Lancaster News

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Welcome to Lancaster Insurance News

Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.

LANCASTER INSURANCE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP DISPLAY – A RATHER SAVAGE FORD CORTINA

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 10th January, 2018

One of my favourite forms of a classic is the ‘Q-Car’; those vehicles whose comparatively restrained appearance belie their performance. Most of us could probably compile a list of such fine vehicles; the Lotus Carlton, the MG 1300 Mk. II, the BMW 2002 Tii, the Sunbeam Tiger – and the Cortina Savage 3000E.

FOUR OF THE FINEST SMALL ESTATE CARS

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 10th January, 2018

Luggage space, low fuel bills and that essential classic appeal – that is what each of these very desirable light estate cars can offer the potential owner:

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP – THE X1/9

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 10th January, 2018

A little over 40 years ago, those British motorists who craved affordable open-topped transport with that essential sense of brio were finally offered an RHD version of Fiat’s delightful X/19.

NEWSREELS OF THE WEEK – BOLD INVENTIONS

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 9th January, 2018

This week, we delve into the archives of British Pathe and Movietone for some priceless footage of innovations to assist the motorist. Not all this Top Ten was entirely successful, but you cannot deny their ingenuity…

DO YOU REMEMBER – THE FIAT 128?

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

‘The remarkable thing was that the little car did not look remarkable: its virtues were matters of engineering not mere styling…In the numerous new standards it set, the Fiat 128 was quite exceptional’.

TOP FIVE BRITISH GT FAMILY SALOONS

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

Visitors to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will have had the chance to see some of the cars that defined a certain type of motorist – the boy racer. So, Englebert Humperdinck sideboards immaculately shaped and Luncheon Vouchers at the ready for that ‘business dinner’ at the local Berni, here are five GTs worthy of the most go-ahead sales rep.

DVD OF THE WEEK – FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

There is a constant debate amongst motoring and film enthusiasts as to what constitutes the finest James Bond film and my own favourites are On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, more of which anon, and From Russia with Love.

TOP 12 BRITISH CINEMATIC CAR CHASES

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

I’ve excluded The Italian Job as this will be the subject of a special feature next year - and so here is my not-at-all biased list:

TOP ELEVEN ROVER V8 POWERED CARS

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

Fifty one years ago, Rover updated their P5 range with new wheels, even more standard equipment – and a new engine. Here are 11 cars powered by that famous alloy V8 plant.

TEN BRITISH CARS MADE OVERSEAS

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

As a younger classic enthusiast, one of my favourite books was the World Car Catalogue, not least because of its array of overseas-built British cars. Here is a sample of just ten such vehicles:

OLD ADVERTS – THE FORD CORTINA MK. I

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

If some 55 years ago, you were in the market for family transport that could seat five, carry a large quantity of samples cases and have looks that were trans-Atlantic without being exaggerated, this short film would have provided a few ideas.

DO YOU REMEMBER – FAB 1?

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

Of all the great and wonderful cars to bear the Spirit of Ecstasy, one coach built Rolls-Royce achieved immortality. Road conditions in the year 2060 were often challenging, especially as The Hood was prone to make commuting a tiresome business with his fiendish plans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrtzV8R6AGE.

OLD ADVERTISEMENTS – THE FORD CORSAIR

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

I have long had a soft-spot for the Corsair, the Ford that once bridged the gap between the Cortina and the Zephyr. It has an agreeably mid-Atlantic air, with an appearance faintly reminiscent of a 1961 Thunderbird but dimensions more suited to British roads.

DO YOU REMEMBER – THE ALFA ROMEO ARNA?

  • Lancaster Insurance Services |
  • 8th January, 2018

A little over 37 years ago, Nissan and Alfa Romeo signed an agreement that eventually produced one of the most notably unsuccessful cars of its generation. Even now, the question is often asked in motoring circles – ‘was the Arna a Nissan Cherry with the build quality of the average Alfa?’