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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
Do You Remember - The Morris 1800 MK.1?
- 3rd August, 2020
In the 1960s the British Motor Corporation was renowned – or notorious, depending on your point of view – for its “badge-engineering”. This would occasionally result in some very short-lived modes, such as the Morris 1800 Mk. I, which debuted in 1966 and lasted only until the launch of the Mk. II “Landcrab” in 1968.
DO YOU REMEMBER – THE VAUXHALL VENTORA FE?
- Ellie Priestley |
- 31st July, 2020
Forty-five years ago, I regarded the FE-Series Ventora as one of the most handsome cars you were likely to encounter in the not very mean streets of Fareham. The vaguely Pontiac-style lines, the quad headlamps, the vinyl roof and the sound of that 3.3-litre straight-six engine denoted a car of modest but genuine distinction.
Test your classic car knowledge with Lancaster Insurance Top Trumps packs
- 29th July, 2020
To celebrate our love for classic cars, Lancaster Insurance is giving enthusiasts another opportunity to purchase its Special Edition Top Trumps packs.
Club of the month – Blackpool Thunder Car Club
- Ellie Priestley |
- 29th July, 2020
Launched this month (July), Blackpool Thunder is a TVR club for the 21st Century. Spearheaded by Steve Charlesworth, Alex Leith and Howard Bryan, the club is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and welcomes all TVR owners and fans.
CAR OF THE MONTH – FRED DUKES AND HIS 1958 BEDFORD CA “ARISTOCRAT”
- Ellie Priestley |
- 29th July, 2020
When you see a 1958 Bedford CA “Aristocrat”, you instantly know you are in the presence of a vehicle of distinction. There is the timber framing on the bodywork, the wonderfully over-the-top bonnet mascot and the opening Perspex rear windows.
How to save money on your next campervan holiday
- 28th July, 2020
Hitting the road in a classic camper can be a dream holiday but it also comes at a cost. If your last campervan trip cost more than you planned, make sure you follow these tips for a more affordable adventure next time.
MEET THE OWNER – ANDREW PYLE AND HIS VAUXHALL VIVA HA GT BRABHAM
- Ellie Priestley |
- 24th July, 2020
In our last blog about the Viva HB Brabham, we noted its HA predecessor and how just one is believed to survive. The owner of that very car recently contacted us and so here is the story of Andrew Pyle’s Vauxhall - one of the most exclusive vehicles ever to wear the Griffin badge.
THE JAGUAR XJ COUPE - A CELEBRATION
- Ellie Priestley |
- 24th July, 2020
Some cars have the rare distinction of being even more exquisite in the metal than they are in PR photos – such as the Jaguar XJ Coupe.
60 YEARS OF SEAT BELTS IN BRITISH CARS
- Ellie Priestley |
- 24th July, 2020
The Jensen 541S was quite a star of the 1960 London Motor Show. As compared with its 541R predecessor, it was four inches wider, lacked the familiar adjustable front air flap and featured a limited-slip differential and Dunlop disc brakes fore and aft.
THE HISTORY OF THE HIGHWAY CODE
- Ellie Priestley |
- 21st July, 2020
In 1931, HM Government published a new book for ‘ the instruction and education of all road users as to their duties and obligations to one another and to the community as a whole’.
THE AUSTIN MINI METRO – A CELEBRATION
- Ellie Priestley |
- 21st July, 2020
The 1980 International Motor Show was quite an event for my ten-year-old self, and two cars in particular attracted vast crowds at the NEC.
MEET THE OWNERS – FRED DUKES AND ADRIAN MILLER WITH THEIR VAUXHALL VIVA BRABHAMS
- Ellie Priestley |
- 21st July, 2020
Some vehicles take on an almost mythical quality; such is their rarity; the Morris-badged Metro Van, the basic-specification Austin A110 Westminster and, of course, the Brabham Viva HB.
60 YEARS OF THE BMC J4
- Ellie Priestley |
- 15th July, 2020
Few light commercials are an essential part of 20th-century music and film culture – but the BMC J4 achieved this on two occasions.
MEET THE OWNER – JOHN WORTH AND HIS “HEINZ 57” WOLSELEY HORNET
- Ellie Priestley |
- 14th July, 2020
The year is 1966 and families from Southampton to Croydon are avidly taking part in Heinz’s “Greatest Glow On Earth” competition. Entrants were asked to pair eight soups with a tempting array of main courses and to complete the phrase ‘I like to take Heinz soup on a picnic because…’.
