Innholdsfortegnelse for 1/15/2025 i Classic Car Buyer

Despite most of the classic car community being wholly accepting of all makes and models, there are still marque purists who deride certain eras and models – a comment on a recent video on our Classics World YouTube channel suggested that the Mercedes W123, a car that many cite as the marque’s peak, was “the beginning of the end for Mercedes, no V8 engine means it doesn’t deserve the badge.” Now, I’d say this particular commentor is in the minority with that opinion, but sadly this level of extreme gate-keeping isn’t unique to Mercedes – many MG enthusiasts disregard the badge-engineered 1980s efforts (to say nothing of the modern EVs…), I know of Ford fans who won’t touch anything that’s not rear-wheel drive and Rolls and Bentley lovers often refuse…

Ford Crossflow pistons Burton now has a full range of affordable cast pistons to fit the Ford Kent Crossflow (771M) engine that was introduced in August 1970, as well as the Fiesta 771M transverse engines. Standard-bore Nural or Hepolite versions are available, as well as Hepolite in overbore sizes from +00.20-inch to +00.90-inch. How much? From £52.50 each. Where from? burtonpower.com / 0208 554 2281 Mini inertia rear seat belts Classic Mini rear seat passengers can enjoy the comfort and convenience of inertia reel seat belts thanks to Mini Spares’ new offerings for 1996-on MPi models. Available in black, beige, blue or red, they can also be fitted to earlier cars if the MPi seat belt mounting points are fitted (available separately).  How much? From £65.19 each  Where from? Minispares.com…

The Classic Collective, based at Bicester, has announced plans to further expand its offerings to both classic car enthusiasts and to the companies that support the classic vehicle sector. “The Classic Collective was, from its inception, about so much more than just being a traditional classic car workshop,” said co-director Dominic Taylor-Lane. “We have seen seismic events in both the classic vehicle hobby and the industry that supports it, no more so than 2024/25. Following on from the establishment of our new site last year we are looking to further develop and grow our technical retail sales hub at Bicester.” The business is looking to collaborate with new partners, in particular with UK parts & products manufactures and suppliers to provide what it considers to be a unique offering. “We…

1981 - The first production DeLorean rolls off the production at the Dunmurry factory. It’s the beginning of a short but eventful story. 1982 - It’s a big year for the firm, but not a good one. It goes into receivership in February, is bankrupt in October and the last cars are produced in December. 1985 - The DeLorean legend gets a shot in the arm with the release of Back to The Future, where the ill-fated DMC-12 stars as Doc Brown’s home-made time machine, complete with ‘Flux Capacitor’.…

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SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK New data has revealed that almost every area of the classic car market experienced ‘price corrections’ in 2024. But it’s far from doom and gloom; market experts and representatives from the UK’s leading auction houses have shared their tips on cars they expect to buck the trend, plus alluring bargains set to emerge. Hagerty’s market data shows that nearly half (46 per cent) of all the models covered in its UK Price Guide have dropped in value since December 2023, and 46.3 per cent remained static. However, as in many cases, prices were moving back to sustainable levels after the 2021–2023 post-Covid boom. Hagerty reckons the market remains generally healthy, with value drops not too dramatic overall, and events, restoration and sales companies…

ROVER P6 (1963-1977) Although its bigger luxury cars sold well and were critically acclaimed, Rover recognised an emerging market in the early-1960s. Namely, sub-30-year-old, middle class professionals who wanted a saloon a cut above the popular 1.5-litre saloon ranges, but either didn’t want or could not yet afford the bigger 3.0-litre ones like the Austin Westminster or Rover’s own P5. The P6 of 1963 was the car to occupy this middle ground by offering the refinement of the bigger saloons in a smaller, cheaper package, and was instrumental in helping to launch the compact executive class. A big step into unknown territories, the P6 was a culmination of Rover’s technical and engineering abilities. David Bache’s sharp styling made a strong first impression, with subtle tailfins, an inset grille and a…

The story of the DMC DeLorean involves plenty of intrigue, from the factory in Belfast to the founder’s arrest on drug charges – not to mention the involvement of Lotus and the large amounts of government money. Giugiaro’s design was truly unique on account of the gullwing doors and brushed steel bodywork, and even though only around 9000 were made in a run that lasted little more than a year, this striking two-seater still has many fans. Sometimes referred to by its internal DMC pre-production designation, DMC-12, you’ll know all about the model’s antics on the silver screen. That aside, it’s the DeLorean’s looks that merited all the attention; as a sports car, it wasn’t entirely the real-deal. The PRV V6 engine wasn’t really powerful enough, and when you consider…

