Practical Motorist Magazine – April 1972

Original Vintage British Motoring Magazine | Volume 18 No. 8 | Ford Capri | Hillman Imp | Vauxhall Viva | Car Repairs & Maintenance

An original April 1972 edition of Practical Motorist, featuring classic British motoring advice, mechanical repairs, workshop guides, vehicle maintenance, motoring investigations and technical articles.

This particular issue is notable for introducing a redesigned Practical Motorist magazine, with a refreshed layout, updated presentation and eight additional pages of motoring information.

The striking blue and white cover features colourful technical illustrations of classic cars, engine components and mechanics carrying out repairs.

Major subjects include the Hillman Imp engine, Ford wheel-wobble problems, Vauxhall Viva maintenance and an investigation into the automotive spare-parts industry.

The magazine also advertises a £5,000 Practical Motorist of the Year competition and an original promotional feeler gauge.

An interesting vintage publication for classic car enthusiasts, restorers, automotive historians and collectors of 1970s British motoring magazines.

Publication Details

• Magazine: Practical Motorist

• Date: April 1972

• Volume: 18

• Issue: Number 8

• Original Price: 15p

• Editor: Harry Heywood

• Publisher: IPC Magazines Ltd

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Format: Printed vintage motoring magazine

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1584

Publication date: April 1972. The photographs do not establish an exact day of publication.

Front Cover – Classic Cars and Workshop Illustrations

The front cover uses a distinctive blue background with a large white Practical Motorist masthead.

Unlike the previous month's mainly photographic cover, this edition features a collection of detailed colour illustrations depicting period cars and mechanical repair work.

The illustrations include:

Hillman Imp Engine

A mechanic examining a dismantled engine assembly, with the cylinder head and valve gear prominently visible.

Ford Capri

A red Ford Capri positioned above a mechanic carrying out an automotive repair, accompanied by equipment and tools.

Vauxhall Viva

A yellow and a blue-green classic saloon, with one illustrated undergoing engine-bay maintenance.

Automotive Spare Parts

A period motor-factor or spare-parts counter scene showing customers and staff examining automotive components.

The artwork reflects the magazine's emphasis on affordable repairs, traditional mechanical engineering and practical maintenance for everyday motorists.

Main Features and Articles

Hillman Imp – Decoking and Valve Seat Grinding

The cover advertises:

"Imp Decoke and Valve Seat Grind"

This technical subject concerns the Hillman Imp engine and traditional cylinder-head servicing.

Decoking involves removing carbon deposits from engine components, while valve-seat grinding was a commonly discussed procedure for maintaining engine valve sealing.

The article is of particular interest to Hillman Imp owners and enthusiasts of Rootes Group vehicles.

The cover illustration shows a dismantled engine assembly with exposed cylinder-head components, reinforcing the magazine's practical workshop focus.

Curing Ford Wheel Wobble

Another prominent cover headline reads:

"Curing Ford Wheel Wobble"

The accompanying illustration features a red Ford Capri with workshop equipment positioned nearby.

This topic relates to diagnosing and addressing unwanted wheel movement or vibration in Ford vehicles.

It is an interesting historical reference for enthusiasts of classic Ford cars, including the Capri, and readers interested in period steering, wheel and suspension maintenance.

Get the Best From Your Viva

A major cover feature states:

"Get the Best From Your Viva"

The illustrated Vauxhall Viva is shown with its bonnet raised and a mechanic working inside the engine compartment.

This article is particularly relevant to owners and collectors of classic Vauxhall Viva models.

The subject reflects the growing popularity of owner-maintained family cars during the early 1970s.

It provides an example of the advice available to motorists looking to improve the performance, reliability and general upkeep of their vehicles.

Low-Down on the Spares Scandal

The cover prominently advertises:

"Low-Down on the Spares Scandal"

The accompanying illustration depicts a motor-parts counter, where automotive components are being discussed and examined.

The contents page identifies the feature as "The Great Spares Scandal", beginning on page 741.

The article is an interesting period investigation into the motoring spare-parts trade.

It is particularly relevant to readers interested in the history of vehicle maintenance, repair costs and automotive parts supply in 1970s Britain.

