Innholdsfortegnelse for 10/9/2024 i Classic Car Buyer

Early on in my motoring career, long before I could legally drive, I set my stall out when it came to cars. I liked Minis, and to a certain extent, that meant overlooking everything else. I had an affection for Fords and BL cars too, but prestige stuff never really did it for me. In more recent years though, probably in no small part down to the diversity of working on CCB, that’s all changed. On a visit to the excellent Rustival show, for example, I found myself lusting after a Mercedes C124 in a lovely shade of metallic green with a biscuit interior. And, having learned of the passing of legendary designer Bruno Sacco on my return home, it got me thinking about just how brilliant his designs were.…

We were saddened to hear that legendary car designer Bruno Sacco passed away last month at the age of 90. Born in Italy in 1933, Sacco enrolled at Turin’s Polytechnic University in 1952. A few years later he joined Ghia in Turin, gaining experience in model production. However, it was his next move that defined his career and began a long-running legacy. In 1958, Mercedes-Benz hired him as a secondary stylist before he ultimately progressed to become Head of Stylistics in 1975, succeeding Friedrich Geiger. Sacco was responsible for penning numerous iconic models, playing a large role in the development of the W123 before designing iconic models such as the W126 S-Class, 190 (W201), W124 and R129 SL, forging a legacy for his distinctive, stylish designs that are still highly…

Before the mainstream adoption of turbocharging and fuel injection, what really set you apart from the motoring herd was having more than one carburettor under your bonnet. Any twin-carb offering was seen as sporty, high-performance and really rather exclusive. If your bootlid carried those magic ‘TC’ initials, even better! Whether that extra boost was provided by a pair of SUs, Webers or Strombergs – three of the most popular choices amongst car manufacturers of the time – having twice the number of carburettors than that of your average car was the stuff of dreams. It was a spec chosen for a wide variety of different models, from compact saloons through to executive expresses. So, join us as we pay tribute to eight of our favourite British classics that were transformed…

1997 - The C5 is launched as a coupe or convertible, powered by the 5.7-litre, 345bhp LS1 V8 engine. 2001 - Chevrolet adds the Z06 to the range. The LS6 V8 has more power, alongside uprated suspension and brakes to handle the extra performance. Around 60kg is saved by measures including a titanium exhaust, less sound-deadening and thinner glass. 2002/03 - The Z06 benefits from engine mods that liberate an extra 20bhp, meaning a 0-60mph time below four seconds. The 50th anniversary model of 2003 features special paint, trim and lots of standard kit. 2004 - After almost 250,000 units are produced, the C5 is replaced by the C6 with its heavily-revised bodywork and mechanicals.…

Think of a late 1990s supercar, and the Honda NSX or something from Italy might come to mind, but it’s easy to forget that Norfolk produced a mid-engined exotic to rival the best, and this Esprit V8 offered by Allon White looks an excellent example. Striking in Norfolk Mustard Yellow, this S4 Esprit appears in excellent cosmetic condition, with no visible dents, cracks in the fibreglass or paint blistering. It sports the later Final Edition rear lights that modernise the wedge profile, the high-rise rear spoiler which again, looks unmarked and suits the Esprit’s shape well, and the larger split-rim wheels that look totally free of kerbing or damage, as well as wearing four new tyres upon purchase. The ‘V8 Esprit’ private plate finishes it off nicely. Mechanically, this famously…

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK At least five teams are set to take to the roads for 24 hours straight in a variety of old (and one new) cars, as part of a unique charity fundraising effort. Vehicles taking part will include a Citroën C5, a Subaru Impreza and a Skoda Felicia, as well as a team from CCB in our Classics World Mercedes W124, all attempting to cover as many miles as possible while also completing various Taskmaster-like challenges. This test of endurance is the brainchild of Rich Kitchen of the UPnDOWN YouTube channel. Rich has previously hosted two 24-hour livestreams, answering viewer questions, interviewing guests and even running numerous unusual cars on his dyno over the course of the non-stop broadcast, all while encouraging viewers to…

