Practical Classics -julkaisun September 2025 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

The Formula One Driver’s Championship is 75 years-old this year, so this issue we celebrate the anniversary in typical PC style with a great big classic road trip. With the renewed popularity of the sport thanks, in part, to a certain Netflix series and a Brad Pitt film, there’s no better time to get into F1, and we explore some of the UK’s rich heritage in five classics that have F1 credentials. As part of our trip we visited the excellent Silverstone museumwhereboss, RobJaina, gave us a tour of the incredible collection there. From Mansell’s Williams to Hamilton’s Ferrari engine the Museum is an absolute gem full of interactive displays and hidden gems. You can visit too if you take advantage of our exclusive special offer, believe me, it’s absolutely…

OSRAM LEDinspect™ TORCH 250 ESSENTIAL £8.59 osram.co.uk Small enough to fit in a top pocket, yet powerful enough to shine a light on most problems, this robust aluminium construction torch allows you to switch between a wide floodlight or a precise spotlight with a simple twist of the head. Three lighting modes – High, Low, and Flash – provide flexibility, while the IP44 rating ensures protection against dust and water splashes making it an ideal addition to your on-road tool kit. Powered by two AAA batteries, it delivers up to two hours of runtime on High and an extended six hours on Low.…

Marcos Motor Company Ltd, which owns the original assets of the Marcos brand, dating back to 1959, has announced new plans. These involve development programmes and other complementary projects that will see the first new Marcos cars for around 20 years. Project one is a faithful reimagining of a much-loved Marcos model, with a recognisable silhouette but a contemporary platform and drivetrain. Project two is an all-new vehicle with the potential for both road and track. A complete crash-tested and homologated rolling chassis has been engineered and built and is undergoing further evaluation. Marcos Motor Company will continue to provide its Marcos Heritage Spares genuine parts, servicing, maintenance and repairs offering to existing customers.…

An Isle of Wight car dealer, Van Mossel Esplanade in Cowes, is selling a Volvo P1800ES, with a donation of £2000 from the sale of the car going to the island’s Mountbatten Hospice. Finished in striking Sun Yellow, the car was once the private property of former Volvo Car UK Managing Director, Kristian Elvefors, and was a part of the manufacturer’s heritage fleet for several years. In recent years, it has been on display at the Van Mossel Esplanade Volvo showroom, where it has attracted considerable interest. Brendan Cole, Head of Business at Van Mossel Esplanade, said: ‘Having this car in the showroom has provided a real talking point with our customers. Its rarity and condition has already led many to ask if it’s for sale – and now we can happily…

Divine Design £40 ISBN 978-90-834758-5-1 Studying in style the history of the Citroën DS and ID to mark its 70th birthday, there are stunning photos from private collections and period marketing to fascinating facts on the design and lifespan of the Goddess. citrovisie.nl/en Peugeot 404 £15.99 ISBN 978-1-398121-41-6 A readable and comprehensive tome which details the design, development and history of this highly successful model that helped to enhance Peugeot’s reputation for building durable cars. amberley-books.com Ferrari: The Monopostos £15.99 ISBN 978-1-398123-81-6 This compelling history traces Ferrari’s F1 journey from 1948, showcasing early successes with cars such as the 166 MM and 4.5-litre models. It’s a compelling read for enthusiasts of racing heritage and automotive innovation. amberley-books.com…

The Silverstone Festival takes place on August 22-24, with 75 years of F1 being celebrated. A raft of displays and races will fill the three days, fittingly will be held at the same venue that the first ever F1 race was held. There will also be grids formighty Group C racers, sports cars, Formula Juniors, Touring Cars and much more. Other birthdays being celebrated include 60 years of the TVR Car Club along with 50 years of the Jaguar XJS, BMW 3 Series and Lotus Esprit, plus 30 years of the Lotus Elise. silverstone.co.uk/events/silverstone-festival.…

