Innholdsfortegnelse for 24/11/2021 i Classic Car Buyer

We’ve poked fun before at the comedy so often found in used car classified adverts – from the simply ill-informed (‘Rover SDi’) to the hopelessly optimistic (‘best colour’) and the downright bizarre (‘excellent pre-accident condition’) but sometimes it’s a simple lack of information that means the seller falls at the first hurdle. Often there’s no intention to deceive, just a woeful lack of preparedness. Yes, working on car magazines I accept that not everyone’s smartphone is as cluttered as mine with photos of whatver random car I happen to be driving that week, but sending a scan of a faded photographic print is hardly a good indication of a car’s current condition… especially when the date fuzzily imprinted in the corner is from a decade ago. And even when up-to-date…

Having released its restomod Pony recently, Hyundai has now marked the 35th anniversary of its range-topping home market saloon, the Grandeur with a similar creation. Based on the Mitsubishi Debonair, the Grandeur was launched in 1986 and is still available in a sixth generation, but was never exported to Europe – a far cry from today’s confident brand which is mixing it with the best in current road tests. Reinforcing the growing South Korean presence in the EV market, the reimagined Grandeur swaps out the old Mitsubishi 2-litre for an all-electric drivetrain and although the exterior gains only a light makeover including a chrome grille and LED lighting, the interior is entirely redesigned with a digital dashboard, soundbar and a delightfully random touch, a built-in piano keyboard… which naturally can…

Regular readers will be aware of the alarm initially raised after the publication by the Department for Transport’s Future of Transport Regulatory Review. Designed primarily to future-proof vehicle regulatory standards in the light of expected technical developments in fields like autonomous driving and safety systems, the proposal aims to overhaul legislation surrounding road vehicles to “address areas of transport regulation that are outdated, a barrier to innovation, or not designed with new technologies and business models in mind.” However, some aspects of the proposals had set alarm bells ringing among enthusiasts of both classic cars and modified vehicles. Alongside legislation allowing low-volume or prototype vehicles to be more easily approved for use on public roads in order to adopt emerging technologies, the proposals also contain a subject specifically devoted to…

An admission by officials in the Lake District that restriction on private cars accessing the most popular valleys is actively being considered could have far-reaching consequences for classic car clubs and tours. With the increase in ‘staycations’ after the pandemic, the number of visitors in Britain’s National Parks has increased dramatically, resulting in congestion and increased pollution. Meanwhile, the solution of creating larger car parks has understandably been a controversial one among local residents. Should the scheme go ahead, it could clearly have an impact on anyone planning classic car drives and meetings in some of the UK’s most scenic spots – and remember not all National Parks are remote or mountainous, with the list including the North York Moors, the New Forest and the Peak District. Let’s hope a…

LANCIA FLAVIA (1961-1970) There were other cars with flat-four engines before the Flavia (such as the Volkswagen and the Jowett Javelin) but it was the Flavia that made the industry sit up and take notice. Its 1.5-litre all-alloy water-cooled flat-four was only part of a highly advanced specification which included double wishbone front suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and front-wheel drive. The flat-four engine allowed the power unit to sit in front of the longitudinal transaxke and the entire drivetrain was low-slung enough to provide both a low centre of gravity and a streamlined nose. Originally launched as a saloon, as was the Lancia tradition coupes, convertibles and sports were soon introduced with bodies from a variety of Italian coachbuilders. These usually had twin carburettors for more power and later 1.8-…

After spending the weekend at the NEC, we’re still in Birmingham this week where our archive image shows the construction of the city’s Alpha Tower, destined to house the ATV regional television company. Perhaps surprisingly, this 1971 shot isn’t entirely dominated by locally-built Longbridge products. We see an A30 van closest to the camera next to its Rootes competitor the Imp-based Commer Cob, while Fords are much in evidence, as are Vauxhalls. Back then, foreign cars weren’t quite as common but we counted three VW Beetles in the shot, plus a solitary NSU and a Mercedes in the distance. We also spotted no less than of the BMC 1100/1300 – twice as many as the Anglia 105E – although this would be the final year the model would top the…

We all know a diehard driver who maintains that the best way to get around in the winter months is in a Ford Popular with no heater or that they can quite happily navigate an icecoated country lane in a TVR Griffith. But for lesser mortals, which include the CCB team, winter can be a trying time for those of us with older cars. Even brand-new cars can be defeated by the typically British dusting of snow which melts, then instantly refreezes and turns all the roads south of Scotch Corner into a skating rink. And, however highly we may rate our particular cherished classic, we may not want to subject it to the rain, rust and rough-and-tumble of winter road conditions, in which case the obvious solution is another,…

