Retro, it seems, is big business. Whether you’re talking music, fashion, furniture or cars, we can’t seem to get enough of things that remind us of a time that seems like it wasn’t that long ago.
In this issue we’ve got exclusive news about another retro model. The Renault 4 is set to return, hot on the heels of the reborn Renault 5 that sent the Internet crazy when it was revealed earlier in the year.

New Lotus Eletre SUV breaks cover in this week’s car Express

Not everyone agrees with Renault boss Luca De Meo that reinvention is worthwhile – and, to be honest, not every brand has as numerous cool classics to draw on as Renault – but there’s no denying the appeal that modern interpretations of fantastic original designs have.
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Our passion for all things retro is spilling over into the used car market, too, which we’re celebrating in this issue. The modern classic scene is flourishing best now with prices rising. cars that sold for a few thousand 30 or 40 years ago are going for numerous times that amount today. Ford Sierra Cosworth, anyone? That’ll set you back at least £60,000 for a good one these days.
I’ve even dabbled in that market myself over the past few years, managing to sell my Audi A2 after three years for much more than I paid for it (try doing that with any modern car) and now I’m the happy owner of a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Orvis.
My car’s in an alright condition with below-average mileage, but ideal examples are up available for sale and selling for around three times what I paid.
Life with a classic car isn’t necessarily easy; there’s always a list of jobs that need doing and paying for. but in my case I’ve got a car I’ve always wanted to own and I delight in driving. Sure, it’s going to cost me money to improve and maintain it, but I feel pretty protected in the knowledge that if I ever did want to sell, I’d probably make a bit of cash. With interest rates super-low, a classic car seems like a good – and fun – place to make an investment best now.

Take a look at our top picks for future classics…