Retro

Retro cars road test

Show filter
Restored: 1979 Innocenti Mini

British buyers couldn’t buy a hatchback Mini, but those in Europe could – albeit not the Mini that we were used to.

1191
1982 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk1

As the go-faster Fiesta celebrates 40 years, we revisit the first of the breed.

4880
Road trip 1950 Jaguar XK120

Peter abandons the concept of luxury and takes to the hills in a rather special XK120…

1068
Running report 1971 Jaguar E-type V12

Peter introduces his E-type in this, the first of a series of running reports. Definitely not a project car – but we’ll see how that turns out…

880
1955 Jaguar D-type - life story of XKD518

Steve Natale recounts the life and times of a distinctive D-type, with connections to Formula 1 and Led Zeppelin, finally finding a home in the USA…

1058
1983 Ferrari Meera S – Michelotti’s curious 400i one-off

The curious tale of the very last Ferrari rebodied by the Italian coachbuilder Michelotti: the 400i-based Meera S

1714
1950 Alfa Romeo Alfetta Tipo 158 Grand Prix racer Amazing Jim Stokes Workshop racer recreation

The incredible story of how Jim Stokes Workshop created an Alfa Romeo Alfetta 158 Grand Prix racer from rediscovered parts in Italy

Editor's comment
Workshop racer car recreation
1950
1966 Hillman ‘Audax’ Minx 1725 Automatic

Bold probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you see a Hillman Minx, but this month’s road test is a Minx in the Audax series, produced from 1956-1967. Audax translates from Latin as ‘bold’ and Rootes Group had bold plans for their new platform. Struggling somewhat against Ford and BMC in the domestic market, Rootes set their sights on international sales to boost profits, particularly in America.

2679
1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 Ponton Ambulance W121

This W120/121 Mercedes-Benz “Ponton” ambulance has been meticulously restored over several years. We take it for a drive outside Bloemfontein

1957
1956 Wartburg 311

Two strokes, warts ’n’ all A soviet oddball with ties to one of the world’s biggest carmakers.

1276
1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

After a 25-year relationship, this Eldorado has definitely got under the skin of its owners and is a valued family member

1845
1938 Ford Model 81A Deluxe

1938 Ford V8 Deluxe Sedan Don’t judge this book by its cover because it’s as solid, powerful and practical a car as anyone could own for relatively little money and is still going strong today, as Zack Stiling discovered...

3703
1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

Glamorous Fifties American convertibles are not unknown in Glasgow, but few of them brighten the place up like Bruce Kinnear’s gorgeous ’54 Chevrolet Bel Air…

4388
1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

With bomb-proof build quality, the Carrera 3.2 represents the bedrock of 911 history, combining classic looks and driving traits with a relatively straightforward maintenance regime. Now, three decades on, even the best examples need restorative measures. Who better to demonstrate than a leading conservator of the breed?!

4330
1953 Ferrari Abarth 166 MM/53 Smontabile Spyder

For 1953, Ferrari released a second series of its 166 Mille Miglia (MM) for sports racing in the popular sub-2.0-litre sport class. These used the 1995cc V12 engine with new Weber 32IF4C carburettors, producing a healthy 160hp at 7200rpm. The so-called 166 MM/53 was sold alongside the 250 Mille Miglia (3.0 litres) and 340 Mille Miglia (4.1 litres).

1460
Drives TODAY use cookie