The winner of the Jaguar Drivers’ Club Champion of Champions for 2024 has been crowned, with the prestigious award going to Richard Arnold, the proud owner of a 2010 Jaguar XKR 75 that was once part of the James Hull collection. Reckoned to be the world’s most prestigious Jaguar concours competition, the Champion of Champions has been taking place for 47 years. Of the 19 cars entered at the Club’s National Day back in July, five were chosen to compete for the top honour, with the result announced at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust’s Jaguars at Gaydon event at the British Motor Museum on September 22. Richard’s car will also be displayed at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham from November 8-10. The other finalists comprised…

We must confess, it was rather unusual hearing this rather humble Subaru Justy being referred to as a ‘Scooby’ when we typically associate that colloquialism with noisy rally-bred Imprezas. But having delivered this diminutive hatchback to the Rustival show at Gaydon shortly after we’d finished our test drive, we’re certain that it received far more attention than any example of its more illustrious stablemate would have done. In short, it was mobbed – and we weren’t surprised. The UK first received the Justy in 1987 – a new player in a market for tiny 4x4 cars that only really contained the Fiat Panda as an obvious rival. More comfortable and faster than the Fiat, it was facelifted in 1989 into the guise so beautifully exemplified here by Stone Cold Classics’…

Running an American classic in the UK might be viewed as a niche experience by some enthusiasts, but that hasn’t stopped many taking the plunge. The desire to own something different is one reason, but US cars can also provide all the style and distinctive driving experience you could ask for. When it comes to the legendary Corvette, there’s an abundance of both qualities – so much so that it could be considered alongside the likes of the Porsche 911 and Jaguar XK8 by the fifth-generation model. ‘Corvette’ is a name that dates back more than 70 years, but of the eight generations produced so far we’re concentrating on the fifth: the C5. Launched in 1997 – it would have been earlier but for troubles within GM – buyers would…

When Triumph shoehorned the 2.0-litre Vitesse straight-six into a coupe variant of the Spitfire, it never could’ve imagined the gem that resulted. Coined ‘GT6’ the 1972 Mk3 example at Sherwood Restorations looks among the finest we’ve seen. Originally sold by Sherwood in 2018, this Sapphire Blue car has seen its whole Michelotti-designed body benefit from a bare-metal respray in recent years, and the quality of the work speaks for itself. The shutlines are about as good as you’ll get on one of these cars, the panels are straight, the paint has a lovely deep lustre to it and there is absolutely zero evidence of panel or paint damage, nor any corrosion. It sits on painted wire wheels, which arguably suit this darker paint hue better than traditional chrome items, while…

Despite appearing like nothing more than frivolous weekend cars, Morgans are remarkably useable on a regular basis, particularly in the case of the Plus 4 Four-Seater sold by Allon White. Resplendent in Corsa Red, this 1989 car shows minimal signs of use, with some light gravel rash on the offside-rear arch the only obvious imperfection. Elsewhere, we spied no dents, paint cracks or rust, while the aluminium bumpers are straight and unmarked, as is the luggage rack and the rest of the brightwork. This Morgan has benefitted from previous light restoration that included new valances and a new hood and frame, so both are unmarked and should you wish to partake in the (often unpopular) pastime of putting your Morgan’s roof up, this one will keep you and three passengers…

SPECIAL K We celebrate 35 years of Rover’s ubiquitous K-Series engine and the cars it powered, from the R8 200 to the MGF. CLASSIC CHOICE A trio of simple, traditional classics go head to head – will the Ford Anglia, Morris Minor or Triumph Herald come out ahead? SUPER NOVA The Vauxhall Nova is a fun and relatively affordable classic supermini, but survivors are getting rare. We share our advice on finding a great one. DOWNLOAD THE DIGITAL ISSUE OF CLASSIC CAR BUYER FROM AS LITTLE AS £1.37! Visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/classic-car-buyer-magazine The printed version of Classic Car Buyer is available in ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons and WH Smiths, plus all good newsagents…

