NOSTALGIA FOR THE LOST GEMS OF THE 1970S

REMEMBER the Clan Crusader? Volkswagen Derby? Or the Vauxhall Firenza?

Nor do most people now — though there’s an example of the latter at the brilliant British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

But in a quirky and entertaining book, award-winning author Giles Chapman has shone a spotlight on a decade of forgotten classics that both predicted what was to come, or pointed to a future that never quite materialised.

‘Lost Cars of the 1970s’ (on sale from October 6, The History Press, £17.99) is a nostalgic and informative look back at 60 diverse cars with fascinating stories. Chapman says: ‘The casualties and sideshows of motoring history from around the world finally get the recognition they deserve’.

Among forgotten projects were Italy’s clever plan to update the Mini; America’s electric runabout that paved the way for Tesla; Britain’s stylish, homespun sports cars; the Japanese limousine intended to do 25 mph; and the ‘safety car’ that evolved into a Polish workhorse.