Clue: In the 1980s, perhaps, one picking up hitchhiker's guide to galaxy? (4,6)
Answer: FORD ESCORT
Explanation: Definition: In the 1980s, perhaps, one picking up hitchhiker's guide to galaxy
I think this is a kind of extended cryptic definition – the *Hitchhiker's Guide* character FORD Prefect might jave been given a lift or ESCORTed in one. Although the Escort was around in the 80s (the "third-generation" design came out in 1980) it goes back a lot further: I had driving lessons in one in 1970. This is perhaps an unusual case where some knowledge of the theme is helpful. The actual "Hitchhiker's Guide" was a book, but Ford Prefect acted as a kind of guide to Arthur Dent.