Innholdsfortegnelse for 6/4/2025 i Classic Car Buyer

Hindsight would suggest that it’s not a great idea to pull your classic car apart for a major overhaul just a few weeks before a major trip to the Continent, but that’s what I’ve been doing in recent weeks with a classic Mini. And it’s been an eye-opener in more ways than one. Not only have I discovered several bits that looked OK but were actually knackered, I’ve also come to the realisation that, if I were a cat, I’d have used up most of my nine lives by now. Now that I’m older, theoretically wiser and have a family to think about, I’m keen to ensure nothing is left to chance. You can never completely eradicate failures of course – even our modern family car lunched its flywheel and…

The Goodwood Revival will once again boast an exceptional line-up for 2025 on September 12-14, with 13 races featuring top-tier talent from across the motorsport spectrum. British Touring Car Champions Gordon Shedden, Jake Hill, Matt Neal and Tom Ingram, who collectively hold 197 BTCC wins, will compete alongside World Touring Car Champions Andy Priaulx and Rob Huff. Further to this, 10 Le Mans veterans, with an astonishing 33 wins among them, are also set to appear. They include ‘Mr Le Mans’ Tom Kristensen (nine-time winner), Derek Bell and Emanuele Pirro (both five-time winners), three-time victors André Lotterer, Darren Turner, Dindo Capello, Marcel Fässler and Romain Dumas, plus champions David Brabham and Neel Jani. Representing American motorsport are IndyCar greats Scott Dixon (six-time champion) and Dario Franchitti (four-time champion), as well…

With the generous support of Scalextric, Mission Motorsport, The Armed Forces Motorsport Charity, have created a large-scale replica of the iconic Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. Using Scalextric digital technology the track offers head to head racing between 6 cars around the sweeping, technical track that offers the opportunity to recreate the epic battles seen during the famous Goodwood Revival events. Visitors will not only have a chance to pit their skill against each other, the driver with the fastest lap of the day will also win a Scalextric track of their own. Perfect for car enthusiasts of all ages, come on over to Tatton and have a go, where it will be just £5 for 5 minutes of racing, with all the money collected going to support Mission Motorsport in…

The 996 generation of Porsche 911 faced a near insurmountable challenge when it came to living up to and replacing the universally acclaimed 993. In doing so, it faced great scrutiny and controversy regarding its introduction of water cooling, strange styling and larger dimensions than the outgoing model. However, some 27 years since its introduction, opinions on the 996 are beginning to shift. In the age where subsequent 911s have continued to grow and increasingly rely on technology, turbos and other tricks to hide their heft, enthusiasts are beginning to look back on the 996 as a remnant of a simpler era of rear-engined motoring. Values are still just about attainable for those who dream of Porsche ownership, so the question arises: Should this 2003 Carrera 4S be the one…

The VW Golf is a global success, but which generation is best? The Mk1 is highly desirable but values are rapidly climbing, making the Mk2 a great alternative. Over six million Mk2s were produced in three- and five-door hatchback forms, alongside the Jetta saloon (mostly four-door, with rare two-door versions in Europe). While the Mk1-based Golf Cabriolet and Caddy Pick-up remained available, they weren’t significantly updated and are not included here. Rare Mk2 variants include the panel van, the all-wheel-drive Golf Country (7735 units), the homologation-special G60 Rallye with a 158bhp supercharged 1.8-litre engine, and the ultra-rare G60 Limited, a 210bhp, four-wheel drive, 71-off edition. Most Mk2s have petrol engines from 1.0-litre to 1.8-litre, with 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre options also available. A 1.6-litre diesel came in naturally aspirated and turbocharged…

