Alain
Part of things
Dance monkey boy, dance!
Posts: 372
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Feb 28, 2007 19:04:59 GMT
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I've noticed over the last year or two that Practical Classics magazine is slowly branching out into slightly less 'Classic' and slightly more 'Retro' cars. I think this is a great thing, and the general opinion of the whole mag has become more 'cool' With the demise of Retro Cars magazine, a friend and I were discussing how it might make sense for them to really start pushing towards attracting those Retro Cars mag readers... Something like:  What do you guys think? Would this 'official' venture be a good move for them?  |
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 '74 Type 181 - Undergoing 'resto' (albeit friggin' slowly! 2 years and counting...) Wedge Panel Van GTi (Still needs finishing) '85 Passat GL5 Estate (Now Breaking) '87 Passat GLS5 Estate (Daily Hack) |
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Feb 28, 2007 19:27:49 GMT
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I'm sure Practical Performance Cars was started by ex - PC editor and feature writer (Will Holman & Kevin Leaper?). They actually made one Retro Cars type magazine, and bunged in it with a copy of PC. This was either 2003 or early 04.
IIRC Emap (parent company) didn't like the idea, and the guys ending up either walking out or getting sacked, went to another company with the idea, and set up PPC there.
The parent company (EMAP) is on yet another cost-cutting effort as sales of its main mags, which include Max Power and Car, have nose dived, and so has FHM, which is another main money maker for them. It seems people are sick of the lads mag/car&birds angle.
So its unlikely PC will go retro particularly as Max Power seems to be doing the same - see the other thread on there about MP.
BTW Car was an excellent mag in the 1980s and 1990s and totally pi55ed all over Autocar/Motor etc. But now it is wibblepoo, taken over by a bunch of art designers obessed with photography. Also the (new) cars they cover have moved from reasonably attainable ones to supercars, which is nice for the writers but of less overall interest to the general reader. Evo does the same thing so much better.
(Apologies for rant - no offence to any Emap employees who frequent this forum!!)
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Last Edit: Feb 28, 2007 19:29:57 GMT by anthonyg
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Feb 28, 2007 20:09:00 GMT
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The current PC editorial team is relatively young. Most are members on here. It follows that we will see more of 'what we like'. The PC 'dynamic' should naturally shift with it's readership. That EMAP are allowing this to happen is A Good Thing. EMAP also have (the dreadful) Classic Cars to keep purists, bufty merchants and MGB-bores happy.  |
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Feb 28, 2007 20:12:08 GMT
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ppc is a top magazine burt if you want " evo for the common man " check out Performance Tuner 1st issue is out today ! I'm sure Practical Performance Cars was started by ex - PC editor and feature writer (Will Holman & Kevin Leaper?). They actually made one Retro Cars type magazine, and bunged in it with a copy of PC. This was either 2003 or early 04. IIRC Emap (parent company) didn't like the idea, and the guys ending up either walking out or getting sacked, went to another company with the idea, and set up PPC there. The parent company (EMAP) is on yet another cost-cutting effort as sales of its main mags, which include Max Power and Car, have nose dived, and so has FHM, which is another main money maker for them. It seems people are sick of the lads mag/car&birds angle. So its unlikely PC will go retro particularly as Max Power seems to be doing the same - see the other thread on there about MP. BTW Car was an excellent mag in the 1980s and 1990s and totally pi55ed all over Autocar/Motor etc. But now it is wibblepoo, taken over by a bunch of art designers obessed with photography. Also the (new) cars they cover have moved from reasonably attainable ones to supercars, which is nice for the writers but of less overall interest to the general reader. Evo does the same thing so much better. (Apologies for rant - no offence to any Emap employees who frequent this forum!!) |
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Feb 28, 2007 20:14:22 GMT
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OI i have a mgb ! mind you it is a V8 4ltr and the gt as well ......pooor mans e-type but i know what you mean ! The current PC editorial team is relatively young. Most are members on here. It follows that we will see more of 'what we like'. The PC 'dynamic' should naturally shift with it's readership. That EMAP are allowing this to happen is A Good Thing. EMAP also have (the dreadful) Classic Cars to keep purists, bufty merchants and MGB-bores happy. |
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Nathan
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 5,650
Club RR Member Number: 1
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Feb 28, 2007 21:16:49 GMT
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To be fair I have not bought a copy of PC, as it just looks and seems boring, I could be wrong of course. It just does not do it for me, I class myself as a "Different" MG driver |
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markbognor
South East
 
Posts: 9,970
Club RR Member Number: 56
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Feb 28, 2007 21:32:24 GMT
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I like PC and Classic Cars, there are aspects of both which do it for me, i like the attainable aspects of the cars covered in PC and the way that CC caters to the more traditional and much more expensive side, afterall who wouldnt want a gullwing 300sl for example and such like! I never will but reading and learning a bit about them is nice.
PC was great when will was editor, loved the V8 capri and loads of other retro content but its definately heading back that way. just look at the writers and contributers lists of vehicles theres some fantastic variety from modern classics GolfGTi/Porka 924 to 30's tourers.
If i could only buy one mag it would be PC where i can get a fix of retros and classics.
