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

THE VOLVO 145 - A CELEBRATION

26th September, 2023

As most readers already know, earlier this year, Volvo announced the demise of their estates, ending a tradition that commenced in 1962 with the station wagon version of the Amazon. Five years later, its 145 successor founded a dynasty that lasted until as recently as 1993 and is still the image conjured by so many Britons on hearing the words “Volvo Estate”.

Meet The Owner – Scarlett Devey and her Austin A40 Somerset

26th September, 2023

Creativity can spring from the strangest of places. Sometimes, it’s a case of making the most of what you have – for Scarlett Devey, it wasn’t a case of ‘make do and mend’, more ‘build back, and better’. Having spent her life to date around classics, custom cars and hot rods, she knew that she wanted something special for her first car; as it turned out, an Austin A40 Somerset more than fit the bill.

The real cost of restoring an MGB

26th September, 2023

When describing the MGB, words like ‘seminal’ and ‘evergreen’ come to mind. A worldwide favourite, beloved among enthusiasts, it remains an obvious candidate for restoration, owing to the parts supply, advice and support network available. But should you take the plunge? The MG Owners’ Club (MGOC) stepped into the breach to advise.

Meet The Owner – Alex Sebbinger and his Rover 825 Sterling

26th September, 2023

Cars go through hundreds – if not thousands – of interim changes during their production lifetimes. The purest of their kind, they’re normally the rarest of all; altered, improved, facelifted, or scrapped early on after flaws were exposed. Few survive, and even fewer are cherished. For arch Rover 800 enthusiast, Alex Sebbinger, his 1986 825 Sterling is something of a holy grail.

THE VAUXHALL VIVA HA AT 60

21st September, 2023

The 26th September 1963 was an important date for Vauxhall – the public launch of their first post-war car. To promote the "1-litre car with the millionaire ride," there was a cinema commercial featuring Peter Gilmore, with a six-minute advertising feature screened on ITV on the 29th September.

MEET THE OWNER – BILLY HEALEY AND HIS 1962 BEDFORD CA ROMANY

21st September, 2023

The year is 1962, and you have fully prepared your new Bedford CA Romany De Luxe for a holiday in Dorset. The cool box contains a supply of UHT milk while the cupboards bulge loaves of Sunblest bread, jars of Bourn-Vita, and tins of the finest Heinz tomato soup available to humanity. Best of all, Frank Ifield singing I Remember You playing on Radio Luxembourg, accompanies the journey along the A35 to that holiday camp in Swanage.

MEET THE OWNER - KIERON MAUGHAN AND HIS PANHARD 24

21st September, 2023

Sometimes, you have the unexpected pleasure of writing about a car so rare that you have only read about it. When Panhard launched the 24 on the 23rd June 1963, it marked their swansong as a car manufacturer, and Kieron Maughan owns one of a handful of RHD models.

The Wolseley’s return

Andrew Roberts |
15th September, 2023

Here, you see two Thames Valley officers admire my Wolseley 6/99 on display at Cowley’s Templars Square Shopping Centre.

MEET THE OWNER – GLENN LOUCH AND HIS 1978 OPEL KADETT C

Andrew Roberts |
15th September, 2023

One of the many Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show’s stars last year was a smart two-door saloon in pale blue.

Lancaster Insurance enhance specialist MX-5 scheme to offer owners reduced premiums

14th September, 2023

Renowned for its MX-5 cover options, and close association with the model, Lancaster Insurance is thrilled to be reinforcing its commitment by developing its specialist scheme to offer owners reduced premiums across the MX-5 range.

Seventy Years of The Original Ford Zodiac

14th September, 2023

Seventy years ago, Ford GB unveiled a new model that instantly became the object of desire of Teddy Boys at the Hammersmith Palais and ambitious business owners alike. It was, of course, the Zephyr-Zodiac with exterior trim plated in nine-carat gold. Here was quasi-Hollywood glamour for only £851 2s 6d. Ford proudly claimed such a price placed it “within reach of those who would otherwise consider such motoring beyond their means”.

A Day at the 2023 Beaulieu Autojumble

14th September, 2023

On arriving at the 2023 Beaulieu Autojumble, I was greeted by a Hillman Avenger Estate belonging to the museum's Chief Executive, Dr. Jon Murden, and a green Volvo 145. Lancaster Insurance's Austin-Healey Sprite was in the distance, as orange as a Space Hopper. Naturally, I immediately felt at home.