Practical Motorist Magazine – June 1969

Original Vintage British Motoring Magazine | Morris Minor Clutch Overhaul | Ford Technical Data | Classic Car Maintenance | 1960s Automotive History

An original June 1969 edition of Practical Motorist, the popular British monthly motoring magazine devoted to car maintenance, mechanical repairs, road testing and practical advice for everyday motorists.

This vintage issue features a distinctive colour cover showing a classic Ford Anglia saloon in the foreground, with an atmospheric scrapyard scene containing several older vehicles and dismantled automotive components in the background.

The magazine's prominent headline, "How We Saved This Car", highlights one of the issue's main themes: restoring, maintaining and keeping older vehicles on the road.

Other major subjects include a Morris Minor clutch overhaul, gearbox and starter-motor maintenance, radiator cooling-system modifications, classic Ford specifications and road tests involving British family cars.

Published at the end of the 1960s, this issue offers an interesting record of the mechanical techniques, vehicles and motoring concerns of its era.

Suitable for collectors of vintage motoring publications, classic Ford enthusiasts, Morris Minor restorers and anyone interested in British automotive history.

Magazine Details

• Publication: Practical Motorist

• Publication Date: June 1969

• Original Cover Price: 2 shillings and 6 pence (2/6)

• Publisher: IPC Magazines Ltd

• Editor: Harry Heywood

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Format: Original printed motoring magazine

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1584

The month and year are confirmed on the cover and the photographed contents page. A specific publication day is not shown.

Front Cover – Classic British Motoring Photography

The front cover features a light blue background with an exceptionally large orange-red Practical Motorist masthead.

Beneath the title is the magazine's familiar slogan:

"The Most Widely Read Motoring Monthly"

The central photograph features a light-coloured Ford Anglia saloon, photographed from a low front three-quarter angle.

Distinctive details include:

• The Ford Anglia's upright front-end styling.

• Large chrome front grille.

• Circular headlights set into vertical surrounds.

• Prominent chrome bumpers.

• Period registration plate reading 811 CRO.

• Traditional narrow wheels and tyres.

• A classic British saloon-car body design.

Behind the foreground vehicle are several older cars, including blue and dark-coloured saloons, alongside dismantled mechanical components and scrapyard equipment.

The unusual composition illustrates the preservation and continued use of older cars at a time when many were increasingly being scrapped.

A bold diagonal yellow band across the lower cover carries the headline:

"How We Saved This Car"

The cover is particularly appealing as an example of original late-1960s motoring-magazine design.

Featured Articles and Technical Content

Morris Minor Clutch Overhaul – Page 1070

One of the issue's principal technical features focuses on the Morris Minor clutch.

The contents page identifies the article as:

"Minor Clutch Overhaul"

This is a period workshop article covering clutch maintenance and repair.

It will be of particular interest to owners of Morris Minor 1000 models and enthusiasts researching traditional British automotive repair methods.

Original magazine workshop features provide an interesting comparison with modern restoration techniques.

Big Ford Technical Data – Page 1081

The cover prominently advertises "Big Ford Data".

The contents identify a dedicated technical data-sheet feature covering larger Ford vehicles.

This is especially relevant to collectors of original Ford servicing information and vintage automotive reference publications.

The feature reflects the magazine's emphasis on providing practical technical specifications for home mechanics.

Convert to Semi-Sealed Cooling – Page 1072

The cover advertises:

"Convert to Semi-Sealed Cooling"

The corresponding contents entry is titled "Perchance to Steam (Techtopic)".

The article concerns cooling-system modifications and vehicle maintenance.

An interesting historical subject for enthusiasts of traditional radiator and engine-cooling systems.

Pinion Seal Renewal – Page 1068

The contents include "Renewing a Pinion Seal".

This is a technical repair topic concerning a vehicle's drivetrain sealing components.

The article provides a period perspective on a maintenance job still familiar to classic vehicle restorers.

Bosch and Lucas Pre-Engaged Starter Overhaul – Page 1066

The cover highlights a detailed feature on pre-engaged starter motors.

The contents page lists:

"Pre-engaged Starter Overhaul"

This is particularly interesting for owners of classic vehicles using Bosch or Lucas electrical equipment.

It reflects the type of component-level servicing commonly undertaken by motorists and independent mechanics in the late 1960s.

Rather than automatically replacing an assembly, workshop articles of this period frequently explored servicing and repairing individual mechanical components.

