The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REMINISCE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
R
E
M
I
N
I
S
C
E
More clues leading to the result REMINISCE
- Relate what one remembers about car as cutting in
- Different engineers garaging cars take a backward glance
- Look back and note source, one that is retained
- Recount memories about cars used by Civil Engineer
- Think back regarding main road south into French city
- Look back on nicer times, less hurt ultimately different
- Be nostalgic about small beginnings of some colossal enterprise
- Have fond recollections about rodents catching snails regularly
- Recollect about cars in front of church
- Think about past crimes in reformed state, ultimately
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Think about past" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case think about past = reminisce.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does REMINISCE mean?
REMINISCE noun- An act of reminiscence.
- To recall the past in a private moment, often fondly or nostalgically.
- To talk or write about memories of the past, especially pleasant memories.
- To remember fondly; to reminisce about.