Table of contents for December 2024 in Practical Classics

You have chosen your top 100 favourite classics and here they are in this bumper edition of PC (see page 24). It reflects the passion you feel for your classics and confirms our shared love for our cars whether they be Jaguars or Jowetts, Protons or Peugeots. We are still tribal though, all different, and yet, all together. Our cars are as varied as we are and reflect our respective natures, our tastes and our outlooks. They are a statement of individuality as well as unity and, to be honest, there’s nothing wrong with that. For instance, I don’t share James Walshe’s passion for Citroën Berlingos, but I absolutely love the fact the he has that passion. Would I devote so much time and energy to racing an Austin 7…

OptiMate 6-12V battery £119.90 optimate.co.uk When it comes to reviving car batteries, prevention is certainly better than cure, but for when life’s imperfections catch up with you, and you’re faced with a sluggish starter, some clever tech is required to bring a sulphated battery back to life. Lauded as the world’s most advanced and versatile battery charger, maintainer and tester, the Optimate 6 is suitable for all lead-acid 12V batteries up to 144Ah. Once connected, the ‘AmpMatic’ microprocessor automatically diagnoses your battery’s condition and sets the optimal charge current and program, and even promises to automatically give many deep-discharged and otherwise ‘dead’ batteries a new lease of life. When the charge is complete the eco power-saving mode ensures ultra low power consumption while keeping your battery optimally charged, cool and…

Parliamentary under secretary for transport, Greg Smith MP, himself a classic fan, who gave the keynote speech at the HCVA event in early October told his audience that the future of classics was ‘worth fighting for’ and praised organisations like the HCVA and FBHVC for representing classic owners in their ongoing discussions with the DVLA. ‘I believe that historic vehicles will continue to have a proud place on our roads,' he said, 'and that we have the power to ensure that policy-makers recognise the unique position of historic cars.’ The speech was made against a backdrop of a vacuum in representation at Westminster after the All Party Historic Vehicles Group was dissolved, and has not reformed, since the General Election.…

The Rover 200/400 Owners’ Club has donated more than £5000 to charities since 2017, when it raised more than £800 for the British Heart Foundation by restoring and raffling off a late member’s car. Since then, the club has recommissioned and raffled two more, with funds going to Crohns and Collitis UK and a megamileage SD3, which accrued over £400 for Multiple Sclerosis UK. The club has raised over £400 for CPR training donated to the Evelyn’s Gift charity, and £600 to the motor industry charity BEN following a recreation of the ‘Tomcat’ Rover world record. This year, the club is aiming to raise £2000+ from the sale of the John Bacchus book The Viking and the Samurai, a great read that charts the Honda and Austin-Rover/Rover Group tie-up. Find out more at…

Stingray ISBN: 978-0-7603-8828-0 £35 Telling the official story behind the eighth generation of this legendary sports car, here GM itself reveals archive photography and insight from within the production team.  quarto.com Never Look Back ISBN: 978-1-9105-0590-8 £60 Lavishly illustrated, here the tale of Britain’s double world champion is told by the man himself with insights from other prominent figures from his life and career. An engaging read. evropublishing.com Jaguar XJ Series Saloons ISBN: 978-1-3981-2149-2 £15.99 The definitive account of all three series of Jaguar’s XJ saloons, this book offers an in-depth and well illustrated guide tho the cars’ development, design and appeal. Well-written, nicely produced and packed with fascinating insights. amberley-books.com…

It’s four decades since the NEC Classic Motor Show was launched, and as you’d expect, the show’s organiser Clarion is pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion in style. Already claimed to be the world’s biggest gathering of car clubs, for 2024 a whopping 330 owners’ groups will be taking part. Show director Lee Masters told us: ‘Among the groups there will be the MG Car Club, Jensen Owners’ Club, P6 Rover Owners’ Club and TR Drivers’ Club, all of which exhibited at the launch event in 1984. Meanwhile, the Young Retro Motor Club, Mini 40 Register and Air Cooled Are Us are among those making their NEC debut. Several clubs will be celebrating milestones of their own including the 120th anniversary of Rover Cars and MG’s centenary, 60 years…

