Practical Motorist Magazine – June 1973 – Volume 19 No. 10

Original Vintage British Motoring Magazine | Ford Capri 3000 GT | Chrysler 2-Litre | Vauxhall Viva | Moskvitch | Classic Car Maintenance

An original June 1973 issue of Practical Motorist, the British motoring magazine dedicated to vehicle maintenance, mechanical repairs, technical advice, road tests and practical car ownership.

This vintage publication provides a fascinating insight into British motoring during the early 1970s, when home servicing, mechanical repairs and vehicle upkeep were an important part of everyday car ownership.

The issue features a major Ford Capri 3000 GT engine overhaul, a Chrysler 2-litre road test, a Vauxhall Viva maintenance guide, Moskvitch servicing advice and a detailed examination of power steering technology.

An interesting period publication for classic car enthusiasts, restoration specialists, collectors of vintage automotive magazines and owners of British and European vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s.

Magazine Details

• Publication: Practical Motorist

• Issue Date: June 1973

• Volume: 19

• Issue Number: 10

• Original Cover Price: 15p

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Category: Classic Cars, Motoring, Automotive Engineering and Maintenance

• Format: Original printed monthly magazine

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1584

The original date, volume and issue number are confirmed on the photographed cover and contents page.

Please note: The publication is dated June 1973. No specific publication day is printed in the supplied photographs.

Front Cover – Classic 1970s Motoring

The magazine features a distinctive early-1970s illustrated front cover, with a bold orange-red background and oversized yellow and white Practical Motorist lettering.

The original 15p cover price appears in the upper-right corner alongside the publication date.

Below the masthead is a large illustrated montage highlighting several of the issue's main technical features.

Ford Capri 3000 GT – Engine Overhaul

One of the most prominent illustrations shows a bright yellow-orange Ford Capri with its bonnet raised.

A mechanic is pictured working inside the engine compartment.

The accompanying headline reads:

Engine Overhaul for Capri 3000 GT

The contents page confirms a substantial feature beginning on page 39, entitled The Big Job.

This article examines the overhaul of the Ford 3-litre Capri engine.

The Ford Capri was one of Britain's most recognisable sporting coupés of the period, and the 3000 GT remains particularly interesting to classic Ford enthusiasts.

The article offers period technical information relating to the engine and its maintenance.

For restorers and collectors, original contemporary servicing articles can provide an insight into the techniques, equipment and mechanical practices used when these vehicles were relatively new.

Chrysler 2-Litre – Road Test

The front cover features a detailed illustration of a green four-door Chrysler saloon.

The vehicle is depicted from the front three-quarter angle, showing its rectangular headlights, chrome grille, bumper and traditional 1970s saloon styling.

The cover headline reads:

Chrysler 2-Litre Tested

The contents page lists Chrysler's Latest Car on page 84.

The accompanying description confirms a road test of the new 2-litre model.

This is a particularly interesting period feature for enthusiasts of Chrysler's British operations and the Rootes Group era of motoring.

The road test provides contemporary impressions of the vehicle rather than a modern retrospective assessment.

Vauxhall Viva – Maintenance and Servicing

Another prominent cover illustration shows a light blue Vauxhall Viva viewed from above.

Its bonnet is open, revealing the engine compartment.

A mechanic is illustrated leaning into the engine bay, with a toolbox and hand tools positioned alongside the vehicle.

The accompanying headline reads:

Viva Top Job

The contents page lists a three-page Viva Decoke guide beginning on page 58.

The feature concerns maintenance work on a Vauxhall engine.

Decarbonising engines was a familiar part of older vehicle maintenance, making this article a useful example of contemporary workshop advice.

The illustration also provides an interesting visual record of the tools and techniques associated with home servicing during the 1970s.

Moskvitch – Maintenance Feature

The lower-right section of the cover features an illustrated cream-coloured Moskvitch saloon.

The car is shown parked on grass in a rural setting, with trees and a small building in the background.

The headline reads:

Moskvitch Maintenance

The contents page confirms that the feature begins on page 43.

The article is described as going beyond the handbook for the Russian car.

Moskvitch vehicles are an interesting part of British automotive history, particularly because imported Eastern European cars offered an alternative to established British manufacturers.

This feature may appeal to collectors of Soviet-era vehicles, Eastern European automotive history and unusual classic cars.

Power Steering – Technical Article

The upper-left section of the cover contains an illustration of a mechanical steering assembly.

The component is shown being handled and supported in a workshop vice.

The headline reads:

New Seals for Power Steering

The contents page lists Turning Power on page 49, describing problems involving faulty seals in BMC power-assisted steering systems fitted to luxury models.

This feature reflects the magazine's emphasis on practical engineering and mechanical problem-solving.

It may be particularly interesting to enthusiasts restoring older British vehicles equipped with early power-assisted steering.

Additional Articles and Technical Features

The photographed contents page confirms several further articles.

At Breaking Point – Page 46

A feature examining whether a dismantler can save money and whether even a used car can prove expensive to keep running.

Want to Be in the Van? – Page 52

Coverage of Vauxhall's commercial version of the Viva, examining the manufacturer's approach to the van market.

40,000-Mile Brake Overhaul – Page 54

A practical article discussing the renovation of disc braking systems.

The feature focuses on servicing work and the mechanical considerations involved in brake maintenance.

