CAR Magazine – May 1997 – Issue 417 – Italian Jobs Special

Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, Mini, Mario Andretti & Stewart-Ford F1

Original British CAR motoring magazine, dated May 1997, Issue 417, featuring a substantial Italian motoring special under the cover headline "Italian Jobs – Feasting on Italy's Finest".

This vintage edition celebrates Italian automotive design, engineering, performance and motoring culture, with coverage of Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat, alongside a fascinating comparison involving three classic Mini models.

The issue also includes a behind-the-scenes feature on the newly established Stewart-Ford Formula One team, together with an interview or feature concerning legendary racing driver Mario Andretti.

The distinctive front cover features a bright yellow Ferrari photographed head-on, with its low nose, pop-up headlight housings, Ferrari badge, wide front grille and prominent UK registration P193 YPL clearly visible.

The dramatic cover artwork incorporates the green, white and red colours of the Italian flag, emphasising the magazine's Italian automotive theme.

An excellent period motoring publication for enthusiasts of 1990s Italian performance cars, automotive design, Formula One and classic British motoring journalism.

Main Feature – Italian Jobs: Feasting on Italy's Finest

The centrepiece of this May 1997 issue is an extensive collection of articles examining Italian motoring.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on exotic supercars, the special explores Italian automotive culture through sports cars, family cars, historic models, designers, motorsport personalities and the people behind the vehicles.

The contents pages confirm a substantial selection of Italian-themed features.

The Defining Cars – Page 44

A feature exploring six representative Italian cars and their driving characteristics.

The article forms part of the magazine's wider celebration of Italian automotive engineering and design.

What Is Italian? – Page 52

An examination of the distinctive qualities associated with Italian cars.

The feature explores the elements that give Italian motoring its particular identity.

Alfa Nuvola – Page 54

A feature on the Alfa Romeo Nuvola concept car.

The Nuvola was an important 1990s Alfa Romeo design study, showcasing the manufacturer's ideas for future styling and grand touring.

The magazine describes the Nuvola in connection with the designers behind Alfa Romeo's new design direction.

Particularly interesting for Alfa Romeo enthusiasts and collectors of concept-car history.

The Duffers – Page 60

A celebration of less successful Italian cars.

Rather than focusing only on acclaimed performance models, this article considers vehicles that did not achieve the same level of success.

An entertaining addition to the Italian motoring special.

Three Minis – Page 66

An unusual comparison featuring three Mini models.

The contents identify a Rover Mini, a Cooper and a Mini Sport special.

The accompanying photograph shows classic Minis being driven, including a blue example prominently displayed on the contents page.

This article provides a British motoring contrast to the Italian-themed features.

Fiat Multipla – Page 74

An exclusive look at the then-new Fiat Multipla.

The Multipla became particularly well known for its unconventional exterior styling, innovative interior packaging and unusual seating arrangement.

As this magazine dates from 1997, the feature provides an interesting contemporary perspective on the model before its widespread appearance on British roads.

Abarth – Page 82

A feature exploring the Abarth name and its performance-car heritage.

Abarth has a long association with Italian motorsport, racing modifications and sporting Fiat models.

The article examines the marque's history and prospects.

Lancia Integrale – Page 84

A feature concerning the celebrated Lancia Delta Integrale.

The Integrale remains one of the most recognisable performance hatchbacks of its era, with a strong connection to Lancia's successful World Rally Championship history.

The contents describe a countryside drive involving Miki Biasion.

Biasion was a two-time World Rally Champion and an important figure in Lancia's rallying success.

This feature should appeal to collectors of Lancia, rallying and classic performance-car magazines.

Gianni Bulgari – Page 92

An article concerning Gianni Bulgari and his involvement in the automotive world.

The contents describe him as a man who nearly built a car empire.

An interesting feature for readers interested in the business and personalities behind specialist car manufacturing.

Ferrari Clone – Page 100

A feature exploring a Ferrari-related replica or imitation-car subject.

The article is presented with the provocative subtitle "Fooling all of the people all of the time".

An unusual addition to the magazine's Italian automotive coverage.