Six months ago we asked a very simple question: ‘What is your favourite classic?’ You responded in your droves and this is the result. A top 100 as voted for by you. Thank you for getting involved. There have been moves up and down the classic car hit parade since we last asked you to vote almost a decade ago, including a new number one, the Mini, perhaps a reflection of the little icon’s significant anniversary in 2024, 65 years. Also moving into the top three is the 2CV, a car that has grown in status as its unique design becomes more appreciated. The Morris Minor endures, it’s never been out of the top three. As for the rest of the top ten… all traditional big hitters including the MGB,…

It’s never easy to say farewell to a well-loved friend and colleague, but Team PC wanted to make sure that Theodore J. Gillam was given the kind of celebration he deserved. Our annual ‘Beaulieu or Bust’ feature this year would include his final classic car, his favourite food and his most beloved event. It would also include the PC team and the love of his life; wife Sarah. The route was planned, the frying pan was hot and the wristbands for Beaulieu were ready to be dished out. Time for one last road trip with our good friend Theo. DANNY HOPKINS The Top-Downist MAZDA MX-5 NB I jumped into my, slightly shoddy, MX-5 NB with the certain knowledge that our dearly departed chum Theo would have enjoyed seeing me in…

Hampson Auctions’ late September sale at Bolesworth Castle offered a catalogue of 80 classics and sold a decent 57 of them. A lot of that has to do with 48 of those cars being offered without reserve. That always brings the chance for bargains and there were two standout examples, both MGs, for anyone willing to buck the trend and go really old school. First up, a 1946 MG TC, repatriated from the US eight years ago and since turned into a good driver with much mechanical work. The paint wasn’t great, but you can forgive that at the £10,688 paid – just over guide value for a project. For those who prefer a roof, the 1947 MG YA was an even bigger bargain at £3656. That got someone a car that…

I bought this stalled project from Brian Brownless, with the intention of using it aa parts mule for my other 124 Spider project. But it is actually in much better condition than expected, so the two cars will be combined. It is a 1975 California car, imported in 1991, and has been converted to right-hand drive, which could be useful. My big project for next year could now enjoy a successful outcome. The engine turns and has been heard running, which is a great start. ASKING PRICE £1500 PAID £1500 VERDICT The car that will make Danny’s Spider project possible.…

The Probe had a tough time. It was seen by some, perhaps understandably, as a limp replacement for the Capri (or Mustang in the US). Successive generations of Ford’s pony cars had become ever more GT-like, something for which the Probe was unfairly singled out. For the naysayers, it didn’t help that the Probe was codeveloped with Mazda and had front-wheel drive. As you’ll see in this month’s Wise Buyer, the Probe was a handsome machine that drove well and deserved better. That might explain why the 15,295 peak of UK examples in 1999 has now dwindled to just 224 on the road. Around 900 remain on SORN, and that figure hasn’t changed for a decade.…

1989 Renault Trafic T 1300 Hymer Brown, brown and more brown, with more shades than you can shake a stick at. Oh, and plenty of beige thrown in, too. Yes, this motorhome might have been manufactured at the tail end of the Eighties, but Renault (and famed German motor caravan and caravan manufacturer, Hymer) still elected to put it together using a colour palette from the previous decade. Owned and enjoyed by my parents since 2010, it has not seen much use ‘in anger’ over the past couple of years, largely due to my dad’s ongoing health issues. To add insult to injury, it failed the most recent MOT test back in June, with corrosion to the chassis and a lack of wipers due to a faulty wiper motor causing a…