For many, improving on the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to pick up the baton as the ‘best car in the world’ was an insurmountable task, yet Crewe arguably pulled it off with the Silver Spirit. Sporting a heavily revised Shadow platform, the Spirit evolved the successful formula to continue to offer world-class luxury, and the 1992 Spirit II offered by Hanwells of London looks the perfect way to sample such opulence. Finished in classy Royal Blue, the car makes a strong visual statement, with traditional whitewall tyres completing its classic appearance. Hanwells describe the overall condition as outstanding, and we’ve got no reason to doubt that based on the pictures – every panel is straight, free from marks or corrosion, boasts neat gaps and deep, lustrous paintwork. The chrome brightwork has…

There’s not much you can say about an MGB GT that we haven’t said before, but Pioneer Automobiles’ 1980 rubber bumper car looks a great value way to enjoy this iconic Brit this summer. Remarkably, it’s a one-owner example, and that single custodian has clearly cherished it. It’s in excellent condition inside and out, with very good bodywork, paint, and general exterior conditon. The panel gaps are spot-on, the paintwork has a lovely shine to it, the rubber bumpers are straight, unmarked and hang well, and everything suggests it’s been really well looked after over the years. One of the reasons this B is so rust-free and clean structurally is that it was Zeibarted from new, with a certificate to prove it. The period late-1970s touches continue with a Britax…

CULT CLASSICS We look at models that have acquired cult status, often commanding higher prices than the range-toppers, from the Peugeot 106 Rallye to the Golf Synchro. DOLCE VITA Perhaps the most stylish small car ever made, the charming ‘Nuova 500’ is also a popular classic, but not one without its pitfalls. We show you how to buy the best Bambino. CLASSIC CHOICE A trio of glamorous drop-tops do battle, but will the Jaguar XJ-S Convertible, Mercedes R107 SL or Porsche 944 Cabriolet come out on top? 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…

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK A classic British brand name looks set for a comeback later this year, with the news that Marcos Cars has a new CEO and is planning to launch a new F1-inspired supercar in November. The original Marcos firm was founded in 1959 in North Wales by race driver Jem Marsh and aeronautical engineer Frank Costin. It produced some much-loved models including the GT, Mini Marcos, Mantula and LM race cars, but struggled with financial issues and went bankrupt in 2000. Canadian entrepreneur Tony Stelliga then formed Marcos Engineering with Marsh, and revived production in 2002. Road cars were built in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, with the company employing several ex-TVR engineers. Sadly, it was short-lived, as in 2007 Marcos Engineering Ltd went into administration. In…

Peugeot has confirmed it will unveil a high-performance GTi version of its electric e-208 supermini on June 13, ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hour race. This marks the brand’s first all-electric performance car and the first GTi model since the previous-generation 308 ended production in 2021, thus continuing a lineage that began with the 205 and 505 in 1984, and included hits like the 106GTi and 306GTi-6. CEO Alain Favey, who confirmed the GTi’s return earlier this year, sees it as Peugeot reconnecting with its motorsport heritage, notably through its World Endurance Championship involvement with the 9X8 hypercar. “We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations,” said Favey, adding that the GTi badge revival was a priority upon becoming CEO in February. While…

The Classic and Performance Car Spectacular wouldn’t be complete without its fantastic lineup of attending clubs. With more than 90 taking part each year, this year’s event promises to be a standout celebration with a handful of club anniversaries and special display’s expected. From British sporting legends to transatlantic icons, these clubs represent the finest in classic and performance motoring. Their members bring not just their vehicles, but decades of knowledge, enthusiasm and stories to share. Whether you’re a long-time owner or just dipping a toe into the classic scene, this is where the real connections are made. STAR ATTRACTIONS The Mercedes-Benz Club, a regular at Tatton Park for over 30 years, continues to set the standard for elegant displays and warm hospitality. North West regional officer Alan Cross tells…

Quotation supplied by Lancaster Insurance Web: lancasterinsurance.co.uk | Tel: 01480 400761 Example quote: £109.97 or £127.97 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.…

