Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Classics World

Good news for Bentley and Rolls-Royce enthusiasts: there's a lot for you in this issue. You'll find a road test of a lovely Silver Spirit II on page 55 (complete with history and buying advice) and a full, in-depth guide to buying the Bentley Eight, Mulsanne and Brookands on page 82. You'll even find one in our roundup of modern classic auction cars on p112. We've gone all-in on the SZ models specifically because 2025 marks 45 years since production began. Remarkably, the platform survived in some form or another until 2003, while the famous L-series 6.75-litre V8 soldiered on until 2020, bowing out after six decades powering some of the best luxury cars ever made. While I don't think I'd ever be brave (nor wealthy) enough to consider ownership,…

The finalists have been announced for the 2025 Concours de l'Ordinaire, which take place as part of Hagerty's annual Festival of the Unexceptional at Grimsthorpe Castle on July 26. The fifty finalists have been selected from hundreds of entries, and will take pride of place on the lawns at the Lincolnshire venue. Now in its 11th year, this unique motoring event celebrates the unexceptional cars that were once street furniture. Last year saw a record attendance, with over 2000 cars and more than 4000 visitors. The 2025 event is expected to bigger than ever, with the return of a live recording of the Smith and Sniff podcast to the stage, a host of speakers and entertainment, plus live music and a diverse range of food and drink. “Selecting 50 finalists…

An Armstrong-Siddeley Hurricane, originally purchased new in 1946 by world land and water speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE, is set to go under the hammer at the Charterhouse classic and vintage car auction on Thursday June 26 at The Haynes Motor Museum. “Painted in his standard Blue Bird colour by the factory, to match all his racing cars and boats, he took delivery of the Hurricane on 18th July 1946,” said Charterhouse Director, Richard Bromell. “He used the Hurricane as his regular road car and this was probably the last car he owned, as he died not long after on New Year's Eve 1948.” Sir Malcolm first broke the world land speed record in 1924, reaching 146.16mph. Between 1924 and 1935, he went on to break the land…

Returning once again to the South of England Showground in Ardingly on Sunday, May 11, the Classic Ford Show proved a massive hit. Drawing over 3700 visitors and showcasing 800 cars, it set new records for the event, building on its strong post-pandemic revival in 2022. True to form, the event shone a spotlight on the clubs and enthusiasts in attendance, with awards presented throughout the day. FordTEC won Most Varied Club Stand, South London Retro Power claimed Best Regional Club, Sussex Prestige Ford took Best Large Club Stand, Fraud Owners’ Club claimed Best Small Club, and the Cosworth Drivers’ Club earned Best Themed Display with its diverse range of standard, restored and modified Cossies. Milestones were marked with dedicated displays, including 40 years of the Sierra Cosworth celebrated with…

After a long decline, it was May 2005 when the gates finally clanged shut at Longbridge for the final time and the production lines fell silent. In the two decades since then, we've seen the MG brand pass into Chinese ownership and rise to prominence in the EV world as MG Rover. Sadly, the UK input into the cars has gradually diminished and the bulk of the Longbridge site has now been redeveloped. Jaguar meanwhile, after being revitalised by Ford's resources in the ‘90s and 2000s, enjoyed a reinvention under Tata ownership as Jaguar Land Rover from 2008 with the USP of aluminium construction and a sharp-looking style. But it wasn't enough, as SUV sales surged ahead and Jaguar was suddenly eclipsed by the demand for Range Rovers, Discoveries and…

I ended the second part of this saga last month by saying that the next episode would cover finishing the postpurchase service and rear brake calliper overhaul or renewal. Unfortunately, however, the car had other ideas, and the day after that episode was finished, the hitherto totally reliable Volvo started misbehaving. Specifically, it wouldn't idle at all after running for ten seconds or so, and the Lambda warning light came on. Accordingly, ‘get it running properly’ leaped suddenly to the top of the to-do list. As it's a relatively late 240 my car has Bosch engine management, but the system is best described as ‘part electronic’. In other words the fuelling and spark timing side of things is controlled electronically via an ECU. However, the HT voltage is generated by…

If you grew up in the ‘70s or ‘80s then the chances are that every time the TV news showed scenes of Middle Eastern unrest, a Mercedes W123 taxi was picking its way across the rubble in the background; they really are a solid piece of work and their ability to survive war zones and school run alike was legendary. The W123 series was launched in 1975 as a replacement for the so-called W114 series and according to Mercedes a wide range of styles was considered initially, ranging from staid saloons to wild fastback designs. In the end conservatism won the day and the neat if rather stodgy looking car we all know was born. The wide headlights differentiated it from the vertically-stacked lamps of its predecessor and gave it…