PAY LESS AND NEVER MISS A COPY! See p52. All the kit Restorer saves his futuristic Seventies Beetle-based Nova Bargain Boxster In-depth guide to Porsche’s affordable sports car superstar Viva Vauxhall The extraordinary story of a Viva estate lover and the cars he saves Pages and pages of essential tech tips and advice on restoring and maintaining your classic from the PC workshop, where the guys have been working on their own classics, from Morris Minor and Triumph 2000 to Rover 75 and Smart Roadster. There’s an essential guide to buying an Austin-Healey 3000, a Scottish road trip in a Volvo 740 and a head-to-head scrap between a Jaguar XJ40 and Mercedes S-Class. JANUARY ISSUE ON SALE NOV 20 Practical Classics (ISSN 0957697, PE 9080) is published monthly (with an…

Rustival 2 at the British Motor Museum on September 28 saw more than 2300 attendees and a sold out exhibitor section. The Youtube content producers behind the show – Ian Seabrook, Steph Holloway, Carly Spencer and Matt Richardson – were delighted, too. ‘We were absolutely delighted with the turnout and the dazzling variety of vehicles showcased,’ Steph Holloway of idriveaclassic told PC. ‘Rustival 2 showed the sense of community that has been growing since the first event and we are proud to hear Rustival called the UK’s friendliest car show by many of our attendees.’ The variety of cars on show reflected the eclectic and nonexclusive nature of the event. The interviews and banter on the live stage (hosted by Practical Classics editor Danny Hopkins) were also a reflection of the following…

How did it start? ‘From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the art of problem-solving and the mechanics behind how things function. Whether it was disassembling objects around the house and attempting to reassemble them, sometimes successfully, my curiosity knew no bounds. This inherent fascination with how things worked eventually extended beyond mere tinkering. I remember the late nights spent with my close friend, Xav, who was in the process of building a kit car. Immersed in this hands-on experience.’ How did that evolve? ‘As my day to day career progressed I found myself seeking a creative outlet, a project that would clear my mind. My appreciation for cars seemed like the perfect direction, and so began my search for a project that could marry my passion for problem-solving…

The 750 Motor Club has come up with a new series for young enthusiasts who want to enjoy some cheap track time, and work on their own car. Called the Suzuki Swift Challenge, the series focuses on the 2006-2010 Swift Sport 1.6, which is available for as little as £2500. The cars can be shared by pairs of drivers to cut costs even further, while the road-legal race cars also have a minimum of changes made to prepare them for the track; it’s restricted to a roll cage along with brake, wheel, tyre and suspension upgrades. You can fit them yourself or pay an approved specialist to do the work for a fee. 750mc.co.uk/formulae/swift-sport-challenge…

It will probably come as no surprise that the number one most requested car on the Drive Dad’s Car fleet is…wait for it… the good old classic Mini. The original Mini is as much a favourite at Great British Car Journey as it is with Practical Classics readers. In fact, we love it so much at Great British Car Journey that we have at least 15 of them and four of them are on the 50-strong (and increasing) driving fleet, including an 850 MkI. My personal love for Minis started in 1977 with my first car, a Mini Clubman Estate (ERE 955N), which sadly went to the great car distillery in the sky in 1989. When you hear the words ‘driving experience’, I think most people tend to think of…

Last month (PC, November 2024) you’ll have read tales of Hillmans, fouled plugs and the mother-in-law, from our new friend Colin Bedford. But his stories are just too good to leave there, as I discovered in a truly fascinating chat with this most dedicated of enthusiasts about his extraordinary car history. Turns out he loves a performance car too, and bought a Ford Sierra Cosworth saloon for £22,000 in 1989. It was registered as 20 COS with a DVLA-cherished registration. ‘We sold it after a year because every time we took it out someone tried to steal it. My wife said enough was enough and we sold it immediately. We should have kept it with that numberplate though – it would have been worth a fortune now.’ I wonder if…

Why you want one With styling as good as this, it’s astonishing how so few earthlings are aware of one of the most brilliantly designed and beautifully proportioned cars ever built. Further to this, the erotically named Gilbern Invader is fantastic to drive, too. Also, it is Welsh… which, given our love for this fine country, makes it even cooler. Beautifully engineered and with a cabin of supreme quality, the Invader was well put together with its suspension combining in-house-designed components and suitably altered MG parts up front and a durable Ford-sourced rear axle. There’s outstanding grunt from that woofly 3-litre Essex with predictable cornering and a rear end which can get entertainingly lively in the wet. It’s also a unique bit of Welsh automotive history that'll get tongues wagging…

