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Old cars, new cars, borrowed cars & blue cars. If it steers it's here!

Old cars, new cars, borrowed cars & blue cars. If it steers it's here!

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Classic Profiles

Our look in the rear view mirror at cars from the past

“Okay, I know it’s not a recent photograph, but it’s a classic, isn’t it?”

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…

British Motor Museum will host the ‘Great British Model Railway Show’ on 25th/26th October 2025

24th September 2025

Model railways on the right track at Gaydon... The British Motor Museum tells us: (All words and photographs from The British Motor Museum). The British Motor Museum will host the Great British Model Railway Show on Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October supported by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Hornby and Bachmann. This dedicated weekend will feature over 40 model … [Read more...]

Jeremy Walton takes his Audi TT quattro sport to the top side of 100,000 miles… and still loves the car

12th August 2025

'Surviving 100,000 miles and delivering plenty of smiles'... In this tenth instalment of his ever-popular series on Wheels-Alive, Jeremy Walton updates us on how his 19 year old Audi TT quattro sport endures pockmarked Britain and still provides fun a-plenty with each drive...  (All words and images © Jeremy Walton). Jeremy writes… Maintenance-modest, individually stylish and at least … [Read more...]

‘Pitch Up and Carry On’… Exhibition at the National Motor Museum will explore and celebrate the role of caravans during the Second World War

7th August 2025

The National Motor Museum tells us: All words from the National Motor Museum; all photographs in the exhibition from the Museum and © Courtesy of Caravan magazine and Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection The Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection, in partnership with the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, are to present Pitch Up and Carry On, a new exhibition opening 13 September 2025 … [Read more...]

Legacy of Austin pedal cars honoured with Blue Plaque at original factory site in Bargoed

7th July 2025

Austin Pedal Cars tells us... Historic Blue Plaque unveiled to celebrate Austin pedal cars factory in Bargoed, Wales Austin factory produced the J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars from 1949 until 1971 and continued to make parts up to its closure in 1999 Blue Plaque unveiling attended by councillors, dignitaries, former employees and children from the Tir-y-Berth Primary School … [Read more...]

National Motor Museum to take Sunbeam 350hp Blue Bird to Wales for the World Land Speed Record centenary

5th July 2025

The National Motor Museum is taking the iconic Sunbeam 350hp vehicle to Pendine in Carmarthenshire, Wales to celebrate the centenary anniversary of its World Land Speed Record in 1925. The Museum tells us: (Photograph and all words from The National Motor Museum). The car christened ‘Blue Bird’ by its driver Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE, was the first to exceed 150 mph (240 km/h). The World … [Read more...]

Daihatsu – Gone, but far from forgotten…

1st July 2025

Dave Moss tells the story of Daihatsu in the UK... (All words © Dave Moss). Some car brands seem like unshakeable fixtures on the British market... while others, in blink-and-you-missed-it existences - like UMM, Sao, and Lonsdale - have briefly been, and quickly gone, and seem unlikely ever to return. Then there's Daihatsu, which began building trucks in 1919, placing it amongst Japan's oldest … [Read more...]

This very special Ford Capri has stood the test of time in many guises… and is still going strong

28th February 2025

  Jeremy Walton tells the fascinationg story of a unique survivor Capri that still delights more than half a century down the line... (All words © Jeremy Walton; photographs © Peter Osborne and Jeremy Walton). One Ford’s 50-year Promise delivered From Royalty to World Champions, this Capri served them all… Here we tell the story of just one original Ford Capri with an extraordinary … [Read more...]

2024 Morgan Plus 4: Radical wild-child or faithful follower of tradition? Ancient and modern compared…

24th September 2024

The new Morgan Plus 4 is visually very similar to a rich bloodline of cars from Malvern. Putting it head-to-head against a 1956 example, what does a 68-year age gap look like? George Loveridge reports… (Words and photographs by and copyright ‘Driving Around’, operated by George). Once upon a time, it was seen as revolutionary to equip a Morgan with 4 wheels, let alone heated seats. Morgan has … [Read more...]

Retrospective Road Test – 1992 BMW E34 520i

16th September 2024

Kieron Fennelly takes the wheel of a 32 year old BMW 5 Series – and rates it as a still-competent classic saloon. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kieron Fennelly.) The 1988-95 BMW E34 was the company’s third 5 Series and consolidated BMW’s reputation for this model as the class-leading executive saloon. By the time of the launch of the E34, BMW had three distinct model ranges, … [Read more...]

British premiere of new feature documentary ‘Vincenzo Lancia and the Birth of Modern Motoring’

7th August 2024

British premiere of a new feature documentary 'Vincenzo Lancia and the Birth of Modern Motoring' takes place in  Leamington Spa... The British premiere of the new feature documentary ‘Vincenzo Lancia & the Birth of Modern Motoring’ took place on Saturday 20th July at the Royal Spa Centre Cinema in Leamington Spa. Hosted by the Lancia Motor Club, Motul and the Federation of British … [Read more...]