Saved from the Scrapyard – Page 1047

The article "Saved from the Scrapyard" relates to the magazine's major cover theme.

The cover illustration features a classic Ford Anglia in front of an automotive scrapyard.

This makes the issue especially attractive to collectors interested in vehicle preservation, classic car ownership and Britain's changing automotive landscape during the 1960s.

Changing the Rings – Page 1050

A mechanical maintenance feature concerning engine components.

The title indicates work involving piston rings, a subject of particular relevance to traditional engine rebuilding.

Economy Drive – Page 1052

An article focused on economical motoring.

It reflects the magazine's practical approach to vehicle ownership and reducing running costs.

Running on Too Much Air – Page 1054

A workshop-related feature examining an automotive mechanical problem.

The article forms part of the issue's wider technical maintenance coverage.

Universal Remedy – Page 1055

An additional practical motoring feature.

Road Test – Vitesse Mk.2 v Viva GT – Page 1056

One of the most interesting features for classic car collectors is the comparison between the Triumph Vitesse Mk.2 and Vauxhall Viva GT.

Both cars represent distinctive approaches to sporting British motoring in the late 1960s.

This contemporary comparison is especially relevant to enthusiasts researching period road tests and the performance-car market of the era.

Elementary Maintenance, Part 3 – Page 1060

The third instalment in an elementary vehicle-maintenance series.

The feature reflects the magazine's aim of helping ordinary motorists undertake servicing and repairs themselves.

Meet the Maxi – Page 1062

A contemporary feature concerning the Austin Maxi.

The Austin Maxi was introduced in 1969, making this an interesting period article published around the time of the model's original launch.

Especially relevant to collectors of British Leyland and BMC-related motoring material.

Red for Danger – Page 1063

A feature connected to the magazine's prominently advertised danger-warning unit.

The cover includes a photograph of a small black electrical control unit featuring several coloured indicator lights.

The headline reads:

"Make the PM Danger Warning Unit"

The pictured device features a rectangular black housing with multiple coloured circular indicators, including red, blue, yellow and green lights.

This is a particularly interesting example of the electrical accessories and DIY motoring projects promoted during the period.

Continental Corner – Page 1078

A regular feature concerning motoring beyond Britain.

Garage Mechanic's Diary – Page 1089

A workshop-related feature offering insight into the everyday experience of vehicle servicing and maintenance.

Used Car Prices – Page 1091

A valuable historical reference section covering second-hand vehicle values.

Especially interesting to collectors researching how classic cars were priced during 1969.

Holidays at Home? – Page 1092

An article concerning domestic motoring and leisure travel.

A Put-Up Job – Page 1094

An additional practical motoring feature.

Regular Editorial Features

The photographed contents page also identifies several recurring magazine departments:

• Candidly Speaking – Page 1003: Editorial commentary.

• It's Your Opinion – Page 1004: Reader opinions and correspondence.

• Our Experts Advise – Page 1012: Mechanical advice and motoring guidance.

• Full Chat – Page 1077: General motoring discussion.

• What's New – Page 1058: Automotive products and developments.

• Tips from Readers – Page 1085: Reader-submitted practical advice.

• Legal Notes – Page 1074: Motoring-related legal information.

These sections help document the everyday experience of British motorists in the late 1960s.

Editorial – Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

The photographed editorial is headed:

"...but they frighten me!"

Written by editor Harry Heywood, it discusses the condition of vehicles being driven on British roads.

The article refers to findings from vehicle inspections and highlights concerns about motorists neglecting important maintenance.

Among the problems discussed are:

• Defective brakes.

• Fraying brake hoses.

• Corroded brake pipes and linings.

• Tyres failing to meet expected standards.

• Leaking exhaust systems.

• Incorrect ignition timing.

• Wheel alignment problems.

The editorial discusses the importance of regular servicing and the potential dangers of neglected vehicles.

It also comments on the expense of running a car and how that cost may discourage owners from carrying out necessary work.

This is an interesting contemporary perspective on vehicle safety, maintenance standards and motoring culture in Britain during 1969.

Period Advertisements and Future-Issue Information

The photographed editorial page includes an advertisement for the forthcoming July 1969 Practical Motorist.

The announcement is headed "How Do?" and promotes practical advice on several topics:

• Preparing a vehicle for holiday reliability.

