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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.
Join us at the 2024 Practical Classic Restoration Show!
- 31st January, 2024
Gear up for a fantastic start to the year at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration show, taking place from March 22 to 24 at the NEC.
TOP FIVE GHIA-BADGED FORDS
- 29th January, 2024
When Ford acquired complete control of the Turin design house Carrozzeria Ghia in January 1973, the result was a sea change for their British flagship models. Aspirational motorists craved the car with the shield badge instead of the previous 'Executive' versions. And here are the five pioneering Ghias:
MEET THE OWNER – JON COUPLAND AND HIS ROVER 75
- 29th January, 2024
For many years, the virtues of the Rover 75 were taken for granted: its comfort, level of standard equipment and quiet dignity. Now they are receiving the attention that is due to them, and Jon Coupland is especially taken with his early Cowley-built 1.8-litre version. He explains:
Meet The Owner - Siôn Hudson and his Vauxhall Cavalier L Mk. II
- 24th January, 2024
Once familiar, cars often undergo a seven-stage cycle. Firstly, they are launched with maximum fanfare before entering the second stage of their middle years. Next comes the last-of-the-line special editions, intended to clear showrooms for its replacement, followed by twilight in used-car listings.
MEET THE OWNER - JON BENTLEY AND HIS SAAB 95 TWO-STROKE
- Andrew Roberts |
- 22nd January, 2024
To be the custodian of one classic car is a major responsibility - to have a 17- strong collection is virtually a full-time occupation. Jon Bentley’s 1965 95 is one of his fleet of Saabs that established the firm as a car maker.
A Remarkable Car – The Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas Series One
- Andrew Roberts |
- 22nd January, 2024
For many years, this writer has regarded the Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas Series One as the pinnacle of the XJ family. It is a car that exudes opulence and good taste in equal measure, a saloon of quiet but definite presence.
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN LOST MODELS
- 22nd January, 2024
Or seven versions of familiar BMC and British Leyland models that never made it to the showrooms:
Classic Cars – An Ongoing Story
- 22nd January, 2024
Of all the automotive anniversaries that will be taking place this year, the one that stuns me the most is that the Citroen CX will be celebrating its half-century. I was aged about five when I saw my first example, and to say I was mesmerised was somewhat of an understatement.
TWICE THE ABILITY – THE STORY OF THE TWINI MOKE
- 15th January, 2024
The Mini Moke celebrates its 60th birthday in 2024, and possibly the most fascinating variant was the dual-engine ‘Twini’. When the British Motor Corporation displayed a prototype to the media in January 1963, their Managing Director George Harriman told the press:
Ten Vehicles That Altered Their Identity
- 15th January, 2024
It could be watching a film shot in New Zealand and wondering why a Hillman Minx is badged as a 'Humber 80' or seeing an old US advertisement for an Avenger under the name 'Plymouth Avenger'. And in 1981, when this writer was aged 11, he was mesmerised by the Fiat-based SEATS on his first visit to Spain.
STARS AND THEIR CARS – THE STARSKY & HUTCH FORD GRAN TORINO
- 9th January, 2024
For a long time, Starsky & Hutch was a fixture on BBC1. Every week, Captain Dobey would order, “You two jokers - in my office”, and Huggy Bear would observe “You ever try to get ten horses in a basement?”.
Forgotten Hero – The Citroën Visa
- 9th January, 2024
The sales copy said it was "A serious challenge to those who are ahead of the Joneses" and asked potential buyers ", Do you sincerely want freedom of choice"? Equally importantly, it would allow the owner to progress "smugly in winter when other cars dig their own graves with their rear wheel drives".
60 YEARS OF THE MINI COOPER’S MONTE CARLO VICTORY
- 9th January, 2024
Sixty years ago, a Morris Mini Cooper 1071S, registration 33 EJB, was among the 299 entrants of the Monte Carlo Rally. As for the favourites, Motor Sport observed:
Charity Heroes - Craig Cheetham on festive fundraising efforts
- 8th January, 2024
There’s a good chance you’re reading this issue of PC during the festive season and, while the temptation may be to snuggle down in front of the fire with a mince pie and a glass of eggnog, there’s also plenty to be getting on with where your classics are concerned.