Cure for Inflation? – Page 56

A comparison of foot pumps, examining their performance and suitability for motorists.

Herald Triumph – Page 78

A feature examining the Triumph Herald model and its performance.

Change for the Better – Page 91

A technical article describing the repair of a worn or spongy gear linkage.

Wired for Sound – Page 93

A look at the world of in-car hi-fi equipment and automotive audio technology.

This is an interesting example of the developing market for car entertainment systems during the early 1970s.

Regular Magazine Features

The contents page also confirms the following recurring sections:

• Page 1: What We Say – Editorial

• Page 2: What You Say – Reader Correspondence

• Page 4: Our Experts Advise

• Page 48: Garage Mechanic's Diary

• Page 65: Full Chat

• Page 67: What's New

• Page 73: Tips from Readers

• Page 80: Continental Corner

• Page 87: PM Preview

• Page 89: Legal Notes

These sections illustrate the magazine's combination of mechanical advice, reader participation, motoring news and practical ownership information.

Editorial – June 1973

The photographed opening editorial is headed:

What We Say...

It discusses research into accident rates among motorists who carry out their own vehicle maintenance.

The editorial refers to a Transport and Road Research Laboratory report involving members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

It considers the relationship between driving standards, mechanical knowledge and road safety.

The article also emphasises the importance of understanding a vehicle's mechanical limitations and carrying out maintenance correctly.

The editorial is signed by Harry Heywood.

This is an interesting historical insight into attitudes towards motoring safety and vehicle maintenance in Britain during the 1970s.

Historical and Collecting Interest

This magazine is particularly appealing because it was published when many of the featured vehicles were relatively new.

Rather than looking back at these cars as classics, the publication examines them as contemporary vehicles requiring servicing, repair and everyday maintenance.

It offers a period perspective on:

• British automotive engineering.

• Ford Capri maintenance and engine rebuilding.

• Chrysler road testing.

• Vauxhall Viva servicing.

• Moskvitch ownership.

• Triumph Herald performance.

• BMC power steering systems.

• Disc brake maintenance.

• Manual gearbox linkage repairs.

• Early in-car entertainment technology.

• DIY automotive repairs.

• British motoring culture during the 1970s.

The original illustrations, mechanical terminology, editorial presentation and technical subjects make this an interesting addition to a vintage automotive literature collection.

It may also appeal to owners of classic vehicles seeking contemporary reference material.

Condition – Detailed Assessment

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

This is an original publication from 1973 and should not be expected to resemble a modern or unused magazine.

The following observations are based on the supplied photographs.

Front Cover

• The original illustrated front cover is present.

• The orange-red background and yellow masthead remain clearly visible.

• The main vehicle illustrations and headlines are readable.

• Noticeable rubbing and scuffing are present around the outer edges.

• The lower-left corner shows wear, with some loss of the original surface finish.

• The bottom edge displays rubbing and minor irregularities.

• The upper-right corner is visibly bent and creased.

• Additional creasing is present around the top-right edge.

• Light surface marks and scratches are visible across parts of the cover.

• Some age-related discolouration and spotting can be seen, particularly within the lighter illustrated areas.

• The cover has minor waviness and does not lie completely flat.

• The left-hand spine edge shows handling wear.

Spine and Binding

• The spine shows visible age-related rubbing.

• Some wear and irregularity are apparent along the left edge.

• The cover remains associated with the magazine in the photographs.

• The binding should be treated as that of a well-used vintage publication rather than a pristine collector's copy.

Interior Pages

• The photographed contents page has noticeable yellowing and browning consistent with age.

• The paper has developed a warm cream-to-brown tone.

• Darker discolouration is visible towards the page edges.

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

• Some waviness and minor handling creases are visible.

• Small marks and age-related spotting are apparent.

• The editorial and contents text remain readable.

• The printed photographs and page references remain visible.

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

Overall Condition

The magazine shows the expected characteristics of an original, more than 50-year-old motoring publication.

There is visible wear to the cover, particularly around the corners, spine and edges, together with substantial age-related paper discolouration.

Despite this, the illustrated front cover remains attractive and the photographed contents page is readable.

Condition assessment: Fair to Good vintage condition, with noticeable wear.

This is not a mint, pristine or new-old-stock example.

Only the front cover and an interior contents page have been supplied for inspection. The condition of the remaining pages, completeness and rear cover cannot be fully verified from these photographs.

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

Important – Original Extras and Supplements

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

Any original free gifts, promotional items, detachable inserts, additional supplements or other extras that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

No separate supplement is visible in the supplied photographs.

Only the magazine itself is included in the sale.

Packaging and Delivery

We take care when packaging vintage magazines and collectible printed publications.

UK Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending during transit.

International Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Final Summary

An original June 1973 Practical Motorist Magazine, Volume 19, Number 10, featuring the Ford Capri 3000 GT, Chrysler 2-litre, Vauxhall Viva, Moskvitch and a variety of period mechanical repair and maintenance articles.

A fascinating example of British automotive journalism from the early 1970s, offering contemporary technical information and illustrated features covering classic vehicles.

An appealing collectible for vintage motoring enthusiasts, classic car restorers, Ford Capri owners, Chrysler collectors and enthusiasts of historic British automotive publications.

The actual vintage magazine shown in the photographs will be supplied.

SKU: 1584