Formula One is 75, or at least the driver’s championship is. Cue a Hollywood movie and a ton of books and documentaries. F1 also appears to be going through a new wave of popularity at the moment thanks to Netflix, plus the McLaren’s breaking of the Mercedes/Red Bull monopoly on race wins. Not wishing to be left in the pits, the Practical Classics team and motorsport historian Guy Loveridge embarked upon a circuit safari to celebrate the 75th in style, examining the UK’s rich racing heritage and visiting the most famous Formula One locations in the country. So, in the words of Murray, ‘five lights and it’s go, go, go, go!’…

An hour and a bit from Donington, I take the S2000 onto a few B-roads to enjoy its many talents. It’s a good time to reflect on the things that F1 has delivered to ordinary road users. Active aerodynamics and suspension, carbon fibre componentry all started life in F1, as did paddle shifters and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS). Our understanding of aerodynamics vastly improved thanks to F1, monocoque chassis development, hybrid technology even safety enhancements like ABS and traction control… all innovations developed out of motorsport. I feel the F1 legacy living in this S2000, it is a precision tool for going fast. Honda have been in F1 since 1963, most recently as engine provider for several teams. It shows in this car, with its 9000rpm redline. Driving in…

For all your classic needs this summer, subscribe to Practical Classics – the enthusiast’s bible that truly does it all. From inspirational journeys, and adventures to classic buying guides, tall tales, tech advice and trials from the magazine’s very own workshop SCAN HERE ORDER NOW! greatmagazines.co.uk/practicalclassics 01858 438884 WHY SUBSCRIBE? ◼ Save 70%* off shop prices with our summer offer and FREE UK delivery ◼ Receive bonus content and the exclusive monthly PC Tea Break e-newsletter and podcast from editor, Danny Hopkins ◼ Digital access through our dedicated Practical Classics app, where you will find past issues and rewards including 70 per cent off a Skill Shack Membership *Saving applies to initial trial term. The minimum term is 12 months. Offer closes on August 31, 2025. Subscriptions will start with…

Why you want one You can’t possibly dislike a Frogeye, can you? Or can you? Is this fun little sportster really as joyous to own as it is to look at? We’re glad to announce that it’s mostly good news, even if you intend to buy a shabby project car. Such is the widespread wisdom available – not to mention outstanding club, specialist and parts support – ownership of an Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite is one of simple pleasures and mostly uncomplicated repairs. There are, of course, numerous pitfalls to running any Fifties classic… especially if it has been subjected to British roads, but get to know how they tick, and we reckon this is one of the most satisfying sports cars you’ll ever own. BMC launched the Frogeye in Monte…

Alfa Romeo 33 35 LEFT ON UK ROADS Sadly, we often seem to delve into Alfa Romeo’s back catalogue when highlighting cars circling the figurative vortex of automotive oblivion. One Alfa that’s perilously close to being lost forever, at least here in the UK, is the 33. Effectively a clever (and cheap) redesigned update of the old Sud platform, the 33 was nevertheless innovative for its time, adding four-wheel drive to the established hatch, saloon and estate mix from 1983. The latter was even available on the Gardinetta (estate) version, which seems to be extinct today; if you’ve got one, please do let us know. The 33 was also sold alongside a Nissan co-developed hatchback called the Arna (Alfa Romeo Nissan Autoveicoli) which was the butt of many jokes, probably…

I disapprove of proms, but I also secretly I quite like them. As proms need transport and, often, that means a night out for a classic car delivering a new and younger audience to the red carpet. No bad thing! This year my daughters have completed their GCSEs and A-levels respectively, so I was primed and ready to provide them with excellent motorised transport to their end of year celebrations. To this end, I said to them both, ‘Of all the cars that I have ever owned or restored, or you have seen pass through my hands, which one would you like travel to your prom in?’ My eldest daughter Sophie replied immediately that she would like to go in the family Triumph 2000… the car that was owned by…

