IS MY CAR A CLASSIC?

through the golden arches of classic status. As a rule of thumb, a classic can be deemed a car that has managed to survive for over 25 years and an emerging, or modern classic is one registered before or not long after the new style seven digit number plates came into force in September 2001. Ed. Jeff – I think at 30 years old, you can safely say your BMW 520i is now well Peter’s 1998 BMW 528i automatic, as my wife prefers the auto gearbox. Again, another great car. Wishing you every continued success with your magazine. I last wrote to Classics Monthly in 2009 when my BMW 520i was 21 years old and asked just one question, “Is my car a classic yet”? Nine more years on and the car’s now 30 years old and I'm asking the same question again. The 520i is a fantastically reliable car that is my preferred daily runner. It has now done 159,803 miles and only needed routine maintenance plus brake discs, battery and the front grille metal replaced.

The overall build quality is excellent and the engine just purrs along. It starts first time, even with long breaks between using it. I only do about 4000 miles per year now but this car has given such excellent service to me over the last 16 years, that I feel it deserves much long overdue recognition.

The photo’s I have included were taken at the local garage in Newtown, Powys, Mid-Wales. The garage is a third generation, family run and owned and has always given excellent service when looking after this vehicle. That is why I wanted to include the garage in the photos. I bought the BMW from the garage owner, Peter Humphreys, in 2002 when he reluctantly decided to part company with it. I have also bought