The Retro Journal
Welcome to The Retro Journal — a space for car lovers, first-car dreamers, and nostalgia-fuelled rebuilds. We share buying guides, build stories, and the kind of advice you wish you’d had the first time around!
The Way We Buy MINIs (and Why It’s Different)
You’ve probably seen the same thing we have: MINIs that look great online but fall apart under a proper test drive.
Affordable Style on the Rise
If you’re buying your first car—or thinking about upgrading your first for something with more punch—don’t settle for bland.
Modern Classics
You’ve probably heard the term “modern classic” thrown around at car meets, auctions, or in Instagram captions. But what does it really mean—and why are cars from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s becoming the cars to watch (and own) right now?
Start your Engines Please!
Getting your first car should be exciting — not financially painful. If you’re 17–24 and looking for a car, you’ve probably already noticed insurance quotes can be eye-watering. But there’s good news.
Why Classic & Retro Cars Make Brilliant First Cars for Young Drivers
More and more young drivers are taking a different road—choosing classic, retro, or modern classic cars as their first car. And with good reason.
How to Convince your parents, this is the car!
Let’s be honest—when you tell your parents you want a classic car as your first car, the reactions can range from raised eyebrows to outright panic.
10 Best Classic & Retro Cars for Young Drivers
Affordable, insurable, and full of character. Not every classic car is a great match for new drivers—but some absolutely are. We’ve pulled together a list of the best classic, retro, and modern classic cars that offer the perfect mix
Arnie, My First Classic: A 1972 VW Beetle
It all started in 1998. I was young, broke, and totally obsessed with air-cooled Volkswagens. That’s when I found him— 1972 VW Beetle .
How a 1966 VW Splitty Became the Ultimate Wedding Photo Booth
In 2012, an imported a 1966 VW Split Screen Campervan from overseas. It needed everything. The interior was bare, the wiring a mess, the paint tired—but underneath, it had something special.
Contact Us
Have a question or looking for something specific?
Whether you’re buying, building, or just curious — we’re happy to help. Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.