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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

Gavin is a freelance motoring writer whose words have appeared in a variety of serious automotive titles – the kind that pay actual money. He’s also the editor of Classic.Retro.Modern. magazine and has been chief waffler at this here blog since 2010.

When he’s not writing about cars, he’s usually browsing eBay for more of them – ideally from the 1980s or ’90s, preferably with velour trim, and almost certainly described as “an easy project.” He believes fun, character and a decent heater matter more than horsepower, and that some cars are so uncool they wrap back around to genius.

Approach with caution: may start talking about the Renault Safrane or Peugeot 406 Coupé without warning.

Articles

Petrolblog articles by Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

Is it a classic? Citroën ZX

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Sep 11, 2024

Guilty pleasure: Renault Safrane

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Sep 09, 2024

Is it a classic? Mk1 Toyota RAV4

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Sep 05, 2024

New car review: Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Aug 08, 2024

It's official: The Toyota Camry is one of the best cars in the world

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jul 05, 2024

You and the Seat Altea Freetrack 4 are meant to be together

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jul 02, 2024

I saw a Peugeot 407 SW Sport XS today and I liked it

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jul 01, 2024

This Renault 25 V6 is the gold standard of Olympic specials

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 28, 2024

Brief drive: 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid review

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 27, 2024

Your regular reminder that the Toyota Camry is bloody good

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 21, 2024

Breaking news: Petrolblog launches its election manifesto

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 20, 2024

10 of the best reasons to visit World of Volvo in Gothenburg

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 18, 2024

Happy Traffic Jam Stock Photo weekend

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith May 03, 2024

Three cheers for the JDMness of the KGM Tivoli facelift

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith May 02, 2024

Wistful thinking: Stop and go for a drive

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 16, 2024

Was the Daewoo Kalos Blue the worst 'hot' hatch of the noughties?

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 15, 2024
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