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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

The Scalextric Jaguar XJ-S from the 1986 James Hardie looks great, mate

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 10, 2024

Props to the new Ford Puma, but the original's alloys were a masterpiece

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 05, 2024

Cut a dash in this 1985 Toyota Camry GLi

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 04, 2024

Take the road to hell in Chris Rea's Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 14, 2023

Time to say goodbye: Why the ‘£200 Safrane’ is for sale

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Aug 19, 2023

Spotted: Volkswagen Passat ‘Niki Lauda edition’

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jul 18, 2023

Is this Volvo-powered Renault Safrane my forever car?

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jul 07, 2023

The Legends Tour is back and you can win a set of Hot Wheels cars

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 21, 2023

Idle Fancy: 1990 Audi 90 2.3E

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 20, 2023

I love my E36 BMW Compact – but it needs to go

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 14, 2023

How it started/how it's going

Renault Safrane 2.5
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jun 13, 2023

Welcome to Petrolblog Mk6

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith May 24, 2023

10 of the best Renault Safranes

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith May 15, 2023

Idle Fancy: Citroën Xsara Enterprise

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Apr 30, 2023

Is this Volvo 340 the most PetrolBloggy car in Mayfair?

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Apr 30, 2023

The PetrolBlog April Scramble awards 2023

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Apr 30, 2023
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