Although he hadn’t been there to launch the ‘wedge’ era at TVR, Peter Wheeler was instrumental in its success. He took over control of TVR from Martin Lilley in 1981 and would stay at his favoured Blackpoolbased firm – Wheeler had been a long-time TVR customer – until 2004. During this era, he transformed the fortunes and reputation of TVR from a sporting curiosity into a global player, and it all began when he squeezed a Rover V8 into the Tasmin. The 350i that resulted quickly established itself as a TVR best-seller. Former Lotus engineer Ian Jones had created such a capable space frame chassis that there was plenty of scope for more power. The frankly bonkers figure (for the time) of 275bhp arrived in 1984 with an Andy Rouse-bored…

By the late Nineties, Volkswagen had surrendered its place among serious drivers, instead becoming an also ran. Sales might never have been greater, but the Golf GTI had become little more than a bloated showcase of softtouch plastics. There was a ray of hope however, just around the corner, in the form of the plucky little 2000 Lupo GTI. This back-tobasics tearaway did without most of the creature comforts – and associated weight – of its sibling and instead boiled down the GTI formula to its roots. It weighed less than a ton, so its modest 123bhp proved ample. Huge fun was further ensured by extensive use of aluminium panels (bonnet, doors and front wings) in place of steel, plus a wider track and revised, stiffened suspension. The end result…

Well, as promised, I did get stuck into this troublesome Saab again. Given the complications of the project, m’colleague Clive Jefferson has pretty much become project leader on this one – his welding expertise and mechanical knowhow exceeding anything I can do. He has worked for months to get the big stuff done – from all the usual 900 rot spots underneath, repairing previously bodged work by either cutting or (literally) pulling sections of appalling filler from the car. Truth is, we’d have been better off with a rotten old barn find. Dealing with somebody else’s poor workmanship is far worse than fixing a car that’s untouched by the hands of fools. Poor Clive had become as utterly sick of the thing as I was. Just when we thought it was…

▶ Every week, I find that the level of coolant in my Fiesta’s expansion tank has dropped by about an inch. It doesn’t leave water on the ground and doesn’t overheat. In fact it’s otherwise fine. Where should I start? ED’S JOB CARD FINDING COOLANT LEAKS Today, we’ll look at coolant leakage. An engine should lose negligible or no coolant. Small leaks often evaporate before they can be spotted. Always check the level when cold. A radiator without an external expansion tank should be filled only within an inch or two of the filler neck – it will expand and rise to the neck when hot. How tough? You’ll need ▶ Small tool kit ▶ Fresh coolant for topping ▶ up (don’t mix types) ▶ Supply of hose clips ▶…

MATT’S JOB CARD MAKE YOUR OWN GASKETS Today we’re making a custom gasket for a non-standard inlet manifold. However, whether for specialist or rare components, or more ubiquitous areas in a stitch, making your own gaskets is a quick, simple and satisfying way of ensuring a successful seal. The gasket paper we’re using is widely available in a range of thicknesses. Having a sheet in your toolbox is a great get out of jail free card, while the tools used can be as simple as a pair of scissors and a hole punch. We’re using a sharp set of tin snips and a Stanley knife as the material we’re using is rather too thick for scissors and a scalpel. How tough? You’ll need ▶ Gasket paper ▶ Hole punch ▶…

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has said that it will work with enthusiasts to re-shape its policies on classics. Two of the agency’s representatives joined classic industry experts at the Heritage Matters Too conference hosted by the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) on October 3. They said that the agency had seen a huge response to its Call for Evidence on how it handles cases involving historic vehicles throughout May and June and were already formulating a full response, which will be published in due course. The DVLA’s corporate services manager, Dudley Ashford, said: ‘We’re delighted with the very high number of responses – our policy team began analysing the responses straightaway. We’ll look to engage with the HCVA and others to discuss, refine and seek feedback.’…

