Max Power Magazine – January 1998 – Captain Clean Vauxhall Nova 16V, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Astra, Calibra & Modified Cars

Original January 1998 UK Edition | Vintage 1990s Car Tuning Magazine | Custom Cars | Hot Hatches | Max Power Era

An original January 1998 edition of Max Power Magazine, featuring a striking metallic silver-blue modified Vauxhall Nova 16V on the front cover.

This classic issue captures the British modified-car scene of the late 1990s, featuring extensive coverage of custom bodykits, performance engines, aftermarket alloy wheels, powerful in-car audio systems, modified hot hatches and distinctive show-car styling.

The magazine's main cover story, Captain Clean, focuses on a particularly immaculate Vauxhall Nova, accompanied by a varied selection of modified cars from manufacturers including Peugeot, Honda, Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Fiat, Citroën and Ford.

A fascinating period publication for collectors of original Max Power magazines and enthusiasts of 1990s automotive modification culture.

Front Cover – Captain Clean: Vauxhall Nova 16V

The front cover is dominated by a large photograph of a modified Vauxhall Nova in a pale metallic silver-blue finish.

Photographed from an elevated front three-quarter angle, the car features extensive cosmetic modifications designed to create a smooth, highly polished appearance.

The main headline reads:

CAPTAIN CLEAN

Accompanied by:

"...and his unreasonably tidy Nova"

The vehicle has a custom front number plate reading A16V OO, highlighting its 16-valve theme.

Visible Features of the Cover Car

The cover photograph reveals several notable styling modifications:

• Metallic silver-blue bodywork with a highly polished finish.

• Deep custom front bumper with an integrated lower opening.

• Colour-coded front grille featuring a black horizontal centre section.

• Rectangular headlights and clear indicator units.

• Modified bonnet incorporating a prominent central vent and additional sculpted detailing.

• Large aftermarket alloy wheels with a polished silver finish.

• Low-profile tyres and lowered suspension stance.

• Colour-coded door mirrors.

• Custom side skirts.

• Smoothed bodywork and carefully matched exterior styling.

• Darkened windows.

• Large rear roof spoiler.

• Custom front number plate reading A16V OO.

The styling is characteristic of the 1990s British modified-car scene, when smooth bodywork, aftermarket bodykits and polished alloy wheels were particularly popular.

The magazine's opening feature, Ignition!, includes another large photograph of the Nova, showing additional details of its front bumper, grille, bonnet and wheel styling.

The introductory caption describes the car's unusually clean appearance and directs readers to page 6 for the complete feature.

Magazine Features and Contents

The photographed contents pages provide a detailed overview of the magazine's featured vehicles.

Peugeot 306 – Page 16

A group feature involving three Peugeot 306 models.

The contents refer to an ICE-equipped Peugeot, a rally-inspired example and a body-kitted car.

An interesting comparison of different approaches to Peugeot tuning, combining visual styling and in-car entertainment modifications.

Project 2000 – Page 28

A feature focusing on a modified car project, with the contents providing an entertaining introduction to the vehicle.

Part of the magazine's broader coverage of ambitious custom-car projects.

Honda Civic – Page 34

A feature covering a modified Honda Civic.

The contents describe a particularly attractive example, reflecting the growing popularity of Japanese performance cars and Honda modification culture during the 1990s.

Vauxhall Calibra – Page 38

An article featuring a Vauxhall Calibra with an extensive in-car entertainment installation.

The contents refer to the car's Infinity ICE equipment.

A notable feature for Vauxhall Calibra collectors and enthusiasts of period car audio installations.

Volkswagen Corrado – Page 44

A modified Volkswagen Corrado featuring a Rieger bodykit.

Rieger styling components were popular among European tuning enthusiasts, making this an appealing feature for collectors of Volkswagen performance cars and aftermarket bodykit history.

Fiat Cinquecento – Page 50

A feature covering a modified Fiat Cinquecento.

The contents present the small Fiat as an unconventional but interesting subject for customisation.

An unusual inclusion illustrating how even relatively modest city cars became part of the British modified-car scene.

Volkswagen Golf – Page 58

A Volkswagen Golf feature concentrating on a custom vehicle and its styling.

An interesting example for collectors of VW Golf tuning and classic 1990s European hatchback modifications.

BMW Compact – Page 64

A feature dedicated to a modified BMW Compact.

The contents use the phrase "This goes like pen and ink", suggesting an entertaining performance-oriented article.

An appealing subject for fans of the BMW 3 Series Compact and period German car tuning.

Vauxhall Astra – Page 72

A modified Vauxhall Astra feature.

The contents describe a black Astra equipped with a six-speed gearbox and a 220bhp Calibra turbo engine.

This is a particularly interesting inclusion for enthusiasts of Vauxhall engine conversions and turbocharged performance cars.

Renault 5 GT Turbo – Page 76

A feature covering a highly modified Renault 5 GT Turbo.

The magazine describes the car as having approximately 250bhp, with modifications associated with GT Tuning.

An attractive period feature for collectors of Renault 5 GT Turbo memorabilia and classic French hot-hatch tuning.

Lamborghini Diablo – Page 84

An automotive feature involving the Lamborghini Diablo and in-car entertainment modifications.

An unusual subject within a magazine primarily associated with affordable modified cars.

Ford Ka – Page 86

A feature on a modified Ford Ka.

The contents refer to a customised example, demonstrating how the relatively new Ford city car was already attracting attention from automotive modifiers.

Citroën Saxo – Page 92

A modified Citroën Saxo feature.

The contents describe a body-kitted vehicle associated with Prima.

