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 • As performance and luxury cars downsize to V6 and hybrid engines, the allure of a V8 becomes more precious

The Genesis Machine • The Carrera 2 was the ultimate 356 evolution, with qualities that continue to define Porsche today. So how come it’s so little-known compared to its 911 successors? We take one on a drive of discovery

Bag an Arnage for Astra money • Glut of noughties Bentleys in the same price range pushes Arnage values ever lower

ASK QUENTIN

Pinch of salt • American auctions keep the wheels turning

Market indicators • The market can still surprise with big scores but continues to fall out of love with Fifties classics

PRICE GUIDE MOVERS

Shelby Cobra makes $5.94m • Fortune paid in Florida for Shelby’s own car

WHAT THE K500 MARKET INDEX SAYS ABOUT THE…

IN THE TRADE

My name’s Bond… • Remarkable two-owner DB5 to be auctioned by RM… yes, for Mr Bond

Settled since the 1970s

Classics storm the desert • Inaugural Dakar Classic sees Paris-Dakar veterans unearthed and unleashed on an epic race through the Arabian Desert for the first time

Gerry Coker, 1922-2020

Rémy Julienne, 1930-2021

February-November highlights • With optimism and a host of new events, here’s to a better classic year in 2021…

Mossy Berlinetta Boxer rescued • Twelve-cylinder Ferrari - not long ago touted as the best example of the breed - has been dragged off a Gloucestershire driveway and is now set for YouTube stardom

I owned the Gamma Scala

Classic Cars

Quentin Willson • Forgive me if I sound over-optimistic, but I believe that the already flourishing classic car sector will only get better once it’s released from lockdown

John Fitzpatrick • I was all set to snatch a last-round BSCC win at Brands Hatch in 1971 when a clash with a Camaro wrecked my chances - and my Escort RS1600

V8 THRUST FOR FOUR • The best buy classic V8 saloons of the moment come from Bentley, Daimler, BMW, Rover and Mercedes. We drive them all and find out which one to put in your garage

‘Often Claus Luthe would say ‘es ist zu schön’ - it’s too pretty’ • BMW E39 designer Joji Nagashima on design leaders, aerodynamics and how cars look different out of the studio

LAST-GASP LUMINARIES • The 458 Speciale, Enzo and F12TdF feature Ferrari’s last normally-aspirated engines. We drive them, and mark the end of an era

‘It had been off the road since 1961, rotting away – it needed everything’ • This rare Allard was rescued 40 years ago but waited until 2012 for restoration to begin, all coordinated by one resourceful owner

The life story of a Jaguar Mark 10 • This vast Jaguar saloon has led a cosseted life, thanks to the unusual habits of its eccentric first owner, and the care his family has lavished on it since

‘Small-car design was migrating towards rear-engine layouts…’ • John Ashford spent four decades at the creative coalface of British car design. Here he recalls his early years with the Rootes Group where, as a clay modeller, he helped shape the Hillman Imp’s fortunes

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