Penthouse Magazine – March 1970 – Volume 5 Number 3

Original Vintage British Edition | Bob Guccione | Political Journalism | Graham Hill | 1970s Photography | Collectable Men's Magazine

An original vintage British edition of Penthouse Magazine, Volume 5, Number 3, published in 1970, believed to be the March issue.

This is an original period publication, not a modern reproduction.

Published during the early years of Penthouse's international expansion, this issue offers an interesting combination of political journalism, contemporary social commentary, motorsport, photography, fiction, satire and original advertising.

The magazine features a distinctive photographic front cover with a large orange Penthouse masthead against a predominantly dark background.

Notable contents include a feature about revolutionary protest movements, a motorsport article discussing racing driver Graham Hill, an investigation into long-term contraception, contributions from several established writers and an original instalment of the illustrated series Wicked Wanda.

This particular copy shows substantial signs of age and handling, especially around the cover, spine and internal binding. Please read the detailed condition information below.

Front Cover – Original Vintage Photography

The front cover features a close-up colour portrait of a young brunette model with long, flowing brown hair.

She wears an ornate patterned headband positioned across her forehead, incorporating gold, brown, cream and darker decorative details.

The headband has an elaborate, almost tapestry-like appearance, reflecting fashion and styling associated with the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The model is photographed looking downwards and slightly to one side, creating a contemplative expression.

Her hair falls naturally over her shoulders, while warm lighting highlights her face against a predominantly black background.

The photograph uses rich brown, amber and golden tones, giving the cover a distinctive vintage photographic appearance.

The composition is relatively restrained compared with many later Penthouse covers, with emphasis on portrait photography, facial expression and decorative fashion styling.

The identity of the cover model is not confirmed in the supplied photographs.

Original Cover Design

The cover includes:

• Large orange PENTHOUSE lettering across the upper section.

• The subtitle The Magazine for Men.

• Volume identification: Vol. 5 No. 3.

• Original British cover price of 6 shillings (6s).

• A dark photographic background.

• White editorial headlines aligned along the upper-right side.

• Original international pricing information along the bottom edge.

The use of a pre-decimal British cover price is particularly characteristic of magazines published before decimalisation in February 1971.

Cover Headlines

The original front cover advertises three principal editorial features:

A Revolutionary's Prospectus – What Protesters Want

A feature exploring revolutionary politics and contemporary protest movements.

After the Pill, the Ten-Year Implant?

An article examining developments and possibilities in long-term contraception.

The Courage of Graham Hill – The G.P. Greats

A motorsport feature concerning celebrated British Formula One racing driver Graham Hill.

These headlines provide an interesting snapshot of the political, scientific and sporting subjects being discussed in 1970.

Featured Articles and Editorial Contents

The original contents page is visible in the supplied photographs and confirms the issue's principal articles and contributors.

Prospects for Revolution – Page 16

Written by John Gerassi

A political article examining revolutionary movements, political protest and the ideas associated with social change.

The article is promoted on the front cover through the headline concerning what protesters wanted.

John Gerassi was a journalist, author and commentator associated with political and international affairs.

This feature is particularly interesting as an example of political writing published during a period of significant social unrest and ideological debate.

The late 1960s and early 1970s saw widespread political activism, anti-war demonstrations and challenges to established institutions.

This original article provides a contemporary perspective from that period.

The Future of Birth Control – Page 63

Written by Clive Wood

An article examining the future of contraception.

The cover specifically raises the possibility of a long-lasting contraceptive implant.

This feature reflects the growing public discussion surrounding reproductive medicine, contraception and technological developments in healthcare.

It is an interesting example of the magazine's coverage of science and social issues.

The Courage of Graham Hill – Motorsport Feature

The front cover prominently advertises a feature concerning Graham Hill, one of Britain's most celebrated Formula One racing drivers.

Hill was a two-time Formula One World Champion and an important figure in international motorsport.

The article is particularly relevant to collectors interested in:

• Graham Hill memorabilia.

• Vintage Formula One journalism.

• British motorsport history.

• Grand Prix racing.

• Original 1970s sporting publications.

• Historical racing-driver profiles.

The supplied contents page does not clearly identify a separate article under the exact cover headline, so a specific page number has not been assigned.

Additional Articles and Features

Housecall – Page 4

A regular editorial feature listed under the subject of anticipation.

