CAR Magazine – August 1991 – MG V8 Roadster, BMW 850i, Alfa Romeo SZ

Original August 1991 edition of CAR Magazine, featuring a striking MG V8 Roadster cover illustration and extensive coverage of early-1990s British and European motoring.

This issue captures an important period in British automotive history, particularly the revival of the MG sports-car name and the continuing development of Rover's model range.

The front cover features a large illustration of a bright red MG roadster, photographed or illustrated from an elevated front angle against a cream background.

The distinctive MG badge appears prominently above the main headline:

"MG SHOCK! Next year's new V8 roadster"

The car is shown with its roof open, revealing a two-seat interior, rounded front wings, traditional circular headlamps, a classic MG-style grille and a long bonnet.

The cover's presentation reflects the excitement surrounding MG's proposed return to the traditional British roadster market.

An appealing original publication for collectors of MG, Rover, British sports cars and early-1990s automotive journalism.

Main Feature – Next Year's New MG V8 Roadster

Page 76 – Next Year's New MG

The main cover story examines plans for a new V8-powered MG sports car, scheduled at the time to make its debut at the following autumn's Birmingham Motor Show.

The article explores MG's proposed return to the traditional open-top sports-car market.

The contents page also mentions two other MG proposals: a mid-engined model and a 40-grand XJS rival.

This makes the feature particularly interesting as a contemporary report on MG's future product planning rather than a retrospective account.

The cover artwork presents the proposed roadster with recognisable classic MG styling, including:

• Traditional rounded front wings and circular headlights.

• A prominent MG octagonal badge.

• Low, open two-seat cockpit.

• Long bonnet and short rear deck.

• Bright red bodywork.

• Dark interior and folding roof arrangement.

The article is especially relevant to enthusiasts interested in the development of the MG RV8, the revival of the MG marque and British sports-car history during the early 1990s.

Additional Features and Road Tests

Page 90 – Mercedes-Benz 500E

Reverse Flick

A feature by Richard Bremner examining the Mercedes-Benz 500E.

The contents describe the high-performance Mercedes as an entertaining but rather tricky machine.

The Mercedes-Benz 500E became one of the most distinctive performance saloons of its era, combining restrained styling with powerful V8 performance.

An interesting period article for collectors of Mercedes-Benz W124 models and classic German performance cars.

Page 96 – Learning to Like Porsches

A feature by Rowan Atkinson discussing his changing opinion of Porsche.

The contents explain that after many years of reservations about the marque, Atkinson had purchased a Porsche 911 Turbo.

This is an interesting celebrity motoring feature combining Porsche ownership with the views of a well-known British actor and motoring enthusiast.

Page 100 – A Better Class of Escort

Giant Test

A comparison between the new Citroën ZX and the existing Ford Escort and Rover 200.

The article examines three important competitors in the British family-car market.

This is a useful contemporary comparison for collectors interested in mainstream 1990s hatchbacks, road-test journalism and the development of the European family-car sector.

Page 108 – Sunny Peculiar

A road test of the top-specification Nissan Sunny, examining its credentials as a serious competitor to the Lancia Delta Integrale.

An interesting performance-car comparison from a period when Japanese manufacturers were becoming increasingly competitive in the sporting hatchback market.

Page 112 – Tan Gents

A feature exploring the people behind Connolly leather, the British company associated with luxury automotive upholstery.

The contents describe a meeting with the men behind Connolly's renowned quality leather.

An interesting piece of British automotive craftsmanship and luxury-car history.

Page 120 – Driving the Nazca

A feature by Gavin Green examining Giorgetto Giugiaro's BMW-powered Nazca show car.

The BMW Nazca concept represented an ambitious approach to supercar styling and engineering during the early 1990s.

The photographed contents page includes a small image of the futuristic silver sports car.

A particularly interesting article for enthusiasts of BMW concepts, Italdesign, Giugiaro and automotive design history.

Page 124 – Driving the Chronos

A feature by Richard Bremner examining Pininfarina's Lotus Carlton-powered roadster.

The article discusses an unusual combination of Italian styling and British high-performance engineering.

An interesting period feature for collectors of Pininfarina designs, Lotus Carlton memorabilia and early-1990s concept cars.

Other Magazine Contents

Page 20 – News

Industry reports and photographs covering several contemporary developments, including:

• The forthcoming Vauxhall Nova.

• Rover 800 developments.

• Peugeot 105.

• Volkswagen Golf.

• Renault 25.

• Lotus news and other industry developments.

Page 24 – In Britain

Richard Feast examines the relationship between the British branches of Nissan and Honda.

An interesting examination of Japanese automotive investment and manufacturing activity in Britain.

Page 28 – Oracle

International automotive commentary, including contributions from George Kacher and other writers.

Page 32 – Newcomers

A selection of contemporary automotive news and reports featuring:

• Porsche 911 Carrera RS.

• Ford Mondeo.

• Fiat Panda.

• Minor facelift developments.

• Fiat Tipo.

• Renault Clio.

• Ford Escort.

• Rover 820 Turbo.

• BMW 850i.

This section provides a useful overview of the new models and developments attracting attention in 1991.

Page 59 – Sir!

Reader correspondence and motoring opinions, including discussion of Nigel Mansell, Russell Bulgin and motoring-related topics.

Page 69 – Frontline

Commentary by LJK Setright, including discussion of the Sierra Cosworth, Honda Legend and Porsche-related subjects.

Page 82 – The Mission

A feature examining the new Renault Espace and the development of French automotive design.