That First Ferrari – Page 104

An article about the experience of owning or driving a Ferrari for the first time.

The contents describe the subject as discovering what it is like to lose one's Ferrari innocence.

A period feature that should appeal to enthusiasts of classic Ferrari ownership and the emotional appeal of Italian sports cars.

Mario Andretti – Page 108

A feature involving legendary Italian-American racing driver Mario Andretti.

Andretti is one of motorsport's most accomplished drivers, having achieved success in Formula One, IndyCar and other racing categories.

The magazine describes the article as catching up with one of Italy's favourite sons.

An appealing feature for collectors of Formula One and international motorsport memorabilia.

Italian Lovers – Page 112

A feature exploring the relationship between Italian cars and their enthusiasts.

The contents describe the article as examining the people and their cars.

This adds a human-interest dimension to the Italian motoring special.

Stewart-Ford Formula One Debut – Page 124

The magazine includes a feature examining the early days of the Stewart-Ford Formula One team.

The article is advertised on the front cover as an exclusive account of the team's first steps.

Stewart Grand Prix was established by three-time Formula One World Champion Jackie Stewart and his son Paul Stewart.

The team made its Formula One debut in the 1997 season, using Ford engines.

This contemporary May 1997 feature is particularly interesting because it documents the team's earliest period in Formula One.

The contents describe the article as following the team as it takes its first steps.

An appealing piece of late-1990s Formula One history for collectors of Stewart Grand Prix, Ford motorsport and Jackie Stewart memorabilia.

Additional Magazine Contents

The photographed contents pages also confirm a wide selection of regular motoring features.

Newsdesk – Page 10

Automotive news covering developments in the industry, including forthcoming vehicles and new models.

Insider – Page 20

Industry news and commentary, including Porsche plans, VW and Geneva motor show discussion.

Newcomers – Page 24

Coverage of newly introduced cars, including the Volvo C70, Marcos Mantis, Mitsubishi Montero, Vauxhall Corsa, Audi A6 1.8T, Mitsubishi Galant, Daihatsu Grand Move and Mercedes-Benz E-Class V6.

Frontlines – Page 37

The magazine's regular motoring commentary and opinion section.

Inside Line – Page 120

Motorsport-related coverage and commentary.

Giant Test – Page 138

A substantial comparison featuring the Peugeot 406 V6, BMW 323i SE and Audi A4 30V SE.

The photographed contents page includes an image of the three executive cars together.

An interesting period comparison of European executive saloons from the late 1990s.

Multi-Story – Page 154

Automotive commentary examining issues affecting the car industry.

GBU – Page 165

The magazine's regular motoring opinion section.

First Drives – Page 167

A selection of contemporary road tests and first impressions, including:

• Renault Espace

• Peugeot 406 Estate

• Suzuki TL1000S

• Long-term Ford Ka

• Fiat Marea/Brava HGT

• Long-term Audi A4 Estate

• Hyundai Lantra 2.0

• Volkswagen Golf 1.6

Used Notes – Page 181

Coverage of previously owned performance cars from the 1980s.

Our Rubbish – Page 187

A feature involving the editor's Alfa Romeo GTV.

Long-Term Test – Page 194

An update on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Sir! – Page 200

The magazine's closing collection of motoring-related observations, correspondence and lighter material.

Original 1990s Motoring History

This issue provides an interesting snapshot of the British and European automotive market in May 1997.

It captures a period when the Ferrari 355 generation was prominent, Alfa Romeo was introducing new design ideas, the Lancia Integrale was already becoming a modern classic and Fiat was experimenting with unconventional family-car designs.

The magazine also reflects the wider motoring landscape through contemporary road tests, comparisons, industry reporting and Formula One coverage.

The Stewart-Ford debut article is particularly notable as it documents the early history of a Formula One team that would later evolve into Jaguar Racing and subsequently Red Bull Racing.

The original advertisements, typography, photography and editorial presentation also contribute to the magazine's appeal as a period publication.