£5,000 Practical Motorist of the Year Competition

The lower-right corner of the cover advertises:

"Car Plan / Practical Motorist £5000 Motorist of the Year Contest"

The large orange promotional graphic makes this a prominent feature of the issue.

The interior editorial also refers to this competition and describes it as an opportunity for readers to participate.

This adds an interesting piece of period motoring promotional history to the magazine.

The competition is historical and is no longer active.

Additional Contents and Features

The photographed contents page reveals an extensive selection of articles.

Workshop and Mechanical Features

• The Great Spares Scandal – Page 741: Investigation into the automotive spare-parts industry.

• Wheel Wobble Cures – Page 744: Practical information on wheel-wobble problems.

• All Our Own Work – Page 746: Motoring-related technical feature.

• Simple Body Repairs – Page 750: Vehicle bodywork maintenance.

• Beat Corrosion – Page 752: Advice concerning rust and vehicle preservation.

• Get the Right Gap – Page 756: Mechanical adjustment guidance.

• Watch That Wiring – Page 758: Electrical-system maintenance.

• Three 30 min. Jobs – Page 760: Short practical workshop tasks.

• Viva Maintenance Gen – Page 761: Maintenance information for the Vauxhall Viva.

• Dolomite on Test – Page 764: Contemporary Triumph Dolomite road-test coverage.

Regular Motoring Departments

• What We Say – Page 701: Editorial commentary.

• What You Say – Page 703: Reader correspondence.

• PM Preview – Page 704: Magazine previews.

• Our Experts Advise – Page 704: Technical questions and guidance.

• What's New – Page 770: New developments in the automotive world.

• Do the Dirty Work – Page 772: Practical maintenance feature.

• Disc Brake Service – Page 776: Braking-system servicing.

• Garage Mechanic's Diary – Page 781: Workshop experiences and advice.

• Full Chat – Page 783: General motoring discussion.

• Imp Decoke Routine – Page 786: Engine servicing for the Hillman Imp.

• Engine Swaps, Part Two – Page 788: Continuing coverage of engine conversions.

• Enter the PM/Car Plan £5,000 Competition – Page 790: Reader competition information.

• Cover Your Passenger – Page 792: Motoring-related feature.

• Legal Notes – Page 794: Motoring law.

• Tips from Readers – Page 797: Practical advice submitted by readers.

• Continental Corner – Page 801: European motoring coverage.

• Which Car for Your Money? – Page 802: Car-buying advice.

The variety of technical and editorial subjects makes this a useful period reference for classic car enthusiasts and automotive collectors.

Editorial – A New Look for Practical Motorist

The photographed introductory page contains an editorial written by Harry Heywood.

The article discusses the magazine's redesigned appearance and the reasons behind the changes.

It explains that the April 1972 edition introduces a more up-to-date presentation intended to make the magazine clearer and more useful.

The editorial discusses:

• Developments in automotive engineering.

• Increasing complexity of motor vehicles.

• Rising garage and maintenance costs.

• The importance of knowledgeable vehicle ownership.

• Practical technical advice written in accessible language.

• Improvements to the magazine's page design.

• The addition of eight extra pages.

• The £5,000 reader competition.

This editorial is particularly interesting because it documents a noticeable change in the magazine's presentation and editorial direction.

For collectors interested in the history of Practical Motorist, the April 1972 edition represents a significant redesigned issue.

Original Promotional Feeler Gauge

The front cover includes a prominent orange graphic advertising:

"FREE with this issue"

The illustration depicts a metal feeler gauge branded Practical Motorist, with a blue printed logo.

Feeler gauges are mechanical measuring tools commonly used for checking small clearances, including points gaps and valve clearances.

The promotional item is historically relevant to the practical maintenance subjects covered in the magazine.

Important: The original free feeler gauge is not included with this copy.

Only the printed cover illustration remains. No physical feeler-gauge accessory is supplied.

Reader Letters – Period Motoring Experiences

The photographed interior page also shows the magazine's "What You Say" correspondence section.

One reader describes buying a new 1972 Mini 850 and discovering several problems shortly afterwards.

The listed complaints include:

• Cracked paintwork.

• Rust appearing around bodywork seams.

• Paint damage near the rear window.

• Doors that do not close properly.

