I’m a writer, editor and contract publisher, specialising in automotive, travel and watches – and whatever else takes my fancy.
I’m also editorial director of Hothouse Media, a contract publishing company with specialists in project management, data and subscriptions, automotive and luxury goods advertising, design, website design, SEO and content creation (editorial, videography, photography, illustration).
I’ve been a motoring journalist since 1992, scarily. I trained as an electronics engineer, specialising in radar, but a job on Practical Classics tempted me away, and I’ve never looked back.
In 2003 I became co-founder of Octane magazine, following – of course – a ‘what if’ conversation in a pub. With backing from then-chairman of Crystal Palace FC Simon Jordan, we launched Octane and four years later sold it to Dennis Publishing. I stayed with the magazine, later helping to launch Vantage and Enzo magazines, and overseeing Land Rover Monthly.
In 2017, with fellow Octane founder Geoff Love, I was launch editor of AutoClassics.com, which in nine months became the world’s biggest classic car website in terms of the number of cars for sale on the site.
After a year I left to form Hothouse Media with fellow Octane founder Geoff Love, and we’ve now launched new print quarterly Magneto and become global news contributors to Petrolicious – including organising the first ever Petrolicious Drivers’ Meeting.
September 2018-present day: writer and editorial consultant. Editorial director at Hothouse Media, editor of Magneto magazine and consultant and contributor to Petrolicious
August 2017-2018: global editor-in-chief of new launch AutoClassics.com, part of Motorsport Network
2012-2017: editorial director of Octane, Vantage, Enzo, and Land Rover Monthly magazines
2009-2012: editor of Octane magazine
2003-2009: co-founder and managing editor of Octane magazine
2001-2003: freelance editorial consultant to The Telegraph (Motoring), Auto Express, Motorcycle News, Practical Classics, Classic Cars, Bike, Performance Bikes, Revs, Max Power and more
1998-2000: deputy editor Bike
1996-1998: deputy editor Classic Cars
1992-1996: staff writer & later deputy editor of Practical Classics.
David Lillywhite 
Dear Mr Lillywhite
I purchased the 2020 edition of classic car price guide and found my car. A Nissan GTR v spec missing. Is this for any reason or just an oversight as I would like to know roughly what they’re worth?
Hi Andrew, I left Octane (which publishes the guide) in 2017, so I’m afraid I can’t answer that. I’d recommend the Hagerty price guide, or contact james@octane-magazine.com.
https://www.hagerty.co.uk/valuation/
Sorry I can’t be more help
David
Hi. Please can you tell me why the mk6 ford escort RS2000 16v has been left out of your classic car price guide . It has had plenty of bad press by other motoring press. I don’t understand why because it is a very underrated Ford RS , its performance 0 to 60 in 8.2seconds top speed 130mph it is no slouch. It did very well in motorsport in the nineties. I noticed you have put mk1 focus in your guide so why not RS2000.
Hi Christopher, my apologies, I’ve not been using this old website – you asked many months ago about the Octane price guide, but I actually left Octane in 2017.
I agree about the RS2000 16v. I’d recommend https://www.hagerty.co.uk/valuation.
I now run Magneto magazine. http://www.magnetomagazine.com
Best regards
David
Pleased to see you progressing, I look forward to reading Magneto ( having just subscribed), enjoyed Octane for many years.
I trust you still find time for your fleet? Mine’s a bit erratic, the Racing Humber has gone on, but I have an RX8 racer, modern Anarth 595 Trofeo, 2004 MGTF and Lancia Fulvia Berlina. Just as well I’m retired..
Hi Steve
Apologies, I’d not seen your message, I no longer use this website. Great to hear from you, and sounds like you’ve still got a good fleet of cars!
Hope you’re enjoying Magneto. My email is david@hothousemedia.co.uk
Best regards
David
Dear David, I have read your report about the Lamborghini Moura in the German magazine “Faszination Italienische Sportwagen” in which you mention that the Miura ranks first in your personal Top-10-List (which consists of more than 20 candidates 🙂 ). Where does the DeTomaso Pantera stand in your list. I am interested to know as I have the chance of buying one in tremendously good condition. Regards Michael
Hi Michael, I really rate the Pantera, it’s much easier to live with than the Miura. I prefer the looks of the early Panteras but the later ones are better developed
best regards
David
Hi David, long time no see! I used to work with you at Walton Road many years ago, I remember going around to yours to look at one of your Imps (or was it a Chamois?). Our little branch of MSDS was a bit of a hothouse for classic cars, with you and Tony Phipps both into your 60s British cars!
Martin