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...]
Classic Profiles
Our look in the rear view mirror at cars from the past
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“Okay, I know it’s not a recent photograph, but it’s a classic, isn’t it?”[/caption]
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…
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...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 5 – A22 Infantry ‘Churchill’ Tank
In feature No. 5 in a series looking at significant Vauxhall vehicles through the decades, this week we show how, when faced with a national crisis – and in this case, the Second World War – the company could turn its hand to manufacturing almost anything. Even a tank… (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). VAUXHALL’S A22 INFANTRY ‘CHURCHILL’ TANK Today, we see how engineering … [Read more...]
Classic Clubs Series – No. 2 – The Austin Counties Car Club
Are you interested in, or do you own… any of the Austin models built between 1939 and 1954 (and some commercial versions were produced until 1957)? If the answer is yes, it would be a good move to contact and join this club… With regard to this series of articles, Kim Henson says… “Over time Wheels-Alive will be looking at the many enthusiastic organisations that exist to help their members to … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 4 – 1937 to 1940 Ten-Four H-Type
In feature No. 4 in a series covering significant Vauxhall models through the decades, we take a look at an innovative and ahead-of-its-time family saloon from 1937, the H-Type Ten-Four... (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). VAUXHALL H-TYPE TEN-FOUR In 1937, Vauxhall’s H-type ‘Ten-Four’ model turned the booming 10 hp (RAC rating) market on its head. It was … [Read more...]
Book Review – Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé
Book Review – Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé – The Autobiography of CSX 2300 …Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé Author: Rinsey Mills Published by: Porter Press International Ltd. www.porterpress.com 336 pages; hardback Price: £60.00 ISBN: 978-1-907085-42-0 This is a mighty tome, entirely appropriate though for what was a mighty if … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 3 – 30/98, 1919-27
In article No. 3 in a series looking at significant Vauxhall models through the decades, we highlight Britain’s very first catalogued 100 mph car, the iconic Vauxhall 30-98. (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). VAUXHALL 30-98 Built in series from 1919 to 1927, the 30-98 was, in its day, the fastest catalogued production car in Great Britain, with a … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 2 – C-10 Prince Henry – ‘The world’s first sports car’
In our second article in a series looking at Vauxhall models through the decades, we are looking at the amazing-for-its-time C-10 three litre 'Prince Henry' sports model, which arrived in 1910. All information and photographs from Vauxhall, plus, for a little context, here’s a link to a lovely Vauxhall film made around 20 years ago which shows the sheer breadth of Vauxhall’s heritage … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 1 – Veteran 5 hp Light Car, 1903
In this first article in a series looking at Vauxhall models through the years, we are shining the spotlight on a milestone model for the Luton-based company, from 117 years ago – the 5 hp 'Light Car'... (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). Built from 1903, Vauxhall’s first year of car production, and known as the ‘Light Car’, the model featured a slow-revving, … [Read more...]
MG F – 25 years of this modern classic and it’s still looking good
MG F - 25 years is a long time - by Dave Moss, who tells the fascinating story of this model (and the TF)... The MG F, which passed the 25th anniversary of its Geneva Show announcement on March 7th 2020, was a remarkable car. Developed to capitalise on a long and formidably successful heritage defined by its world famous (and subtly reworked) octagon badge, it has left a fitting and indelible … [Read more...]
Audi TT quattro sport – A modern classic much enjoyed
Collector’s dream or aged Golf in drag? The first edition of Audi’s TT is 21 years old and divides opinions sharply, as Jeremy Walton discovered when he bought a limited edition TT quattro sport… Kim adds: A very warm 'welcome aboard' to Jeremy as a contributor to Wheels-Alive. He will already be known to many readers as a highly experienced motoring writer, especially in terms of covering … [Read more...]
Flying Standards – A Transformative Range
Kim Henson sheds light on a seldom-told pre-War success story for the Standard Motor Company… (Words and all photographs by Kim). Complex and very wide-ranging, the 'Flying' Standard line-up found buyers galore keen to own the boldly styled models. This is what happened... Since the last Standard-badged car for the UK was produced well over half a century ago, it is perhaps unsurprising that … [Read more...]
Early Standard Vanguards brought together…
A variety of Standard Vanguard Phase I and II models, and their owners, took part in a recent event celebrating these enjoyable and competent vehicles… Kim Henson was there... (All words and photos by Kim). During the late 1930s the Standard Motor Company produced a very wide range of ‘Flying Standard’ models that proved to be popular with buyers and it is no exaggeration to say that these … [Read more...]
Mini Happy Returns – 60 Years since BMC’s baby was introduced
Small Wonder... Britain's favourite small car of the 1960s and 70s, celebrated by Dave Moss. It was exactly 60 years ago this week, on 26th August 1959, that the Mini was introduced to the world. In this first instalment of a series about the BMC/British Leyland/Rover Minis, Dave describes the background to, and development of, this small but revolutionary car, dubbed 'Wizardry on Wheels' in … [Read more...]
Land Rover Love on a Mountain Top… 70th Anniversary Celebrations with Defender Outline in French Alps
Spectacular 250 m (820 ft) wide Defender outline drawn in the snow at 2,700 m (8,858 ft) in the French Alps to mark Land Rover’s 70th anniversary… Headlines: The amazing Defender outline has been created by snow artist Simon Beck who walked out 20,894 steps in sub-zero temperatures. Land Rover announces World Land Rover Day: 30 April 2018 marks 70 years since its debut at the 1948 Amsterdam … [Read more...]
‘Golden Oldies’; Retrospective Road Test No. 2 – 1991 Peugeot 205 1.1 Trio S.
Peugeot 205 – “le sacré numéro”… In the second of our new series on Wheels-Alive, Kim Henson test drives Peugeot’s 205, in this case a 1991 1.1 litre Trio S three door version. (All words and photographs by Kim). Note: "Wheels-Alive gives you more..." If you would like to turn back time 26 years (on a temporary basis!), at the end of this feature are direct 'interactive' links to enable you … [Read more...]