REINVENTING THE PAST

This may well be the newest car you ever see featured in Classics magazine, but we hope you'll agree that Morgan's 21st Century return to three-wheeled motoring is pretty close to being an instant classic.

AN MG RARITY

The MkIII and MkIV Magnettes have forever lived in the shadow of their illustrious forebear, the Z-Type Magnette. Sales were never strong and scrappage rates were high, but fans are now seeking out and cherishing the few that remain.

Out on the road again

I was in a great rush as usual when I checked out the Allard P1 late one evening, only to find that the lights wouldn’t come on main beam.

A CHEEKY CHAPPY

The Austin A30 and later A35 are tiny by today's standards, but back in the 1950s they were everyday transport for many a family. With all the charm of a puppy they had a tendency to worm their way into owners' affections, and Ray Lewis' lovely 1957 example is no exception to this rule.

Light Fantastic

We revisit Audi’s cleverly engineered lightweight loss-leader. Just don’t mention the A-Class.

Prized Companion

Originally the second prize in a national driving competition for lady drivers, this Escort XL is now a cherished family heirloom.

Exhausting Gentry

At the beginning of August I was in Denmark attending the 2017 Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix and as usual this was a brilliant event.

Major Minor Screen Problems

The last few weeks have been taken up with fettling the Minor’s wipers, as the motor was running too hot, despite smoothing the bends in the outer and replacing the grease with EP90 oil.

10 Things You Need To Know About... Bmc 1100/1300 (1972-1974)

For a car that was Britain’s best seller for most of its 12-year production run, the BMC 1100 and 1300 are remarkably scarce with survivors being just a tiny fraction of the two million plus cars that were produced between 1962 and 1974. Built in both Cowley and Longbridge, demand for the 1100 was so great that even after Longbridge started building the Austin version in late 1963, the Cowley plant had double shifts working to build enough cars.

Project MGF

Last month saw us going right through the MGF’s cooling system and since then I’m happy to report that the garage floor seems to have remained bone dry.

Fuel Additives

A bewildering selection of additives promises everything from squeezing more miles out of every gallon of petrol to cleaner engines and smoother running. But which ones work and are they really necessary?

Dare To Be Different

The PT Cruiser incorporates ‘hot rod’ inspired styling from the Thirties matched to modern multi-purpose vehicle practicality and affordability.

Automatic Choice

A self-shifting hatchback MG turned out to be the perfect practical classic for this owner.

A Porsche with a view

I previously reported that to cure an earthing issue with the Porsche’s heated rear screen circuit, I’d re-fitted one of the original (insulated) gas struts ...and ordered a replacement.

Style Machine

We track down a 2-litre Capri that’s been returned to its former glory by a self-confessed Ford fan.

Twink of an Eye

When spiralling Escort values put a genuine Twin Cam out of reach, one enterprising owner simply made his own.

Mazda Engine Mounts

After getting on so well with the Mazda last month, I decided to delve deep into the engine bay and sort out the slightly wobbly engine. Worn engine mounts tend to only show themselves when the car is being driven. Trying to rock the engine by hand to identify the problem rarely works – after all, they have the weight of the engine on them and gravity is going to mask the problem even if the mounts themselves are worn to bits.

Fabulous Farina

BMC went from staid to stylish in one fell swoop when it introduced the smart looking Farina designed Cambridge and its badge engineered compatriots. We look at a MkII A55 that only required a little bit of fettling to bring it up to concours condition.

Healey Dream Machine

This month on planet Healey I have entered the mock-up phase. With the shell in primer and awaiting shrouds to complete final door gapping, I used the rotisserie to turn the shell the right side up before dropping it onto a set of tall axle stands.

E-Type Engine Out Time

Last month was again focused on the Jaguar, as the complete front suspension had to be removed to allow replacement of the wishbone inner bushes. A block of wood on the hydraulic trolley was used to raise the upright to allow access for a large ball joint splitter to free the top wishbone ball joint taper, which always releases with a resounding bang.

Ethanol Blended Fuel Woes

There’s nothing worse than opening the garage door and being hit square in the face with the stench of petrol. Not the usual whiff that’s ever present if you choose to fill a building with old cars, but the eye watering, so thick you can almost taste it means that something is leaking. 

Alard Coolant Issues

With all the chrome work on the Allard looking good after a recent polishing marathon, it was time to go for a run in the car. So aft er breakfast the Allard was brought out of the garage and the Ford V8 flathead engine warmed up.

Healey Panel Work Progress

This month I’ve been trying to bring a bit more focus to the Healey 3000 project.