Memory Lane

Some practical classics from the year this mag was born

We’re in Dartford in 1980, when PC first hit the shelves.

Dartford, Kent May 1980

How many cars in this view of Dartford Station, taken around the same time that Practical

Classics was launched, would have been regarded as classics back then? The two MGB GTS might have been on the cusp – although not enough to save WYW 959M, a 1974 Bracken example, from last being taxed in 1988 – and the red NSU 1000 had novelty value and age on its side. But the assorted Ford Cortinas probably wouldn’t have been worthy of a second

PC glance, and even the early 1972 Granada MKI, in glorious metallic brown GXL trim, would only have merited Sweeney-esque interest. As for the bright (and brand new) yellow Austin Allegro 3 1.3… well, whoever would have thought they’d become much-loved cult classics?

Embraced by PC

Nowadays, there’s not one vehicle here that wouldn’t be embraced by PC. Deputy editor James would be all over that yellow Citroën GS, while if editor Danny could tear himself away from

British Rail’s Fifties’ Class 415 4-EPB units in the station, he’d probably fall for the

1972 Austin 1800 in a big way. The entire team would fight over the ultra-rare Dodge or Talbot VF3 (a Simca 1100 van with extended height roof) beyond the NSU to use as a workshop van, although the white Mini MKI/II Traveller/countryman estate next to the Landcrab would also have been a useful little load-lugger.

Sadly, not a single car with a readable number plate seems to survive today, a time when they would have been fully acknowledged as practical classics.