The Saxo became a particularly popular platform for affordable modifications during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Readers' Cars – Page 208

A feature involving a yellow Peugeot 205 and additional reader-submitted vehicles.

These articles provide a useful snapshot of the types of modifications being carried out by everyday car enthusiasts during the period.

Max Buying Power – Automotive Advice

The contents include the magazine's Max Buying Power section.

Visible subjects include:

• Top Gear – Page 100: Automotive entertainment and equipment.

• Power Surgery – Page 114: Performance and mechanical modification advice.

• Spark Plug Test – Page 118: An automotive maintenance and performance comparison.

• Games Console Review – Page 126: A feature reviewing gaming equipment.

• ICE Mega Guide – Page 142: Advice relating to in-car entertainment and audio equipment.

• ICE Mini Test – Page 152: A comparison of car audio products.

These features reflect Max Power's combination of mechanical information, styling advice, automotive entertainment and consumer product testing.

Max Stuff and Additional Features

The photographed contents section includes a selection of other automotive and entertainment features.

Cruise Patrol – Page 22

A feature connected with the modified-car cruising scene in Ireland.

Parliament Storming – Page 42

A magazine feature involving a visit to London.

Max Clubber – Page 110

A magazine community and promotional feature.

The issue also contains a Max Power Lottery promotion on page 100, which was a contemporary magazine competition and is no longer valid.

Front Cover Design

The magazine features a distinctive bright pink background with oversized metallic grey MAX POWER lettering.

The photograph of the silver-blue Vauxhall Nova covers much of the page and is complemented by large yellow lettering.

Additional cover information advertises a variety of modified vehicles, including:

• Three Peugeot 306 models.

• A modified Honda Civic.

• Vauxhall Astra.

• Fiat Cinquecento.

• BMW Compact.

• Vauxhall Calibra.

• Volkswagen Corrado.

• Volkswagen Golf.

• Renault 5 GT Turbo.

• Citroën Saxo.

• Ford Ka.

The front cover also promotes a historical £20,000 Max Power giveaway, which is no longer active.

The combination of striking photography, exaggerated headlines and highly modified cars is characteristic of the magazine's distinctive late-1990s presentation.

Publication Details

Magazine: Max Power

Publication Date: January 1998

Original UK Cover Price: £2.95

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed automotive magazine

Main Cover Car: Vauxhall Nova 16V

Main Cover Feature: Captain Clean

Featured Cars: Peugeot 306, Honda Civic, Vauxhall Calibra, Volkswagen Corrado, Fiat Cinquecento, Volkswagen Golf, BMW Compact, Vauxhall Astra, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Lamborghini Diablo, Ford Ka and Citroën Saxo.

Condition: Pre-owned / Vintage

SKU: 1586

Condition – Please Read Carefully

This is an original magazine from January 1998, showing signs of previous ownership, storage and handling.

Front Cover

• The original colour front cover is present.

• The Vauxhall Nova cover photograph remains clear and attractive.

• The main printed headlines and price remain readable.

• General light surface scratches and rubbing are visible.

• Some minor creases and pressure marks can be seen across the glossy surface.

• There is slight wear around the outer edges.

• The upper-left corner shows light creasing and handling wear.

• Small signs of wear are visible around the spine.

• The bottom-left corner has noticeable creasing and slight folding.

• The bottom-right corner shows light rubbing and edge wear.

• A fine horizontal mark is visible across part of the right-hand side of the cover around the vehicle's front wheel area.

Spine

• The spine shows light rubbing and age-related wear.

• Minor creases are visible around the spine and adjoining cover.

• The magazine appears to remain bound in the photographs.

Interior Pages

The visible contents pages are generally clean and readable.

• The main feature photographs retain good colour.

• Printed text and article headings remain clear.

• Some light page waviness and handling creases are visible.

• Minor edge wear is present.

• The lower corners show slight curling and rubbing.

• No significant internal tears are apparent in the photographed pages.

Rear Cover

The rear cover features a colourful period SPAX performance suspension advertisement.

It includes a large image of suspension components over a blue vehicle, accompanied by advertising text relating to ride quality and performance.

The rear cover shows light surface wear and handling marks.

The spine and lower edge also show some minor rubbing.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition overall, with visible surface wear, minor creasing, corner wear and handling marks consistent with age.

The magazine remains visually attractive, particularly because of its distinctive Vauxhall Nova front cover.

Only selected internal pages have been photographed, so the condition and completeness of every page cannot be guaranteed.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Important – Original Free Gifts and Extras

This listing is for the original magazine shown in the photographs only.

Any original free gifts, stickers, loose inserts, supplements, promotional items or other extras that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included unless clearly shown in the photographs.

The historical competitions and prize offers advertised within the magazine have expired.

No competition prizes are included.

Packaging and Shipping

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection.

Ideal For Collectors Of

• Original Max Power magazines.

• 1990s British car tuning culture.

• Modified Vauxhall Nova 16V.

• Vauxhall Astra Turbo engine conversions.

• Vauxhall Calibra.

• Renault 5 GT Turbo.

• Peugeot 205 and Peugeot 306.

• Honda Civic.

• Volkswagen Golf and Corrado.

• BMW Compact.

• Ford Ka.

• Citroën Saxo.

• Period aftermarket alloy wheels and bodykits.

• 1990s in-car audio and ICE installations.

• British modified-car memorabilia.

An original January 1998 Max Power Magazine, featuring the immaculate Captain Clean Vauxhall Nova 16V and an extensive collection of modified-car features from the late-1990s British tuning scene.

You will receive the actual magazine shown in the photographs.

SKU: 1586