The idea of a pickup truck you can use daily isn't a new one. Car-makers have been at it for decades, as this '57 Ford Zephyr ute goes to prove.

The world of classic motoring is rich, diverse and deeply interesting. It is, however, spread far and wide. There is one exception though, and it’s Bicester Heritage. An RAF base that has become a magnificent hub for all things classic.

During the early days of the car, and before mass-production became the norm, buying a high-end vehicle was a different affair altogether. Limited only by your imagination, you could ask a coachbuilder to bring your wildest automotive fantasies to life.

These days it’s seen as cool to get on the electric vehicle bandwagon. EVs have been painted as being the future of sustainable motoring, and while that may be true to some extent, what’s not is the widespread belief that EVs are new. They’ve been around for longer than you think.

Classic car hire is very much here. However, there is one company that’s taking it to a new level in terms of the experience that can be offered, and with it, the notion of hiring a classic just got a whole lot more exciting.

In this series Car & Classic will be plucking those cars from history that were trailblazers for what we class as normal motoring today. The first car we’re looking at is the mighty Citröen Traction Avant, the car that gave us front-wheel drive.

Does the classic car world fill you with intrigue and excitement? Do you want a slice of the action? If so, these are the cars for you...

In terms of age, a 2016 car is no classic. But in terms of craftsmanship and tradition, there are few more classic than a Morgan.

Buying an old car is fraught with danger. Could a car be hiding a sinister secret? Has it been wrapped around a tree? Is that shiny paint glossing over a multitude of metal-based sins? There are so many things that could tarnish the ownership experience. Don’t worry though, we’ve put together a list of things to check when shopping for a classic.

The TVR Griffith is a bona fide classic, but it’s also a sports car. And sports cars can be somewhat more fragile, especially as they get on in years, So, if you’re fancying a Griffith – one of TVR’s biggest hits – we’ve put together some pointers for you. Check these before you cut a cheque.