Retro RidesFor The Classic Car Enthusiast
Retro Rides Originals
BMW vs. Japan: The late ’80s showdown that reshaped the luxury car market
The 1980s saw a number of Japanese carmakers foray into the luxury sedan market, particularly in America where Honda launched Acura and Nissan launched Infiniti, but it was when Toyota launched Lexus in 1989 that it gave the likes of BMW a real run for their money, rewriting the luxury car rulebook in the process.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden HD-HR (1965-68)
Prices for Special and Standard versions of the HD and HR begin below $20,000, with utes costing around the same as sedans, but panel vans are scarce and 30 percent more expensive than passenger versions.
Celebrating 75 years of the Volkswagen Bus
The iconic Volkswagen Bus has been moving people and goods worldwide since 1950. The success of the VW Bus is unique in automotive history, standing as a symbol of the ‘economic miracle’ that was post-WWII Germany, of the hippie movement, and to this day of reliability, freedom and adventure.
How the Modern Classic Cars Foundation is addressing the classic car skills shortage
As the automotive industry looks to include more technology and computer-controlled systems in cars than ever before, the nature of mechanics’ jobs is changing. As a result, the skills required to work on old cars are at risk of dying out, although one Sydney-based charity is looking to change that.
News
This is how the Nissan Patrol has left its mark on Australia after 64 years and 250,000 sales
From the first motorised crossing of the Simpson Desert in 1962 to posting record sales figures today, the Nissan Patrol has left its mark on Australia, and Australia has left its mark on it in turn.
The legendary Renault 5 Turbo returns as an electric ‘mini-supercar’
Renault is billing its new, electric R5 Turbo as “a beast of a car built for rallying, drift and track performance, adapted for the road”.
February 2025 Auction Report: It’s Still a Buyer’s Market
Retro Rides’ own Market Analyst Cliff Chambers believes buyers are the big winners based off the bargains obtained during 2025’s shortest month.
Australian motorsport world mourns the loss of Bathurst winner John French
The world of Australian motorsport is mourning the loss of 1981 Bathurst 1000 winner John French, who died on 11 March 2025 aged 94.
Entertainment
Alpine celebrates its 70-year history with new video series
Almost 70 years ago in July 1955, Renault dealer and rally driver Jean Rédélé created Alpine. Originally a standalone brand, the mission was simple: to create a French sports car brand based on Renault powertrains.
Classic TV: Honda City (feat. Madness)
Advertising from the 1980s doesn't get much quirkier than when Honda teamed up with English ska band Madness to promote its latest hatchback of the day, the City
Classic TV: Mitsubishi Magna AWD
In 2002, Mitsubishi made history by releasing the first all-wheel drive series production car built in Australia, the Magna AWD. Soon after, it also changed history with the same car's advertising campaign.
The Retro Rides Podcast Episode 6: Sam's glorious HQ Monaro and an All Aussie Auto Show preview
This week, Cam and Rich are joined by Sam Princi for a 'Walk & Talk' on his 1973 V8 HQ Monaro. They also preview the upcoming All Aussie Auto Show in Sydney.
Buyers Guides
Top Tips for Buying a Used Datsun 1600 (1968-72)
When it arrived in the late ’60s, the Datsun 1600 boasted strong levels of standard equipment, a grunty four-pot engine, front disc brakes and independent rear suspension, positioning it closer to a BMW on paper than any of its Japanese contemporaries.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Dodge Challenger (1970-73)
When Chrysler in the US belatedly got around to building a proper Pony Car, it came in two sizes, with different length wheelbases and some of the most powerful production engines ever made. Collectively, they were the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, a feisty duo which offered too little and arrived too late to take full advantage of the relatively short-lived Muscle Car era.
How To Check Out and Buy a Classic Car at Auction
According to the folklore surrounding automotive auctions, you’re best not to wave at a friend or scratch your nose during proceedings, or you might just buy a car. Today, it’s a different world where everyone plays by a new set of rules and it’s hard to do anything by accident.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Fiat 500 (1957-72)
As a country renowned for large families, Italy was hardly the place to be selling miniature cars. Yet, the most successful Italian model of the 1950s was the tiny Fiat 500.
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