Classic Cars

Classic Cars is the original classic car magazine. It defined the world of classic motoring 40 years ago and still does it today. Every issue is put together by our team of classic car experts and enthusiasts. Using the best expert writing and photography, the magazine helps you experience what it's like to drive, keep and restore the classic cars of days gone by. We bring the stories and people behind the cars to life - showing you how to buy, keep and enjoy your cars. Every issue of Classic Cars is packed with: - Road tests - Drive stories - Expert buying advice - News and events coverage Classic Cars is the original classic car magazine.

Welcome • BMWs have driven a long journey from obtuse choice for those in the know to objects of mass aspiration, but there’s still great value if you know where to look

‘I think I’d sum it up by saying one word: respect’ • With formative memories of the post-war period, David Blunt has always had a soft spot for the Willys ‘Jeep’/ Ford GPW. Over 70 years since his first sight of one as a boy, will a hand-to-hand encounter with this wartime relic prove liberating, or require Blitz-spirit endurance?

Aston DB6 prices under pressure • Awave of DB6s washing up in the UK is noticeably driving down prices

Cold comfort • ACA shifts 172 cars at first sale of 2024

Golden glamour

A snake that won’t bite • Highly original and well documented Cobra 289 to be offered by RM

Florida’s $225m monster sale • Mecum Kissimmee sale now world’s largest car auction

Movie effect? Big £ Ferraris coming to market

IN THE TRADE

Sun rises on the NEC’s motor sport bonanza

Rare cars wow at frozen Bicester

February-April highlights

Mistral discovery a bargain?

Next Month

Classic Cars

Seventies time machine

QUENTIN WILLSON • I’ve found myself captivated by the near-untouched originality of the first Cobra 289 – for once I’m willing its lucky next owner to preserve rather than drive it

ALEX RILEY • Purists look away! Of course, it’s easy to throw stones at Twenties/Thirties-inspired replicars, but look at them differently and an appeal begins to emerge

TOP 6 BMWS TO BUY NOW • Think you’ve missed the buy-now BMW boat? Think again. Our selection proves there are still some Munich-made thrill-seekers that haven’t been hyped beyond feasibility for enthusiasts

‘WE HAD NO CONTRACTS – WE AGREED, WE DID IT, WE PROSPERED’ • Whether fronting flagship showrooms or topping BTCC championship tables, Frank Sytner’s name became forever linked with Bavarian machinery. Here he looks back on his legacy

An Offord YOU CAN’T REFUSE • Is this unique Alvis Speed 25 the finest-looking British car of the Thirties? It has a strong claim to that title, and after years of careful refinement, it’s one of the best to drive, too

Ford Escort Mexico • Born a rally car, this fast Ford lost its unique identity before springing a nice surprise on its current owner

‘It had a cocktail of poor crash repairs and corrosion’ • After discovering his newly acquired 1969 Maserati Ghibli harboured a concoction of hidden horrors, Australian Richard Freemantle project-managed a crack team of craftsmen to return it to its original Giallo glory

THE GODFATHER • When Fuji Heavy Industries showcased all its automotive technology in the Subaru XT, it unknowingly created the Japanese ‘evo’ car as we know it. We drive the UK’s only remaining roadworthy manual example

Six steps to buying a Daimler 2.5 V8/250 • Abargain compared to its self-consciously iconic Jaguar Mk2 sibling, this compact, lively, luxurious Daimler makes a great buy. If you arm yourself with the right knowledge

Race for Glory: Audi vs Lancia

Sunbeam surprise

M3 stops...