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.
A life-long car nut, Glenn Torrens (who usually answers to ‘GT’) has been writing about cars and the lifestyle around them since a photo shoot with his 1956 VW Beetle - restored and modified at home while training as a high school teacher - led to a role as a motoring writer. Six years at Street Machine fuelled his passion for performance cars - especially Aussie ones – and inspired him to conceive and develop Australian Muscle Car magazine. Glenn has contributed to many old-school Australian motoring titles such as WHEELS, Unique Cars and 4x4 Australia and is thrilled to be involved as writer and presenter for Australia’s new premium on-line Retro Rides.
Glenn remains a hands-on classic car enthusiast with project cars as diverse as a 1990 Mazda MX-5, 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD, a pair of VW Beetle motorsport cars, a Ford Falcon and several Holden Commodores… and the happy little blue ’56 VW Bug where things all began.
As a child, I dreamed of writing my Retro Rides contributor bio in first person, stream-of-consciousness format.
Like anyone, I search ‘RX-7’ and ‘Liberty RS’ on Marketplace approximately every three minutes during peak times – that’s when the missus is watching Fixer Upper.
If my taste in cars was food, it’d be ramen, you see. (For what it’s worth, if my culinary cravings were cars, they’d be an Alfa Romeo 90 and a Chevrolet C10.)
Mint, original classics are lovely to look at, but a crapheap tells a story, exudes an alluring unrealised potential, and is more fun, I reckon.
My wife has always known that it is normal for a man to buy first and ask permission later.
Fun fact: I’m your go-to for the latest motorsport news, as long as you’re talking Group A.
Disclaimer: I am not stuck in the ’90s, I’m here of my own free will.
Biggest regret: Leaving my Alice in Chains Dirt CD in a 911 Turbo S press car.
Dream: To one day buy a Tesla Model Y and set it on fire (though waiting until it spontaneously combusts would make for a stronger insurance claim.)
"If it moves and makes a noise, count me in. That pretty much sums up my lifelong passion for motoring and motorsport history. Rich has worked in various roles in the digital and motoring media world, starting his career at Autosport and also working at Auto Action, Motor, and as the founder and publisher of Motorsport Retro.
Most recently, Rich successfully launched Collecting Cars in the Australian market, growing the brand from 0 to $150 million in sales in just 3 years."
Samantha began freelancing in the automotive sphere over 20 years ago; a career encompassing motoring journalism, marketing and press for motorsport events and teams, motorsport event management, and she continues to write and drive alongside a permanent role at Sydney Motorsport Park.
She is also an ambassador and judge in the Automotive and Transport division of the Australian Good Design awards, and has judged other hallmark events such as Wheels COTY, Motor’s PCOTY, Wheels Design and Young Designer Awards, and the World Car of the Year awards.
She is passionate about motoring and motorsport, and has two Australian Tarmac Rally Championship titles on the pool room wall. When not hitting track or tarmac, she loves getting offroad and is an avid off-grid camper.
She still owns her Mitsi Evo 6 RS rally car, a MkII Focus RS, and would rather not talk about her daily driver which is utterly practical and covered in kids’ detritus and paraphernalia.
I am an automotive journalist with more than eight years of experience across a range of online, print, and broadcast media titles.
My focus is primarily on automotive content, having launched the car review website Drive Section in 2019 and automotive adventure site Ark & Sons in 2024.
I am a passionate car enthusiast with a particular interest in classic cars.
My past credits include DriveTribe, Vehicle History, Finder, ForceGT, The Weekender Herald, Supercar Blondie, and WhichCar.
Michael Stahl is one of Australia's most celebrated motoring Journalists. He has won numerous writing awards, including Motoring Journalist of the Year in 1998 and the magazine industry association Publishers Australia Journalist of the Year in 2011. In addition he was contributing Editor of Wheels magazine and Motoring Editor for the Australian Financial review. Michaels favourite current ride is his classic 911 where he can been see at numerous cars and coffee events on a regular basis.