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.

Renault 4

20 FACTS ABOUT THE RENAULT 4

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 5th January, 2022

2021 marks the 60th anniversary of not just one of Renault’s most important models but one of the most remarkable cars in motoring history. Here are: 20 FACTS ABOUT THE RENAULT 4

BMW Neue Klasse

Sixty Years of the BMW Neue Klasse

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 29th December, 2021

The 1961 Frankfurt International Motor Show looked set to be a most exciting event, not least for the new BMW priced at DM 8,500. The sales copy promised the prospective buyer ‘sportiness, refinement, genuine comfort and timeless elegance’ while the bodywork featured a distinctive ‘kink’ in the rear doors.

Austin A110

The Austin A110 Westminster at Sixty

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 29th December, 2021

When BMC introduced its second generation of ‘Big Farinas’ in late 1961, the Austin A110 Westminster immediately appealed to the nation’s bank managers. It was more formal than a Ford Zodiac Mk.

THE PEUGEOT 309

THE PEUGEOT 309; A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 29th December, 2021

Trivia question; what was the first Peugeot to be made in the UK? Despite popular mythology, it was not the 405 but the 309, one of the most overlooked models to wear the lion badge...

DATSUN 280C

THE RAREST CARS IN THE UK: DATSUN 280C

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 29th December, 2021

In the late 1970s, any Datsun larger than a Laurel was a rare sight in the UK. You might occasionally find a 280C in major dealerships, but you were more likely to see them in brochures than on the road in the main.

WOLSELEY HORNET

THE RILEY ELF AND WOLSELEY HORNET AT SIXTY

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 29th December, 2021

19 facts about one of the most intriguing members of the Mini family...

THE TRIUMPH SPITFIRE

THE TRIUMPH SPITFIRE: A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 29th December, 2021

Imagine this scenario; it is the summer of 1961, and Leyland has completed their takeover of Standard-Triumph. Their executives are stalking through the Canley works and are not exactly happy at what they find.

THE AUSTIN 1800

THE AUSTIN 1800: A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

Any visitor to the 1964 Earls Court Motor Show looking for reasonably priced but imposing four-cylinder transport had a choice of five models.

BMW BAROQUE ANGEL

SEVENTY YEARS OF THE BMW BAROQUE ANGEL

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

When the 501 debuted at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was one of the stars of the BMW stand. This was the company’s first new post-war model and an elegant sports saloon that cost around four times the average German wage. But, above all, there were those distinctive lines that resulted in the nickname ‘Baroque Angel’.

TOP FIVE CARRY ON FILM CARS

TOP FIVE CARRY ON FILM CARS

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

The Carry On film remains a staple of Bank Holiday television, affording plenty of opportunities to marvel at how the pictures rarely strayed five miles beyond Pinewood. Of course, they also frequently contained some rather interesting cars…

DO YOU REMEMBER – THE THAMES 300E VAN?

DO YOU REMEMBER – THE THAMES 300E VAN?

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

In 1954 Ford unveiled its latest van – one that was ‘Sparkling with Good Points’. The nation’s fleet buyers and shop owners were promised that the Thames 300E would be ‘a credit to your business’, Not to mention that with such a fine vehicle, ‘driving ceases to be work and becomes a pleasure’

MEET THE OWNER – JOHN WILKINS AND HIS AUSTIN 3-LITRE AMBULANCE

MEET THE OWNER – JOHN WILKINS AND HIS AUSTIN 3-LITRE AMBULANCE

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

It would be mission impossible to select a Car of The Show from the thousands of fine machines at the recent BMC & Leyland Show 2021. However, it would be fair to say that one of the vehicles that attracted the most attention was the Austin 3-Litre Ambulance owned by John Wilkins.

CHRYSLER SUNBEAM

MEET THE OWNER: ROY HEDGER AND HIS CHRYSLER SUNBEAM

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

The Sunbeam was clean-cut and well proportioned in appearance, yet it took little more than 18 months to develop. Chrysler UK commenced Project R424 in January 1976, using an SWB version of the Avenger floorpan as a base.

ASTON MARTIN DB5

MEET THE OWNER: BJARTE TUNOLD AND HIS ASTON MARTIN DB5

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd December, 2021

To celebrate the launch of the latest Bond film, No Time to Die, we look at the iconic Aston Martin DB5. On the 17 September 1964, the London premiere of the third Bond Film created cinema history, not least from the moment when Desmond Llewelyn’s Q orders 007 to ‘pay attention’.