The Lotus Elise is critically acclaimed as one of the finest sports cars ever made, so why not revisit one of the Norfolk firm’s high points with a very tasteful – and very rare – limited edition? Allon White’s Elise GL53 Edition is one of 12 produced by dealer, Gordon Lamb. The spec is superb, boasting Persian Metallic Blue paint in combination with gold 111S wheels (replaced on this car by sharp gunmetal grey Team Dynamics items), the rortier Stage 2 exhaust, bigger AP Racing brakes, four-point harnesses and ‘GL53’ embroidery on the seats. This may be a 21-year-old Lotus, but it still looks sharp – the fibreglass bodywork appears immaculate, with no dings or marks in that lovely paintwork, nor any cracking or crazing that would suggest panel damage.…

The traditional formula of taking humble hatchback underpinnings and creating an affordable sports car is sadly nearing extinction, but perhaps one of the best examples of the breed was Honda’s CRX. Car Cave’s 1988 1.6i-16 looks a great way to sample this revvy coupe – with just two previous owners to its name, this notoriously rot-prone car appears very solid. It’s had new sills recently, but Car Cave advises that no other welding is needed. There’s a small dent on the driver’s side wing and a minor ding on the rear wheel arch, but the bodywork is very tidy overall and presents well in metallic silver. The ‘CRX’ decal on the back is tatty and we noticed a lack of bonnet badge, but both are easily replaced and would complete…

SUNNY SIDE UP Reader Billy Battams-Scott was looking carefully at the Classic Scenes in our December 18 issue: “I see a Nissan Sunny hidden by the green bush. The Ford is definitely an Orion rather than an Escort – you can tell by the grille.” Good eye, Billy! MEMORY LANE The Hillman Imp was almost a decade old at the time of this Chrysler UK brochure, which was keen to highlight the roominess of the car to prospective buyers. “Small outside, spacious inside and made for effortless motoring,” it read. “Two doors wind-down windows, opening rear windows and fold-down rear seat make for estate car versatility in one of the prettiest, most eye-catching saloons on the road. If you think that sounds appealing, try driving it…a perfect driving position, the…

Rustival, the all-encompassing, family-friendly show created by YouTubers Ian and Carly from HubNut, Matt from Furious Driving and Steph from idriveaclassic, enjoyed a stellar debut year in 2024. As well as two hugely successful outings, it was among the nominees for the Royal Automobile Club’s coveted annual Historic Awards. And now, a return has been confirmed for 2025. Rather than have spring and summer dates as last year, the organisers have opted for one summer date for 2025, citing family, life and work commitments as factors in prioritising “quality over quantity.” The date chosen for Rustival 3 is Saturday, August 30. Once again it will be held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, with tickets set to be released soon.…

Haynes Motor Museum is offering visitors a new opportunity to step closer to the classics included in its collection. Until February 14, the Somerset attraction is presenting its ‘Bonnets Up!’ experience, a chance to literally open the bonnets, bootlids and doors of a rotating selection of iconic cars. With volunteers on hand to share insights and stories, this opportunity provides a fresh perspective on the engineering and artistry behind some of the world’s most famous and unique vehicles. Each week features a new ‘star car’, ensuring every visit offers something fresh and exciting. Among the collection is the legendary DeLorean, famously known for its role in Back to the Future, while other highlights included one of the only two Rover SD1 Estate prototypes ever produced, plus a 1958 Facel Vega,…

For all manner of reasons, there are some cars that just don’t hit the high notes right away. They might be too expensive, too slow or just not as good as their predecessors, leading to struggles in the showroom, or perhaps a lack of desirability on the used market. Here, we’ve gathered 10 very different cars that have endured a period of struggle. And yet, all of them had a turnaround in fortunes, some while still in production, others after a reappraisal by the market. In short, they’re all now desirable classic buys, showing that when it comes to old cars, you can never say never. MINI 1275GT (1969-1980) Replacing the iconic Cooper S was always going to be a difficult task for the Mini 1275GT when it arrived in…

Few things evoke memories as strongly as smell, whether it’s a whiff of Greggs recalling the school canteen or a fusty antiques shop taking you back to your Gran’s front room, and it’s particularly true in the case of this Civic. As soon as you open the door, your nose sends you back to the Britpop years, to a country optimistically welcoming Blair to power after his landslide victory and above all, the unique aroma of a ’90s Honda showroom. With just 33,000 miles under it, perhaps it’s no surprise that this Civic looks, feels and yes, smells like new, but it does seem to have been unusually well preserved. The ‘EJ’ Civics of this era are also a favourite of the modifying brigade, which makes this one a rarity,…

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DRINKING PROBLEM We celebrate our favourite fuel-hungry classics that are more about smiles than miles per gallon, from Jaguar V12s to Bentley Turbo R, via Range Rover. CLASSIC CHOICE The 5 Series is one of BMW’s most iconic models, but which generation is best? We pit the E28 against the E34 and E39 to find out. BUBBLE TEA The R3-generation ‘bubble’ Rover 200 and subsequent 25 offer terrific value as modern classics. We share our tips on finding a good 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…