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
When British Motor Corporation (BMC) set out to design a small front-wheel drive vehicle with a removable fabric roof that…
From spending frosty mornings watching cars tackle Canberra’s notorious ‘Mineshaft’ to eventually managing Subaru’s Championship-winning team during the 1980s, Cliff…
The first-generation Honda Integra arrived in Japan in early 1985 as an attractive mid-priced coupe in the mould of Toyota’s…
Cliff Chambers has a long association with rallying, ranging from starting off spending frosty mornings watching cars barrel down Canberra’s…
It didn’t win the World Cup Rally, or even a Southern Cross in Australia. None of its previous owners held…
Holden’s HQ range was launched in August 1971 to a rapturous reception from the media and buyers. After all, this…
It might’ve taken six months, but the Australian market has finally delivered a car to make headlines worldwide and fetch…
From spending frosty mornings watching cars barrel down Canberra’s notorious ‘Mineshaft’ to later managing Subaru’s Championship-winning team in the 1980,…
Classic cars came out to play at one of Queensland’s biggest and most popular shows, RACQ MotorFest. It is said,…
For reasons best known to Toyota Australia the slinky Soarer coupe was never officially imported here, but that didn’t stop…