My son Sam and I love Moggyfest, which is held along with the Beaulieu Spring Autojumble at Beaulieu Motor Museum. It’s not exactly local to us, as we live in Cornwall, but attending Moggyfest means it is do-able as we can camp there for the weekend, which makes the long trip worthwhile. It’s a good combination; a field full of people selling all manner of car bits and associated stuff, and the classic car display, mainly featuring Morris Minors, organised by the Dorset branch of the MMOC. Hats off to them because a lot of effort goes into it, while it’s also affordable, too. There’s a fee to enter that covers everything including entry to the museum. When it costs two tankfuls of petrol in a Minor to do the…

My Sierra never seems to run smoothly. It ticks over roughly and seems to vibrate at fast idle. When I come to pull away from junctions, it practically stalls before recovering and spluttering off down the road. Throttle movements are best done either all-out, or very gently. Fortunately it’s better when at cruising speed. Nigel Bates, Aberdeen Contact breakers Typically, the gap closes up; the wiring frays or shorts out or, after long layup, the contacts oxidise and need cleaning. Timing may be lost because the distributor body has unexpectedly rotated (loose clamp). MAKING SPARKS Spark plugs Usually blameless, but not always! Check the gap, which is often 0.6mm (points); 0.8mm (electronic ignition) – but see manual. If wet with petrol or oil, or heavily sooted-up, clean or substitute them.…

The Beaulieu International Autojumble on September 6-7 – a firm favourite among the Practical Classics team – has just got even better. This year, for the first time, a special Classic Car Park has been introduced, which promises to feature a stunning selection of motors displayed against the picturesque backdrop of the Beaulieu grounds across the two-day event. With a fresh display of classics on show both days, judges will pick a daily Show Favourite and the winner will take home a trophy. Owners of vehicles built in 2000 or earlier, regardless of make, model, or condition, are invited to showcase their pride and joy as part of this exciting display, with tickets available until 2pm on August 29 or until capacity limits are reached (early booking is advised to avoid disappointment).…

East Lothian run raises £13k Classic car enthusiast in East Lothian raised more than £13,000 with a 51-car tour of the region, organised by Rotary North Berwick. It brings the total raised from the run since its inception to over £73,000. Eden Camp DID fundraiser A Drive It Day fundraiser saw a North Yorkshire Museum raise vital funds for charity. Eden Camp in Malton, North Yorkshire, brought in more than £700 in donations for the NSPCC’s Childline service through the event. Barnard Castle show a feast for the eyes A car show in County Durham has raised thousands of pounds for The Clique, a charity supporting community causes in the area. The event, held at Barnard Castle School and organised by its Rover P4-owning Head of Technology, Alan Beaty, featured…

On August 1-3 the Vintage & Country Extravaganza is set to return to celebrate a major milestone: its 50th anniversary. Taking place at South Cerney Airfield near Cirencester, organisers are claiming this year’s event will be the most spectacular yet, featuring scores of exhibits and three live arenas. Hosted by the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club, the Rally Chairman is Martyn Slater who said: ‘Recognised as one of the UK’s leading heritage vehicle festivals, the event showcases an extraordinary variety of vintage transport including steam engines, classic cars, military transport, vintage commercials, trucks, historic buses, tractors, motorcycles, caravans and more. ‘There’s always a big steam engine presence at the Extravaganza, and this year there will be no fewer than 60 full-sized engines on show, along with 30 miniature engines and 70 stationary…

Aintree was built in 1954 as the ‘Goodwood of the North’ and it’s our first stop on this grand tour. Matt George, Guy Loveridge and myself meet just behind the imposing Princess Royal stand that overlooks the original start/finish straight. With us is Stephen Mosley, who is closely involved with keeping what remains of the circuit alive and kicking. ‘We are actually putting on a revival event on August 9,’ he tells us. ‘2025 sees the 70th anniversary of the 1955 RAC British Grand Prix, the first to be held at the then-new Aintree circuit. It was that race which saw the only 1, 2, 3, 4 clean sweep finish by a single manufacturer, Mercedes with Sir Stirling Moss leading the rest of the field home to become the first…

