Classic & Sports Car

the big picture

One of the perks of working on ITC spy series The Saint for star Roger Moore was getting the use of lead character Simon Templar’s stylish Volvo sports car when the cameras were no longer rolling. This image was taken during filming for the first series, when the original Jensen-built P1800 was still in use, but is clearly away from the set because the car is wearing its real registration number, 71 DXC, rather than the fictional ‘ST 1’. The P1800 continued to be used until episode 59, when it was replaced by the new 1800S (see p112).…

welcome

Replica, recreation, revival, evocation, tribute, homage… Whatever you call them, the construction of a new vehicle that looks for all the world like an old one has always had the power to divide opinion. The subject has been in the news recently with Jaguar’s decision to take a Swedish replica builder to court (C&SC, April), which is likely to have wide-reaching consequences for the industry as a whole. Jack Phillips has been putting a fine-toothed comb through the court papers again this month, this time investigating a case that partially involves a recreation purporting to be the real deal (see p14). The lessons learned are surely an extension of those our parents taught us from the cradle: honesty is the best policy. Because when you’re up front about a car’s origins, it…

where to pick up the next issue of c&sc

As we slowly negotiate our way out of lockdown and the world faces the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that not everyone is able to get out to the shops at the moment. Here’s how to make sure you can still get your fix of your favourite classic car magazine. The first route that we would recommend is subscribing, to ensure you get the latest copy delivered direct to your door. We have a special print and digital bundle on offer this month, saving 55% on your first six issues: turn to p48 for full details. You can also buy single copies and back issues via themagazineshop.com/back-issues/classic-sports-car/ or at magsdirect.co.uk/classic-sportscar/ Finally, if you fancy going digital there are several options, either separately or bundled with the magazine (see themagazineshop.com/…

high court victory triggers calls for regulation

One of the classic world’s most publicised and important court battles, which brought about the demise of JD Classics, has recently concluded with one of the highest awards in such a case. But the man who successfully sued JD founder Derek Hood believes more must be done to regulate the industry. Mike Tuke FREng was awarded multiple judgements against Hood in January 2021 amounting to more than £12.6m. Tuke’s call has found support from different corners, not least from the auction industry, which had its own headline case in 2020 when Coys collapsed with a list of creditors owed a combined £6m. The money is unlikely to be returned, leaving some missing six-figure sums. The two cases are very different, but both reached national newspapers usually devoid of classic cars and…

delage tops the delights down under

The glitz and glamour of the classic car world returned to the southern hemisphere from 4-6 March, as some of the finest and rarest metal in Australia gathered for the third running of the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance. Hundreds of guests attended each day of the exclusive event, held in the grounds of Swifts, an impressive Gothic Revival mansion in Darling Point. On the Saturday, 300 spectators were treated to a moving parade of 25 cars that had taken part in the ‘Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive’ to raise funds for prostate cancer and men’s mental health awareness. The roads around the venue were filled with 911s, Pagodas, Ferraris, Alfas and even a Mazda Luce. To celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Jaguar E-type, examples streamed into the venue on the Friday and a…

industry set to grow, says fbhvc

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs expects the number of classic owners to increase by up to 200,000 by 2025, according to the latest report from its 2020-’21 National Historic Vehicle Survey. The FBHVC predicts that 860,000 Brits will own a classic, up from 683,987 in this current report. It adds that one in four also own a ‘Youngtimer’ classic, from the 1990s and early 2000s, suggesting the number of cars that qualify for historic vehicle status will increase. Half of all the historic vehicles on the road are worth less than £10k. A recent poll conducted by the FBHVC has also found strong favour for the sector from the general public, with 4.7m thought to be interested in owning a classic and more than 10m believing young people should be…