• An oil leak around the rocker cover.

• Rust on the bodywork beneath the front panel.

• Problems involving brake fluid and clutch fluid.

• An interior light switch issue.

• Falling coolant levels.

Another letter discusses changes to car bumpers and their protective effectiveness.

These articles are fascinating examples of real-world British motoring concerns during the early 1970s.

They provide historical insight into the ownership experience of period vehicles.

Collector Interest

This edition may particularly appeal to collectors and enthusiasts interested in:

• Vintage Practical Motorist magazines.

• Original British motoring publications.

• Classic Ford Capri cars.

• Hillman Imp engines and servicing.

• Vauxhall Viva maintenance.

• Triumph Dolomite road tests.

• Classic Mini and BMC vehicles.

• 1970s British Leyland motoring.

• Engine decoking and valve maintenance.

• Traditional mechanical repairs.

• Automotive spare-parts history.

• Vehicle bodywork and rust prevention.

• Classic car electrical systems.

• Disc-brake servicing.

• Period engine-conversion articles.

• Original 1970s automotive advertising.

• Vintage motoring competitions.

• Historic workshop techniques.

The attractive illustrated cover and wide range of technical content make this a desirable addition to a collection of period motoring publications.

Condition – Detailed Assessment

Pre-owned vintage condition with visible age-related wear.

This original 1972 magazine is over 50 years old and shows signs of handling, storage and natural ageing.

Front Cover

• The original blue and white front cover is present.

• The main masthead remains clearly readable.

• The classic car and workshop illustrations retain good colour and detail.

• There is noticeable rubbing and surface wear along the spine.

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

• Minor marks and scuffing are visible around the outer edges.

• The lower-left corner shows rubbing and a small amount of creasing.

• The bottom edge has light surface wear.

• The lower-right corner has noticeable bending, creasing and slight curling.

• Fine scratches and light handling marks can be seen across the cover.

• Some minor discolouration is visible on the light-coloured printed areas.

• The cover is not perfectly flat, with slight waviness and age-related distortion.

Spine and Binding

• The spine shows visible rubbing and handling wear.

• Small stress marks are present along the left-hand fold.

• The upper and lower spine areas show signs of ageing.

• The magazine remains together in the photographs.

• Full binding integrity has not been independently verified throughout every page.

Interior Pages

• The photographed interior pages show pronounced yellowing and age-related browning.

• The paper has the characteristic warm, aged appearance of early 1970s magazines.

• Some darker discolouration is visible towards the outer margins.

• The photographed contents and editorial page remain readable.

• Minor surface marks and small spots are visible.

• Slight page curling and waviness can be seen.

• The bottom-right corner of the photographed interior page shows some folding and bending.

• The paper edges show general handling wear.

• The printed editorial signature is part of the original publication rather than a separately verified autograph.

Overall Assessment

Condition: Fair to good vintage condition.

The magazine shows noticeable age-related discolouration, cover wear, creasing and corner damage but remains an attractive example of an original 1972 motoring publication.

It should not be considered mint or near mint.

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

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

Important – Original Free Gifts and Extras

This listing is for the original April 1972 Practical Motorist magazine shown in the photographs.

The cover originally advertised a free Practical Motorist feeler gauge.

The original free feeler gauge is missing and is NOT included.

Any other original loose inserts, promotional gifts, separate supplements, detached manuals or accessories that may originally have accompanied the magazine are also not included unless clearly shown in the listing photographs.

The printed magazine itself is the item being sold.

Packaging and Delivery

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

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope to help prevent bending and damage.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas shipping.

Final Summary

An original April 1972 Practical Motorist Magazine, Volume 18 Number 8, featuring a redesigned cover and a wide selection of technical articles.

Highlights include Hillman Imp engine servicing, Ford Capri-related wheel-wobble coverage, Vauxhall Viva maintenance, the Great Spares Scandal, Triumph Dolomite testing, bodywork repairs, disc-brake servicing and traditional automotive diagnostics.

A fascinating vintage motoring publication offering an authentic insight into British car ownership and maintenance during the early 1970s.

Please note: The original free feeler gauge is not included.

You will receive the actual vintage magazine shown in the photographs.

SKU: 1584