Classic Car Mart January 2021

Welcome… “NOW WE’RE METROING” We all love to dream about E-Types and DB5s, but it’s a fair bet that most readers will have anecdotes surrounding the humble Metro… a car which has now been with us for almost exactly 40 years; it was officially launched on October 8, 1980 although running prototypes were a common sight on UK roads long before then. Indeed, on my desk I have a copy of Autocar from the launch week, in which a group of intrepid staffers had just returned from relaying a pre-production example 5000 miles around Europe… in just five days. Given that it was the 1-litre model, I reckon they earned their pay that month. It’s interesting to read the goodwill for the eagerly-anticipated new car, with the journalists being almost…

We all love to dream about E-Types and DB5s, but it’s a fair bet that most readers will have anecdotes surrounding the humble Metro… a car which has now been with us for almost exactly 40 years; it was officially launched on October 8, 1980 although running prototypes were a common sight on UK roads long before then. Indeed, on my desk I have a copy of Autocar from the launch week, in which a group of intrepid staffers had just returned from relaying a pre-production example 5000 miles around Europe… in just five days. Given that it was the 1-litre model, I reckon they earned their pay that month. It’s interesting to read the goodwill for the eagerly-anticipated new car, with the journalists being almost universally positive in their comments even…

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) used the recent virtual NEC Classic Motor Show as an opportunity to announce some of the standout results from its 2020 National Historic Vehicle Survey – and they make for very encouraging reading. Not only is the number of historic vehicles on the rise, but there’s also a big increase in the sector’s worth to the UK economy. The Federation has been compiling its reports every five years since 2006, but with the impact the pandemic is likely to have had on the sector’s habits in 2020 taken into consideration, the latest Historic Vehicle Survey was brought forward by a year and based on 2019 instead. In this context a historic vehicle is defined as being 30 years or over and spans a wide…

PLUGS&LEADS THE £7.2bn OLD CAR BUSINESS The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) used the recent virtual NEC Classic Motor Show as an opportunity to announce some of the standout results from its 2020 National Historic Vehicle Survey – and they make for very encouraging reading. Not only is the number of historic vehicles on the rise, but there’s also a big increase in the sector’s worth to the UK economy. The Federation has been compiling its reports every five years since 2006, but with the impact the pandemic is likely to have had on the sector’s habits in 2020 taken into consideration, the latest Historic Vehicle Survey was brought forward by a year and based on 2019 instead. In this context a historic vehicle is defined as being…

CLASSIC CAR CALENDARS Looking for a stocking filler for a petrolhead this Christmas? The Kelsey Media online store features a whole host of great subscription offers, books and other gifts, including a selection of motoring calendars. Being A3 the calendars won’t actually fit in a stocking, but will look the part in the home, office, garage or any other indoor space of choice. There are several calendar designs to choose from, including four featuring stunning imagery compiled by our sister magazines, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Driver, Classic Ford, Classic Jaguar and VW Camper & Bus. You’ll also find options for steam engines, tractors, buses and commercial vehicles, with every month featuring a new fascinating print, plus room to add daily notes. All calendars are priced at just £8.99 each, including packing…

Looking for a stocking filler for a petrolhead this Christmas? The Kelsey Media online store features a whole host of great subscription offers, books and other gifts, including a selection of motoring calendars. Being A3 the calendars won’t actually fit in a stocking, but will look the part in the home, office, garage or any other indoor space of choice. There are several calendar designs to choose from, including four featuring stunning imagery compiled by our sister magazines, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Driver, Classic Ford, Classic Jaguar and VW Camper & Bus. You’ll also find options for steam engines, tractors, buses and commercial vehicles, with every month featuring a new fascinating print, plus room to add daily notes. All calendars are priced at just £8.99 each, including packing and delivery to all UK…