Sporting Cars Magazine

Sporting Cars was a dedicated UK motoring magazine published in the 1980s that focused entirely on the pure thrill of the driving machine. Unlike general automotive press of the era, it zeroed in on cars built for pleasure and performance—bridging the gap between the golden era of 1950s/60s roadsters and the emerging hot hatches of the 1980s.

For modern collectors, vintage issues offer a fascinating retrospective. They capture a time when cars like the Jaguar E-Type, Austin-Healey, and early Peugeot 205 GTis were viewed as accessible enthusiast cars rather than multi-million-pound museum pieces.

Key highlights for collectors:

  • Classic British Roadsters: In-depth profiles and road tests of iconic sports cars from MG, Triumph, Lotus, and Jaguar.

  • The Hot Hatch Boom: Contemporary 1980s reviews of emerging legends like the Golf GTi, 205 GTi, and Escort XR3i.

  • Period Buyers Guides: Fascinating advice on what to look for when buying classic sports cars during the 80s, complete with eye-opening period prices.

  • Grassroots Motorsport: Coverage of club racing, hill climbs, and rallies that were accessible to the everyday sporting driver.