1985 Toyota Tercel • SWVA, April 24 £2050 (plus fees) Now near-extinct in Britain and a shoe-in for Festival of The Unexceptional, this 1985 Toyota Tercel GL was rustproofed from new to explain its exemplary condition and with the vendor for 30 years. It more than doubled its lower estimate, showing that ‘rare but nobody cares’ remains a draw for many. 1999 Rover Mini Cooper • SWVA, April 24 £9400 (plus fees) Showing just 32,000 miles and in accordingly excellent condition, this 1999 Rover Mini Cooper Sport represents the ultimate Mini spec for many enthusiasts of the tiny British classic. It attracted enough attention to push it far beyond its £6000–£7000 guide price. 2000 Mazda B2500 • SWVA, April 24 £4150 (plus fees) This farmer's favourite pickup might have been…

If you're of a certain age you'll still be in awe of quick Fords from the 1990s like the Escort RS Cosworth in its many guises. Well, things have moved on a bit since then in terms of subtlety, and while there are still hairier options available in the form of the 350bhp Mk3 RS Focus, we're directing our attention here on the much easier-to-live-with 2012-on ST. While its turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine isn't as characterful as the Mk2 ST's juicy five-pot 2.5-litre, it puts out a bit more power at 252bhp, is just as quick and is far more economical. What the newer car lacks in terms of cylinders it more than makes up for in terms of visual appeal with its bigger rear wing, aggressive front bumper, central-exit…

I was sent a book to review some years ago called The White Stag. It was written and published by a chap called John Stone, and very enjoyable it was too. I gave him a little help with the book, and consequently I even make a very brief cameo appearance in it! The story centred around a couple of automotive anoraks who, largely by default rather than design, set up a company to hunt big game in the UK, though with a difference - instead of searching for rare and exotic animals to shoot, they would take customers out hunting for specific makes and models of classic car, travelling in an ex-safari park Leyland Sherpa 4x4 minibus complete with zebra stripes and called Tenzing. As I recall, there were certain…

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will return to Birmingham's NEC from November 7-9 2025, promising another unmissable celebration of motoring heritage. Following its 40th anniversary last year, this year's event is set to be even bigger, showcasing more than 3000 classic vehicles. A total of 338 motoring clubs will be in attendance, each displaying rare and cherished models. Over 600 classic cars will be available to purchase through specialist dealers, plus and the two-day sale hosted by Iconic Auctioneers. In addition, more than 450 exhibitors will offer a vast array of parts, tools and restoration services in the vast autojumble. As ever, the Meguiar's Club Showcase will present an array of immaculate show cars vying to be voted the winner, while the Pride of Ownership competition invites attendees to…

EMAIL: CLASSICS.ED@KELSEY.CO.UK Thanks for another varied and entertaining magazine with your latest edition. Your article on Linwood encapsulates many of the problems that bedevilled British car making during the stormy period of the 1960s and ‘70s and the Hillman Imp was one of the great nearmisses of all time. Arguably a better all-round package than the Mini, the Imp was spacious, nippy and handled superbly while being economical to run. Simon Goldsworthy's article about visiting the NEC for the Motor Show in 1982 led me to remember my youthful opportunities of going to Earl's Court for its last few years of hosting the show. What a great venue that was! It was a striking art-deco building close to London's attractions. Was it not an almost criminal act of cultural vandalism…

Morgan Plus 8 Lots of power in a traditionally styled, hand-built body makes for a hugely characterful classic TVR Griffith Also powered by a Rover V8, the Griffith takes a more modern approach to a the brawny sports car recipe LAST MONTH'S WINNER Last month's winner was the XJ-S with twice as many votes as the DB7. Here's what you had to say: @neilmckay8649 Jaguar is a handsome brute, elegant, has aged well. DB7 is toned, classy, its rarity catches the eye. Aston for me @AledPritchard This is another difficult decision to make. You lovely swines are good at this! I'm in an XJS mood right now, so I'm choosing the XJS. @angi733 I'm building a manual 6.0 XJR-S 1992 model with some subtle tuning. Think it will be cooler…

In 1973, Gilbern Cars was in serious financial difficulties but in 1974 Anthony Peters took over the ailing company and there was serious talk of him recommencing production. By this time, I had sold my Gilbern Genie, and was driving my second Invader MkII, when I received a tip-off from an acquaintance in Birmingham. He knew Peters and told me that he had a handful of Gilbern Invader MkIIIs for sale privately, so I arranged to drive up to meet him at his house in Birmingham where he had the three cars for sale. Two were new and unregistered, one of which was left-hand drive and the third was a used automatic, registered to the Gilbern company and used as a general purpose factory hack. Peters also told me that…

