Description
Car Magazine (UK Import) – April 1990
BMW Z1 vs Mazda Miata vs Lotus Elan vs TVR S – Very Good Condition
This April 1990 issue of Car Magazine features one of the decade’s greatest group tests—an in-depth comparison of four iconic roadsters: the BMW Z1, Mazda Miata (MX-5), Lotus Elan, and TVR S. A landmark moment in the rebirth of the small open-top sports car, this issue also includes performance tests, industry analysis, motorsport coverage, and contributions from CAR’s most respected journalists.
The magazine is in very good condition with only minor edge wear. The item pictured is exactly the one you will receive. See photos for condition verification. Combined shipping is available, and every purchase includes a plastic protective covering.
Contents
5 — AGENDA
Roadsters take centre stage—more fun under £20k than many £100k supercars, one of which is also tested here.
6 — NEWS
Undisguised shots of the new Rover 400 and 800 series, the upcoming Mercedes 600 SEL, the new 200 coupé, plus updates on the Solo project.
50 — ORACLE
Western manufacturers rush to invest in the newly opened Eastern Bloc.
55 — SIR!
Readers criticize CAR’s alleged pro-Japan stance, discuss motor-car advocacy, praise an unlikely Rover, and debate ground clearance worries.
62 — NEWCOMERS
Fiat Tempra (p.62)
Ford Topaz (p.63)
VW Golf GTi G60 (p.64) — Supercharged performance
Vauxhall Astra (p.65)
Volvo 460 (p.66) — Sensible and strengthened
Alfa Romeo 164 (p.67) — A true getaway saloon
BMW 24V 5-series (p.68) — Refined evolution
79 — FRONTLINE
Four columnists bring sharp commentary and wit.
88 — LOSING OUR HEADS
Exclusive tests of the BMW Z1, Lotus Elan, Mazda Miata, and TVR S—four small roadsters that revive the spirit of pure open-air driving.
102 — MAKE ROVER BUILD A NEW MG
A call to arms encouraging readers to push for the rebirth of the MG sports car.
104 — IN BRITAIN
Handling issues with the Alfa 6; Nissan aims for big UK sales with cuteness.
106 — GIANT TEST — FOUR-DOOR FERRARI?
The new BMW M5 goes head-to-head with Ferrari’s Testarossa.
114 — HEAVENLY BIS
LJK Setright on the enduring charm of the Polish-built Fiat 126bis.
116 — STERLING CRISIS
Rover’s struggle overseas contrasted with hints of a slow, careful recovery.
120 — F1
Nigel Roebuck predicts the winners and losers of the new Formula One season.
124 — TWO-STROKES
A look at the surprising revival of two-stroke performance machines.
134 — LONG-TERM TEST
After 25,000 miles, CAR’s Rover 416i still misfires—but shows a 22% improvement in fuel economy.
144 — RENAULT LAMENT
A lament for the excitement French cars once offered.
146 — PRE-OWNED
A guide to buying a used Lotus Elan.
150 — SPEAKERS’ CORNER
Russell Bulgin examines the sounds of motoring and what they mean.
155 — THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
A complete evaluation of every new car on sale in Britain.
155 — SALES PITCH
Vauxhall makes another strong showing.
166 — HANDLEBARS
Setright argues that motorcycles are the true path to real speed.
168 — DOGS
Why the Bond Bug disappoints.
A standout issue for collectors of early-1990s sports-car journalism, offering excellent insight into the period’s roadster renaissance.