‘Enjoying Your Austin’ – A30/A35 book, still available for Christmas

15th December 2023

Kim Henson writes... My A30/A35 book 'Accessible Classics' (Enjoying Your Austin) is still available direct from me and if you would like a copy in time for Christmas, please let me know as soon as possible! Again this year several people have asked me whether my book on Austin A30s/A35s is still available… Yes it is (I wrote and published the book), and it can be purchased direct from me if you … [Read more...]

Audi TT quattro Sport – Jeremy’s still loving his modern classic!

8th December 2023

Enjoying his Audi to the full... An affordable 2023 pleasure! Driven often, with more miles under its wheels and fewer bills in 2023, this modern classic TT makes sense, and delivers a 'content grumpy old man' (says Jeremy Walton)! In this seventh instalment of his series on his TT quattro Sport, Jeremy tells his story of the driving pleasure he has enjoyed this year in his cost-effective … [Read more...]

Ultra-rare Derbyshire-built car comes home

24th November 2023

Incredibly rare Derbshire-produced Paramount returns to its home county, and is on display at Great British Car Journey... They tell us: (Words and image from Great British Car Journey). Better known for the manufacture of Rolls-Royces and Toyotas, few people know that in the 1950s, Derbyshire was also home to the production of the now almost forgotten Paramount car. And now, the fifth … [Read more...]

For Your Bookshelf – “The Austin Pedal Car Story” – The fascinating history of Austin’s J40 and Pathfinder

8th November 2023

The remarkable true story of Austin pedal cars... Reviewed by Kim Henson Author: Dr. David Whyley Published by: Porter Press International; www.porterpress.co.uk 488 pages (jacketed hardback; 280 x 220 mm), incorporating more than 1,000 images UK Price, ‘Classic Edition’: £85.00; ISBN: 978-1-913089-28-3 Note: Further specialist editions are available thus: Collector’s Edition – … [Read more...]

Hurry if you would like to see the 205.4 mph Aston Martin Bulldog at The British Motor Museum

30th October 2023

The Aston Martin Bulldog that reached 205.4 mph earlier this year is now on display at The British Motor Museum – but only for two weeks until 13th November 2023. They tell us: (Image and text from The British Motor Museum). The Bulldog’s arrival at the museum, escorted by a Hollywood film crew, came hot on the heels of it being filmed at Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) in Bridgnorth, … [Read more...]

The Austin (Pedal Cars) story continues…

24th October 2023

New J40 Continuation model launched by Austin Pedal Cars... They tell us: (All words and images from Austin Pedal Cars). New J40 Continuation is the first Austin pedal car to launch since original production ended in 1971 Austin J40 Continuation developed entirely in-house by Austin Pedal Cars Hand-formed aluminium body accurately replicates lines of the original J40 All-new, … [Read more...]

An evening with McLaren – at the British Motor Museum

20th October 2023

An exclusive McLaren evening in December at The British Motor Museum... They tell us: (All words and photographs from The British Motor Museum). The British Motor Museum is to host an exciting evening event on Monday 4 December, ‘An Evening With McLaren’. Visitors can join two of McLaren’s Chief Engineers, Geoff Grose and Sandy Holford (pictured below), to gain an insight into the evolution … [Read more...]

A quarter of a century of Audi TTs…

18th October 2023

25 years young – Audi UK celebrates TT milestone in the Isle of Man  They tell us: (All words and inages from Audi UK). Acclaimed Audi sports car celebrates 25 years in production Over 157,000 UK specification examples delivered since original launch in 1998 Audi UK travels to the Isle of Man race location that inspired the TT name to mark the occasion First generation TT from … [Read more...]

National Motor Museum’s Sunbeam 1000hp original markings revealed by soda blasting

18th October 2023

Markings hidden for nearly 100 years have been uncovered on the Sunbeam 1000hp record breaker at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu… They tell us: (All words and images from The National Motor Museum). Specialist soda blasting has revealed original mechanics’ markings on Land Speed Record breaker Sunbeam 1000hp as the National Motor Museum carried out the next major stage of its … [Read more...]

Sole surviving Hillman GT displayed at The British Motor Museum

7th October 2023

Only ‘Hillman GT’ left in existence goes on display at the British Motor Museum! They tell us (words and photographs from The British Motor Museum): The British Motor Museum is delighted to announce that a 1969 Hillman GT from the Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics TV show has proudly gone on display. It was bought by the show in 2022 as a restoration project at auction for £5.3K and is … [Read more...]

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Contributors

contributors

Our well-respected contributors live and breathe motor cars; aren’t we lucky?

Contributors to the site include talented, highly-respected people (so they tell me) on the hallowed membership list of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and from the similarly well thought-of Western Group of Motoring Writers. In addition there are valued contributions from other knowledgeable and capable motoring writers who have something useful to say about all aspects of driving and running vehicles in the 21st Century. All of our team are passionate about motor cars!


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