CAR Magazine – September 1978 – Aston Martin Lagonda – Classic British Motoring

Original September 1978 edition of CAR Magazine, featuring a distinctive Aston Martin Lagonda front cover and an extensive selection of British and European automotive features, road tests and motoring commentary.

This vintage publication captures an important period in British motoring history, when manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Lotus and Rolls-Royce were competing in the prestigious luxury and performance-car markets.

The magazine features the headline:

"RIGHT ON, ASTON ...and welcome to the Roller game"

The front cover presents a dramatic close-up of the Aston Martin Lagonda's winged bonnet badge, positioned above the car's distinctive front grille.

An interesting original publication for collectors of Aston Martin Lagonda memorabilia, classic British luxury cars and 1970s automotive journalism.

Front Cover – Aston Martin Lagonda

The front cover is dominated by a close-up photograph of the Aston Martin Lagonda's distinctive winged emblem.

The badge stretches across the centre of the image, with the Aston Martin name incorporated into its upper section and the Lagonda name displayed prominently across the middle.

Below the badge is the car's distinctive vertical grille design.

The photograph has a particularly atmospheric appearance, with water droplets covering the bodywork and chrome trim.

The cover's metallic silver and cream tones contrast with the darker grille, while the large CAR masthead appears at the top.

The red headline introduces the magazine's examination of Aston Martin's position within the British luxury-car market.

The overall design is an excellent example of late-1970s motoring magazine photography, using a detailed close-up rather than a conventional full-car photograph.

Main Features and Articles

Page 34 – British Bulldogs!

One of the magazine's principal features examines the position of Britain's specialist luxury and performance-car manufacturers.

The article considers whether the mainstream British motor industry's difficulties were overshadowing the achievements of manufacturers operating at the more prestigious end of the market.

The contents specifically highlight:

• Aston Martin.

• Lotus.

• Rolls-Royce.

The feature examines these manufacturers as leading representatives of British automotive engineering and craftsmanship.

A particularly interesting period article for enthusiasts researching the British luxury-car industry during the late 1970s.

Page 40 – Lagonda, The Life

An article focusing on Aston Martin's remarkable Lagonda luxury saloon.

The contents describe the vehicle as Aston's flagship and examine its position as a challenger to Rolls-Royce.

The Aston Martin Lagonda was among the most distinctive British luxury cars of its era, recognised for its unconventional styling and ambitious engineering.

The contents page includes a photograph of the Lagonda, highlighting its long, low body and angular design.

This article is especially relevant to collectors interested in Aston Martin Lagonda history, British luxury saloons and the development of the marque during the 1970s.

Page 44 – Showdown: Aston Martin Vantage vs Maserati Khamsin

A major comparison feature placing two prestigious front-engined performance cars against one another.

The article examines the Aston Martin Vantage and Maserati Khamsin, two distinctive grand touring cars representing British and Italian approaches to high-performance motoring.

The contents page includes a photograph of the featured cars.

A particularly appealing article for collectors interested in:

• Aston Martin Vantage.

• Maserati Khamsin.

• Classic V8 grand tourers.

• British and Italian performance cars.

• Period comparative road tests.

Page 46 – Showdown: Morgan Plus Eight vs Panther Lima

Another comparison feature examining two traditional British sports cars.

The article places the Morgan Plus Eight against the Panther Lima.

Both cars represent distinctive approaches to open-top motoring, combining traditional styling with performance-oriented engineering.

The contents describe the comparison as a contest between two unusual sports cars.

An interesting contemporary road test for enthusiasts of Morgan, Panther and specialist British automotive manufacturers.

Page 50 – Newcomers: Lotus Esprit S2

A feature covering the arrival of the Lotus Esprit Series 2.

The contents describe the new model as an updated and more desirable development of the original Esprit.

The Lotus Esprit became one of Britain's most recognisable wedge-shaped sports cars, and this contemporary coverage provides an interesting insight into the model's early development.

Page 51 – Scoop!

A short section featuring forthcoming automotive developments, including:

Triumph TR7 Convertible

Coverage of the soft-top version of Triumph's distinctive TR7 sports car.

Lancia Delta

Early information concerning Lancia's forthcoming Delta hatchback.

Both subjects offer an interesting snapshot of the new vehicles attracting attention in the late 1970s.

Page 52 – Ol' Yella

An article involving Ian Fraser and his experiences with a Ford Granada.

The contents describe his return from the back of the Granada and suggest an entertaining account of the journey.

Page 54 – Giant Test

Lotus Elite vs Lancia Gamma Coupe vs Mercedes-Benz 230C

A substantial comparison of three distinctive four-cylinder executive and grand touring cars.

The article examines the different approaches taken by British, Italian and German manufacturers.

The featured vehicles are:

• Lotus Elite.

• Lancia Gamma Coupé.

• Mercedes-Benz 230C.

The contents page includes a photograph of the cars being driven together.

This is a particularly interesting comparison for collectors of unusual 1970s executive cars and period motoring road tests.

Page 69 – Turning Back the Clocks

A feature by Steve Sturgess discussing extra automotive instruments.

An interesting period article reflecting the growing interest in vehicle instrumentation and accessories.

Page 72 – Sideways to the Summit

A motorsport feature covering a tractor attempting the challenging ascent of Pikes Peak.

The contents describe an unusual and adventurous approach to the famous American hill-climb event.

An entertaining example of the varied motorsport coverage found in CAR Magazine during this period.

Page 79 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The magazine's contemporary guide to new cars available on the market.

This section provides a useful historical reference for enthusiasts researching vehicles sold during 1978.

Additional Editorial Content

The photographed contents page also identifies several regular editorial sections.

Page 5 – Sir!

Reader letters and opinions concerning motoring and automotive issues.