Page 130 – Inside Line

An article discussing the Indy 500 and the lessons Formula One organisers might learn from the American event.

Page 132 – Long-Term Test: Dowdy Audi

A long-term assessment of the Audi Coupé quattro 20V.

The contents describe the car as reliable but lacking in excitement.

Page 140 – Pre-Owned

James Ruppert examines the second-hand Renault Espace, considering the appeal of used examples.

Page 145 – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Contemporary car prices, statistics and opinions concerning vehicles available in Britain.

Page 160 – Just Cars

A look at the wide range of model variants available in the British automotive market.

Original Cover Design and Collector Appeal

The August 1991 cover has a particularly clean and distinctive appearance.

Unlike more crowded motoring magazine covers, this edition uses a largely cream background with an oversized red MG sports-car illustration.

The CAR masthead appears at the top in metallic-effect lettering incorporating red, white and blue elements.

The dramatic headline "MG SHOCK!" appears in large black lettering, followed by the red subtitle announcing the forthcoming V8 roadster.

This minimalist design places the MG illustration at the centre of attention.

The issue is especially interesting because it documents the excitement surrounding the proposed revival of a traditional British sports car.

The interior contents page also reflects the magazine's established editorial style, with a detailed selection of road tests, features, technical articles and international automotive commentary.

The combination of MG, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo and mainstream British motoring makes this an appealing example of early-1990s CAR Magazine.

Collector Interest

Particularly suitable for enthusiasts and collectors of:

• MG V8 Roadster and MG RV8 history.

• Classic MG sports cars.

• Rover and British Leyland automotive history.

• BMW 850i and BMW Nazca.

• Alfa Romeo SZ.

• Mercedes-Benz 500E.

• Porsche 911 Turbo and Carrera RS.

• Nissan Sunny performance models.

• Ford Escort and Rover 200.

• Renault Espace.

• British motoring journalism.

• 1990s automotive magazines.

• Vintage car advertising and motoring memorabilia.

Publication Details

Magazine: CAR Magazine
Issue Date: August 1991
Editor: Gavin Green
Publisher: FF Publishing Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original UK Cover Price: £2.20
Format: Original printed motoring magazine
Condition: Pre-owned vintage publication
SKU: 1569

Important Information – Original Extras

Any free gifts, loose supplements, promotional inserts or additional items that may originally have accompanied this magazine are no longer included.

This listing is for the magazine only, as shown in the photographs.

Any competitions, subscription promotions or special offers printed within the magazine are historical and should not be considered valid.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: Carefully packaged in a protective hardback envelope to help prevent bending during delivery.

International Orders: Carefully packaged in a cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during international transit.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they show the actual magazine being offered for sale.

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine – visible age-related wear.

This original August 1991 edition of CAR Magazine shows signs of previous reading, handling and storage.

The supplied photographs show the front cover and an interior contents page.

Front Cover

The original MG V8 Roadster cover illustration remains clear and attractive, with the red car, cream background and large black headline all readily visible.

There is noticeable age-related wear, including:

• General surface rubbing and light scratches.

• Small marks and spots on the cream background.

• Light discolouration and age-related yellowing.

• Visible handling wear along the left-hand edge.

• Slight waviness and curling to the cover.

• Minor wear to the upper corners.

• Light scuffing around the outer edges.

• A noticeable short crease or split-like mark extending upwards from the lower edge near the centre of the cover.

The red MG illustration remains visually prominent despite the signs of use.

Spine and Left-Hand Edge

The left-hand edge shows rubbing and signs of handling.

Some whitening and minor wear are visible along the edge, with slight bending and waviness near the upper section.

The spine is partly visible but has not been photographed separately, so its complete condition cannot be confirmed.

Upper Edge and Corners

The upper edge appears slightly uneven, with minor waviness.

The upper-left corner has some bending and wear, while the upper-right corner appears mildly softened.

Lower Edge and Corners

The lower edge shows rubbing, slight discolouration and minor handling marks.

A short vertical crease or split-like mark is visible near the lower centre of the front cover.

The lower corners show minor wear consistent with the magazine's age.

Interior Contents Page

The photographed contents page remains readable, with the article listings, photographs and publication details visible.

The paper has a cream tone with some age-related discolouration.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light yellowing around the page margins.

• Minor surface marks.

• Slight waviness and handling wear.

• A small crease or split-like mark at the bottom edge near the centre.

• Mild wear to the lower-right corner.

The contents page retains its original layout and appears generally presentable.

Binding and Interior Pages

The magazine is shown opened to its contents page.

The photographed pages appear attached, although the full binding and all interior pages have not been individually examined.

Back Cover

The back cover is not shown in the supplied photographs, so its condition cannot be assessed.

Writing, Tears and Other Imperfections

No obvious handwritten annotations are visible in the photographed areas.

There is a noticeable short crease or possible small split at the lower edge, together with general surface marks, edge rubbing and age-related paper discolouration.

No extensive tearing is apparent in the photographed areas.

Original Extras

Any originally supplied free gifts, loose supplements, promotional inserts or additional items are not included.

The sale is for the magazine only.

Overall Condition Assessment

A used original 1991 motoring magazine showing typical vintage wear, with some more noticeable marks and minor damage along the lower edge.

The cover artwork remains attractive and the photographed interior contents page is readable.

A suitable copy for collectors interested in MG, British sports-car history and original 1990s automotive publications.

Please study all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing. They form part of the condition description and show the actual item being sold.