While it wears a Mercedes-Benz badge, the 698cc, three-cylinder lump in the back of my Smart is rather less powerful but, as Sir Lewis Hamilton and Gordon Murray would attest, great fun to drive. It might only have 80bhp, but it takes off like an angry wasp down the M25 and, as we arrive at Brand’s Hatch, it has once again proven itself to be a surprisingly comfy tourer. Brands Hatch hosted F1 a total of twelve times between 1964 and 1986, and remains popular with spectators for its fine vantage points – we soak up the sinking sun, watch track day bikers ‘getting the knee down’ and pledge to return soon for some racing. The day ends with a meet in the car park of The Moat pub in…

Across 6 Lancia saloon launched in 1989 related to the Fiat Tempra (5) 7 Jowett saloon with an AMC namesake (7) 9 Traction aids – the Mercedes G-Wagen uses three locking ones (13) 10 Starions, Shoguns, etc (11)  13 Thames Ditton four-seater (2,9) 17 How the legendary supercharged 4 1/2 Litre built between 1929 and 1931 was popularly known (6,7) 19 Daewoo saloons from the Nineties (7)  20 Nissan model on which the Figaro was based (5) Down 1 Classic Skoda convertible launched in the late Fifties (7) 2 Bertone-styled Iso V8s first seen in 1963 (6) 3 Silver _, predecessor to the Silver Cloud from Rolls (4) 4 Isuzu car represented by the Twins? (6) 5 Dashboard instruments (5) 8 Swiss coachbuilder, Hermann (6) 11 Classic Sixties Jags whose name…

1 MAY 2005 The big split Twenty years off the road had taken its toll. Everything was rotten as Martin separated the body from the running gear. 2 FEB 2007 New structure Before being sent away and dipped, Martin had to replace all the rotten structural metal. It took him a good few months. 3 JAN 2008 Making metal Martin is an expert fabricator and created his own jigs to make structural components. He now does this for others restoring Commer vans. 4 AUG 2009 Dipped and returned Back from the strippers and treated, Martin was able to reunite the body with the freshly-rebuilt running gear, including engine and automatic gearbox. 5 MAY 2011 Close to the finish Paint on and then the long process of refubishing and refitting the…

I have always been a fan of Tamiya RC cars and, in 2012 a friend of mine, Joe told me about this truck – a UK-model Subaru MV284 1800, to give it it’s full title. Joe was a courier and regularly saw vehicles parked up, often tempting me with what he would find on his deliveries. One day he attended a farm and saw the Subaru parked up in an outhouse. He asked the owner – who’d owned it from when it was two years-old – if it was for sale, and they said yes. Joe then offered it to me for £500. Initially I said no, I had too many projects and didn’t need another. Joe ended up buying it himself. I then went round to look at it…

The Dordogne is gorgeous, and it is also chock full of fabulous driving roads to enjoy. But where to stay? Here’s an answer, a magnificent four-person (two large double rooms) gîte run by classic petrolheads (and PC subscribers) Stephen and Stephanie Barlow. The gîte is at the top of the Dordogne region, 40 minutes south-west of Limoges and it is geared up to look after car people. ‘We enjoyed many fantastic classic driving holidays in France,’ says Stephanie, ‘but quite often they were not really set up for car people. Our place is tailored for a classic holiday. There’s a covered area for tinkering with tools on site and parking is ample and secure.’ ‘We looked long and hard for the right place to convert, but when we saw this…

Frogeye Sprites have appeared periodically in the pages of Practical Classics over the past 45 years but there’s one that stands out for us. Back in the May 1980 issue, our very first, the we offered a 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite as a competition prize. The inner of that competition was the brother of current keeper Colin Robinson from Gloucestershire, for whom that time was especially precious. ‘I went with Richard to collect his prize from the then editor, Paul Skilleter, at Practical Classics HQ, at that time based in Malvern. It was so exciting for two young brothers, aged just 21 and 17!’ The pair drove ‘JPH’ home to Reading in heavy rain. ‘The hood wasn't the best fit, so I had to hold onto it from inside to stop…

