Profile – Classic Motorsports Magazine

For British car enthusiasts, Classic Motorsports is a must read, which is easy to understand given that the magazine started out as British Car back in 1986. Even after Tim Suddard took over the operation in 2003, British sports cars remained an essential part of the fabric contained in every issue, helping to account for its continued popularity among the LBC crowd. Unlike some other publications, Classic Motorsports provides a unique blend of vehicle profiles, auction results, product reviews, historical pieces, restoration tips, as well as news and event coverage to keep the reader informed throughout the year.

A fantastic representative of what was accomplished by the ‘men in sheds’, the Tornado Typhoon is sheathed in a fiberglass body and was originally powered by a Ford side-valve engine.

Best of all, the rotation also includes detailed features on the litany of restoration projects that are perpetually underway, among them several models near and dear to our hearts, such as a Sunbeam Tiger, Lotus Elan, Triumph TR6, and a rare Tornado Typhoon. Far more in depth than mere “hey, look what we just bought!” coverage, these invaluable pieces show what is possible with some vision, wrenching skills, and ready access to parts suppliers around the country.

This fabulous Lotus Elan is the latest project to be given the ‘Restoration Impossible’ treatment.

While most publishers are writers from birth, Suddard had gasoline in his veins, born the son of a Massachusetts Ford dealer. As real a “car guy” as exists nowadays, Suddard’s enthusiasm for all things British has been long held, explaining the fact that his vintage racer is a 1957 Triumph TR3. A competition car from new, the small mouth TR is a common sight at events across the country, including forays to some of the best known tracks in the country. Unlike some armchair publishers out there, Suddard is an active participant in life on the road, always ready to drive across country to bring back a recent find or attend an event as a featured speaker or honored guest.

This attractive Triumph TR3 vintage racer is a frequent guest at races from coast to coast.

As Classic Motorsports has become an integral part of the hobby, Suddard has made sure to support his loyal readers by hosting parties at various gatherings, including Amelia Island and Monterey, while also sponsoring driving tours that provide a more affordable alternative to more high-brow fare like the California Mille and Colorado Grand. Most impressively, Classic Motorsports has made The Mitty at Road Atlanta among the best presented racing events in the country, a bucket list item for racers all over the world.

On deck – A very original Spitfire, a solid TD, and a Bugeye Sprite with a 1275cc engine await their moment in the sun.

The key to any event associated with the Classic Motorsports moniker is accessibility, treating the owner of an MGB or TR7 with the same enthusiasm as the driver of a Ferrari 250 SWB. Among the projects waiting for time and resources are a Sprite, Spitfire and MG TD, which all but guarantees that British sports cars will maintain their strong showing in the magazine’s pages for years to come. Moss Motoring readers will receive the new Classic Motorsports Glovebox Companion with each new subscription, call (877) 677-6878 and let them know you heard about the offer here.