Innholdsfortegnelse for 2/26/2025 i Classic Car Buyer

At 26, many of you would argue that I’m not old by any means, but not only would I be eligible for classic insurance policies if I were a car, but even I’m continually amazed at how old some of our favourite cars now are. Take the X100 Jaguar XK8 – when writing the Sales Spotlight feature on page 48, I shocked myself when I realised that the V8 GT is 30 years old next year, while seemingly ‘modern classics’ like the Alfa Romeo 147, BMW Z8 and Morgan Aero 8 are all turning 25 this year – even I feel old realising that the cars I was excited by as a kid are now into classic territory… Of course, this isn’t an unusual occurrence amongst classic car enthusiasts, but…

Kelsey Media, publisher of Classic Car Buyer, has begun an exciting new era following the acquisition of the Mortons Media Group Limited and group of companies. The purchase is anticipated to complete by March 25, and includes the publishing and events divisions, with Mortons printing and distribution operations being retained by the former owners as Mortons Print and Mailing Limited. Based in Horncastle Lincolnshire, Mortons Media is a leading specialist publishing company with strength in a number of magazine and book publishing sectors, including motorcycles, modelling, rail and gardening and also benefits from a profitable and dynamic events division. The acquisition enhances Kelsey’s product portfolio, expanding its market presence, and creating significant new opportunities. Kelsey Media has already invested significantly in growth over the last five years and now publishes…

MAZDA MX-5 ‘NB’ (1998-2005) After making small sports cars cool again in 1989 by taking inspiration from classic British models like the Lotus Elan and combining it with Japanese reliability, the Mazda MX-5 dominated the market. Rivals like the Fiat Barchetta, BMW Z3, and MGF were still several years away, leaving Mazda with little real competition. So, how do you improve on such a successful formula without ruining its mass appeal? The answer was evolution, not revolution. The NB MX-5, following the first-generation NA, looked subtly different. Pop-up headlights were banned due to pedestrian safety regulations, so they were replaced by fixed units that improved aerodynamics — lowering the drag coefficient from 0.38 to 0.36. Double-skinned chassis legs were added for better crash protection, and safety improved inside too, with…

Launched 35 years ago, the BMW E28 5 Series initially seemed like a facelifted version of the E12, a well-regarded saloon produced since 1972 that ranged from the basic 518 to the high-performance 528i and M535i. The E28 retained the 518 as its entry model, powered by a 90bhp M10 four-cylinder engine, with an optional five-speed gearbox and power steering. The six-cylinder range offered five-speed manual transmissions and PAS as standard, featuring the 125bhp M20 520i, 150bhp M30 525i, and 184bhp M30 528i, which added alloy wheels and electric front windows. A three-speed ZF automatic was available for all six-cylinder models. By 1981, the E28 already appeared somewhat dated compared to emerging designs like the Ford Sierra, though its Mercedes W123 competitor was equally traditional. The E28 maintained a distinct…

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK A common misconception surrounding the revised Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates set to be introduced from the start of April looks to be hampering the appetite for modern classics. Posts on social media and sellers’ experiences reveal a widespread belief that it will cost as much as £760 per year to tax certain cars registered after March 2001, with many unaware that such prices won’t affect anything registered before March 23, 2006. That’s not to say owners of modern classics won’t be hit in the pocket. As with most years, VED rates will increase from April 1 in line with the Retail Price Index, meaning the cost of taxing an older diesel or petrol car that’s not classified as Historic will increase for…

The 2025 Hagerty Hill Climb is set to return for another year at Shelsley Walsh, one of the oldest motorsport venues in the world. The hill climb is one of the steepest, with over 100m in elevation over its 914m length, and its course has remained unchanged since 1905. Offering a ‘relaxed and controlled non-competitive environment’, the Hagerty Hill Climb offers visitors at least three runs up the hill for its £150 entry fee. All vehicles and experience levels are welcome, with drivers invited to drive as fast or slow as they wish. Spectator tickets are priced at £30 per car; non-driving visitors can enjoy viewing the action on the hillclimb as well as club and owner displays in the paddock. Food and drink options will also be available. Earlybird…

The year of 1955 brought us the first Guinness Book of Records and the arrival of Independent Television to break the BBC’s monopoly, but also some very notable car launches. It might have only been a decade since World War Two had ended, but car makers around the world had certainly been busy, and there was plenty to pique the interest of buyers. We’ve turned back the clock to bring you 10 big launches from 1955, some of which were evolution, but others were most definitely revolution, launching bold new eras for their respective manufacturers. Seven decades on, we think they’re all deserving of attention, so stand by for the class of ’55… TRIUMPH TR3 (1955-1962) With MG doing rather nicely with its T-Series models, especially across the Atlantic, Standard-Triumph…

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM As its name implies, the British Motor Museum in Gaydon houses the world’s most extensive collection of classic British automobiles. Originally opened in May 1993 as the Heritage Motor Centre, the museum has undergone multiple expansions over the years. Today, it boasts a collection of more than 400 vehicles covering a broad spectrum of automotive history, cars from MG Motor UK’s collection and vehicles from Ford of Britain’s Heritage Fleet joining in recent years. The whole setup is complemented by a vast archive, a picture library, and an education and learning facility. The museum has also become a prime destination for motoring events, clubs, and rallies, hosting a packed calendar of shows that includes access to both the Museum and the Collections Centre. Where: Gaydon, Warwickshire Open:…

1975 - Design work on the E28 5 Series begins.  1981 - E28 5 Series production begins in April. E12 5 Series tooling sent to South Africa, where production continues. 1982 - In late 1982 the 520i gains the new M20 engine from the E30 3 Series, with a revised cylinder-head and LE Jetronic injection. All M30 six-cylinders have a new Getrag 260 gearbox gradually phased in, except for the Sport ‘dogleg’ models that retain the old unit.  1983 - 525e ('eta') launched as an economy model with a 2.7-litre long-stroke version of the small six, offering high torque at low revs. It boasts the new four-speed auto ‘box (with similar units phased into other E28 cars in 1983) and a very tall final drive. 35 to 40mpg is possible…