Forum – Page 6

The magazine's reader correspondence section, listed under communication.

This section provides an example of the opinions and discussions appearing in British magazines during the period.

View from the Top – Page 11

A regular editorial feature listed under valuation.

Sick, Sick, Sick – Page 21

Written by Michael Eglesfield

A feature listed under the subject of illustration.

The title reflects the magazine's irreverent editorial approach and interest in unconventional humour and commentary.

An Ugly Way to Die – Page 26

Written by Peter G. Currie

An article listed under the subject of imagination.

True Britt – Page 31

Photography by Amnon Bar-Tur

A photographic feature appearing in the magazine's original contents.

How We Envied Them – Page 40

Written by Mel Cutlack

A feature listed under the subject of conversation.

You'd Never Have Worn It 10 Years Ago – Page 43

Written by John Taylor

An article concerning clothing and changing fashions.

The title is particularly representative of the rapidly evolving fashion culture of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Oh, Wicked Wanda! – Page 48

Written by Frederic Mullally

An instalment of the magazine's recurring illustrated humour series, Wicked Wanda.

The contents page categorises this feature under demoralisation.

Wicked Wanda became a recognisable part of Penthouse's editorial identity, combining satirical storytelling and adult-oriented illustrated humour.

This early instalment may interest collectors of vintage British magazine illustration and comic-strip history.

Ribald Rimes – Page 51

Written by Bernard Campion

A humour feature listed under the subject of jestation.

Groom at the Top – Page 52

Written by Alexander Somerset

A feature listed under the subject of dandification.

Grand Prix Knights – Page 54

Written by Gordon Wilkins

A motorsport-related article listed under dissertation.

This feature adds further appeal for collectors of classic Grand Prix racing journalism.

Uneasy Rider – Page 56

Written by Roger Finborough

A pictorial essay listed in the contents.

The Weasel and the Gum-Slinger – Page 67

Written by Rory Harrity

A fictional or satirical piece described in the contents as a fable of our time.

The title reflects the magazine's mixture of imaginative writing and unconventional humour.

Original Contents Page and Editorial Design

The photographed contents page is an interesting example of early Penthouse magazine layout.

It features a large rectangular gold-coloured panel containing the Penthouse masthead, editorial staff information, article listings and publication details.

The design uses a combination of:

• Gold and black printing.

• Traditional serif and sans-serif typography.

• Compact article listings.

• Clearly printed page numbers.

• Editorial contributor credits.

• Original publishing information.

The page also contains a full-height advertisement for Tío Pepe sherry, featuring a selection of illustrated sherry glasses and the González Byass name.

The advertisement includes the slogan Take it cool and promotional information about different varieties of sherry.

This original period advertisement adds historical interest for collectors of vintage drinks advertising and British commercial design.

Editorial Information

The contents page identifies several members of the original editorial and publishing team.

These include:

Bob Guccione – Editor and Publisher

Guccione was the founder of Penthouse and played a central role in developing the magazine's international identity.

Other editorial and production names visible include:

• John Gerassi.

• Michael Eglesfield.

• Peter G. Currie.

• Frederic Mullally.

• Gordon Wilkins.

• Roger Finborough.

• Rory Harrity.

• Amnon Bar-Tur.

The page also includes publishing and circulation information from the original British edition.

Original Publication Details

Magazine: Penthouse

Subtitle: The Magazine for Men

Edition: British / UK

Volume: 5

Issue: Number 3

Year: 1970

Month: Believed March

Original UK Cover Price: 6 shillings

Language: English

Publisher: Penthouse Publications Ltd.

Editor and Publisher: Bob Guccione

Format: Original vintage printed magazine

SKU: 1600

The contents page records an ABC net paid sale figure of 200,834.

This is a historical circulation figure printed in the original publication, not a statement about the rarity or surviving number of copies today.

Condition – Important Information

Vintage pre-owned condition with substantial age-related wear.

This magazine is over fifty years old and shows clear evidence of previous handling, storage and deterioration.

The photographs show the actual copy being sold.

Front Cover Condition

The front cover remains present and retains its original photograph, masthead and printed headlines.

However, there is significant visible wear.

Notable imperfections include:

• Heavy rubbing and abrasion along the left-hand spine edge.

• Areas of missing or damaged printed surface near the upper-left corner.

• Noticeable white scuff marks along the left edge.

