Touring Journal
Classic Cars of the Moors
The best way to know the moors is from behind the wheel of a classic. This is our touring journal — real journeys on real roads, stopping at the pubs and villages along the way, written from the driver's seat. Different cars for different days; the same unbeatable country.
Written by Jon Cosson
Placeholder photography — owner to replace.
About the author
Jon Cosson is a lifelong classic-car enthusiast based in North Yorkshire, near Thornton-le-Dale on the southern edge of the North York Moors. After a career in cyber security and IT, he now spends his time touring the moors in the classic cars he owns — a Jaguar E-Type, a Jaguar Mk2, an MG TF, an AC Aceca and a Triumph Stag — and writing up the journeys here.
The cars
Five classics that take turns on the moor roads, each with its own character and its own kind of day out.
Jaguar Mk2 3.8
Our signature moor-tourer: a proper British sports saloon, four doors, and pure Bangers & Cash country.
Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8
The icon — for the days the roads deserve something special.
MG TF
Open-top, wind-in-the-hair moor motoring at its most traditional. MG T-Series Archive
AC Aceca
A rare, all-independent GT with a glorious straight-six soundtrack. AC Aceca Archive
Triumph Stag
V8 grand touring, Italian-styled, made for sweeping moor roads. Triumph Stag Archive
The journals
The roads themselves
Blakey Ridge, Rosedale Chimney, the A169 and Sutton Bank — the driving routes behind these journeys are all set out in our guide to Classic Car Country.