• Theft-proofing a car and its contents.

• Finding places worth visiting.

• Decoking a cross-flow engine.

• Selecting appropriate workshop tools.

• Extending tyre life.

This is an interesting example of the magazine's promotional style and the motoring concerns of the late 1960s.

The advertisement states that the July issue was due to appear on 16 June.

Historical and Collector Interest

This original June 1969 edition is particularly suitable for collectors interested in:

• Ford Anglia saloon cars.

• Morris Minor clutch repairs.

• Triumph Vitesse Mk.2.

• Vauxhall Viva GT.

• Austin Maxi launch-era motoring journalism.

• Ford technical specifications.

• Bosch automotive electrical equipment.

• Lucas starter motors.

• Traditional car maintenance.

• Classic British vehicle restoration.

• Vintage scrapyard photography.

• Late-1960s automotive safety.

• Period used-car prices.

• Original British workshop magazines.

The issue captures a period when private motorists were actively encouraged to carry out substantial mechanical repairs themselves.

Its combination of technical instructions, contemporary road tests, vehicle-safety commentary and period advertising makes it an interesting historical reference.

Condition – Detailed Assessment

Pre-owned vintage condition with noticeable age-related wear, creasing, spine damage, paper discolouration and handling marks.

This magazine dates from June 1969 and shows clear evidence of age, use and long-term storage.

Front Cover

• The original illustrated front cover is present.

• The orange-red Practical Motorist masthead remains bold and legible.

• The Ford Anglia photograph remains reasonably clear, although the cover shows general surface wear.

• Noticeable scuffing and rubbing are visible around the spine and edges.

• The upper-left corner has a small torn and folded area with paper loss.

• The upper-right corner shows noticeable bending and curling.

• The right-hand edge has a pronounced vertical bend and curling.

• The lower-left corner shows creasing, rubbing and discolouration.

• The bottom edge shows scuffs, marks and general handling wear.

• The cover has small scratches, surface marks and age-related imperfections.

• Some overall waviness is visible.

Spine and Binding

• The spine shows substantial age-related wear.

• Rubbing and abrasion are visible along the left-hand edge.

• Small tears, nicks and paper damage are apparent around the spine.

• A noticeable split or damaged area is visible near the upper spine.

• The lower spine also shows wear and creasing.

• The photographed interior pages remain attached sufficiently to open and display.

• The magazine has not been checked page by page for binding strength or completeness.

Interior Pages

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

• The paper has a noticeably darker tone around the outer margins.

• Some uneven discolouration and light spotting are visible.

• The top-right corner of the photographed contents page is curled and creased.

• Page edges show general handling wear.

• The lower margins display yellowing and age-related marks.

• The main printed text remains readable.

• No obvious handwritten notes are visible on the photographed contents page.

• The editorial signature is part of the printed magazine content.

Overall Condition

Condition assessment: Fair vintage condition.

The magazine is clearly an original, well-used period publication rather than a pristine collector's copy.

The most significant visible imperfections are the worn and damaged spine, corner creasing, curling cover edges, small tears and substantial discolouration of the interior paper.

Despite these defects, the front cover remains attractive and the photographed interior content is readable.

This item is most suitable for someone who values original vintage motoring content and historical authenticity rather than mint condition.

Only selected interior pages are photographed, so complete page-by-page condition and completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Please study all photographs carefully before purchasing, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras and Supplements

This sale includes the original June 1969 Practical Motorist magazine only.

Any original free gifts, loose inserts, supplementary booklets, detachable technical sheets, promotional materials or other extras that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included unless clearly pictured.

The magazine's photographed feature advertising a danger-warning unit refers to a DIY project rather than a physical electrical device included in the sale.

No such device is included.

Only the original printed magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help minimise the risk of bending and damage during delivery.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

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

Final Summary

An original June 1969 Practical Motorist Magazine, featuring an attractive Ford Anglia scrapyard-themed cover and extensive practical motoring content.

Highlights include a Morris Minor clutch overhaul, Bosch and Lucas starter-motor servicing, Ford technical data, Triumph Vitesse Mk.2 versus Vauxhall Viva GT road testing, Austin Maxi coverage and classic car electrical projects.

A fascinating example of late-1960s British automotive publishing, particularly suitable for classic car restorers and vintage motoring magazine collectors.

The actual magazine shown in the photographs is the one you will receive.

SKU: 1584