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 • The classic car world has taken a long time to properly appreciate the Lotus Esprit but now is the time to move

‘It’s special to be behind the wheel’ • Mark Ward likes striking style, British pedigree and V8 power, so we arranged for him to spend a day behind the wheel of a 1985 Aston V8 Vantage. Will it prove a tailor-made fit?

MARK’S DREAM DRIVE LIST

1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

MARK WARD’S CAR CV • Big-engined Brits and an odd French incursion

E-types ease downwards in price • Late 4.2 2+2s and American import V12s are looking a lot more affordable right now

ASK QUENTIN

Bonhams suffers drop in MPH • Late withdrawals hit second Bicester sale

Market indicators • As the top end of the market weakens, the right cars lower down can still bust their estimates

Do ya think we’re sexy? • Artcurial sale’s nine Lambos include ex-Rod Stewart Countach

WHAT THE K500 MARKET INDEX SAYS ABOUT THE…

IN THE TRADE

Cut to the chase • One of the greatest movie star cars is for sale for the first time since 1974

Cream of the crop

UPCOMING SALES

Full house of competition classics • History and innovation unites a diverse mix of cars at the NEC Classic Motor Show

BATs hang out in London • Bertone’s legendary concept cars pay a flying visit to Phillips in Berkeley Square

Andrew Cowan, 1936-2019

Six decades away – then home • Bentley brace and Rolls 20hp return home after 60 years hidden away in rural Ohio

LIVE FOR THE CORNERS Our pick of the six best choices to drive you round the bend • Don’t miss these exciting stories in the March issue of Classic Cars

LETTERS

Erasing the past

Classic Cars

Quentin Willson • I think I’ve found a way to get Generation Z teens engaging with humble, endangered classics – but first my latest buy will need some modifications...

Gordon Murray • Burning the midnight oil, designing a low-budget Le Mans car helped me to make my name in the business. Now that car’s ready to race again...

John Fitzpatrick • Porsche’s 924 Carrera GT was a successful race car in its class and was a pleasure to drive fast on the road – until the California cops pulled me over...

THE ONLY WAY IS esprit • Words ROSS ALKUREISHI

Owning a Lotus Esprit S3

Owning a Lotus Esprit GT3

Owning a Lotus Turbo Esprit S3 Turbo

Owning a Lotus Esprit V8 GT

Owning a Lotus Esprit X180 Turbo

‘I won my longstanding engineering battle with Chapman’ • The Esprit’s original chief engineer, Mike Kimberley, provides a fascinating insight into the model’s development, production and incredible longevity

The life story of a Mercedes SEC • Ayrton Senna. Its owners since tell its tale

MUD& THUNDER • This Impreza nearly delivered, then ultimately cost, Colin McRae his second World Rally Championship. We drive it at maximum attack and relive victory and defeat

RUNNING THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRC

1997 Subaru Impreza WRC

‘I remortgaged the house; lots of credit card finance. I could never...