AGE IS NO BARRIER
Looking to buy a pre-war car in which to enjoy everything this thriving scene has to offer? Look no further; the CCW team offer their thoughts on their favourites
What’s the appeal of pre-war motoring? Well, aside from owning something that very few others are likely to have, you can expect fine craftsmanship, individual styling and – best of all – something you can enjoy on today’s B-roads without a huge amount of difficulty.
The Veteran and Edwardian eras (up to 1904 and 1905-1915 respectively) was when motoring was in its infancy. One of the reasons the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is so acclaimed is because it remains a genuine challenge to complete the 60-mile trip. This is largely because each vehicle is able to do one thing well, and as a result may be woefully inept in another area. Performance compromises refinement, and vice versa.
While cars from those eras make for interesting curios, it’s the Vintage period (1920-1930) and the subsequent pre-war years where motor manufacturers found their stride and what most of us recognise as ‘cars’ started being produced. Luxurious cars became faster; and faster cars become more luxurious. At the less pricey end of the spectrum, cars could now accommodate more people – and take them further.
The breadth and depth of cars from this period could fill several issues of ClassicCarWeekly, which is why arriving at a favourite pre-war classic was such a challenge for the team. But they rose to it in style – the seven superb examples on these pages give you a great idea of just how capable, enjoyable and affordable motoring from the 1920s and ’30s can be.