Cars

Buyers' File: Mercedes-Benz SLK MKII 2004-2011 (R171) The miniature SL offers grace and pace for not much money – here's how to buy the very best. The Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 is an inexpensive way into drop-top Mercedes-Benz ownership – and may cost less than you expect.

Buying guide – how to buy the best VW Scirocco. A stylish Seventies coupe that’s easy to run? Look no further. Words: Adam Towler. Photography: Tom Wood.

Nissan 200SX S13 & S14 - you don’t have to be a drift king or queen, but it probably helps

The old ones are the best. Mike Dobby gave up a new Porsche 991 GT3 in favour of this 1972 Porsche 911 2.4S with an amazingly complete history. Words and photography Paul Hardiman.

ZX-rated - there aren’t many Citroen ZX 16-valves left on the road, but that hasn’t stopped Javis Watts taking one of these rare beasts and building a track car. Photos: Matt Dear.

‘The advice was blunt – start again and get another car’ Epic Restoration How a £3250, 133k-mile BMW E30 325i Sport is now as good as new after a runaway £50k rebuild. It may be a 325i Sport rather than the usual M3 but that didn’t divert a determined owner from his mission to return this E30 to showroom condition. Words Russ Smith. Photography Stuart Collins.

Six steps to buying a Rolls Silver Shadow The Shadow and its Bentley brother offer hand-built opulence and supreme wafting. Words Richard Dredge. Photography John Colley.

Bentley Continental GT first gen. It’s not often we feature Bentleys in FC but this one is posh and decked It’s got oil sheikh chic and plutocrat flair in abundance, but this bagged Bentley is thoroughly down-to-earth. With deep roots in the VAG scene, Dan Steele has taken the Conti GT formula and reimagined it for a new generation…Words: Daniel Bevis Photography: Si Gray.

Keeping it in the family. The story of an Alpina C2 that returned home for a meticulous restoration. Restored by the same team that built it in period, this fabulous Alpina C2 2.7 has made the transition from unloved garage find to family heirloom. Words Greg Macleman. Photography John Bradshaw.

The best E30 ever built? We think so, but do you? Make your mind up here… BMW E30 This balls-to-the-wall E30 is a psychedelic freak-out of cinematic proportions. And you can stop rubbing your eyes – this is no CGI dream, this badass BMW actually exists… Words: Daniel Bevis. Photography: Larry Chen.

Dave Perryman had always dreamed of owning a supercar. But his path to ownership wasn’t one of spurious PCP deals and financial heartache – it was hard graft and determination that finally landed this gorgeous R8 on his driveway… Words Dan Bevis. Photography Remedi Photo Media.

Bagged & boosted S­‑Powered Coupe. Following a life changing injury Matt Perkins could have thrown in the towel, but instead he threw everything into his S2-powered Coupe and the result is nothing short of automotive perfection! Words Elliott Roberts Photography Oversteer Photography.