Streetrules - I was looking forward to the start of your W123 v8 build up, is that starting next month?
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Feb 28, 2007 21:46:55 GMT
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I almost always buy PC.....especially now it's coming back around to 'our' sort of cars.
Classic Cars and Classic & Sportscar I buy if there's anything of interest...but just HOW many times can you re-hash an MGB/E-Type/TR buyer's guide??? Yawwwwn.
And I'd sooner put my face in a lawnmower than buy 'Car' these days.
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Feb 28, 2007 21:51:54 GMT
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PC is great, the added retros makes me buy it and i appreciate the old stuff.
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 it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts  |
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Rob
Posted a lot
You know, for kids!
Posts: 2,515
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Feb 28, 2007 22:55:06 GMT
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I keep browsing looking for a man with a handlebar moustache...
(For the record - this is the magazine i do this in !)
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Ether
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,450
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Feb 28, 2007 22:58:31 GMT
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Interesting read, this Project 8 Ballin' will appear fairly shortly although there are some final bits and bobs holding things up (wheels, springs, rad, oil cooler, wiring...). As soon as it gets its ticket (which has to be done by the end of March) it'll be in the mag. I can't wait! |
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Jenn
Part of things
Posts: 929
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Feb 28, 2007 23:11:03 GMT
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curse word mag, they gave the project GT6 to some teacher from Essex, I would have looked so much better in it! I do buy it most months and do think it's quite a down to earth and interesting read for those lesser mortals who can't quite manage something something more in line with PPC. It would appear PC does better than CC too as they're always trying to encourage PC readers to buy CC too. They always stick up for the retro cars which your common stick in the mud classic club goer would shun.
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Feb 28, 2007 23:26:19 GMT
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With the demise of Retro Cars magazine, a friend and I were discussing how it might make sense for them to really start pushing towards attracting those Retro Cars mag readers... Attracting them is a good idea, but changing too much in their favour might not be. Retro Cars no longer exists and Practical Classics is not exactly a new kid on the block in terms of classic magazines. ;D I really don't think that we're quite the desirable audience we think we are. |
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yes i agree with rmad, however the clever disguising, and have respect for elders/youngers, in the dads and sons piece was genius. not read it properly yet though. |
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it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts |
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When Practical Classics came out in 1980, the Minor 1000 had only been out of production for 9 years and things like Mark 11 Jaguars could still be found in scrapyards for £200. It was a mag about cheapo stuff that hadn't made it into Thoroughly Classic & Tweedy Sportcar with the odd exotic chucked in. Rebuilding ex Monte Carlo A40's and stuff made it a good mag. Trouble is, 25 years passed and they were still majoring on the same old Triumph-MG-Jag stuff because unfortunately, it's that that sells mags and advertising space.
The previous editor ran PC into the ground and it became a joke (witness the PC spoof on Sniff Petrol) - but the last couple of issues with the new bloke are a LOT better. It's a pity Retro Cars was murdered by Future, but something will come along and take its place - PPC and a new look PC I'd say. I like PPC - always a very good read and whilst Classic Cars is pretty awful (Quentin Willson banging on about how rich and connected he is) Classic and Sportscar is still very good because the same people (Buckley, Mick Walsh etc) are still there.
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Ether
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,450
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Glad to hear you're enjoying the magazine. As always, we're always keen to get your suggestions, criticisms or anything else you want to see more or less of. You can contact me via PM on here or on my work email below: matthew.jones@emap.com And look out for Pog in the next issue |
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When Practical Classics came out in 1980, the Minor 1000 had only been out of production for 9 years and things like Mark 11 Jaguars could still be found in scrapyards for £200. It was a mag about cheapo stuff that hadn't made it into Thoroughly Classic & Tweedy Sportcar with the odd exotic chucked in. Rebuilding ex Monte Carlo A40's and stuff made it a good mag. Trouble is, 25 years passed and they were still majoring on the same old Triumph-MG-Jag stuff because unfortunately, it's that that sells mags and advertising space. . I was just about to post this! Totally agree, P.C used to be more about bodging old bangers and keeping them on the road and away from the scrap yards, often only just. Top entertainment! Not sure if keeping a 15 year old cavalier on the road would be quite as interesting nowadays though. What we need is cars that rot out at 5 years old and need the engines rebuilding after 60k miles. I sometimes dig out some old copies of PC and have a good chuckle. Still enjoy reading them now. The new PC is still a great read but much different to how it used to be. I think pushing towards classic car modifying might alienate the "traditional" reader group a bit though. |
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1987 Maestro 1.6 HL perkins diesel conversion 1986 Audi 100 Avant 1800cc on LPG 1979 Allegro Series 2 special 4 door 1500cc with vynil roof. IN BITS. HERITAGE ISSUES.  |
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And look out for Pog in the next issue SSSSSHH! This are top secret infromashun! ;D |
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I was only joking when i said you should do a guide to buying tat on eBay!  *n |
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Top grammar tips!
Bought = purchased. Brought = relocated
Lose = misplace/opposite of win. Loose = your mum
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Here we go: and look what's on the cover................  |
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