Cliff Chambers

    Writer & Head Valuer

    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

    Broad Arrow Auctions Academy of Art University Collection

    February 2025 Auction Preview: Temptations Galore in the International Market

    There are temptations galore as the international auction scene ramps up for 2025, according to Retro Rides market analyst and serial tyre kicker Cliff Chambers.

    Classic Mini in front of dealership

    How To Check Out and Buy a Classic Car, Sight Unseen

    If you’ve ever looked at a classic car advertised on the other side of the country but baulked at the idea of how to get it to you, then Retro Rides’ market analyst Cliff Chambers has some helpful advice.

    350-cubic-inch (5.7L) Small Block V-8 engine

    Extraordinary Engines: Chevrolet Small Block V8

    GM made up for giving rival Ford a 30-year head start on V8 engine development by creating the Chevrolet small block V8, versions of which went on to power more than 115 million vehicles worldwide.

    1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500S Coupe

    December Auction Report: Online Boom Amid the Holiday Season

    Market Analyst Cliff Chambers dusts off the sand and sunscreen to bring us his first Auction Activity report of the year, looking back at some interesting collector cars that were offered and frequently sold during the final month of 2024.

    Ford Falcon XR6 EL

    Top Tips for Buying a Used Ford Falcon ED-EL XR6 (1993-98)

    Adding XR6 and XR8 options to Ford's EB Falcon range encouraged product planners to again get serious about selling cars to car enthusiasts who wanted a Falcon that looked different to the rest of the horde and had extra performance to boot.

    Datsun 240Z

    Top Tips for Buying a Used Datsun 240-260Z (1970-78)

    Buying a Datsun 240Z or 260Z for the long-term means staying ahead of returning rust and not skimping on repairs. Those cautions aside, these are a car with inbuilt longevity, that are relatively easy to maintain and very enjoyable to drive.

    Audi 100

    Almost Great: Audi 100 CD

    One more piston may have made the difference to this classic 1980s mid-size executive sedan from Audi.

    1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' by Scaglietti

    RM Sotheby's Arizona auction set to start 2025 with some heavy-hitting sales

    Your classic car dreams could come true (with a little help from the lottery) at the first major US auction of collector cars for 2025.

    MG MGB

    Top Tips for Buying a Used MG MGB (1962-80)

    During its 18 years on sale in global markets, the MG MGB achieved record sales and retained its spot as the world’s best-selling sports car until eventually surpassed by Mazda’s brilliant MX-5.

    Holden Torana LC GTR

    Top Tips for Buying a Used Holden Torana LC-LJ GTR (1969-1974)

    At its launch, the GTR reigned as 'King of the Hill' for the growing legion of Aussie enthusiasts attracted to the idea of a stylish, nimble and undeniably quick machine.

    23
    7