Lancaster News

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Latest news

Welcome to Lancaster Insurance News

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

classic cars lined up in a row

10 classic car checks to do before your next drive

  • 31st May, 2022

We were intrigued by the recent news that around 20 per cent of UK classic cars were failing their MOT. A slightly concerning statistic, you might think – until you remember that many of these cars are not legally required to submit to an MOT in the first place. That's because UK legislation states that cars over 40 years old no longer have to take the MOT test. This is, in fact, one of two exemptions that cars acquire when they reach the big four-zero: the other, of course, is road tax.

Jubilee Flag

Lancaster Insurance reveals top classics from 1952

  • 31st May, 2022

As the nation hangs its Union Jack bunting, finalises street party plans and prepares to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, Lancaster Insurance has revealed which classics, built in the year the Queen came to the throne, are still firm favourites with enthusiasts!

classic car in a factory

Best car factory tours in the UK and Europe

  • 31st May, 2022

For many true petrolheads, buying, owning, driving and maintaining a car – while hugely rewarding – isn't quite enough. No, if you are a genuine car nut, you want to go a bit further than this – you want to see how these marvels of technology and locomotion actually come into existence.

Club of the month

Our Club of the Month revealed!

  • 25th May, 2022

Designed as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang, the Ford Capri was first introduced in 1969 and has an established following up and down the country!

Electric car engine

We’ve insured our first electric conversion classic!

  • 25th May, 2022

Electric vehicles are the hot topic of conversation at the moment and it’s certainly split the opinion of enthusiasts up and down the country as to whether they would convert their classic.

Fiat 127

Andrew Roberts explores the history of the Fiat 127

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 25th May, 2022

One of the main stars of this year’s NEC Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show was Lancaster Insurance’s ‘Classic Trade-Up’ 127.

cms logo

Drumroll please…and the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2022 theme is…

  • 25th May, 2022

We’re delighted to confirm that this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with discovery+ theme has now been revealed as ‘Part of the Family’, which we think summarises how we feel about our classics, customers and the entire industry.

MOT TEST

THE EARLY DAYS OF THE MOT TEST

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 18th May, 2022

The MOT test has once again recently been in the news, and it is so much a part of motoring vocabulary that it is intriguing to consider its roots. The 1950s saw a vast increase in private car ownership – from 18% of British households in 1950 to nearly 40% at the end of the decade.

Drive

Drive In Revisited

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 18th May, 2022

Drive In was Thames Television’s prestige motoring programme, commencing in 1972. The footage kindly uploaded to YouTube by Pearson describes the changing face of motoring in the 1970s.

VAUXHALL CHEVETTE

THE VAUXHALL CHEVETTE: A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 17th May, 2022

Debates about Britain’s first hatchback are often as tedious as The Best James Bond. The Austin A40 ‘Farina’ Countryman of 1959 is probably the original ‘Two Box’ car with a tailgate, while the Austin Maxi of ten years later was the first UK built FWD transverse engine hatch.

Austin 1800

MEET THE OWNER – DAMIEN RYAN AND HIS AUSTIN 1800

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 17th May, 2022

For too long, the ‘Landcrab’ family was overlooked in favour of other BMC front-wheel-drive cars.

PEUGEOT 304 CABRIOLET

MEET THE OWNER – PAUL THOMPSON AND HIS PEUGEOT 304 CABRIOLET

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 16th May, 2022

In the early 1970s, Paul Thompson was an apprentice at a Peugeot dealer, and one of the regular customers drove a 304 Cabriolet. “I sat in it at dinner time, and that’s when I promised myself I’d get one, one day - but on £14 a week I thought it would have to stay a dream.”

TOP TEN SOFT ROADERS

TOP TEN SOFT ROADERS

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 16th May, 2022

Or, who needs 4x4 in cars that look this good?

Jensen healey

MEET THE OWNER – TIM GIDDY AND HIS JENSEN-HEALEY

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 16th May, 2022

I used to have a TR6 back in my youth, which in my mind, is a good comparison car. I would say they are like different generations, the Triumph is very much harking back to an older generation, and the Jensen-Healey feels much more modern.