Classic car magazine choice
Discussion
I've subscribed to Classic and Sportscar on and off for about the last 5 years, however I've found over the last 6 months or so that I've become quite bored of each issue. I don't know whether it is the magazine or just me, but I can get through an issue in an increasingly short space of time.
I like the idea of a physical magazine rather than digital. I subscribed to Octane for a while but found myself becoming more and more talked down to, I quite liked some of the issues of Motorsport I have read, whilst Modern Classics I found ok as a holiday read but it was a bit too modern for me.
I need a magazine for cars 1966-96, not too pretentious and which isn't Classic Cars - any thoughts or suggestions?
I like the idea of a physical magazine rather than digital. I subscribed to Octane for a while but found myself becoming more and more talked down to, I quite liked some of the issues of Motorsport I have read, whilst Modern Classics I found ok as a holiday read but it was a bit too modern for me.
I need a magazine for cars 1966-96, not too pretentious and which isn't Classic Cars - any thoughts or suggestions?
Is Practical Classics a bit 'readers wives' ? It's certainly not pretentious but do you want to read about someones home restoration of a Marina?
I used to read Practical Classics as my dad passed his copies onto me once he'd read them, and I found them interesting, (but not enough to get a subscription myself)
I used to read Practical Classics as my dad passed his copies onto me once he'd read them, and I found them interesting, (but not enough to get a subscription myself)
I think Classic & Sportscar is still the answer to the OP's question, although I am finding after years of subscribing that I am reading the same things again.
I enjoy Octane for the variety of topics covered. I agree a couple of the writers are plums, but maybe the new editor (ex C&SC) might be able to rein them in/edit them out.
I've never got on with Classic Cars. Practical Classics can be useful if there is a particular feature you want to read but the bulk of it is not my cuppa. Readers Wives...
I enjoy Octane for the variety of topics covered. I agree a couple of the writers are plums, but maybe the new editor (ex C&SC) might be able to rein them in/edit them out.
I've never got on with Classic Cars. Practical Classics can be useful if there is a particular feature you want to read but the bulk of it is not my cuppa. Readers Wives...
I got bored with classic car mags years ago – same articles recycled over and over, same meaningless comparisons e.g. "Is a TR5 really better than an MGC? We drive both!" etc. Who cares?
Instead I buy old magazines from the period I'm interested in (same as Soxboy's) of the eBay and read those. Much more interesting (I find) because the writers were tackling their subjects often for the first time and didn't know how things might shape up long term. The photography in Car Magazine was brilliant back then too.
Instead I buy old magazines from the period I'm interested in (same as Soxboy's) of the eBay and read those. Much more interesting (I find) because the writers were tackling their subjects often for the first time and didn't know how things might shape up long term. The photography in Car Magazine was brilliant back then too.
Yertis said:
I got bored with classic car mags years ago – same articles recycled over and over, same meaningless comparisons e.g. "Is a TR5 really better than an MGC? We drive both!" etc. Who cares?
Instead I buy old magazines from the period I'm interested in (same as Soxboy's) of the eBay and read those. Much more interesting (I find) because the writers were tackling their subjects often for the first time and didn't know how things might shape up long term. The photography in Car Magazine was brilliant back then too.
Funnily enough that's similar to what I have been doing lately, by accident I have found quite a few Motor Sport magazines in a charity shop and a second-hand shop, 20p each, from late 1970s and early 1980s. Instead I buy old magazines from the period I'm interested in (same as Soxboy's) of the eBay and read those. Much more interesting (I find) because the writers were tackling their subjects often for the first time and didn't know how things might shape up long term. The photography in Car Magazine was brilliant back then too.
I've subscribed to CC and C&SC for more than 20 years. CC isn't what it was, and I can do without Quentin Willson oozing smug like a tree whose sap is rising, but I've not found any better long term alternatives.
Tried Octane and suchlike, but they're a bit bloody pretentious. Practical Classics is a bit repetitive.
I read Auto Retro (French) and the French edition of C&SC from time to time too.
Tried Octane and suchlike, but they're a bit bloody pretentious. Practical Classics is a bit repetitive.
I read Auto Retro (French) and the French edition of C&SC from time to time too.
