This issue marks something
of a milestone for Classics Monthly, being the 300th edition to be published. That’s nearly 25 years worth, and it is incredible to think about how much has changed in the world of classic cars over that quarter of a century. Perhaps the most obvious of these changes has been the way values of traditional classics have risen across the board, although some models have crept up slowly while others have simply rocketed skywards. That has conspired with the influx of new and younger enthusiasts to bring more modern cars into the classic fold – saloons from the 1980s and 1990s and sports cars into the 2000s, for example.
There have also been any number of subtle shifts in tastes and fashions so that cars which 25 years ago could barely be given away have become rare and sought after. Often they have become more sought after as their numbers have declined, the remaining cars tending to be good original or restored examples rather than old bangers one breakdown away from the scrapyard. Anything produced behind the iron curtain is a case in point – I can remember when you really could near enough double the value of a Lada or rear-engined Skoda by filling the tank with fuel, and you would never, ever see them in any self-respecting classic car magazine.
Once unfashionable home-grown cars like the Allegro, Marina, Montego and TR7 are in a similar position, and if you haven’t dipped your toes in the buying market since the new millennium began, then I reckon you will be quite shocked by the number of eager buyers chasing each decent example that is offered for sale. It all just goes to show that even in a hobby such as ours which is essentially based on nostalgia, change is still an ever-present factor.
It is in this spirit of change and novelty that we decided on an unusual feature to mark our 300th issue. Instead of looking back over past editions, we have visited the often unsung heroes who help to keep our classics (and indeed Classics Monthly!) on the road – the specialists who provide the parts and the skills that we all need. In each case we asked them four questions about the classics they own and the cars that got them started. Not only was it fascinating to put some faces to the company names, but it was also interesting to discover that to a man they are every bit as classic obsessed as you and me. Turn to p86 for the start of that feature, and feast your eyes on the picture above which shows Dougal Cawley of Longstone Tyres out for a winter drive with his family in their 1930 Ford Model A Tudor. As Dougal says: ‘ A VSCC trial is the best way to spend a winter weekend by miles – skulduggery with friends, mud anda picnic.’
Finally, if you enjoy this Classics, don’t forget you can get three issues for just £9.99 on a rolling basis at shop.kelsey.co.uk/suboffer/ cb20cmt, and there are more great deals at shop.kelsey.co.uk/subscription/CMT.
SIMON GOLDSWORTHY Editor
Email classics.ed@kelsey.co.uk