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Classic & Sports Car

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Classic & Sports Car
TitleClassic & Sports Car
FrequencyMonthly
CategoryAutomobile magazine
PublisherHaymarket Media Group
Firstdate1982
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Classic & Sports Car Classic & Sports Car is a British monthly magazine covering collectible automobiles, sports cars and classic motoring culture. Founded in the early 1980s, it has chronicled restorations, market trends, concours events and motorsport heritage across the United Kingdom and internationally. The magazine frequently features marque histories, auction results and buyer’s guides aimed at collectors, restorers and enthusiasts.

History

The magazine was launched during a period that included events such as the rise of the Jaguar XJ-S collector market, the maturation of Aston Martin appreciation, the revival of interest in Ferrari Dino models and the growth of classic car auctions at venues like Goodwood and Silverstone Classic. Early issues documented restorations of marques including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey, while covering rallies such as the Mille Miglia revival, the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique and the Le Mans Classic. Over time the magazine reported on shifting valuations at auction houses including RM Sotheby's, Bonhams, Christie's and Gooding & Company and on legislation affecting road use such as debates around emissions zones in cities like London. Editorial timelines intersected with personalities like Enzo Ferrari retrospectives, profiles of Carroll Shelby and features on Sir Stirling Moss.

Editorial Focus and Content

The editorial remit emphasizes marques, models and personalities prominent in classic motoring circles, covering vehicles from Bugatti Type 35 examples to Porsche 911 variants, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwings, Lamborghini Miura projects and Ford GT40 restorations. Regular editorial themes include technical examinations of engines such as the Rover V8, the BMW M88, the Jaguar XK straight-six and the Ferrari Colombo V12, alongside coachbuilding histories involving Pininfarina, Bertone and Zagato. Coverage aligns with events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Essen Motor Show, and examines market dynamics influenced by auctions at Barrett-Jackson and collectors like Paul Allen. The magazine also profiles restorers and workshops like Renntech, H.G. Randall, Ettore Bugatti specialists and owners associated with collections such as The Nethercote Collection.

Notable Features and Regular Sections

Recurring sections include in-depth road tests of cars ranging from Alfa Romeo Giulia restorations to Ferrari 250 GTO retrospectives, maintenance guides referencing parts suppliers for Austin A40 and Volkswagen Beetle models, and buyer’s guides comparing Maserati Ghibli, Lotus Elan and AC Cobra examples. Regular columns explore concours preparation for events like Villa d'Este Concours, race history tied to Targa Florio, and spotlight reissues and recreations such as Continuation Series projects by Aston Martin Works and Ferrari Classiche. The magazine runs classifieds and auction roundups highlighting results from houses including Dreweatts, Bonhams and RM Sotheby's, interviews with collectors reminiscent of Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld and features on period motorsport heroes like Jim Clark and Niki Lauda.

Publication and Distribution

Published monthly by Haymarket Media Group, the magazine is distributed through retail outlets across the United Kingdom, with international circulation reaching enthusiasts in United States, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. It coordinates coverage with motorsport calendars at circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Silverstone and Nürburgring, and partners with events and organizations including Historic Sports Car Club and Federation Internationale de l'Automobile heritage initiatives. Advertising and sponsorship often feature marques and specialists like Recaro, Michelin, Shell and restoration firms engaging audiences at exhibitions such as Classic Motor Show and Autumn Classic.

Influence and Reception

The magazine has influenced collector tastes, market prices and restoration standards by publicizing technical expertise for models like the Triumph TR6 and the MG B, by reviewing auction outcomes at Gooding & Company and by setting editorial benchmarks alongside peer publications such as Octane (magazine), Hemmings Motor News and Motor Trend Classic. Critics and readers compare its coverage with specialist journals dedicated to marques including Ferrari Magazine, Porsche Post and Bentley Drivers Club newsletters, while academics and historians cite its archival material for studies involving figures like Enzo Ferrari and events like Le Mans 24 Hours. The title has been awarded recognitions within publishing circles and is frequently present at industry gatherings such as the International Motor Show Germany and the Monterey Car Week.

Category:Automobile magazines Category:Publications established in 1982