More than 50 years after its introduction, the oh-so-stylish Triumph Stag is still being enjoyed by large numbers of enthusiasts. Here's the story, as told by the Stag Owners Club, 'in their own words'... Kim adds, "Grateful thanks to the Club for enthusiastically putting together this feature for Wheels-Alive". In the beginning … In the late 1950s Triumph began consulting Giovanni Michelotti … [Read more...]
Classic Profiles
Our look in the rear view mirror at cars from the past
In this website we deliberately cover cars new and old. While it is true that modern motor cars are becoming ever more sophisticated (and complicated!), and to fulfill their daily transport needs most motorists tend to drive vehicles built relatively recently, equally there is growing respect for, and interest in, the crucially important ‘heritage’ models which represent stepping stones along the path of automotive progress.
If it wasn’t for the technical and styling innovations of the cars of the past that are now regarded as classics, we wouldn’t have been able to arrive at the models produced today.
There are classic models to suit all tastes, and there are many reasons for buying an old car, ranging from ‘sentimental’ nostalgic memories, to purely practical considerations.
While some old cars are little used these days (so in reality they are ‘toys’ brought out just for high days and holidays), it’s a fact that many classics are very easy to own and to operate, are inexpensive to run and are still capable of providing effective, enjoyable ‘real world’ transport in the 21st Century.
Ownership can provide fun in terms of the sheer enjoyment of driving an ‘oldie’ that is different, as well as a whole new social scene, for those who want it.
So whether you are already an enthusiast, or are contemplating taking the plunge, we hope that you will enjoy, and find useful, our features on cars from the past…These will grow in number and scope, as we progress.
Buy With Care
Each of our ‘Profile’ features concentrates on an individual classic car. In each case, if you are thinking of buying one but are unfamiliar with the model, it’s wise to take the advice of fellow owners (join the club(s) if it/they exist) or specialists for the vehicle, and if possible, when viewing vehicles for sale, take with you an independent third party.
While restoration can be rewarding and enjoyable if you are deliberately starting with a project vehicle, purchased for an appropriate price, you definitely don’t want to end up with a expensive ‘basket case’ that has been disguised to make it appear to be a sound example. This still happens today. Mistakes like this can await the unwary, and can cost huge amounts to put right.
In general, the structural condition of classic cars is far more important than their mechanical state. Proceed with caution, and view as many examples as you can, to get a feel for prices asked versus condition levels.
Don’t rush into a purchase; do your research and be patient. In this way you should be able to find the classic of your dreams, at a fair price.
Are you sitting comfortably? If so, then we’ll begin…
A look (in amazement, astonishment and wonder) at Lada, then and now… Part Two: The capable four wheel drive Niva
Niva say never... as little known best seller reaches 40 – by Dave Moss This story begins on April 5th 1977, when LHD Russian market sales of what was known there as the VAZ 2121 began. Right hand drive examples were badged "Lada Niva", with a list price just over £5000, at their 1980 British International Motor Show launch, where they were heavily overshadowed by the introduction of BL's Austin … [Read more...]
A look (in amazement, astonishment and wonder) at Lada, then and now… Part One: The story so far
Records set in a 21st century Russian Revolution – by Dave Moss. On September 24th 2020, the 30 millionth Lada rolled off a production line at one of the worlds biggest car factories – the Autovaz plant in Togliatti, on the Volga riverside almost 600 miles south east of Moscow. The plant also celebrated 50 years of production in 2020, adding up to a remarkable manufacturing performance – an … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – quattro – The Race and Rally Story 1980 – 2004
Reviewed by Kim Henson. Title: quattro – The Race and Rally Story 1980 – 2004 Author: Jeremy Walton (Note: Former Autocar editor and eminent international authority Ray Hutton edited the title). Published by: Evro Publishing; https://www.evropublishing.com 304 pages, including more than 334 photos, mostly colour; hardback Price: £50.00 (but please go to Evro’s website for any current … [Read more...]
Classic 21st Century version of the Baby Bugatti
BUGATTI BABY II GETS THE BUGATTI OWNERS’ CLUB STAMP OF APPROVAL… The oldest Bugatti car club in the world has signed an official partnership with The Little Car Company. In 2019, The Little Car Company launched the Bugatti Baby II, a modern tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s original masterpiece, the Bugatti Baby Together, they celebrate the marque and inspire a new generation of enthusiasts to … [Read more...]
Standard’s Vanguard Story
Standard’s Vanguard Story First World Car to final swansong in under 20 years. Dave Moss describes the history of this boldly-conceived model... Kim adds: Please note, this feature is intended to provide a general outline of the history of all the Vanguards produced, to help those who may be unfamiliar with Standards bearing the name, rather than a detailed description of each version. (All … [Read more...]
Audi TT quattro sport – modern classic ownership adventure update
Paying for a bargain... ...Jeremy Walton updates us on running progress with his Audi TT quatro sport. (If you would like to read the previous, first instalment of Jeremy's saga about buying and running his quattro sport, published on Wheels-Alive on 1st November 2019, please go here... http://www.wheels-alive.co.uk/audi-tt-quattro-sport-a-modern-classic-much-enjoyed/). Over 13 months, under … [Read more...]
