Classics World

Each issue is packed with the best down-to-earth advice, useful specialist information and news based on realistically priced classic cars, which will inspire you to buy, repair and restore your own classic cars. Please note: This digital version of the magazine does not currently include the covermount items or content you would find on printed newsstand copies

Editor's letter • Editor Email classics.ed@kelsey.co.uk

News

AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS • Our round-up of the very best classic cars to go under the hammer in recent weeks

CLASSICS WORLD INBOX • WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Got something you want to share? We’d love to hear your stories! Email us at classcs.ed@kelsey.co.uk, leave us a message or comment on Facebook at facebook.com/classicsworlduk

PARTY IN THE BACK • Steve Birkinshaw’s rare and wonderful hatchback-converted Radford Mini has to be one of the best examples around. We get the full story

NEED FOR SWEDE • We meet dedicated Saab enthusiast Chris Redmond to learn about his lovely 900 T16S – and just a fraction of his large collection

HEART TRANSPLANT • Jaguar never produced the Daimler SP250 with the 4.5-litre version of Edward Turner’s V8, but that didn’t stop enthusiast Bill Hunt from doing it himself

YOUR WINTER RESTORATION

RESTORATION SHOWCASE

SPECIALIST DIRECTORY • Here’s just a small selection of trusted specialists we recommend to help you get started maintaining, fixing or restoring you classic car over the off-season

MGF • The MGF put a proper MG sports car back into showrooms with a mid-engined layout, K-series power and Hydragas suspension. It is still wonderfully affordable, but cooling history, subframe condition and tired suspension can turn a cheap car into an expensive one

CLASSIC SHORTLIST • These rock-solid classics are particularly dependable companions when properly looked after. Each is a great candidate for hassle-free classic car ownership and enjoyment, or even everyday transport

RACING PEDIGREE • What began life as a homologation effort for BMW’s racing activities has now been a cornerstone of the manufacturer’s range for four decades across numerous generations. Here’s how the original E30 M3 kicked things off

PEOPLE'S FAVOURITE • Introduced half a century ago, the Ford Fiesta became part of Europe's automotive furniture until its eventual demise in 2021. We sample a perfectly preserved Popular to see how this motoring icon fares today

PRODUCTS

PROJECT SMART FORTWO

RESTORING AN MGB GT

Driver's Diary

MODERN CLASSICS AT AUCTION • Auction houses are awash with modern classics sitting on the cusp of collectability. Here are some that caught our eye recently

MERCEDES IN THE 2000s • With important updates to its long-standing models and plenty of new additions to the range, Mercedes enjoyed a successful period in the early 2000s. We examine the cars that helped Mercedes stay relevant in the new millennium

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (A5) • The last-of-the-line Beetle was much more of a luxury item than its utilitarian forebears. Today, it’s makes for a great retro-styled daily driver thanks to its Golf underpinnings

ALFA ROMEO 4C • With clever carbon construction and a Lotus-like focus on weight management, the 4C was Alfa’s beautiful but flawed attempt at a hardcore modern sports car

CURRENT LISTINGS

THE ESSENTIAL UTILITIES • Our former editor Simon started working part time on a garage forecourt aged 14 and has loved the smell of petrol ever since. He's been writing full-time about classic cars for 25 years, and has yet to find one that he really dislikes