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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.

The New Avengers re-visited

The New Avengers re-visited

  • 7th August, 2020

Over the past few months, I have taken the opportunity to re-visit certain television shows of the past. Here are my observations on the thrill a minute series that was The New Avengers.

Meet the Owner - Sean Puckle and his Ford Cortina Ghia MK.IV

  • 3rd August, 2020

It would be fair to say that Sean is a long-term Cortina devotee – ‘I’ve had loads back in the day. In recent years I had a Concours 1600E Mk. II and I sild a lovely P reg 2000E last year, so this Ghia replaced it. I must always have a Cortina in my life - it’s like putting on an old slipper!’

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.

VAUXHALL VENTORA FE

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.

Blackpool Thunder Car Club

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.

FRED DUKES AND HIS 1958 BEDFORD CA “ARISTOCRAT”

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.

A family carrying luggage about to enter their vintage VW campervan on a sunny day

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.

VAUXHALL VIVA HA GT BRABHAM

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.

JAGUAR XJ COUPE

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

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

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

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.

VAUXHALL VIVA BRABHAMS

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.