Cliff Chambers
At age 14, surrounded by stacks of motoring magazines from the local junk shop, Cliff Chambers was warned by a concerned mother that he would ‘Never get anywhere knowing a lot about old cars.’ Seventeen years later when his definitive book, Making Money From Collectable Cars was published, she was proud to be proven wrong.
That was in 1987, but Cliff’s life was already revolving around all things automotive. From working part time in a panel shop while at university, he moved to motor industry consultancy roles and managing a Championship winning rally team.
During the 1990s he joined the classic vehicle insurance industry, at the same time becoming a prolific writer for magazines and motoring websites. Then came his ongoing contribution as one of the country’s leading vehicle valuers.
Away from work, automotive events and objects remain prominent in Cliff’s world. He has owned more than 40 cars now considered ‘classic’ and within his collection of motor-related items there remain some of those magazines acquired as a fact hungry teen.
Cliff brings to Retro Rides a blend of unique industry skills and a love of vehicles that will become more obvious with every contribution he makes to the site.
Latest articles
Brisbane All-British Display Day Brings Out the Beauties
Retro Rides’ Cliff Chambers attended his first All-British Display Day in 1993 and has been involved in almost every event since, either as a sponsor or participant.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden VB-VH Commodore SL/E (1978-83)
The Commodore SL/E was the top-spec Commodore prior to the HDT models and came with everything from a 3.3-litre straight-six to a 5.0-litre V8.
October Auction Recap: Aussies Spent More on Number Plates Than Cars
As auction houses worldwide engage in battles to set new record prices, the only serious money being spent locally has gone on number plates.
How To: Essential Tips for Test Driving a Used Classic Car
Test driving is the single most important aspect of the classic car buying process. Even a brief amount of time spent driving a car will reveal faults that could cost money.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Honda Prelude VTI-R (1994-2000)
The third-generation Honda Prelude launched in Australia in 1992 as an unassuming but effective sports coupe. Early Si versions had a 118kW four-cylinder which was deemed ‘adequate’ by people who were buying the Prelude as much for its stylish good looks as its performance. But there was a more performance-oriented element that thought the sweetly-balanced Prelude chassis could deal with more pow…
Junkyard Clearance of Rare Classic Cars Generates Massive Money
Junkyard Clearance of Rare Classic Cars Generates Massive Money
Aussie Link to Rare Jaguar XK SS Being Sold by Sothebys
Auction house RM Sothebys has announced that it shortly will offer for sale one of the most significant and valuable Jaguars in existence. The Jaguar XK SS roadster (XKD540) is one of just 18 built using left-over D-Type chassis. It was completed in 1957, shortly before an infamous fire at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory brought production to a premature end.
Top 10: Tips For Buying Your First Classic Car
Retro Rides’ Market Analyst Cliff Chambers has owned lots of interesting cars and helped other people buy plenty more. Here he shares advice that will be valuable to anyone in the market for their first Classic vehicle.
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Top 10 Homologation Specials From Bathurst’s Golden Age
How Australia and the Bathurst 1000 helped shaped the era of tarmac racing homologation specials.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden Torana LX SS V8 Hatch (1976-78)
The local motor industry was more than a little shocked in 1976 when Holden’s LX update of its mid-sized Torana included a stylish new hatchback body style. Versatility was the reason Holden had gone with the hatchback, expanding the Torana’s appeal and giving the car maker a player in a segment populated by Japanese models like Datsun’s 260Z 2+2 and Toyota’s Celica.