Motoring history is full of small makers developing their own budget takes on dream machines. Britain’s usually the home of many of these, but our cousins over in France have also developed a few stand outs. MVS (Manufacture de Voitures de Sport) better known as Venturi was formed in 1984 by fellow engineers Claude Poiraud and Gérard Godfroy. The pair had already worked together at French carrosserie Heuliez. By 1984, the two had decided to go it alone, developing their own concept sports GT for display at the Paris Motor Show. It was hoped that the gloriously glamorous GT they’d created would challenge the likes of Lotus, Porsche and Ferrari, although that first car’s four-cylinder Golf GTI engine wasn’t going to cut the mustard. Noticing its potential, the MVS team soon…

Possibly one of the least subtle fast Fords ever produced, the Focus RS MkII is no shrinking violet. Its brutalist body leaves onlookers with little doubt about this car’s clout. Depending upon your preference, that’s either the whole point, or its most polarising element. Those wild looks try to cash cheques the car’s performance can’t really cash. Sure, it’s fast, but its road manners are impeccable to the point of feeling tame – more a modern car complaint generally than anything inherently wrong with this Focus. Perhaps because of the former competency of chassis and drivetrain, these cars are the darlings of the aftermarket tuning crowd. Their wild looks and ease of tweaking has kept values strong, even for a fast Ford. They never saw values trough, with this £25k…

There’s a new generation on the way whose only experience of the car will be that of clean, silent power. One day, when we’re all gone, most humans won’t even think about ‘engines’ – they may well look upon us lot with disdain and the petrol engine with disbelief. ‘You transported your family in a car powered by a large, highly flammable bomb?’ Yep… and with no airbags! For those of us who learned to drive and have experienced only internal combustion engines, it’s all about the sounds and smells, isn’t it? At 17 years of age, learning about the 952cc ‘suitcase’ unit in my first car, a Talbot Samba (‘suitcase’ because of the way the engine leaned back in the ‘bay) was part of the enjoyment. Rattly old engines…

If you have been reading Practical Classics for a while, you might recognise Webster the Maxi… a car rescued by Deputy editor James Walshe in 2015, back when I was just six years-old! I was already an enthusiast by that time (like many car enthusiasts, my very first word was ‘car’!), but the passion for classic cars has grown and grown through the years. Now, at the age of 16, I’m an avid collector of old vehicles that I maintain and repair myself, with help from my dad Steve. We have also just acquired a Maxi 1750 HLS, but that’s going to take a while to get on the road. We’ve just got it running though, so that’s promising. There are a few others, too – from a MG Midget…

PAY LESS AND NEVER MISS A COPY! See p62. TR3 guide We explain how to buy the very best of Triumph’s little sports car The undetected Battle of the most overlooked exotica – we pick our favourites Dead good We meet the man who breathed new life into his Rover P5 hearse PLUS There’s a story of an enthusiast obsessed with his Cortina collection and a blast to Classic Le Mans. We also meet a man who has restored his MGA and get under the skin of the most underrated BMW 3 Series, while also toasting the success of removing odours from your classic, selecting correct gaskets and dealing with overheating. OCTOBER ISSUE ON SALE AUGUST 27 MISSING US ALREADY? Come join the conversation at Practical Classics on YouTube, Facebook,…

It was heartening to hear, from a recent piece of research carried out by our publishers, that tech still ranks highly as a reason to buy Practical Classics magazine. Interestingly, it is said that it serves as much as inspiration as it does step-by-step instruction. That’s perhaps no surprise, as not all of you will be changing the cambelt on an MGF this weekend, for example, but a knowledge of the principles involved should help to inform all kinds of decision making. As the keeper of the keys to the workshop section, I try to keep the mix diverse and serve broader interests alongside tasks particular to specific models. But it’s often those specific tasks that can prove most valuable. Remember when Sam Glover serialised his Austin Seven engine rebuild?…

