Practical Motorist Magazine – October 1972

Original Vintage British Motoring Magazine | Volume 19 No. 2 | Ford Capri | Morris Marina | Vauxhall VX 4/90 | Classic Car Servicing

An original October 1972 edition of Practical Motorist, a British motoring magazine featuring classic vehicle servicing, mechanical maintenance, workshop advice, car road tests and technical information.

This vintage issue features a distinctive green, yellow and orange illustrated front cover highlighting Ford Capri range servicing, a Morris Marina technical data sheet, automotive brush maintenance and essential workshop tools.

The front cover also advertises a free set of car door guards, although these are no longer included with the magazine.

Dating from the early 1970s, this publication offers an interesting look at the vehicles, mechanical techniques and automotive ownership concerns of the period.

An appealing historical reference for collectors of British motoring magazines, Ford Capri enthusiasts, Morris Marina owners and anyone interested in classic car maintenance.

Magazine Details

• Publication: Practical Motorist

• Date: October 1972

• Volume: 19

• Issue: No. 2

• Original Cover Price: 15p

• Publisher: Practical Motorist / IPC Magazines Ltd

• Editor: Harry Heywood

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Format: Original printed motoring magazine

• Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition

• SKU: 1584

The date is confirmed on both the front cover and the photographed contents page. An exact publication day is not printed in the supplied photographs.

Front Cover – Original 1972 Motoring Artwork

The front cover has a colourful early-1970s design, with a large white PRACTICAL heading above the yellow motorist masthead against a green background.

The central artwork uses illustrated automotive scenes to highlight the magazine's technical and maintenance content.

Ford Capri Range Servicing

One of the principal cover features is Ford Capri Range Servicing.

The illustration depicts a blue Ford Capri with its bonnet raised while a mechanic works at the front of the vehicle.

The Capri is shown from a three-quarter angle, displaying its distinctive long bonnet, sporting roofline, front grille and period styling.

This feature is particularly relevant to enthusiasts of the classic Ford Capri range, including owners researching period servicing practices.

The contents page identifies Beyond the Book – Capri Range on page 169.

Brushes – The Easy Overhaul

The upper section of the cover contains a close-up illustration showing hands working on a mechanical electrical component.

A tool is being used during the servicing process, illustrating the kind of traditional repair techniques covered by the magazine.

The accompanying headline reads "Brushes – The Easy Overhaul!"

A related article, A Quick Brush-Up, is listed on page 163.

This section is potentially interesting to classic vehicle owners researching maintenance of electrical components and traditional workshop repair methods.

Morris Marina Data Sheet

A prominent red Morris Marina is illustrated on the right-hand side of the cover.

The car is shown from a front three-quarter perspective, with its distinctive rectangular grille, chrome bumper, round headlights and period British registration plate.

A figure stands behind the vehicle.

The accompanying headline advertises a Morris Marina Data Sheet.

The contents page confirms this feature on page 215.

Original technical specifications and period documentation are particularly useful to collectors and enthusiasts of the Morris Marina.

Tools – The Kit You Need

The lower section features a mechanic in a yellow shirt leaning into the engine compartment of a green vehicle.

The illustrated engine bay contains visible hoses, wiring, air-cleaner components and various mechanical parts.

The mechanic is shown working with a hand tool, reflecting the magazine's emphasis on practical vehicle repairs.

The cover headline reads "Tools – The Kit You Need".

This subject is also represented in the contents by Getting the Right Tools, beginning on page 206.

Main Articles and Features

The photographed contents page provides a detailed overview of the magazine's technical articles and regular departments.

What We Say – Page 113

An editorial by Harry Heywood, focusing on the growing problem of vehicle rust and corrosion.

The editorial describes rust as a significant threat to motorists, discusses the role of road salt and encourages readers to report their experiences with corrosion.

It also refers to a forthcoming winter motoring supplement and announces an increase in the magazine's cover price.

This is an interesting historical record of the practical challenges faced by British motorists in the early 1970s.

