Innholdsfortegnelse for 6/11/2025 i Classic Car Buyer

As a biker – yes, I know this is a car newspaper, bear with me – one of the most charming elements of getting out on two wheels on a sunny weekend is ‘the nod’, you might’ve noticed it; bikers give each other, no matter the steed they’re riding, from Vespa, to Yamaha R1, a tip of the head when they pass, a biker secret handshake if you will. This knowing solidarity very much extends to the classic car community, regardless of age or what specific car you drive We’re the sort who consider Sunday mornings best spent thumbing through an ancient Haynes manual while the smell of petrol and optimism wafts from the garage. We can spot a dodgy paint job full of filler from twenty paces, and we…

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER AT WWW.CLASSICSWORLD.CO.UK The team behind respected due diligence databases for art, antiques and watches has announced the launch of the Classic Car Register (CCR), which has been created to support the market in providing authenticity and provenance verification for the classic car sector. Research by the CCR reveals that the global classic car market is currently estimated to be worth $39.7 billion, a figure that is projected to double to $77.8 billion by 2032. However, it notes that the sector remains vulnerable to theft, fraud, restoration ambiguity and lost historical records – risks that the CCR will seek to reduce significantly. For the past four decades, The Art Loss Register and The Watch Register have made demonstrable strides in reducing theft, fraud and collector risk…

Retro Zetec cam cover This classic BDA-style black and silver cam cover from Burton Power is perfect for giving the Zetec E engine a retro look, and would really suit an older Ford with an engine transplant. It’s supplied with bolts, gasket and a fitted breather tube with baffle plate.  How much? £471.50 Where from? burtonpower.com / 0208 554 2281 Lucas Works-type spot lamp Lucas 5.75-inch spot lamps were used by nearly every works competition department on race and rally cars, with this quality reproduction as close as you will get to an original. It mounts via a single hollow bolt on the rear, through which the wires pass, and is adjustable to allow the lamp to be positioned correctly. How much? £135.00 each Where from? minispares.com / 01707 607700…

JAGUAR XJ-SC/CONVERTIBLE (1983-1996) The Jaguar XJ-S had a difficult start, following the much-adored E-Type. Its divisive styling, questionable reliability, and significant thirst did it no favours. The American market desperately wanted a convertible to replace the E-Type (XKE Roadster in US-guise), but Jaguar’s focus and funding were tied up in developing the XJ40. However, that car introduced the all-new AJ6 engine – Jaguar needed a low-volume testbed to ensure its reliability without harming the XJ40’s launch. The solution was the XJ-SC – a convertible XJ-S serving as a trial platform for the AJ6. Rather than a full convertible, it featured removable T-top panels, retained the windscreen pillars and rear side windows, and sported a Triumph Stag-style rollover bar. This design preserved structural rigidity while saving on reengineering costs. While the…

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.…

SIMCA SPOTTED? Reader Donald Yonge got in touch with some spots in the Classic Scene in our May 21 issue. “On the far right behind a white Peugeot 404, there’s a Panhard, a PL17 maybe? On the far left, a dark-coloured Simca, I think.” Impressive spotting skills, Donald! We agree on the Panhard, and the dark-coloured saloon looks to be a very rare Simca Aronde P60. MEMORY LANE Volkswagen’s Scirocco coupe was six years old by the time of this 1980 brochure, but its Giugiaro styling was still elegant and eye-catching. The 85bhp 1.6 GLS was the cheaper of the two options in Britain, but still enthusiastically-touted: “The tough bumpers blend beautifully into the tapered bodywork. The wrapround front indicators have been drawn elegantly around the sides. The central door…

The automotive world loves a hierarchy. For generations, a few letters on the back, a bit more power, and extra equipment have marked you out as one of the haves or have-nots. Rewind back to the Ford Cortina Mk2 range of the late 1960s, for instance, and a 1600E had a whole lot more car park kudos than a mere base model. Unless they are so complex as to make them an absolute nightmare, these hierarchies have tended to remain when a car enters the classic realm. But every so often, there’s an exception where a model that might not have been the most powerful, expensive, or luxurious has risen to the top of the desirability charts. We’re talking about limited runs, extreme rarities, homologation specials, and pioneers, or perhaps…