As summer draws near, we’d love to welcome you to one of the North West’s most popular and enjoyable car events the Classic & Performance Car Spectacular at Tatton Park this June. Whether your goal this year is to finally finish that restoration project, get out to more shows, or simply enjoy your car more, Tatton Park is the perfect place to get inspired. With thousands of classic and performance cars on display, a huge range of trade stalls, parts, tools and automobilia, plus some of the best club displays around, there’s something for every enthusiast. This year promises another fantastic gathering of vehicles from a mix of returning and new private entrants and clubs. From pre-war elegance to high-powered modern classics, you’ll find cars to admire, stories to hear…

As always, the Classic & Performance Car Spectacular attracts some truly standout private entries from across the UK. From rare restorations to modern classics and bespoke builds, this year’s selection brings together character, heritage and no shortage of horsepower. Here are just a few highlights to look out for among the 2000-plus cars on show who will all be vying for daily prizes, culminating in the coveted Best in Show award: DATSUN 240Z A genuine icon of Japanese sports car design, this 240Z has undergone a full restoration and features a range of performance upgrades. It now runs triple Weber carburettors, a Fujitsubo exhaust and BC Racing coilovers, offering sharp response and improved handling while retaining its classic spirit. A beautifully prepared example of period-correct tuning. COBRA SUPER LITE This…

Lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion, aluminium has long been a prized material in automotive engineering. From pioneering supercars to innovative eco-cars, manufacturers have embraced its benefits to enhance performance, efficiency, and handling. But its use is not a recent thing. The intriguing fact, however, is that using aluminium in a motor car is almost as old as the car itself. Motorsport has long been one of the main reasons for the use of aluminium alloy, where its light weight and strength have been desirable, but we’ve also seen it used without regard for any specific technical benefit, simply that it was readily available when steel was expensive and in short supply. Join us, then, as we explore some of the most remarkable cars that pushed boundaries by integrating aluminium…

FORD CORTINA Mk1(1962-1966) Given the Blue Oval’s lofty position at the head of the sales charts in the decades that followed, it seems almost unfeasible that Ford entered the 1960s without a mid-sized family car. The Anglia, Popular and Prefect were all smaller options, while the Consul, Zephyr and Zodiac range were variations on an executive theme. Ford did launch the 109E Consul Classic in May 1961, but it was expensive to produce and its Transatlantic styling divided opinion. In the end, only around 111,000 were made before it was discontinued in 1963. Ford quickly had another go through, and this time it proved to be a huge milestone in the company’s history. Back in those days, Ford of Germany operated independently of the British outfit and was working on…

1983 - Mk2 Golf (Typ 19E) and its booted sibling, the Jetta, launched at Frankfurt Motor Show – slightly larger and more refined than the Mk1, with improved performance and economy.  1984 - Mk2 Golf launched in the UK, with GTI available immediately. 1986 - The 16-valve engine (KR code) joins the 8V GTI, boosting performance to 139bhp.  1987 - First facelift, removing quarter lights, repositioning mirrors, changing the grille from seven-slat to five-slat, and updating the fuel injection system to the Digifant system on 8V GTI models.  1988 - G60 launched, offering 160bhp from supercharged 1.8-litre engine – just 71 are built. 1989 - Typ 1G introduced with ‘big bumpers’, slimmer rub-strips, and remoulded arch trims. Mk2 was also produced for the US with a different front end.  1990…

Like so many classics, the Lancia Beta’s reputation for rusting continues to follow it, but the gorgeous 2000 Spider offered by Pioneer Automobiles proves there’s so much more to this stylish Italian. Originally registered in South Africa, this car was imported into the UK in 2021. Its origins may account for the exceptional state of preservation, particularly underneath, where Mark from Pioneer notes a remarkable lack of rust, a notable highlight for a Lancia of this vintage. The underside and subframes appear virtually as new, with the overall bodywork, paint, chrome and alloy wheels also described as excellent. Certainly, we couldn’t spot any obvious cosmetic flaws. Mechanically, this car is in fine fettle. It’s powered by a sweet-running 2.0-litre engine that has recently benefitted from a fresh cambelt, a must…