What’s in issue 39 of Classic.Retro.Modern. magazine?

On the evidence of our latest issue, we really do like to be beside the seaside. Some dry weather would be welcome, but if the start of 2026 is anything to go by, we may need the services of an ark before long. Roy has even chosen the colour of drizzle for the cover.

The wet conditions didn’t stop Daniel Bevis enjoying a Mk1 Toyota MR2 along the soggy Sussex coast – though spare a thought for photographer Simon Thompson, who faced the elements head-on to capture the shots.

Elsewhere, our Picture Past is a car ferry special: a period photo extravaganza from a time when crossing the Channel felt more exotic than a bottle of Yugoslav Riesling at the Berni Inn. And in an unlikely twist, we explain how Margate Pier could have played a part in rebuilding the reputations of Fiat and Lancia during the 1980s.

Moving inland, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Renault 14, defend the legacy of the Ford Scorpio, and revisit a Belgian coachbuilder you may have forgotten.

Georgiana Buckingham-Smythe returns with more Celebrity Squares, darling; Dimitri Urbain selects six of the best Simcas; Rich Duisberg compares Morgan to his greenhouse; and Saab takes centre stage in Sheds Heaven.

All of this – plus words from our correspondents, updates from the editor’s barn, your classics, and a new electric car you might actually like.

We can’t promise sunshine, but issue 39 should provide some entertainment while you’re sheltering from the rain.

Order online by clicking here. You know it makes sense.

P.S. Stay tuned for some new and exciting developments. From issue 40 onwards you’ll notice a few subtle changes – many inspired directly by your feedback in our recent reader survey. You spoke; we listened…