FRUGAL BUT FUN
Classic & Sports Car|July 2022
Inspired by the panic at the pumps, members of the C&SC team count down the finest sub-1-litre classics and pick their favourite fuel-saving sports cars
COSC TEAM/SIMON HUCKNALL
FRUGAL BUT FUN

Although it is perhaps not yet officially recognised as a full-blown fuel crisis such as those we suffered in the 1970s, there is little doubt that times are currently pretty tough for fans of the internal combustion engine. As ever-changing world conditions cause prices at the pump to spiral and thirsty, big-engined machines increasingly become pariahs in the face of the electric revolution, we decided it was time to gather together a group of classic greats with a compact carbon footprint, to prove that you don't have to give up to go green.

Our rules were simple: each car had to have a proper engine - there are no Enfield Electrics or Zagato Zeles here - with a maximum capacity of 1000cc, and to sit on four wheels: our focus was on genuinely usable machines, rather than wacky bubble cars. The final stipulation was that they had to be fun, so it came as no great surprise that we arrived at a quintet of drop-top sports cars for our shortlisted set.

So grab a thimbleful of fuel, pick one of our diminutive selection and prepare to enjoy the hobby with a cleaner conscience...

Thanks to Bicester Heritage (bicesterheritage.co.uk) and Scramblers (scramblers.bicesterheritage.co.uk)

SUZUKI CAPPUCCINO

CHARLIE CALDERWOOD, FEATURES EDITOR

この記事は Classic & Sports Car の July 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Classic & Sports Car の July 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

CLASSIC & SPORTS CARのその他の記事すべて表示
RAY HILLIER
Classic & Sports Car

RAY HILLIER

Double-chevron oddity proves a break from the norm for this Crewe specialist

time-read
3 分  |
December 2024
SHORT BACK & GLIDES
Classic & Sports Car

SHORT BACK & GLIDES

Eccentric enthusiast Captain RG McLeod's series of Manx-tailed Bentley Specials reached its zenith with this unique S2 Continental.

time-read
7 分  |
December 2024
People's choice
Classic & Sports Car

People's choice

The diminutive but multi-million-selling Fiat 850 packed a remarkable diversity of form and function into its compact footprint

time-read
10 分  |
December 2024
PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM
Classic & Sports Car

PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM

Glassfibre revolutionised niche car-body production, but just occasionally strayed into the mainstream.

time-read
9 分  |
December 2024
A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR
Classic & Sports Car

A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR

The cleverly conceived four-seater Elite secured Lotus a place at the big players' table, but has it been unfairly maligned since then?

time-read
9 分  |
December 2024
"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"
Classic & Sports Car

"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"

From dreams of yachting glory to the Le Mans podium, via a stint at the top of the motorsport tree, Howden Ganley had quite the career

time-read
8 分  |
December 2024
Still going strong
Classic & Sports Car

Still going strong

Herbert Engineering staked its reputation on the five-year warranty that came with its cars. A century on, this Two Litre hasn't made a claim

time-read
9 分  |
December 2024
One for the kids
Classic & Sports Car

One for the kids

General Motors was aiming squarely at the youth market with the launch of the Pontiac GTO 60 years ago, and its runaway success popularised the muscle-car movement

time-read
8 分  |
December 2024
A NEW BREED OF HERO
Classic & Sports Car

A NEW BREED OF HERO

Launched at the turn of the millennium, the GT3 badge has already earned a place alongside RS, CS and turbo in Porsche lore.

time-read
10 分  |
December 2024
Brits with SIX appeal
Classic & Sports Car

Brits with SIX appeal

The straight-six engine is synonymous with a decades-long legacy of great British sports cars. Six variations on the sextet theme convene for comparison

time-read
10+ 分  |
December 2024