Rolls-Royce has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, both financial and strategic. The Silver Shadow was a major gamble – the company's first monocoque car, smaller than its predecessor, and a costly project. However, it became its best-selling model, attracting millionaires worldwide. By the late 1970s, the Shadow was ageing, but Rolls-Royce lacked funds for an entirely new model. The successor had to use the existing platform while appealing to markets like the United States, where bigger meant better. To create the illusion of size, Rolls-Royce cleverly redesigned the Silver Spirit with wide horizontal headlights, broader taillights and a shorter yet wider grille. Kim Cairns’ 16,000-mile Spirit II shows it all off in the best possible way. Resplendent in Royal Blue, it looks almost black until the…

Peter has been a classic car journalist for nearly 40 years, and is a past editor of Practical Classics, Car Mechanics, Classic Car Weekly and Classic Car Buyer. These days he writes mainly about old lorries as editor of Classic & Vintage Commercials, but old cars remain his first love. MY FLEET 1949 RILEY RMB 1955 MG ZA MAGNETTE 1958 HILLMAN MINX 1965 MORRIS MINOR TRAVELLER 1970 ROVER P6 3500 1990 VOLVO 240 ESTATE 1992 ROVER 827 COUPE Last time, we left my MG Magnette ZA with a fine new wiring loom installed, a task which was made marginally easier by the engine and gearbox having been removed. The main reason for doing this was an intermittent but consistent grinding sound from the clutch area which sounded like either rust-onmetal…

In the main display at the British Motor Museum, you'll find the Range Stormer concept, resplendent in burned orange and still looking edgy and dramatic over 20 years after it first appeared at the 2004 Detroit Show. The work of Richard Woolley, this combining of coupe and off-road SUV would later become what we know as the Range Rover Sport. Well, the essence of the design would, even if the production car gained an extra pair or doors and an extra tonne of kerb weight. Much like the Discovery before it, the Range Rover Sport was born from the realisation that the regular Range Rover had evolved so far down the luxury road that it was now too big and too costly for many of its target buyers, even if…

The 1972 Olympic Games may seem a far cry from the last i3 produced in 2022, but it tells of a storied legacy. A pair of battery powered 1602s appeared at Oberwiesenfeld in Munich, now Olympiapark, not far from BMW's headquarters: luckily, their 60km (32 mile) range was sufficient. It took 350kg of lead acid batteries to get the 32kW-motored 1602s around; and with an 0-30mph time of 8 seconds and an absolute maximum of 62mph, there was still work to be done. Still, the concept showed promise. The 1602 Electric had been in development since 1969 and, keen to extract more from heavy and weak battery technology, newly adapted BMW 700 LS (Luxus) prototypes took to the road. They used a Bosch-developed electric motor, and could be charged from…

The Classic and Performance Car Spectacular returns to Tatton Park on June 7–8, promising a varied and exciting weekend for classic car enthusiasts and their families. Over 90 car clubs are expected to participate, with displays from groups including the Mercedes-Benz Club, Jaguar Enthusiasts, Club Lotus and BMC & Friends. The show will put a spotlight on individual entries too, with standout entries such as Rob Aspinall's expertly tuned Datsun 240Z and Pete Colling's roaring LS3-powered Cobra Super Lite. Other highlights are set to include great examples of the Lancia Delta Integrale, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Citroën Traction Avant. All will be competing for daily prizes and the Best in Show title. A new family-friendly addition for 2025 is the Kid Zone, supported by Scalextric, featuring a large-scale digital…

Luxury electric vehicle conversion specialist, Inverted has unveiled electrified versions of the Land Rover Series I, II, and III, expanding its portfolio beyond the successful Range Rover Classic conversions. These reimagined Land Rovers maintain their classic charm while featuring modern electric powertrains. Each build is customised in collaboration with Inverted founder Harry Millington, allowing customers to retain the traditional aesthetic or opt for a bespoke design. The vehicles feature a 62kWh waterproof battery pack, split between front and rear for improved weight distribution and traction. A 160bhp motor delivers 900Nm of torque to the original transfer box, retaining high/low range ratios and a locking differential. This results in a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds and the same famed off-road ability. The models include both a 6.6kW Type 2 charger and…

Royal Tunbridge Wells is set to mark 130 years since it hosted Britain's first-ever motor show with the Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring, a new event taking place over the weekend of August 2–3. Held in The Pantiles, a Georgian colonnade in the town in Kent, the festival is set to feature a curated display of over 20 cars, with representation from a number of local automotive specialists, restorers and racing teams. Among the vehicles set to appear are a Bugatti Type 35, Jaguar D-Type, Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight and a 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, alongside modern icons like the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 993 GT2 EVO, and the Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series R currently competing in the 2025 World Endurance Championship. The festival will commemorate the 1895…

