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
Top Tips for Buying a Used Ford XA Falcon GT Hardtop
Having watched as Holden’s two-door Monaro pinched the limelight and lots of sales, Ford could only wait until 1972 for its XA Falcon Hardtop to be ready for sale.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Ford Customline (1955-59)
Ford’s Customline was seen during the 1950s as symbolising success and authority. These cars were the preferred conveyance of established businessman, state and federal politicians, and were also by the wallopers to reel in speeding Holdens.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Chevrolet Camaro (1967-70)
February 1964 arrived just like any other month; except this time the entire US motor industry was forced to watch in silence as Ford’s Mustang dismantled their economic expectations.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Toyota Celica (1990-97)
After 15 years of conservative, rear-wheel drive Celicas, the model switched in 1986 to front-wheel drive and brought with it a sexy new shape. The 2.0-litre engine with fuel-injection and twin-overhead camshafts produced 103kW of power and the liftback SX came loaded with features including alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and power steering. Most were optioned with air-conditioning and that…
Top Tips for Buying a Used Mazda MX-5 (1989-99)
Born in 1989 and with cumulative sales in late 2023 totaling more than 1.2 million, the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most successful sports car. Today, the fourth-generation ND model remains true to the original NA’s ethos of being a lightweight, fun and affordable sports car, ensuring a MX-5 of any era should be on every driving enthusiast’s 'must have' list.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Volkswagen Superbug (1971-76)
Germany’s ‘People’s Car’ the Volkswagen Beetle appeared on the Australian landscape during the 1950s, where it battled the British designed and engineered Morris Minor for recognition as Australia’s most popular small car.
How To: Tell if your Car is a Classic
What makes a piece of art a masterpiece, a song a hit or a performance memorable? All of these require widespread awareness and shared opinion, factors that can also see your special vehicle deemed a ‘classic.’
How To: Essential Mechanical Tips for Buying a Used Classic
Nobody is going to become expert in detecting mechanical faults just by reading a book or 'How To' article. What we can do here is provide readers with sufficient clues to identify an engine that's soon going to need major work.
Top Tips for Buying a Used BMW E24 Series 635CSi Coupe (1986-89)
In 1986, when BMW finally launched its 3.5-litre coupe onto the Australian market, the delay had sent the price of automatic versions past $110,000 and into territory owned by Mercedes-Benz with its 380SEC.
Top Tips for Buying a Used Porsche 911SC (1978-83)
Porsche’s 901 model was publicly shown in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show to instant acclaim and legal threats. Peugeot had for decades produced cars with a zero in their designations (203, 402 etc) and was giving no ground to a German interloper.