What You Say – Page 113

Reader correspondence covering contemporary motoring opinions and experiences.

The photographed page includes discussion of driving standards and attitudes towards British and continental European motorists.

Our Experts Advise – Page 116

A regular advice section providing practical information for motorists.

Those Boots Are Made for Rolling – Page 157

A feature listed in the contents, associated with vehicle tyres and motoring.

Tuning for Tickover – Page 160

A technical article concerned with engine tuning and idle operation.

Of interest to enthusiasts maintaining older petrol engines with traditional mechanical fuel and ignition systems.

It's Not So Hot – Page 162

A motoring maintenance feature listed in the contents.

A Quick Brush-Up – Page 163

A practical article corresponding to the cover's feature on brushes and electrical-component servicing.

Now Try It the Hard Way – Page 164

An additional technical feature.

A Lot of Hot Air, Part Two – Page 166

The second part of an automotive feature concerning air or heating-related systems.

Beyond the Book – Capri Range – Page 169

A Ford Capri servicing feature.

This article is particularly relevant to owners of early Capri models and collectors researching maintenance practices from the period.

What's New – Page 172

A regular section reporting motoring-related developments and products.

Rust Killers – How Good? – Page 174

A feature examining rust-prevention products and their effectiveness.

This is especially interesting given the editorial's focus on vehicle corrosion.

The article reflects the importance of rustproofing and bodywork preservation in the British climate.

The Big Clean – Page 176

An article concerning vehicle cleaning and maintenance.

Vauxhall VX 4/90 Road Test – Page 179

A contemporary road test of the Vauxhall VX 4/90.

Original road tests are valuable historical resources because they preserve period opinions about a vehicle's performance, comfort, handling and suitability for everyday use.

A particularly interesting feature for collectors of classic Vauxhall literature.

Knowing the Law – Page 182

A motoring legal-information section.

Working on the Wankel – Page 183

A technical article concerning the Wankel rotary engine.

This is a noteworthy inclusion for enthusiasts interested in alternative engine designs and 1970s automotive engineering.

An Excess on Your Insurance? – Page 186

An article concerning motor insurance.

Garage Mechanic's Diary – Page 187

A regular workshop-related feature.

Next Month's PM – Page 188

A preview of forthcoming magazine content.

Fitting New Universals – Page 190

A technical feature dealing with universal joints.

Curing Seeping Seals – Page 193

A practical maintenance article concerning leaking or seeping seals.

Alloy Wheel Renovation – Page 194

A feature concerning the refurbishment and restoration of alloy wheels.

Particularly relevant to classic vehicle restorers.

Full Chat – Page 199

An additional motoring discussion feature.

How to Keep Healthy – Page 200

A regular advice feature.

Tips from Readers – Page 202

Practical contributions and maintenance suggestions submitted by readers.

Legal Notes – Page 202

Further motoring legal information.

Getting the Right Tools – Page 206

A workshop feature focusing on selecting appropriate tools for mechanical work.

The article complements the tool-related illustration shown on the front cover.

Data Sheet – Morris Marina – Page 215

Technical information concerning the Morris Marina.

A useful period reference for owners and collectors interested in original factory-era specifications and servicing information.

Which Car for Your Money? – Page 219

A feature intended to help motorists assess vehicle choices and value.

A Real Nut Case – Page 220

An additional workshop-related article.

Editorial – Rust and Corrosion in 1972

The photographed editorial, "What We Say", is one of the particularly interesting historical elements of this issue.

Editor Harry Heywood discusses the increasing problem of rust affecting British motorists.

He explains that corrosion can damage a vehicle even while it remains mechanically usable.

The editorial identifies road salt and accumulated mud as important contributors to rust, particularly in areas that are difficult for motorists to inspect and clean.

Readers are encouraged to write to the magazine with details of their vehicles and experiences of corrosion.

The magazine proposes gathering this information to compare the effectiveness of rust-prevention products and identify vehicles experiencing corrosion problems.

The editorial also announces plans for a winter motoring supplement in the following issue.

