Seven unmissable classic car articles from the December issue of C&SC

By Greg MacLeman
News
 | 8 Nov 2017

The brand-new December issue of C&SC goes on sale in the UK today (8 November), and it’s packed with incredible features from our headline 2000-mile dream drive in a Porsche 911 Targa to a sensational Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental. Also included is a free 2018 calendar featuring some of the most exciting photographs from our year of motoring.

We’ve rounded up our top seven unmissable features from the new issue, starting with the unlikely resurrection of a much-maligned Lamborghini.

7. Lamborghini Urraco

The Lamborghini Urraco is a car that suffers a reputation for poor reliability. But is it justified? The owner of this P250S says no. Tony Wates bought the ailing supercar for just £5500 before embarking on a gradual, budget-friendly restoration, bringing the tired mechanical components up to the same standard as the sharp bodywork. Of course, it wasn’t always plain sailing…

6. Half-litre heroes: Formula 500

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of Formula 500, both as a blueprint for single-seater racing we see today and as the launch pad of countless racing careers, from Bernie Ecclestone to Stirling Moss. To celebrate the series, Paul Hardiman gathers no fewer than eight examples, from Scottish-built JP Mk1B JAP through to the ultimate refinement of the 500: a Cooper MkXI (T42).

5. Double Espresso: Vauxhall PA Cresta meets F-series Victor

They may be the epitome of ’50s coffee-bar chic, but the mid-Atlantic style of the Vauxhall PA Cresta and F-series Victor weren’t as rock ‘n’ roll as their image today might suggest. Andrew Roberts gets to grips with two wonderful cars from a time when black, grey and beige began to give way to vibrant colours and outlandish fins.

4. Into the Great Wide Open: 10,000 miles in a Lincoln Continental

What’s the best way to top off a year’s student exchange in the USA? For musician Marcus Warner, it was to buy a 1970s barge and embark upon an epic 10,000-mile road trip with his friend, Connor. What could possibly go wrong?

Spoiler: a lot. From terrifying blizzards in the northern states to the blistering heat of death valley, both man and machine endured a litany of highs and lows during their incredible adventure.

3. An Aurelia for all reasons

The Lancia Aurelia name has graced some of the most elegant, beautiful and desirable coupés and convertibles to come out of Italy, but Martin Buckley reckons that the finest variant of the Landmark Lancia is the saloon that spawned them all. From its powerful V6 engine to rear-hinged doors with no B posts, there’s much to admire.

2. Baronet’s Beauty: Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental

The Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental created by Freestone and Webb for Sir John Leigh inspired some of England’s finest coachbuilders. Mick Walsh is captivated by the fabulous coupe, and he isn’t the only one. Throughout its life, the stunning, rakish pre-war beauty has stopped people in their tracks. More often than not, they end up making an offer!

1. On top of the World: 2000-mile Porsche 911 dream drive

You don’t just get handed the keys to a Porsche 911 with no strings attached, do you? That’s exactly what happened to Greg MacLeman, who took the opportunity to embark on a full-throttle tour of Europe from central Italy to the UK, via some of the most incredible scenery Switzerland has to offer.

From the rolling hills and Cyprus trees of Perugia via the misty banks of Lake Como and snow-capped mountains of the San Gotthard Pass, the gutsy 911 Targa proves the perfect companion for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. 

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Greg MacLeman

Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC