Benz launched the ultimate luxury saloon. Today, we drive one and meet the men who sold, serviced and restored the 600s of the Sixties’ glitterati

‘There was a foot-high hole in the front footwell’ • Owner John Kiely wanted this tired, unloved BMW M3 to be the best in the country. Dan Norris’s team at Munich Legends rose to the challenge

THE LIFE STORY OF A Datsun 180B • Owners, drivers and mechanics past and present recall this intrepid Datsun’s rough and tumble life of travel and adventure

‘GROUP C CARS WERE SCARY, DANGEROUS THINGS’ • In 1983, Porsche 956s performed the unprecedented feat of winning every single round of the World Sports Car Championship. Forty years on, drivers and engineers recall the dawn of a Group C titan

Six steps to buying a Honda S2000

Alfa Romeo 8C

A filthy experience

Sounds of silence

A barrage of bad luck

1976 RR Silver Shadow I...