Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider Fizzing performance, Italian style and top value make this a tempting modern classic. Words JAMES WALSHE Photography BAUER MEDIA ARCHIVE Buy an Alfa GTV: huge style, big fun, small price Just look at it. All sporting coupés of the Nineties had driver appeal in one way or another, but none could match the sheer presence of the Tipo 916 Alfa Romeo GTV. The Spider, although less delicate than its predecessor, had equal visual punch.
Forget the 205 GTI: this was France’s quickest 1980s hot hatch THE MARKET / Buying GuideIf at any point in the past 40 years you’ve been in the market for a hot hatch, chances are there’s been a Renault fairly high on your list. The modern RS Meganes are some of the finest-handling cars of their generation, and the Clio Williams became a member of hot hatch royalty the second it went on sale.
Hugely important for Ford, the Mk1 was technologically advanced for its time. Here’s what to look for if you fancy a slice of 1950s motoring. ZEPHYR SIX MK1 1951-1957When it came to the design of the Ford Zephyr Six Mk1, the notion that bigger is better certainly shone through.
Citroën XM This heir to the DS and SM offers a lot of Citroën for the money, but they’re complex, so buy carefully. Words RICHARD DREDGE Photography JOHN COLLEY Buy a space-age Citroën XM for £3k to £10k Buying Guide How to buy a cool Citroën XM before the prices rise like its suspension What to payYou can still find running XMs around £2k, although these tend to be unloved 2.0 cars. For a reliable, sorted car, budget at least £3k.Traditionally, diesels commanded more, with the best 2.
The Jaguar XK8 X100 might be the most affordable here, but it’s still one of the best. Cheap thrillsWith summer finally here, there’s never been a better time to buy a convertible. We look at five of Jaguar’s finest from the last four decades that are also affordable There’s a certain irony that the cheapest car on our list is the one that, thanks to its soft, swooping lines and oval grille, looks the most like the famous E-type. But then, that was always the point of the car.
If a GT4 is too track oriented for your tastes, but a Cayman S is a little too soft, then the 981 Cayman GTS is the perfect in-between, combining huge comfort with a sharper chassis... TECH: BUYING Porsche Cayman GTS 981C What to be aware of when on the hunt.
The first plug-in hybrid C-Class offers almost 20 miles of range in electric mode and, with its hybrid powertrain in full flow, rapid performance.
Leyland Princess Once derided, this technical marvel is rapidly becoming collectible. Now’s the time to buy. Words RICHARD DREDGE Photography JOHN COLLEY Buy a Princess to be proud ofBuying Guide The Leyland Princess is increasingly sought after now - here’s now to buy one There was a time when the Princess was widely despised as representing British Leyland at its unreliable worst. However, the passage of time, increasing scarcity and gentler use as a classic has seen opinions change.
Without the worry of Hydragas parts supply, the steel-sprung TF has gained a new following. Here’s what you need to know about the last proper MG. Words Paul Wager SECOND CHANCE BUYING GUIDE: MG TF So similar and yet so very different from the original F, the TF is an intriguing prospect. The MG TF. It’s just an MGF without the Hydragas, right? Wrong. Very wrong in fact.
While it only sold for a couple of years new, these days the pillarless Jaguar XJC is one of the most desirable XJs as a classic. Here’s what you need to know to get a good one. Words: Sam Skelton Photography: Matt Woods PILLAR OF SOCIETY BUYING GUIDE: JAGUAR XJCThe quiet elegance of the two-door XJ, the car which urban rumour says was William Lyons’ own favourite Jaguar. The XJC was always an integral part of the Jaguar XJ plan.
Epic pace, reasonable price and awesome all-weather performance make the 996 Turbo a hugely appealing machine. BUYING GUIDE: 911 TURBO 996Offering incredible performance for its price, the 996 Turbo is a sensational used buy Words DANIEL BEVIS Photos TOM GIDDEN In turbocharged form, the 996 transcended its perceived ‘bitsa’ roots (at least in the eyes of those cynics who were suspicious of the aesthetic Boxster connection) to become a truly phenomenal performance car.
The overlooked Discovery is a bargain way into a classic Land Rover – for now. Words RICHARD DREDGE Photography JOHN COLLEY Seven steps to buying Land Rover Discovery 1Buying Guide The Land Rover Discovery is perfect if you’ve missed the Range Rover boat How to dodge drama when hunting down a Disco How to dodge drama when hunting down a Disco Values of classic Range Rovers are soaring as the world wakes up to the pure appeal of the world’s first recognisable SUV.
The Citroën 2CV was a car that defied convention, but which was brilliant at providing minimalist motoring in a full-size package. Rob Hawkins outlines its history, and explains what you need to know if you are thinking of buying one. Your guide to buying this beautiful ugly ducklingRob Hawkins looks at the pitfalls and the pleasures of buying a Citroën 2CV.
These Golfs might not have captured the hearts of enthusiasts but good ones can still entertain. Here’s how to buy the best of them. BUYING GUIDE: Mk3 GOLF GTI & VR6Still something of an undervalued gem in the GTI story, the Mk3 can be an easy modern classic to own. THIRD ACT Enthusiasts might debate about whether it was the first ‘hot hatchback’ but few would argue that the Golf GTI defined the genre.
The Ferrari-inspired executive hatchback which fired the imagination and took Rover from the BL era to the Honda generation. Words: Paul Wager. DATABASE: ROVER SD1Facts, figures and history on the car which brought Ferrari style to the executive class. The SD1 is something of an enigma.