Mini More Facts (Mini Happy Returns – 60+ years on)
A dozen things you (probably) didn't know about the Mini – looking back at more than 60 years of one of Britain's best loved diminutive classics... ...by Dave Moss. It took three years to produce half a million Minis – the 500,000th rolled off the production line on 12th December 1962. The Mini was the first car to win the European Rally Championship. The Mini … [Read more...]
A rare and unusual Morgan 4-4, now ready to be enjoyed again after a four decade rest…
Kim Henson and Nick Riley tell the story of Nick’s 1947 Morgan 4-4 and the fascinating history its bodywork was hiding. First, Kim sets the scene with a few words about the famous firm of Morgan and the revered models that the company produced in the early years (and of course the firm is still building its much-in-demand unique sports cars today, more than 110 years down the line). Morgan … [Read more...]
Classic Profile – Alvis 3 litre
Elegant, competent and well-respected, Alvis 3 litre models are fine classics, as Dave Moss explains… The history of the Alvis company dates back to 1919, and the firm's models have long been loved by enthusiasts, with some of the 1930s designs being especially attractive; these cars are much sought-after today. The photographs below illustrate just how stylish these models … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 12 – VXR8 GTS-R
After 117 years of automotive diversity, in our series looking at classic Vauxhalls we reach the company’s 12th decade as Britain’s oldest surviving car and commercial brand, representing the long and varied history of Britain’s car industry. Now part of Groupe PSA, Vauxhall continues to manufacturer cars and vans in the UK, and the company says that it will be at the forefront of the electric … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 11 – VXR220
In this 11th feature in a series looking at a selection of important Vauxhall models since 1903, we reach the 21st Century, and see a concerted effort by the company to return to its sporting roots with the launch of the VXR brand. The first model off the start line? The VXR220. (All information and photographs from Vauxhall.) VAUXHALL VXR220 It’s not often that one of Vauxhall's press … [Read more...]
BMC/BL Mini – The Clubman and 1275GT Scenario
Mini Clubman and 1275GT history and development… …Dave Moss describes what happened. In the mid 1960s, agonising began at BMC over how best to update or replace the Mini, which was turning into one of its most successful cars. The decision was ultimately overtaken by the mergers which first created British Motor Holdings and then the British Leyland Motor Corporation – bringing all the BMC … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 10 – Lotus Carlton, 1990 to 1993
Few cars have created so much controversy as Vauxhall’s 10th model in this series looking at significant vehicles from the company, through the decades... The Lotus Carlton – celebrating its 30th anniversary this year – was a gift from heaven for the tabloids’ headline writers, and even prompted debate in the Commons. But beyond the press furore was a car with impeccable credentials – and one … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 9 – Astra GTE (Mark 1)
In this series about important Vauxhall models through the decades, this time we are looking at the company's first official hot-hatch, the Astra Mk1 GTE, which spawned an almost continuous line of fast Astras, ending with the last-generation, 280 hp VXR. VAUXHALL ASTRA GTE MK. 1 The Astra GTE Mk. 1 marked Vauxhall’s first foray in to the relatively new ‘hot hatch’ segment, which had … [Read more...]
Volkswagen’s iconic Transporter clocks up 70 years
Transporting through time... or a transporter of delight – by Dave Moss. In this feature Dave describes the history and development of the VW Transporter, and looks at contemporary competitor vehicles... (Photographs from VW, also Audi – DKW images, and as individually credited). Europe has produced some much loved, long lived, and high volume cars in over a century of existence, but very … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 8 – Firenza HP ‘Droopsnoot’, 1973 – 75
In this eighth article in our series of significant Vauxhall models to appear since the company's arrival in the early years of the last century, we focus on the short-lived, but utterly memorable Firenza HP ‘Droopsnoot’ of the 1970s. (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). A ground-breaker for Vauxhall in so many ways, this car became the flag-bearer for the company’s motorsport … [Read more...]
100 years of Mazda – and 60 years of their two door coupés
Mazda is celebrating its centenary, and six decades of innovative and stylish two door coupé models... (All information and photographs courtesy of Mazda). Mazda’s first car: the R360 was a stylish micro coupé launched in 1960 for Japan’s Kei car segment. Launched in 1967, the Mazda Cosmo was a ground-breaking performance coupé for Mazda. Today the style of concepts like … [Read more...]
Suzuki at 100 – Paying tribute to Sir Stirling Moss and looking at Suzuki’s 1960s models
Tribute to Sir Stirling Moss (1929-2020)... (All information and photographs courtesy of Suzuki). 2020 is Suzuki’s 100th Anniversary with Michio Suzuki having first started in business in March 1920 with the manufacture of textile looms. These became more advanced and very popular right through to the early 1950’s when there was a global decline in the Cotton industry. Initial development … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 6 – 1950s/60s PA Velox and Cresta, plus Bedford CA commercials
In this sixth article looking back at milestone models through the decades of Vauxhall’s history, the Luton-based company recognises not only the heavy design influence from their then US parent, but also the growing importance of Bedford – Vauxhall’s commercial vehicle division – to the business. So, we have two vehicles for your delectation today: The PA Velox/Cresta, and the Bedford CA panel … [Read more...]
