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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
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.
The Austin FX3 at 75
- Andrew Roberts |
- 14th September, 2023
This year marks the 75th birthday of the Citroën 2CV, the Jaguar XK120, the Land Rover and the Morris Minor, to name but a few fine vehicles.
MEET THE OWNER – JAMES WADE AND HIS ROVER 2400SD TURBO DIESEL
- Andrew Roberts |
- 13th September, 2023
Four years ago, this writer first encountered James Wade, Rover SD1 enthusiast extraordinaire, and his 1986 police model.
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN SPORTING FORD ESCORTS
- Andrew Roberts |
- 13th September, 2023
From a time when no edition of ITV’s World of Sport would have been complete without the sound of an Escort in full cry...
MEET THE OWNER – NEIL GRUBB AND HIS FORD CORTINA GHIA MK. IV
- Andrew Roberts |
- 13th September, 2023
Around 47 years ago, Neil Grubb’s father was a devotee of British Leyland and had recently taken delivery of a Princess 2200 HLS.