Innholdsfortegnelse for 3/5/2025 i Classic Car Buyer

The news that the doors are to be closed at the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum in Devon is undoubtedly sad for classic car enthusiasts. Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, it has become a popular, well-regarded attraction since opening in 2013, but now its collection of automobilia, bikes and cars is set to be auctioned. This isn’t a case of a lack of interest from the public – the museum proved so popular last year that its original closing date was postponed. Instead, owner Frank Loft is selling up so he can enjoy what he terms a “second retirement.” He had hoped that someone could be found to take over the reins, but with the world of business the way it is currently, that hunt has ultimately not come to fruition.…

India has relaxed its rules on importing classics into the country, opening up more options for enthusiasts beyond the limited domestic market. Previously, only cars manufactured before 1950 could be brought in, but on February 7 the rules were relaxed to allow cars that are 50 years or older to be imported without applying for a licence or individual permission. It works on a rolling bases too, meaning that in 2026, pre-1976 cars will qualify, and so on. However, there are stumbling blocks. While there no restriction on what type of cars can be imported, there’s a whopping 256 per cent duty on the cost, insurance and freight value of the car after it has landed in India. Reselling these vehicles within India is also strictly prohibited, at least at…

Japanese ‘grey’ imports were once all the rage, being brought to the UK in healthy numbers – especially in the 1990s and 2000s. At that time, performance cars and classics dominated, but while things have tilted more towards regular family cars in recent years, Japan is still one of the most popular destinations to find vehicles to bring to the UK. This is because of its reputation for high quality cars and unique models you can’t find anywhere else, but also because the vast majority are right-hand drive. Whether you’re looking for a fresh import or something that’s already made the long voyage to Britain, some of the cars available might surprise you. In addition to domestically produced models such as the ever-popular Eunos Roadster (Mazda MX-5) and Nissan Figaro,…

Think of the Sunbeam Alpine, and you’re probably picturing the little two-seater sports car that rivalled the MGB and was driven by James Bond in Dr No. But the Mk1 was an altogether grander, more glamorous cruiser – St Andrews Autos’ 1953 example is an absolute stunner and makes the model worthy of remembering. Like many examples of this Americana-esque drop-top, it was originally shipped to the United States, where it spent several decades in a dry State before making its way back to the UK in the 1980s. After its return, it was restored and used extensively for both local drives and longer European tours. The bodywork remains remarkably rust-free and straight throughout, suggesting a high-quality restoration previously. The chassis is equally impressive, with no signs of corrosion, especially…

The Mk2 Capri is perhaps the least-loved amongst the generations of Ford’s iconic coupe, but Car Cave’s lovely 1977 3.0 Ghia makes you wonder why. Resplendent in a lovely dark blue, the shell is in great condition, with the inner wing number still clearly visible. The paintwork is generally tidy, though the passenger side wing top has had a small touch-up that’s noticeable to the perfectionist. The wings, strut tops, inner wings, doors and sills are all solid and appear rust-free, while the bumpers, and trim are all straight, unmarked and present well. The vinyl roof is intact with no rips or tears and suits this Ghia’s brightwork and colour scheme. Overall, it’s a well-presented, sitting pretty on its original Ghia alloys and good tyres. Inside, it’s the standard…

Race Retro returned on February 21-23 with its biggest and best show since the pandemic. After the disappointment of last year’s cancellation, 23,229 attendees were present at the Stoneleigh Park over the event’s three days – an increase on 2023’s figures. Hall 3 became the Hall of Fame and hosted many intriguing displays, covering all motorsport disciplines including hillclimbing, Formula Ford, circuit racing and even NASCAR. The Legends of Formula One display featured eight F1 cars from various eras and included a 2019 Racing Point, believed to be the youngest F1 car in private ownership. At the heart of Hall 3 was the Talk Motorsport stage, which saw visitors enjoy lively interviews with the likes of F1 driver turned pundit Anthony Davidson. BTCC stars Jason Plato and Matt Neal shared…

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK The founder and curator of Moretonhampstead Motor Museum has taken the sad decision to close the doors after a new custodian could not be found for the popular Devon classic car attraction. Consequently, the museum’s collection of over 150 vehicles – thought to be worth over a million pounds – is set to be sold, with the vast majority to be auctioned by Charterhouse in May. Frank Loft originally set up the attraction – located in the small Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead – as a retirement project. With an expanding collection of classics housed in barns, Mr Loft purchased the town’s old bus depot – a 1930s building with a wonderful art deco frontage. Following extensive reshipment to the building, the museum first…

Back in its heyday, Rover was a master at blending British luxury with fantastic quality and forward-thinking engineering. While models like the P4, P5, and P6 are well known for this today, that ethos began before the war. In the early 1930s, brothers Maurice and Spencer Wilks joined Rover and aimed to have a profound impact on the company, launch an all-new model to not only stand out, but move the firm upmarket and push forward the concept of the private motor car. Launched in 1933, the unofficially titled ‘P1’ Rover 10 succeeded the outdated 10/25 and was completely fresh. It featured a special underslung chassis with tubular crossmembers, which went below the rear axle, rather than over-arching it as was customary at the time, serving to lower the centre…