Haynes Motor Museum is offering the opportunity to be part of the spectacular display line-up at the inaugural John Haynes Classic Motor Show, taking place on Sunday September 7. Marking 40 years since John Haynes OBE founded Haynes Motor Museum in July 1985, the event will be spread across five outdoor zones surrounding the Museum and will feature a full programme of displays, demonstrations, talks and interactive activities. Practical Classics will be there and you can get spectacular discounts on tickets as a PC reader, too. Book before August 13 and you can get 25 per cent off both General Admission tickets and Classics Row tickets. The code is JHCPCSPECIAL25 when you book. At the heart of the show will be the Haynes Manual display, showcasing a specially curated selection…

Shining bright OSRAM LEDINSPECT™ PRO TORCH 1200 £31.81 This high-performance LED torch is ideal for workshop and roadside use, combining exceptional brightness and durability. The rugged aluminium body and a rubber grip handle offer a comfortable hold while, with an impressive 1200 lumens on High, this torch provides powerful, high-intensity LED lighting. The zoom function allows for adjustment between a wide flood beam and a precision spotlight, and five lighting modes – High, Mid, Low, Eco, and Flash – help to deliver up to 48 hours of runtime in Eco mode. Powered by a 4000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery, it provides up to four hours of runtime on High, six hours on Mid, 12 hours on Low, and charges fully in five to six hours. The ideal glovebox companion. osram.com Rev…

Manhood Classics will be running its 15th annual summer car show on August 16, at The Academy Sports Field in Selsey, West Sussex (PO20 9EH). The group’s chairman is Les Payne, who said: ‘Any vehicle, no matter its age, size, type or condition, is welcome to join us. The day starts at 10am and there is something for everyone including on-site catering, an autojumble, as well as craft and trade stands. Cups will awarded to more than a dozen classes; last year there were more than 300 vehicles on display from a Reliant Super Van to a Bentley Turbo R, a Dodge Charger to a Simca Aronde. Entry is free to all, with public parking for those without classics. No booking is required; just turn up and have a great…

MATT GEORGE BMW 523i Though perhaps better known for its success in saloon-car based racing formulas, BMW has also had more than a passing dalliance with Formula One over the years, so I was happy to come along on this adventure while enjoying the comfort and luxury offered by my 523i. Indeed, it’s straight-six engine configuration is the same as that of the pre-war BMW 328 sports car, with privateer BMW race cars based on the 328’s chassis having entered in the German Grands Prix 1952 and 1953. However, BMW’s greatest success in F1 came as an engine supplier, with its turbocharged M12/13 unit achieving nine outright victories, 14 pole positions and 13 fastest laps, while Nelson Piquet won the 1983 Drivers’ Championship in his BMW-powered Brabham BT52. Finally, BMW…

I felt tears brewing. Some 500 cars, most locally built, displayed across Coventry City Centre over two days, a concours taking place in truly the most poignant location for such an event anywhere. Fifty years of the Jaguar XJS celebrated, classic emergency vehicles gathered in front of the wonderful Coventry Motor Museum, also driving in a convoy. JD Wetherspoon has wonderfully called a pub ‘The Flying Standard’ after the Coventry-produced pre and immediate post-war cars, and a great selection of the marque gathered next to and in front of the building. Crumbs, another street full of fascinating machinery and a Coventry Classic Car Club display. All part of the great the Club MotoFest Weekender 2025, replacing for just one year the annual Coventry MotoFest due to city centre redevelopment. I…

June saw a glut of a mid-level classics coming to market, but one result caused more double-takes than any other: a truly rotten 1977 Ford Escort RS2000, rusting in a garage since 1989, sold for £14,580 including commission at ACA’s sale on the 14th. How much restoration would cost depends on whether the new owner pays for the labour or does it all at home, but it would be tough to finish the task for a sum less than the price paid at Brightwells a week later for a concours example: £31,920. If this car, a red 1978 model, showed what the yellow one might be worth when done, where’s the value? It has to be in the story – buying a long-stored, unknown car and making it your own still has…

