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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? Peugeot 307 CC

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 14, 2025

Guilty pleasure: Nissan Murano

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 13, 2025

Is it a classic? Saab 9-5 (YS3G)

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 10, 2025

Guilty pleasure: Mitsubishi Carisma

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 09, 2025

This Ring RIL6200 MAGflex MAX500 inspection lamp changed my life

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 08, 2025

Is it a classic? Mk1 Nissan Qashqai

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 07, 2025

Now is probably a good time to buy a Peugeot 106

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Jan 06, 2025

Chris Rea finally makes it home for Christmas

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 17, 2024

Guilty pleasure: Subaru Mediocrity

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 16, 2024

Bon Noël! The Renault 5 Turbo 3E WILL be built

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 13, 2024

Guilty pleasure: Proton Savvy

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 12, 2024

Is it a classic? Aston Martin Cygnet

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 11, 2024

The 2025 Vauxhall Frontera is available with white steel wheels!

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Dec 06, 2024

Guilty pleasure: Ford Scorpio

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Nov 28, 2024

Is it a classic? BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Nov 25, 2024

Guilty pleasure: SsangYong Rodius

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Nov 22, 2024
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