Page 9 – Frontline

Commentary from contributors including Ian Fraser, LJK Setright and George Bishop.

Page 21 – Oracle

A regular motoring commentary section examining the automotive world.

These features provide additional insight into the opinions, concerns and automotive culture of the late 1970s.

Original Cover Artwork and Historical Interest

The September 1978 edition features a particularly distinctive cover design.

Rather than showing the complete Aston Martin Lagonda, the photograph concentrates on the vehicle's elaborate bonnet badge and front grille.

The winged Aston Martin Lagonda emblem is positioned centrally and dominates the upper half of the cover.

The chrome detailing, water droplets and dark grille create a dramatic visual presentation.

The CAR masthead appears above the photograph in large metallic-style lettering.

The red headline introduces the magazine's coverage of Aston Martin's competition with Rolls-Royce in the luxury-car market.

The photograph is credited to Richard Davies in the magazine's contents page.

This makes the issue particularly interesting for collectors of original Aston Martin photography and vintage motoring publications.

Collector Appeal

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

• Aston Martin Lagonda.

• Aston Martin Vantage.

• Rolls-Royce luxury cars.

• Maserati Khamsin.

• Lotus Elite.

• Lotus Esprit Series 2.

• Morgan Plus Eight.

• Panther Lima.

• Lancia Gamma Coupé.

• Mercedes-Benz 230C.

• Triumph TR7.

• Lancia Delta.

• British specialist car manufacturers.

• Classic 1970s automotive engineering.

• Vintage motoring journalism and advertising.

• Original CAR Magazine publications.

The combination of Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Lotus, Maserati and Mercedes-Benz makes this an interesting period issue covering both British and European luxury and performance motoring.

Publication Details

Magazine: CAR Magazine
Issue Date: September 1978
Editor: Mel Nichols
Cover Photograph: Richard Davies
Original UK Cover Price: 40p
Language: English
Country: United Kingdom
Format: Original printed motoring magazine
Condition: Pre-owned vintage publication
SKU: 1569

Important Information – Original Extras

Any free gifts, loose supplements, promotional inserts or additional items that may originally have accompanied this magazine are no longer included.

This listing is for the magazine only, as shown in the photographs.

Any historical competitions, subscription offers or promotional material printed within the magazine should not be considered valid.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: Carefully packaged in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending during transit.

International Orders: Carefully packaged in a cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during international delivery.

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

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine – noticeable age-related wear and deterioration.

This original September 1978 edition of CAR Magazine shows clear signs of age, previous handling and long-term storage.

The supplied photographs show the front cover and an interior contents page.

Front Cover

The original Aston Martin Lagonda cover remains visually recognisable, with the distinctive winged badge, grille photograph and red headline clearly visible.

However, there is noticeable wear across the cover.

Visible imperfections include:

• General surface rubbing and scuffing.

• Numerous fine scratches and handling marks.

• Noticeable age-related discolouration and yellowing.

• Creasing and slight waviness across the cover.

• Rubbing and whitening along the outer edges.

• Wear to the upper and lower corners.

• More pronounced damage around the spine and left-hand edge.

• Small marks and blemishes across the printed surface.

The lower section of the cover shows considerable surface rubbing, particularly across the darker grille area.

The original cover image remains attractive but is clearly not in pristine condition.

Spine and Left-Hand Edge

The spine and left-hand edge show particularly noticeable wear.

The photographs reveal:

• Rubbing and scuffing along the spine.

• Areas of exposed or whitened paper.

• Creasing and bending.

• Small tears or splits along portions of the left-hand edge.

• A more pronounced damaged area around the middle-to-lower section of the spine.

• General wear consistent with repeated opening and long-term storage.

The magazine is shown opened to its contents page, but the full strength and condition of the binding cannot be confirmed from the photographs alone.

Upper Edge and Corners

The upper edge shows some waviness and age-related wear.

The upper-left corner is slightly bent and worn, while the upper-right corner has minor creasing and rubbing.

There is also visible discolouration around portions of the upper cover.

Lower Edge and Corners

The lower edge shows rubbing, surface wear and some unevenness.

The lower-left corner is noticeably worn, with whitening and deterioration around the corner and adjoining spine.

The lower-right corner shows minor bending and edge wear.

Interior Contents Page

The photographed contents page is readable and retains its original printed layout.

However, the paper shows substantial age-related toning, with a yellowed and slightly brown appearance.

Visible imperfections include:

• General paper yellowing.

• Uneven discolouration.

• Small spots and marks.

• Minor creasing and handling wear.

• Slight curling and waviness along the edges.

• Wear near the inner binding.

• Mild bending around the outer corners.

The contents text and photographs remain legible.

Interior Pages and Binding

The magazine is shown opened, with the photographed contents page remaining in place.

The visible interior paper has aged considerably, which is typical of publications from this period.

The condition of every page has not been individually verified, and the photographs do not establish whether every original page remains present.

Back Cover

The back cover has not been photographed, so its condition cannot be confirmed.

Writing, Tears and Other Imperfections

No obvious handwritten annotations are visible in the photographed areas.

There are visible small tears or splits around the spine area, together with noticeable edge wear, scuffing and paper discolouration.

Original Extras

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

The sale is for the magazine only.

Overall Condition Assessment

An original 1978 CAR Magazine in visibly used vintage condition.

The front cover has retained its distinctive Aston Martin Lagonda artwork, but shows considerable age-related wear, particularly around the spine and edges.

The photographed interior contents page remains readable, although the paper is noticeably yellowed.

This copy is best suited to a collector who appreciates original period motoring magazines and is comfortable with visible signs of age and handling.

Please study all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing, particularly the spine, cover edges and interior paper condition. The photographs form part of the item description and show the actual magazine being sold.