When somebody tells you their very first drive of the car they've owned for 15 years involved battling rush hour city traffic in a cyclone on the other side of the world, it sounds much more promising than the “I bought it fully restored and polished it every Sunday” story. The unlikely scenario is explained by the fact that Simon Holloway's Jowett Jupiter was exported as new from the Bradford factory to Jowett Motors New Zealand in November 1951. British cars were popular over there back then and Jowetts are still relatively numerous in the classic car scene in NZ. Early in its life, it appears to have received a Ford 10 engine in place of the original, but by the late 1970s was in a sorry state. At this…

The MG sports car has always put a sparkle in the eye of the enthusiast, young or old. Add a V8 powerplant and you get that extra punch to make the RV8 the epitome of this great British marque with a history that can be traced back to 1924 and Morris Garages. And its relative rarity ramps up this iconic British sports car in the desirability stakes – just 1983 were built of which only 330 were destined for UK enthusiasts, the vast majority going to keen Japanese buyers. And that's where Aussie Peter Varley comes into the picture – Peter's car being one of many sought by MG fans Down Under and shipped across the Coral Sea to the sunshine of Melbourne. Much as Rover dealers applauded the looks…

When Rolls-Royce Motors’ managing director, David Plastow, encouraged his engineering department to send a timeworn Silver Shadow prototype off to Broadspeed for a turbo installation with the words “let's have a bit of fun,” he kick-started a process that would ultimately see the Rolls-Royce brand overtaken by Bentley's rediscovered performance ambitions. That boosted Silver Shadow hack would ultimately spawn the Mulsanne Turbo and in turn the Turbo R, which captured the imagination of a whole new class of buyer for the Crewe firm's cars. Today, with the Silver Spirit-based models now very much accepted as modern classics, it's still the Turbo R that gets much of the attention, leaving the regular Rolls-Royce derivative as arguably the overlooked member of the SZ-generation family. This presents something of an opportunity for the…

Writing in May 2025, it's exactly 20 years since MG Rover finally collapsed in spectacular style, marking the final crumbling into ashes of what was once the mighty British Leyland. As journalists and camera crews jostled for position outside the famous ‘Q’ gates, footage looked like history repeating itself. After all, this wasn't the first time the famous site had fallen silent – notably during the dark days of ‘70s industrial relations – but this time there was little hope of a return to work. No donkey-jacketed union officials addressing the workers across the road in Cofton Park, no behind-the-scenes negotiations, just an end to a story which had begun long ago: before the Phoenix Four, before BMW and even before British Aerospace, during the era which produced British Leyland.…

While serious car enthusiasts are likely to say they focus on engine specifications, chassis dynamics and performance, it's no secret that most car purchases are made based heavily on looks. It's why car companies spend millions making sure their model stands out from the crowd – and why so many coupes were sold during something of a heyday for the bodystyle in the early to mid-2000s and 2010s. The good news is that today, many of those great-looking models are far more attainable than before. And crucially, they can back up their rakish styling by being great to drive and own too. Here are some of our favourite coupes set for modern-classic stardom. Alfa Romeo Brera Originally a Giugiaro-styled concept from 2002, the production Brera was launched at the 2005…

Originally available as a panel van, Shuttle, Kombi, Multivan, California camper, or here as the Caravelle, the Volkswagen T6 enjoys a massive enthusiast following that has more or less guaranteed its modern classic status. Although I've introduced this project as a van, it is classified as a ‘diesel car’ on the logbook with an MPV body type. Based on the Transporter T5.1 (launched early 2010), our model was registered in September 2010 and has the slightly modified bits from the T5 models – daylight running lights being one of those. While the 1.9 TDI PD was used in other Transporters, the Caravelle didn't option this. Instead T5 Caravelle models ran either the 5-cylinder 2.5 TDI PD (130PS or 174PS), or a 3.2 V6 petrol. With the T5.1 facelift, both those…

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5 (2005-2008) The Golf GTI is the most famous hot hatch of them all and has enjoyed a strong following ever since it first went on sale in 1976. With the Mk1 and Mk2 now firmly established classics and the formerly derided Mk3 well on its way, we reckon it's time to skip the slightly dull Mk4 and focus on the far superior Mk5. Introduced in 2005 as part of the Golf's wider rejuvenation, the Mk5 GTI arrived to a rapturous reception from the motoring press and enthusiasts alike. Where the Mk4 iteration was more of a warmed-up standard car with nicer trim, the Mk5 was a complete performance car. Power came courtesy of a new 2.0-litre FSI four-cylinder turbo producing 200bhp, fed through the front wheels…