Yes, I’m an Alfaholic but I’ve always wanted a 166, and I like the slightly squinty looks of the pre-facelift cars. This is the V6 Lusso on around 100k and, as vendor Andrew Harris described, it is well worth reviving. A private road test drive sealed the deal for me, smooth as butter and in excellent condition. It still needs a driveshaft boot, brake hose, ball joint and tyre for MOT, so expect to see it gracing Staff Car Sagas soon. Then Milan here I come. ASKING PRICE £500 PAID £500 VERDICT It’s worth the money for the interior alone.…

Why does the world love Alfa Romeo so much? Some will suggest it’s a kind of ‘flawed beauty’. The oft-alleged combination of style and questionable reliability… and other outdated twaddle. It’s all something of a headache from the Seventies, as Alfas of that decade were no more unreliable or prone to rust than anything built in Britain or France – and there’s little evidence to support any of the firm’s recent efforts are any better or worse than competitors today. That leaves us therefore neatly with the simple fact that an Alfa Romeo usually looks and sounds nicer than the competition. Take the two saloons here – the 156 and 159. Name us a better-looking family saloon and we’ll eat our shoes. The GTV is a Nineties masterpiece – especially…

Why you want one While still in possession of Jaguar’s unique range of talents in 1994, the ageing XJ40’s Seventies roots had begun show. The X300’s arrival was therefore cause for great excitement in the luxury market and went on to turn Jaguar’s fortunes around during its short life. It presented a familiar Jaguar shape that nodded to the past, Geoff Lawson’s elegant front-end treatment reminiscent of the Series 3, yet with state-of-the-art Nineties tech and even greater comfort. While the X300 was, admittedly, a heavy reskin of its predecessor and a stopgap before the arrival of the X308 of 1997 (itself another clever reworking of the XJ40 platform), Ford’s ownership focussed on quality control, accompanied by wide-ranging revisions to the suspension and steering to give this new generation of…

Last month, I left you with a question: would my project MGF make it to Gaydon for the MG Car Club’s celebration of 30 years of the model? Well, before you turn the page to reveal the answer, consider this. Although great progress had been made – with cam belt, water pump and brakes all boxed off by the end of the most recent instalment – the famously fragile cooling system required overhaul, there was welding to be done, the rear screen had a hole in it and the tyres were in a terrible state, too. Oh, and now neither key was working to disable the immobiliser. Things were looking bleak. The first task, and one that any ‘F owner should consider, was to replace the factory-specified mild steel coolant…

TAX AND MOT How do I get tax exemption? Q I've bought a Talbot Sunbeam that should be tax-free, but isn't. What do I do to resolve this? Brian Lansdowne, Esher Ed says A Take the V5C to a Post Office which handles car tax. Ask to change taxation class to 'Historic' and the clerk should do the rest. Note the MOT-free status arrives on the car’s 40th birthday – but Historic tax class starts on April 1 in the year after the car turns 40. So, in April 2025, all cars made in 1984 became tax-free. It’s administered on date of first registration. If your car is significantly older, ask a DVLA-recognised club to supply evidence, and change it to date of manufacture. If the difference is a year,…

1 Visual inspection Make sure the wheel rotates easily and without noise. Remove the wheel. Check the rigid brake pipes for damage and corrosion. Harass the brake hose and look for damage and splits. Check the caliper/disc for brake fluid or grease contamination. 2 Remove pads The amount of friction material is often visible through an aperture in the caliper, but it’s important to regularly remove the pads for inspection. The friction material can crumble over time. Uneven wear points to other problems. 3 Inspect disc Look for hairline cracks, grooves, pitting and excessive corrosion. If you have a micrometer, measure the disc and compare it to the specification in the manual. 4 Check calipers Gently push out one piston at a time using short strokes of the pedal. Peel…