Jack Grover, Production Editor Aston Martin DB7 You could argue it’s more logical to consider the 2005-on DB9 as a rival to the Continental GT, given the relative closeness of their launch dates. But in terms of modern-classic values, it’s perhaps the DB7 of 1994-2004 that is the true Bentley alternative, with decent early examples starting in price at a similar level (circa £25,000) to the Crewe offering. Famously sharing a platform with the Jaguar XJS, the DB7 isn’t everyone’s idea of the ultimate Aston Martin. With the benefit of hindsight, however, this was one of the most significant models ever launched by the historic brand, attracting more than 7000 buyers and – like the Continental GT – going on to be its maker’s bestselling model. The DB7 was available…

One of the more intriguing exhibits we spotted at the NEC show, we assumed that this six-door Skoda Estelle was a rare factory prototype designed to carry early ’80s KSCˇ party officials on their business around Czechoslovakia, but on closer inspection it turns out the car was constructed here in the UK by former Skoda dealer Fortune Auto Sales. The work which has gone into incorporating the third row of seats and opening doors is just as impressive as that which produced the high-value exotics for sale in the auction.…

The tale of Carlos Ghosn’s spectacular fall from grace is well-documented, so much so that it now resembles a sort of automotive urban legend. However, the story doesn’t seem to be over just yet. After being arrested and released on bail twice for allegations of financial fraud, the former Nissan CEO escaped to Lebanon via private jet, smuggled out of the country in a music equipment box. Now though, the disgraced executive is embarking upon a campaign to restore his reputation, beginning with a book titled ‘Broken Alliances’ which was published in September. Despite his notoriety, Ghosn even claims that his ‘advice is still sought’ and is already back working in the automotive industry, as a consultant for multiple unnamed start-ups. Plus, amidst ongoing legal cases with Nissan, Ghosn has…

The classic car world’s two major umbrella organisations, the FBHVC and the newly formed HCVA have both announced ambitious carbon offsetting schemes aimed at drivers of historic vehicles. Announced at the NEC’s Classic Motor Show, the FBHVC scheme is operated in conjunction with Tree-V and as the name suggests involves planting trees in order to capture the amount of carbon being offset. As you’ll remember from your school biology lessons, plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and so planting forests is a means of directly absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The Tree-V platform allows users to calculate the amount of carbon being produced according to a car’s economy and miles travelled, which is converted into a cost figure, with FBHVC member clubs able to offer the facility to offset carbon footprints…

Postponed for both 2020 and 2021, the much-loved Bromley Pageant is set to return for 2022 with the date set for Sunday, June 12. The event will return to its traditional South London venue of Norman Park and will repeat the familiar attractions including trade stands, autojumble, live action arena and the famous one-make car display areas. Visitors with tickets for the 2020 and 2021 events will automatically have them transferred for the 2022 event, with public tickets also on sale at £12 per adult or £28 for a family of two adults and two children aged 5-15. Meanwhile vehicle entry tickets are £12 for one-make parking with one driver and passenger, or £7 for vehicles meeting the special display requirements. More details from www.bromleypageant.com.…

There was no better illustration of pent-up post-Covid demand for high-end classic cars and face-to-face dealing than the Silverstone Auctions sale at the Classic Motor Show. A busy weekend saw 1500 bidders registered and a massive £9.2m worth of car, motorbike and automobilia lots change hands, translating to an impressive 83% sale rate. Even for those of us not well versed in two-wheelers, the £550,000 result for a Brough Superior was impressive, but as far as the cars went, we were blown away by the £264,500 bid for the rare Subaru Impreza 22B (even if it did remain unsold), while the hammer may have dropped on the humble VW Type 2 camper van at just £15,750 but the proceeds all went to the Prostate Cancer UK charity. Other standout lots…

VAUXHALL ASTRA GTE Mk2 (1985-1990) Perhaps the simplest of the three digital displays we’ve chosen to highlight is the one that you’ll find in a Mk2 Vauxhall Astra GTE. The layout is largely as you would expect - central speedometer, with a rev counter to the right and temperature and fuel gauges on the left. All very basic, but all complete with that Casio watch typeface aesthetic. The most novel aspect of this particular dash is its start-up procedure, which involves a sort of test sequence during which it briefly displays ‘127’ – a not-so-subtle reminder of the car’s quoted top speed upon launch. As for the car itself, the Astra GTE Mk2 went through a few iterations. Upon its release in 1985, it was offered with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder…

Hard hitting hairy chested sports cars have almost always been the preserve of the British. Let’s be honest, they’re ideally suited to a country in which it seems to have been raining continually since 1963. A big engine and a simple chassis formed as big a part of the national psyche as fish and chips or a pint of best ale, and no car summed this up better than the Austin Healey 3000. Developed from the 100/6, the Austin Healey had been one of the first wave of post war sports cars designed to captivate America, and its evolution into a six cylinder semi GT had suited it. But when it was replaced by the MGC in 1967, enthusiasts stood agog. The big engined B was no suitable replacement, and…

