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 we run towards the end of the year its time to look forward to a new one full of classic car indulgence

‘I’ve never driven anything like this’ • Classic Cars reader Paul Singer fancied a break from big Mercs and Citroëns, so we put him in the most extreme, minimalist sports car imaginable – an Ariel Atom

PAUL’S DREAM DRIVE LIST

[Want a Drive?]

PAUL SINGER’S CAR CV • A clear appreciation for refinement

Ace flies clean under the radar • Two-owner, Bristol-engined survivor sells for well below its market value

ASK QUENTIN

Brumtastic! • Silverstone enjoys best ever NEC sale

Market indicators • There’s a strong trade in coupés right across the decades – it must be the weather

RM’s Guikas sale disappoints • No-reserve collection clearout doesn’t quite live up to its buzz

WHAT THE K500 MARKET INDEX SAYS ABOUT THE…

IN THE TRADE

Blue Label bargain • Bentley 3 Litre Tourer snapped up for a very entry-level price at Bonhams

Powering back to Birmingham • Bumper NEC Classic Motor Show brings the curtain down on 2021

Thundering around Silverstone • Seventies Thundersports added colour and variety to the Walter Hayes Trophy

Chris Smith, 1944-2021

January-May 2022 highlights

French duo hidden since WWII • Chrysler’s tyres removed to foil Nazi confiscation – and it’s been sat like that ever since

LETTERS

More on the TVR Buick

Classic Cars

Quentin Willson • Fraught, frustrating and yet utterly fabulous, there was nothing quite like the ownership experience of a second-hand Jensen Interceptor

Next Month • The March issue of Classic Cars is shaping up nicely ON SALE 19 JANUARY 2022

John Fitzpatrick • I waited an eternity to enjoy the BDA Escort’s giant-killing potential, and almost had it snatched away. A recent reunion reminded me of the drama

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN • Raw roadster, GT, hot-hatch, cool cabrio, supercar, spicy saloon and luxury cruiser. A great example of each should be on everyone’s bucket list of cars to try, buy or borrow. These are our top picks

THE ELUSIVE FIVE • Between the Classic Cars team, we’ve tried, bought or borrowed more than our fair share of appealing classics. But here are the fugitives that remain on our bucket lists

EXCESS All AREAS • The GT500 took Carroll Shelby in a new direction. We drive a survivor to discover whether the Le Mans legend could build a luxury grand tourer

‘I tried a Carrera 2.7RS and immediately thought “I’m going to sell my V8s”’ • In South Africa’s Western Cape, Michelle Hambly is known to most car enthusiasts. Her passion for all things Porsche is clear the moment you step into her Porsche shrine

‘It was absolutely, categorically ruined’ • No-one invests a full-house professional restoration in a Reliant Scimitar, do they? If there’s an emotional connection, they might. And with spectacular results

MY FAVOURITE TOOL

The life story of a 1961 Gilbern GT • Used hard in its early years then forgotten about, this early Gilbern GT was rescued, laid up again, then...