• Multiple fine scratches across the dark cover.

• A prominent long diagonal-to-vertical crease running down through the central-right portion of the cover.

• Additional fine crease lines and surface pressure marks.

• Noticeable wear around the upper edge.

• Creasing and rubbing around the upper-right corner.

• Wear along the lower edge.

• Creasing and scuffing near the lower-right corner.

• General handling marks and age-related surface deterioration.

The dark background makes the scratches and scuffs particularly noticeable.

The main cover photograph remains recognisable and the large orange Penthouse lettering is still clearly visible.

Spine and Binding

The spine and internal binding show particularly noticeable wear.

The interior photograph reveals:

• Visible separation or opening around the inner spine.

• Exposed binding material and staples.

• Small tears around the staple positions.

• Wear and abrasion around the inner page edges.

• Discolouration and damage to the paper near the binding.

• Signs that the pages have been stressed through repeated opening and handling.

The photographed contents page is still attached or positioned within the magazine, but the binding is clearly worn.

The magazine should therefore be handled carefully.

The binding should not be considered tight or pristine.

Interior Page Condition

The photographed contents page shows several imperfections.

These include:

• Noticeable yellowing and age-related discolouration.

• Browning around some page edges.

• Staining or tide-mark-like discolouration near the upper inner margin.

• Small tears and damage close to the spine.

• Creasing and light waviness.

• General handling marks.

• Small spots and surface blemishes.

• Wear around the upper edge and corners.

The printed contents remain largely legible.

The original gold and black contents panel retains its colour, although the surrounding paper shows age-related deterioration.

Back Cover Condition

The back cover features an original Benson & Hedges cigarette advertisement.

The advertisement uses a pale cream and gold colour scheme, with a cigarette packet and an open book forming the main composition.

Visible wear includes:

• Rubbing along the edges.

• Small tears or splits along the spine area.

• Creasing near the corners.

• Surface scuffs and scratches.

• Age-related discolouration.

• Light staining or marks across the pale background.

• A noticeable discoloured area towards the lower portion.

• Edge and corner wear.

• General surface handling marks.

The advertisement remains recognisable despite the visible wear.

Overall Condition Assessment

Condition: Fair – heavily worn vintage copy.

This magazine is suitable for a collector who appreciates original period publications and accepts visible age-related imperfections.

The most significant concerns are the substantial cover wear, pronounced creasing, worn spine and visible deterioration around the internal binding.

The photographed pages are readable, but the copy is not in collector-grade mint condition.

A complete page-by-page inspection has not been established, so completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Please study all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing. They form an essential part of the condition description.

Important – Original Accompanying Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

Any original separate supplements, promotional gifts, loose inserts, calendars, discs or other accompanying items that may originally have been supplied are no longer included.

No additional items are supplied.

The sale is for the original magazine in its current condition, including its remaining attached printed pages.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Collector Interest

This original publication may appeal to collectors interested in:

• Vintage Penthouse magazines.

• Early British Penthouse editions.

• Original 1970 publications.

• Bob Guccione publishing history.

• Vintage British men's magazines.

• Graham Hill and Formula One history.

• Original Grand Prix journalism.

• Political protest movements.

• Cold War-era social commentary.

• Historical medical journalism.

• Frederic Mullally and Wicked Wanda.

• Vintage fashion and photography.

• Original 1970s advertising.

• González Byass and Tío Pepe advertising.

• Benson & Hedges vintage advertising.

• British pre-decimal publications.

• Social and cultural history.

• Original magazine graphic design.

Summary

An original Penthouse Magazine, Volume 5 Number 3, published in 1970, believed to be the March edition.

This early British issue features a distinctive brunette cover portrait with decorative headband styling and a large orange masthead.

The magazine contains a varied selection of contemporary journalism, including articles concerning revolutionary movements, contraception, Graham Hill, Grand Prix racing, fashion, satire and original illustrated humour.

The photographed contents page also includes an original Tío Pepe advertisement, while the back cover features a period Benson & Hedges advertisement.

Please note that this is a heavily worn vintage copy. There is substantial rubbing, scratching, creasing, edge wear and visible deterioration around the spine and internal binding.

The magazine is being sold as an original historical publication in its current used condition.

Condition: Fair – significant vintage wear.

Important: Magazine only. Any original separate accompanying items are no longer included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1600