DVLA has announced a new service update that allows motorists to tax their vehicle even if they have lost their V5C (log book) and their vehicle tax reminder letter (V11). Previously, customers who had lost these documents would have had to wait up to five days for a replacement V5C to arrive, or phone DVLA’s Contact Centre to tax their vehicle. This latest update will allow customers to apply online for a new V5C and tax their vehicle at the same time. This is the first time that DVLA has linked their online registration service with their online licensing service, allowing the customer to self-serve through the two digital channels in one seamless customer journey. Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our…

Following this year’s cancellation due to flooding, Reis Race Retro will return to Warwickshire’s Stoneleigh Park from February 21-23, 2025, with not only its 20th event but also its biggest show since the pandemic. Just about every type of motor racing is set to be represented, with display cars spanning rallying, hillclimb, touring cars, single-seaters, GT racing and more. The show will also see the return of a dedicated and enlarged indoor autojumble as well as hosting Iconic Auctioneers’ two-day classic and competition car sale. Outside, the Live Rally Stage will have more cars than ever before, with an expanded vehicle service area, as well as the popular passenger rides. In addition, there will also be book signings, licence medical testing, rally driver and navigator training and the HERO-ERA Retro…

Fans of retro aftermarket wheels will be saddened to learn that, hot on the heels of BBS’s insolvency, wheel brands TSW, Rotiform and American Racing are caught up in the bankruptcy of US company Hoonigan, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under the pressure of a $1.8bn debt in mid September. Established as a lifestyle brand by famed stunt driver, the late Ken Block, Hoonigan was merged into aftermarket wheel distributor Wheel Pros in 2021, the organisation taking on the Hoonigan name in 2023. The company’s portfolio included many aftermarket wheel brands, but the two with which most of us in the UK will be familiar are TSW and Rotiform. TSW began life as Tiger Sports Wheels in South Africa before expanding internationally and the European aftermarket wheel business subsequently…

MERCEDES W124 (1984-1996) Logically replacing the Mercedes W123, the W124 was one better in more than name. The traditional styling cues remained, but Bruno Sacco worked his magic to modernise them, smoothing the edges, leaning the grille and headlights backwards and integrating the bumpers into the body. Still sporting the wraparound indicators and ribbed rear lights, the W124 looked every bit the Mercedes, but was subtly more modern and sleeker than its predecessor, its improved drag coefficient contributing to better fuel economy, performance and high-speed refinement. The same went for the interior, where the basic layout was unchanged, but more bolstered seats, a curvier fascia and sharper instrument binnacle – together with neatly-integrated airbags where specified – brought the familiar Benz cabin into the modern day. The feeling of solidity…

Quotation supplied by Lancaster Insurance Web: lancasterinsurance.co.uk | Tel: 01480 400761 Example quote: £309 or £327 with Agreed Value. Quote based on a 45-year-old marketing manager, access to another car, no claims or convictions, club member, 3000 miles per year, no modifications, living in SP2 0HL. Disclaimer: Subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.…

CAN’T BEAT IT Reader Alan Richards got in touch following our drive of the diminutive Honda Beat last issue; “I was delighted to see such a left-field little car given attention. I fondly remember my MG Midget for being huge fun at legal speeds thanks to the total lack of excess bulk. Regularly driving a Midget on today’s roads obviously isn’t always viable, but the Beat appears to have much of the same spirit, and having searched for clips online, I’m in love with that noise! I think I need one…” Good man, Alan! MIGHTY MERC The recent reveal of our new Mercedes W124 project on our Classics World YouTube channel was met with overwhelming response from commentors. @andrewcrowther1973 said: “Absolutely glorious! I currently have a new Mercedes A200, but…

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