Another notable detail is the announcement that the cover price would rise to 18p from the next issue because of increasing production costs.

This provides a useful snapshot of automotive maintenance concerns, publishing costs and consumer conditions during 1972.

Original Free Gift – Door Guards

The front cover prominently advertises:

"FREE – Door Guards"

A long rectangular display on the left-hand side shows the original promotional item, carrying the wording "Practical Motorist Cares For Your Car".

This formed part of the magazine's original retail presentation.

Important: The original free door guards are no longer included.

The printed cover advertisement remains part of the magazine, but buyers should not expect to receive the physical promotional item.

Vintage Motoring and Collector Appeal

This issue is particularly relevant to enthusiasts interested in:

• Ford Capri servicing and maintenance.

• Morris Marina technical specifications.

• Vauxhall VX 4/90 road tests.

• Wankel rotary-engine technology.

• Vehicle rust prevention and corrosion treatment.

• Automotive electrical servicing.

• Classic engine tuning.

• Universal-joint maintenance.

• Alloy-wheel restoration.

• Period garage tools.

• British motoring history.

• Original 1970s automotive magazines.

• Historical mechanical repair techniques.

The magazine is a useful example of contemporary motoring journalism from an era when vehicle owners frequently performed their own maintenance and repairs.

Unlike modern retrospective articles, the information was published when these cars and servicing methods were current.

Condition – Detailed Assessment

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

This is an original magazine from October 1972 and shows evidence of more than five decades of age and storage.

Front Cover

• The original colour front cover is present.

• The green background, yellow masthead and illustrated automotive features remain clearly visible.

• General surface wear and handling marks can be seen.

• The left-hand spine edge shows rubbing and signs of use.

• There is noticeable wear and minor scuffing along the cover edges.

• The lower-left corner has visible wear and rubbing.

• The lower-right corner shows minor rounding and handling wear.

• The upper-right corner has slight curling and a small crease.

• Small spots, scratches and marks are visible across portions of the cover.

• Minor surface discolouration is present, particularly within the lighter printed areas.

• The magazine has some slight waviness rather than lying completely flat.

Spine and Binding

• The spine shows visible handling and age-related wear.

• Minor abrasion and rubbing are present along the spine edge.

• The photographed pages remain attached and open normally.

• The entire binding has not been examined page by page, so the condition of every attachment point cannot be guaranteed.

Interior Pages

• The photographed editorial and contents page shows noticeable age-related yellowing.

• The paper has developed an overall cream-to-brown tone.

• Darker discolouration is visible around the top, right-hand and lower edges.

• Minor spotting, handling marks and foxing-type discolouration are present.

• The top-right corner has slight bending and wear.

• The page edges show small signs of handling.

• The text remains readable.

• The photographed page contains the original printed editorial signature.

• Some curvature is visible along the bound edge.

Overall Condition

Condition assessment: Fair to Good vintage condition, with noticeable age-related discolouration and cover wear.

The magazine retains an attractive original front cover and readable interior pages, although it is clearly a used publication.

The most notable issues are the aged paper, spine-edge wear, surface marks and minor corner creasing.

It should not be considered mint or as-new.

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

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

Important – Missing Original Extras

This listing is for the original October 1972 Practical Motorist magazine only.

The free door guards advertised on the front cover are NOT INCLUDED.

Any other original free gifts, detachable items, promotional extras or separate supplements that may have accompanied the publication when new are also no longer included.

Only the magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

Packaging and Delivery

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

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending and handling damage.

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

Final Summary

An original October 1972 Practical Motorist Magazine, Volume 19 No. 2, featuring Ford Capri range servicing, a Morris Marina data sheet, a Vauxhall VX 4/90 road test, Wankel-engine maintenance and numerous practical workshop articles.

The distinctive vintage illustrated cover and original editorial content make this an appealing piece of British automotive publishing history.

Ideal for classic car enthusiasts, restoration researchers and collectors of vintage motoring magazines.

The original free door guards are missing.

You will receive the actual magazine shown in the photographs.

SKU: 1584