In the 1980s, VW could seemingly do no wrong, between the class-leading Mk2 Golf, hugely versatile Passat and the cool yet practical Scirocco coupe. Kim Cairns’ Mk2 1.8 GT is surely one of the nicest original examples of the latter remaining, with just 19,000 miles and two previous keepers to its name, the second of which covered just 1200 miles in 19 years. To back this up, it comes with extensive service history and invoices, as well as its original book pack and invoice from the supplying dealer. Being the GT, it features the carb-fed 1.8-litre unit that, whilst not GTI-spec, offers amply brisk performance and usefully strong fuel economy. It sits in an engine bay free of corrosion, and there’s not an aftermarket induction kit to be seen. Reportedly,…

TO SUBSCRIBE: GO TO SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/CFD OR USE THIS QR CODE TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR WEBSITE TERMS & CONDITIONS: *UK DIRECT DEBIT OFFER ONLY. YOU WILL PAY £62.30 EVERY 12 MONTHS. SAVINGS ARE BASED ON THE YEARLY COVER PRICE (£5.99 PER ISSUE) PLUS POSTAGE. OFFER ENDS 31ST DECEMBER 2025. YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WILL START WITH THE NEXT AVAILABLE ISSUE, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE 13 ISSUES IN A YEAR. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/TERMS. DATA PROTECTION: WE TAKE GREAT CARE IN HANDLING YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS AND THESE WILL ONLY EVER BE USED AS SET OUT IN OUR PRIVACY POLICY WHICH CAN BE VIEWED AT SHOP.KELSEY.CO/UK/PRIVACY-POLICY. YOU MAY UNSUBSCRIBE AT ANY TIME…

HIGHLY R8-TED Reader John Simms fondly remembers his Rover R8 after the Classic Choice in our February 12 issue: “I’d had a Mk4 Escort and a Mk2 Astra Belmont as company cars previously, but my 214Si was like jumping forward a decade – faster, comfier, roomier and fun to drive! I’ve no experience with the later Escort and Astra you compared it to, but they’d have to go some to be better than my old Rover!” You’re not alone, John – Dep Ed Joe is a massive fan of the Rover R8 too. MEMORY LANE The DAF 33 was easily the most successful car from the Dutch firm, and this 1973 brochue touts the automatic model: “Take a good look at this DAF 33 – it’s the only BIG small…

Tickets are now available for the John Haynes Classic Motor Show, set for Sunday September 7 at the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset. This inaugural event celebrates 40 years since John Haynes OBE founded the museum in 1985 and will showcase his passion for motor vehicles with displays, demonstrations, talks, and activities across five outdoor zones. At the heart of the show is the Haynes Manual Display, featuring vehicles highlighted in the world-famous workshop manuals. Among the featured exhibits will be a 1971 Ford Escort Mexico, the 1965 ‘Project 50’ Mustang, and the ‘Max Power spec’ 2001 Citroën Saxo, but the museum is also inviting owners of vehicles linked to the manuals to display alongside them. Other show highlights include the Car and Motorcycle Club Arena, engaging talks at the…

The temptation to put your own stamp on an already quick car can divide opinion like nobody’s business. To say that you know better than a multi-million-dollar firm is quite the conceit, but, in the case of Conwy Classics’ Cortina-Lotus, we’re glad the former owners took the plunge. Crunching the VIN reveals this to be a genuine car: built in January 1968, it came with Dragoon Red paint (CU) and black PVC upholstery (B980). At some point in its past, a previous owner added the gold roof and Alan Mann livery, but we don’t know when this took place, as there’s no confirmation in the history file. It was once part of the Car Transplants Motor Museum in Crewe, though. What we do know is that in 2011, Dave Brooks…

MG’s first post-war creation, the TC ‘Midget’ surprised a few at Abingdon by being a massive hit in the United States, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest it was responsible for starting the American craze for the British sports car. Nearly 2000 examples were exported across the pond, despite being right-hand drive, and this 1949 car offered by Halls Garage was one of them. Sold new in America before being repatriated in 2000, it presents extremely well despite a quarter of a century in Britain. The owner since 2013 has reportedly used it regularly in the summer, with restorative work performed over the winter months to bring it up to standard. According, the flowing black bodywork is in fantastic condition, with a lovely shine to the flawless paintwork…

While Jaguar’s new direction has proved controversial, the X100 XK8 has been almost universally praised since release, and Kim Cairns’ 2003 4.2 example is hard to fault. Resplendent in the rare hue of Zircon Blue, all of the XK8’s retro-inspired lines are nicely accentuated by this light shade and it looks every bit as classy and elegant as when new. That goes for the condition too, with straight panels, headlights free of the common fogging and a nose that’s seemingly escaped from stone chips. The rear arches and valance too have resisted the common rust bubbling, while the chrome-bezeled rear lights and numberplate plinth of the 2001-on facelift cars are present and correct, complemented by chrome tailpipes. The ‘XKJ’ private plate that’s included serves only to further make people question…

FAR EAST-ENDERS We chart the classics most commonly repatriated from Japan, from the more plentiful MG RV8 to air-con-equipped late Minis. CLASSIC CHOICE The humble but mighty Morris Minor spawned numerous cars using its mechanicals – how do the Riley 1.5 and Morris Marina compare? BOXING CLEVER The Volvo 240 was one of the Swedish firm’s most successful models, and today, it makes for a practical, well-built classic. We advise on how to buy 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…