Testing, testing, 1,2. MULTI-FUNCTION AUTOMOTIVE TESTER £299.99 A cut above your standard multimeter, this specialist automotive tester is packed with functions to help you better understand electrical faults on your 6V, 12V and 24V classics. Three-metre long test wires allow flexibility of testing – even as far as from the comfort of the driver’s seat – while functions such as charging and battery health assessment allow you to quickly pinpoint problems. Adjustable fuse probes adapt to Mini, Max and ATC fuse types while frequency and duty cycle settings aids the testing of sensors. shop.ringautomotive.com They see me rollin’ SHELL TRANSPORT DOLLY £922.87 Ideal for transporting a stripped shell of a classic, or other major assemblies, this heavy-duty trolley comes with independently adjustable, load-bearing posts and will support up to 900kg.…

Looking for something off-beat to do with your club over the winter? Why not borrow the Gay Classic Car Group’s (GCCG) idea of an economy run? The group’s Darren Mitcham comments: ‘Eight sets of people enjoyed a three-hour drive around Berkshire and Wiltshire, with a focus on getting better economy than the official figures. The most impressive result was 77.6mpg from a Rover Mini Cooper, which is 80.5 per cent better than claimed. Next up was an Austin Metro auto on 51mpg, which is a 50 per cent improvement. Only one car – a 2013 Mercedes SL – didn’t manage to better the official figures, with a Triumph Stag posting a 35 per cent increase with 28.3mpg, and a Rover 3500S managing 31.8mpg, which is a 32.5 per cent improvement.’…

IN THE NEWS Modern motoring began on January 1, with standardised signs and fonts being introduced for British roads – and they’re still in use 60 years later. The replacement signage was the result of the Worboys Committee under Sir Walter Worboys of ICI and was prompted by the need to make information clearer to understand for the increasing numbers of vehicles capable of whizzing along at exciting speeds. AT THE FLICKS Help!, the second movie by The Beatles, received its Royal World Premiere on July 29. Directed by Richard Lester, this comedy adventure was inspired by the Marx Brothers, The Goon Show and the 007 films – with very some good songs. The Fab Four’s semaphore poses on the posters don’t actually spell ‘HELP’ at all, but ‘NUJV’. IN THE CHARTS…

GET MORE OF WHAT YOU LOVE WITH A PRACTICAL CLASSICS SUBSCRIPTION Life is a project, and the project is fun! Practical Classics is the enthusiast’s bible that truly does it all. From inspirational journeys, and adventures to classic buying guides, tales, tech advice and trials from the magazines very own workshop. PRINT+ 6 ISSUES FOR £19.99 Get your first six months of a Practical Classics Print+ Subscription for only £19.99* this festive season. INCLUDES ✓ FREE UK delivery to your door each month ✓ Instant digital access to the latest & previous issues via the PC app ✓ Access to rewards, discounts and prizes ✓ Enjoy the ‘PC Tea Break’ e-newsletter from the Editor every month ✓ Easily control the text size, use audio mode to listen to each issue…

Across 7 Fast Ford succeeded by the RS1600 (6,4,3) 8 Tiny little BMWs from the Fifties and Sixties (7) 9 Do we have a bias towards the number four or six engine? (5) 12 Wheel fasteners (4) 13 Maserati’s first new models after the De Tomaso takeover (8) 14 Style of the Opel GT (8) 16 Their models have included the Safari and Sierra (4) 19 Mondeo-based Jaguar model launched in 2001 (1-4)  21 Executive Ford discontinued in 1998 (7) 22 They were replaced by Ital (6,7) Down 1 Kitten-based pick-up from the Eighties (7,3) 2 The vocal characteristic of a Hyundai? (6)  3 Subaru utility vehicles also known as the 284 (5) 4 Reliant Scimitar sporting estates (4) 5 The Super 123E was a variant of which Ford range?…