Of the regular classic monthlies C&SC is the best imho, can be a bit samey but still better than the rest
As others have said Octane way too pretentious but at least some good articles
Having said that as monthlies go, albeit only partially classic related, very little touches Motor Sport, the quality of the writing being excellent
As others have said Octane way too pretentious but at least some good articles
Having said that as monthlies go, albeit only partially classic related, very little touches Motor Sport, the quality of the writing being excellent
I do appreciate people like to have a shiny paper mag in their hand, but there is a lot of logic in subscribing to the Readly app for a tablet.
You can pick and choose from C&SC, Octane, Classic Cars, Motorsport, practical classics, plus a few other random classic mags and of course the modern car magazines and other interests, all for about the same subscription as two paper ones.
I find I read less content of more magazines, so I can pick and choose much easier. Its easier when you go on holiday (less to carry) kinder to the environment.
It isn't helping the ailing printing business though....... sorry Ricksalfas...... ):
You can pick and choose from C&SC, Octane, Classic Cars, Motorsport, practical classics, plus a few other random classic mags and of course the modern car magazines and other interests, all for about the same subscription as two paper ones.
I find I read less content of more magazines, so I can pick and choose much easier. Its easier when you go on holiday (less to carry) kinder to the environment.
It isn't helping the ailing printing business though....... sorry Ricksalfas...... ):
Been getting Classic Cars delivered each month for years. Prior to that I used to pick up whatever tickled my fancy each month in WH Smiths (not top shelf). As others have said, they can be repetitive. I also think that the rose-tinted spectacles have taken over when it comes to driving experiences. They rarely write anything worse than "the brakes are of their time" or "performance is adequate". If it's sh!t, then tell us!
I have the opposite problem to the OP: I just can't get round to reading the delivered magazines, unless I am away on holiday or flying around on business. I'm about 3 months behind at the moment.
I give the publisher a call whenever the subscription is ending and they always give me a good deal, so it just keeps on running.
I have the opposite problem to the OP: I just can't get round to reading the delivered magazines, unless I am away on holiday or flying around on business. I'm about 3 months behind at the moment.
I give the publisher a call whenever the subscription is ending and they always give me a good deal, so it just keeps on running.
C&SC is the only one I get delivered. I like to get a print copy as I spend far too long on PCs and iPads, I find reading for 1/2 an hour is a great way to switch off at the end of the night.
I think I'll get a copy each of Octane and MotorSport to read over the festive period and see which one I prefer.
I think I'll get a copy each of Octane and MotorSport to read over the festive period and see which one I prefer.
I am a magazineaholic. I buy too many but am interested in lots of different cars so now have set a budget for the year. I think magazines have become too expensive but can't go cold turkey yet. I took a deal out on Classic cars 2 months ago which was buy one year and get the second free. Okay I thought at half price I will go for that. I have been getting Performance vw for the last year. They generously sent me a renewal letter offering 10% off,
It's a bit annoying when you then go onto website and they offer xmas deal of 13 issues for £34.99. To hell with regular customers! I suppose they have learn't that from the insurance industry. I think OP should stick with Classic and Sportscar though.
It's a bit annoying when you then go onto website and they offer xmas deal of 13 issues for £34.99. To hell with regular customers! I suppose they have learn't that from the insurance industry. I think OP should stick with Classic and Sportscar though.
I am a magazineaholic. I buy too many but am interested in lots of different cars so now have set a budget for the year. I think magazines have become too expensive but can't go cold turkey yet. I took a deal out on Classic cars 2 months ago which was buy one year and get the second free. Okay I thought at half price I will go for that. I have been getting Performance vw for the last year. They generously sent me a renewal letter offering 10% off,
It's a bit annoying when you then go onto website and they offer xmas deal of 13 issues for £34.99. To hell with regular customers! I suppose they have learn't that from the insurance industry. I think OP should stick with Classic and Sportscar though.
It's a bit annoying when you then go onto website and they offer xmas deal of 13 issues for £34.99. To hell with regular customers! I suppose they have learn't that from the insurance industry. I think OP should stick with Classic and Sportscar though.
velocemitch said:
RicksAlfas said:
Boo hiss.
It's a lot more expensive when you drop it in the bath!!
Or the BogIt's a lot more expensive when you drop it in the bath!!
I'm a huge fan of Readly if you don't mind not having a paper copy. More car magazines than you could possibly read in a month (and back issues) for about £8. I'd never buy an actual magazine again - https://gb.readly.com/
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