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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 Suzuki Swift is officially the best small car in the UK

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 20, 2025

Taxi! Meet the man who bought 30 Fiat Croma comfort-wagons

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 20, 2025

Revealed: The fastest-selling used cars of February 2025

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 19, 2025

Revealed: The 100 candidates for the Car of the Century award

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 19, 2025

Whatever happened to the Saab 90?

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 18, 2025

The convoy of tat is going Dutch to raise money for Refuge

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 17, 2025

To Hull and back in a new Citroën C5 X

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 17, 2025

Lost love: Daihatsu Charade G10

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 14, 2025

Czech out the Octavia Scout – Skoda's ‘Aldi Allroad’

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 13, 2025

The Lotus Europa S would have been a brilliant Proton sports car

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 12, 2025

Keeping your classic Renault alive is now easier than ever – if you're French

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 11, 2025

On Her Majesty's Service: Renault Vel Satis

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 11, 2025

Is it a classic? Honda Jazz Mk1

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 10, 2025

Guilty pleasure: Renault Kangoo Trekka 4x4

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 06, 2025

Is it a classic? Lancia Y

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 05, 2025

Guilty pleasure: Chrysler Crossfire

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith Feb 04, 2025
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