1957 - Nuova 500 – or 500N – launches in Italy. Initially one specification with 15bhp, later joined by the 500N ‘Economic’ with detuned 13bhp engine and reduced spec. 1958 - 500 Sport offered with shorter partial sunroof and 21.5bhp engine. 1960 - 500D replaces entire range, using 500 ‘Sport’ shell; Giardiniera estate model launched.  1963 - Abarth 595 debuts with 27bhp. 1964 - Abarth launches 32bhp 595SS, 30bhp 695 and 38bhp 695SS, the latter with wide wheelarches and disc brakes.  1965 - 500F replaces 500D saloon, with front-hinged doors and 18bhp engine; Giardiniera retains 500D rear-hinged doors. 1968 - 500L (for ‘Lusso’) is added to the range, featuring new interior and 850-like dashboard; Giardiniera model outsourced to Fiat subsidiary, Autobianchi.  1972 - 126 launches as replacement for 500L; 500R…

It’s easy to forget that VW once offered handsome, cool coupes which, thanks to their humble saloon and hatchback underpinnings, blended style with substance. The Corrado was one such example, and Stone Cold Classics’ 1991 G60 is said to be one of, if not the best on the market. It’s a two-owner example of the supercharged coupe, presented in outstanding condition with a remarkable service history. Originally purchased new from Helston Garage VW Audi in Cornwall, the car remained in the first keeper’s ownership until 2023. The service record is extensive, featuring 33 stamps across two service books, with only a few minor gaps due to the owner’s limited use in later years. Major recent works include a supercharger rebuild by VW specialist JMR in 2020, a cambelt and tensioner…

It’s well understood among enthusiasts that the Lotus Elan provides one of the purest driving experiences out there. So, when I was given the task of testing this fastidiously restored French Blue Elan S4 Drophead at Kim Cairns Cars, I leapt at the opportunity. This 1969 car has had just one owner from new and has covered only 27,000 miles in the last 56 years. This fact, combined with the full restoration, means that it presents as beautifully as you would expect. Taking a walk around the outside, the paint is perfect – there isn’t a scratch, flake or even a swirl mark to be found. The chrome window frames are without scratches or dents and are polished to perfection. The same goes for the knock-on wheels; they’re painted black…

The late 1950s saw the rise of small, four-seater cars, showcasing how compact designs could maximise space. Introduced in 1959, the Mini led the way with its clever engine and gearbox configuration. However, two years earlier, Fiat made its mark with the 500 Nuova, a compact two-door saloon featuring a 479cc two-cylinder air-cooled engine mounted at the rear. This left room for luggage and four passengers, paving the way for later superminis. Between 1957 and 1975, the Fiat 500 evolved, with larger engines and an estate version, the Giardiniera. Stylish, simple, affordable and charming, over three million 500s were produced, not just in Italy, but also in New Zealand, Germany, and Austria (where a Porsche-designed 493cc engine was used). Today, it’s perhaps the most stylish classic you can buy at…

Though the new Land Rover Defender is very impressive, even more so in recently-launched V8 form, many will argue you can’t beat the original Defender, especially with Rover V8 power. Turn Two Classics’ 1990 110 blends those rugged looks and abilities with a lovely soundtrack and surprising performance. Originally fitted with a 3.9-litre V8 engine, this car has been professionally re-engineered to provide not only increased power but also compatibility with modern E10 unleaded fuel. First supplied to the British military in 1990, the car eventually entered civilian life and was registered with the DVLA in 1999. In the hands of an enthusiastic owner, the car was transformed with the assistance of Land Rover specialists who undertook extensive modifications to improve its power delivery, handling, and overall driving experience. The…

While BMW’s modern offerings continue to provoke controversy for their increasingly radical design, the E46 3 Series has matured nicely into a handsome modern classic, and Stone Cold Classics’ 323Ci looks a great way to sample one. An early pre-facelift car, it was first registered in June 1999 by Barons BMW of Hindhead. Finished in Titan Silver with a rare Tanin red leather interior, it boasts a desirable five-speed manual gearbox and a tasteful specification. With only 59,000 miles from new and five previous owners – one of whom kept the car from 2002 to 2021 – it presents in exceptional condition throughout. The paintwork is free from dents or scratches, the alloys are unmarked, and the red leather interior shows no signs of wear on the bolsters or bases.…

SIXTIES SPORTSTERS The 1960s was boom-time for British sports cars, from Austin-Healey to MG and Morgan. We run down the best classic sporting Brits for all budgets. BOXING MATCH The most attainable Porsche is almost as quick as the 911 – and far cheaper. We share our Boxster buying advice. CLASSIC CHOICE Ford’s saloons have long made for fleet and family favourites, but does the Cortina, Sierra or Mondeo come out ahead today? 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…