THE RESTORER Kevin’s early career saw him working in a body shop but he quit at the age of 25. ‘I’ve been a heating engineer and plumber for the past 25 years.’ An Alfasud enthusiast as a teen, he returned to the marque 30 years later. It’s lucky that Alfa Romeo enthusiasts possess such enormous passion for their cars because in the case of Kevin Gunner, his seven-year restoration journey began with a seriously rusty reality check. ‘When I bought the car online, it looked like a seriously good bet. There was a full folder of paperwork and had only covered 61,500 miles. How bad could really it be?’ Kevin’s Alfasud, with a tax disc from 1993 on the dusty windscreen, was an ultra-rare example of this little Alfa, too.…

You’d be forgiven for not knowing the name Wera Tools, as it’s not a big player in the UK classic car scene, but that might be about to change. We visited the UK HQ and distribution centre for the German owned company in Derbyshire and met up with Ian Walford, MD, for a trip around the warehouse. ‘There’s a very refreshing difference about Wera,’ he says as we look through the array of kit. ‘Firstly, we are focused on fastenings and everything around tightening and releasing them.’ This is true. Carefully laid out spanner and screwdriver sets surround us, but in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and functions. ‘Secondly, we never stand still, always exploring new innovations and solutions. And thirdly, with an eye on precision and the highest…

Anyone who has heard at least one of these cars howling past – be it on the road, track, or rally stage, will know the joy of a machine that’s race-bred. These hooligans snarl, bark and rasp like rabid dragons – so you can only imagine how they sounded on the day of the photoshoot. The Renault might vaguely resemble a wide-body R5 but it’s an entirely different animal, built to take its maker to the top of the leaderboard. Its performance is savage in a straight line and let beautifully balanced in the corners. Similarly aggressive is the brawny Chevette HSR, with its crackling, throaty voice. Lots of glassfibre extensions but the pedigree was under the skin with masses of punch from that 2.3-litre slant-four, plus revised suspension and bigger…

2002 LOTUS ELISE S2 Brett McCarragher, Bristol Despite being the follow-up model, Brett’s Elise still has the potent K-series engine. 2006 AUDI S6 Peter Quinby, Western Australia Down in Australia, Peter’s been bringing this S6 back to its best, trying to source missing or broken bits of trim. 2013 FORD FIESTA ST Simon Owen, South Wales A lot newer than most of Simon’s classics – he just couldn’t resist this ST’s cheeky charms. Katie says… ‘Modern classics are essential for a thriving future. That’s why FJ is right behind JJ and the team at PC, bringing modern classics to life every four weeks.’…

Why you want one? Probes had been around for almost fifteen years before this one arrived into UK showrooms in 1994. From the first design proposal in 1979, the concept had been unveiled and then reinvented five times – through to the fifth incarnation, the Probe V, six years later. The one you’ll know best is the 1983 Probe III – which looked like a preproduction Ford Sierra. While the United States got the first production model (1988 to 1992), Europe had to wait for the second-generation car we all know and (mostly) love. Those expecting a Capri replacement were disappointed not to find a brutish looking rear-drive muscle car – the new car was a slick, futuristic affair with smooth power from Mazda. In fact, more than half the…

RICH’S JOB CARD CLEANING FABRIC INTERIOR My tasks today are to shampoo a seat that has been neglected for a number of years in a farm truck, and to remove an oily handprint from the boot carpet on the Range Rover restoration project. We have different types of fabric that require different cleaning methods, but we are also looking at general dirt extraction versus specific stain removal. How tough? You’ll need Gloves Safety glasses/face mask if working inside the vehicle Fabric/interior cleaning chemicals Brushes Steam cleaner if available Spray-extraction machine Tools for removing parts as required Specialists Advice and Training Courses – ukdetailingacademy.com Detailing Supplies – mycarcleaning.co.uk Want a specialist to do it for you – detailerdirectory.com Will take (HR) 1-3 Will cost (£) 15 Cash saved (£)  100 EXPLAINER…