When Volkswagen took control of Bentley in 1998, it inherited the then new Arnage four-door saloon, as well as the two-door Continental R – a model that still used the old ‘SZ’ platform, which dated back to the days of the Silver Shadow and T-series. What was needed was a new hi-tech model for the 21st century, a car that could show the world that Bentley was back… with a bang. This arrived in 2003 via the Continental GT, a rakish coupe that cleverly combined the latest in VW Group technology with styling that was modern but with traditional Bentley overtones. The new GT had sharper dynamics than any previous Bentley, and was a more driver-focused car than ever before. With its 6.0-litre W12 engine producing 552bhp, the Continental could…

Hot on the heels of the British Motor Museum’s membership scheme comes the Great British Car Club offered by the newly opened Peak District attraction Great British Car Journey. Membership is priced at £31 per year and offers unlimited access to the Great British Car Journey’s main display and other facilities including the cafe. Members will also receive a 10% discount in the cafe and gift shop, with perhaps the biggest draw being a 40% discount on the Drive Dad’s Car attraction which allows visitors to get behind the wheel of the exhibits on the venue’s private track. Further discounts include a 15% discount on all Autoglym products and Fuchs classic oils, plus access to the club’s Classic Collective insurance scheme. Exclusive events, tours and visits are also planned, while…

Showing the value of a dedicated club, life has just become that bit easier for owners restoring Rover’s ‘R8’ generation of 200 and 300. The Rover 200 & 300 Owners’ Club can now supply body side repair panels for the three-door and Cabriolet models, including the lower rear three-quarter wheelarch panel and sill repair panels in various lengths. This addresses two of the common corrosion hot spots on these cars and panels are available for both sides, as well as a non-flanged sill section. Club spokesman John Batchelor pointed out that although panels are still available for the five-door and coupe, the three-door and Cabriolet wheelarch and rear side panels have never been available as repair parts. Rather usefully, the sill panels are also shared with the five-door and the…

The name might not be so familiar outside VW circles but the car we know as the booted version of the ’80s Passat was also responsible for getting VW Group’s foot in the door of the Chinese car market – the first German maker to do so. Local manufacture of the Santana by Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive, a joint venture between VW and STAC (predecessor of current MG owner SAIC) began in 1985 and since then over six million have been produced. The Santana quickly became a symbol of China’s emerging middle classes and continued in China long after it had disappeared from Europe, with a third generation even being designed locally. The car is currently in a fifth generation but VW has announced that the car won’t be replaced, citing…

With about 110 cars expected on site, WB’s December sale offers everything from a 1930s Singer, right up to modern classics including a 2007 Bentley Arnage T. Bang in the middle there’s a 1985 Renault 18 estate estimated at £4000-£6000 and in decadent GTX form too. Possibly even rarer and from the same nostalgia-laden era comes a late-model MG Montego with the optional bodykit. Features Ed Jeff was naturally drawn to one of the Minis in the sale, a 1973 Clubman with the early 998cc motor showing just 46,000 miles and the factory sticker still on the speedo. The sale features not one but two Peugeot 205 GTIs, the 1992 1.9 car in flawless condition with under 100,000 miles while less perfect but more usable is the 1990 1.6 model…

It’s not often you’d start a review of the year’s events in the month of April but then this hasn’t exactly been a regular year for anyone, let alone fans of messing about with old cars. The classic car scene is a resilient place though and even if the year did kick off with virtual meets, it wasn’t long before we were all getting away from the online quizzes and out into the open. As the spring weather arrived, cautious distanced meets gave way to proper meetings and by the time the curtain fell on the season at the NEC, things were – almost – back to some kind of normal. If you missed the year’s action while isolating then here’s our recap of the year’s highlights. APRIL Drive it…

The history of Lotus as a road car maker is as chequered as the other low-volume British makers, right up there with the likes of Aston Martin and Jensen. Despite all odds though, the Norfolk brand has survived countless owners, the DeLorean controversy and the death of its founder to survive to the present day, where it prepares to enter a new chapter. The ‘last hurrah’ final combustion-engined car has just been unveiled and future Lotus models will be fully electric, once again fixing the likes of Porsche in their ambitious sights. All of which seems an ideal excuse to ask the CCB team to select their favourite Lotus models – some serious and some perhaps with tongue in cheek. Paul Wager Group Editor FAVOURITE LOTUS: ELAN My experience with Lotus…

Porsche 944 If you want a convertible Porsche with modern classic appeal which will be a sound investment, then forget the temptingly cheap Boxsters and consider the 944. Values of nicer cars are fast rising and the convertible is nicely engineered as well as being sought-after. This money will buy a nice one. Porsche Boxster Another route to flat-six Porsche ownership and keeping the engine in the back, the Boxster shares much of its front end with the 996 generation of 911 but prices start at a much lower level. There are those that would say it’s not the real deal… but there’s also a sizeable crowd which reckons it’s technicaly the better car. Jaguar XK8 A contemporary of the 911 when new, the Jaguar may not come quite as…