Collector Interest

This magazine may be of particular interest to collectors and enthusiasts of:

• Ferrari sports cars and grand tourers

• Maserati

• Alfa Romeo and the Nuvola concept

• Lancia Delta Integrale

• Fiat and Abarth

• Classic Rover Mini and Mini Cooper

• Italian automotive design

• Mario Andretti

• Jackie Stewart and Stewart Grand Prix

• Ford Formula One history

• Peugeot 406, BMW 323i and Audi A4

• Vintage British motoring magazines

• Original 1990s automotive road tests and journalism

Publication: CAR Magazine
Issue: 417
Date: May 1997
Original UK Cover Price: £3.00
Language: English
Country: United Kingdom
Format: Printed motoring magazine
SKU: 1569

Important – Original Extras and Promotional Items

Any originally supplied free gifts, loose inserts, promotional items, additional supplements or accessories are no longer included.

The sale is for the magazine only, as photographed.

Any historic competitions, offers or promotions appearing in the magazine are no longer valid.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: The magazine will be carefully packaged and sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: The magazine will be packaged in a cardboard mailing-size box to provide additional protection during international transit.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they show the actual magazine being offered for sale.

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine – visible age-related wear, cover scuffing, edge and corner wear, minor creasing and some discolouration to the interior pages.

This original May 1997 edition of CAR magazine shows signs of previous reading, handling and storage.

The supplied photographs show the front cover and two interior contents pages.

Front Cover

The front cover retains its distinctive Italian-themed artwork, featuring a bright yellow Ferrari against a background incorporating the colours of the Italian flag.

The magazine title, issue details and principal cover headlines remain clearly readable.

There is visible surface wear across the cover, including fine scratches, scuffing, rubbing and light handling marks.

These imperfections are particularly noticeable across the darker background surrounding the Ferrari and the black areas near the lower portion of the cover.

The yellow Ferrari photograph remains clear, although small marks and surface scratches can be seen.

There are some minor surface creases and light unevenness associated with handling and storage.

Spine and Left-Hand Edge

The left-hand cover edge shows visible rubbing and wear.

There is some slight whitening along the edge where the printed surface has experienced friction.

The magazine appears to have been opened and read previously.

The full spine has not been photographed separately, so its condition cannot be completely verified.

Top Edge and Corners

The top edge shows light handling wear.

The upper corners appear slightly softened, with minor bending and rubbing.

There is some light unevenness along the top edge.

Right-Hand Edge

The right-hand edge shows noticeable handling wear, with slight waviness and rubbing.

There is some minor wear along the exposed paper edges.

Bottom Edge and Corners

The lower edge shows light rubbing and signs of previous handling.

The bottom corners have some visible wear and slight bending.

The lower-right corner of the front cover appears slightly softened.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents pages remain clearly readable and display colour photographs, article listings and page references.

There is visible age-related yellowing and light discolouration to the paper, particularly around the margins and pale background areas.

Some light marks and small areas of discolouration are visible on the contents pages.

The pages also show slight waviness and handling wear.

The lower-right corners of the photographed contents pages have visible bending and minor curling.

The interior photographs and printed text shown remain clear.

Binding

The magazine is shown opened across several pages, with the photographed pages remaining in place.

However, the complete binding and attachment of every page have not been individually checked.

Back Cover

The back cover is not shown in the supplied photographs, so its condition cannot be confirmed.

Writing, Tears and Missing Pages

No obvious handwritten annotations or major tears are visible in the photographed areas.

The photographs do not establish the condition or completeness of every interior page.

Original Extras

Any originally supplied free gifts, loose inserts, separate supplements, promotional materials or accessories are not included.

The sale is for the magazine only.

Overall Condition

A pre-owned original 1997 motoring magazine showing visible age-related and handling wear.

The main noticeable imperfections are front-cover scuffing and scratches, rubbing along the edges, minor corner bending, slight paper waviness and age-related discolouration on the photographed interior pages.

The front-cover artwork and photographed contents remain clearly readable.

The magazine is being sold as a used vintage publication, not as a mint or new-condition collectible.

Please study all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing, as they form part of the condition description and show the actual item being offered.