An executive-class model that remains in production for the best part of two decades is something of a rarity. The Volvo 240 is in a league of its own, however, launched in 1974 and remaining on sale for the next 19 years. As newer, more advanced rivals came and went, the Volvo 240 plodded on with only minor updates throughout its career. A combination of toughness, safety and dependability saw it become a classic in its own lifetime. Based heavily on the already-successful 140 series, the new 244 saloon of 1974 (plus the 245 estate that arrived the following year) featured more powerful over-head-cam engines in place of the old pushrod units, as well as mild front and rear end restyling. Updates were little and often, with headlamps changing shape,…

YOUR TYPE? The Jaguar S-Type buying guide on our Classics World YouTube channel prompted some appreciation for the often-forgotten derivative of the Mk2. @earlfenwick said: “I swooned over one of these in my high school years. I knew then and now that it was one of the most beautiful cars ever made!” @jagvette, however, was torn: “I cannot deny the S-Type is a better handling car, but you will NEVER beat the kudos of a Mk2.” @daverobotham5079, meanwhile, felt inspired: “It’s an improved Mk2, no idea why they aren’t worth the same. Great video, makes me want to get my 1966 S-Type back on the road!” MEMORY LANE A big Vauxhall nowadays means a bulky SUV, but in 1978 it meant the (then Opel-badged) Senator executive saloon – and this…

Tim Moss CBE will become the new Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), taking up his role on March 31, the Department for Transport has announced. Moss brings a wealth of experience from his current position as Chief Operating Officer and Director General for Corporate Services and Inspectorates at the Welsh Government. He previously served as Chief Executive at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and has held several senior roles, including at Companies House. A resident of South Wales, Moss was awarded a CBE in 2016 for his services to the economy and the people of Swansea. As well as confirming the appointment of Moss, Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, thanked previous CEO, Julie Lennard, and interim CEO, Lynette Rose, for their contributions. Both…

We were saddened to hear that Bill Price, who was synonymous with the BMC Competitions Department, died on Sunday February 23. His career began as an apprentice at BMC Morris Commercial Cars, followed by National Service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). In 1960, he joined the BMC Competitions Department as deputy manager, working under Stuart Turner and Peter Browing during the heyday of the Mini in British motorsport. In 1974 Bill was appointed supervisor of the BL Special Tuning workshop at Abingdon, Manager at ST in 1976 and Comps Manager until 1981. Bill was also an accomplished author, with his book ‘The BMC/BL Competitions Department’ becoming a definitive reference source since it was first published in 1989. He also provided many insightful interviews on the Abingdon competition…

MORRIS MINOR (1948-1971) Created as Britain’s post-war car for the masses, the Morris Minor was the vision of then-junior engineer Alec Issigonis, who was determined to build an affordable vehicle for the people, one that “the average man would take pleasure in owning, rather than feeling of it as something he’d been sentenced to.” To maximize cabin space, the wheels were pushed as far towards the corners as possible, while small 14-inch wheels were chosen partly for the minimal interior intrusion from the wheel arches, and partly to allow fatter tyres for better ride comfort. Independent front suspension enabled the engine to be positioned further forward, further improving cabin space and refinement, while the forward-weighted layout also enhanced high-speed stability. There are endless accounts of the thoughtful engineering, but it…

1974 - Volvo 200-Series is launched as replacement for the Volvo 140-Series. UK range includes 244 DL, 244 GL, 245 E and 245 DL. V6-powered 260 models also introduced in 264 and 265 form. 1975 - Volvo 263 GL hatchback prototype produced, but doesn’t make production. 1977 - All-new B19A engine replaces long-standing B20A. 240 GLE flagship model introduced. Volvo 262C coupe introduced. 1978 - Facelift brings redesigned rear end for saloon models, along with square headlights. 1980 - Sporty Volvo 240 GLT arrives. 1981 - Facelift for estate models adds new grille and wraparound rear lights. 262C discontinued with just 6,622 examples made. 1984 - New manual gearbox introduced. 1985 - Eggenberger Motorsport wins the European Touring Car Championship with drivers Gianfranco Brancatelli and Thomas Lindström in the Volvo…

Although the rear-driven Escorts get all the attention for their rallying pedigree, it’s easy to forget how effective the Opel Manta was. Car Cave’s 1983 example isn’t a genuine Rothmans 400 – it started life as a 1.8 Manta Berlinetta in gold – but does a very passable impression in its full 400 body kit. The bonnet and front wings are fibre glass and in excellent condition, with no cracks, paint blistering, or ill-fitting panel gaps. Car Cave advises that the underside is rock solid, with no rust or damage. The paint could use a detail, but its slightly faded look suits the rally livery, which is complete but just stickers, so removable if not to your taste. Massive spotlights complete the rally look, though this car has seen little…

SOFTLY SOFTLY In an age where ride comfort is increasingly rare, we revisit the comfiest classics with the smoothest rides, from the floaty Silver Shadow to the delicate 2CV. HEAD AND HEART The later Series 3 and 4 examples of the classic Alfa Spider offer classic Italian charm with an added dose of everyday practicality. We share our tips on finding the best. CLASSIC CHOICE The hot hatchback genre grew up in the 1990s, but which of the Escort RS2000, Golf VR6 or Astra GSi makes the best choice, 30 years on? 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…