MEMORIES OF THE FIAT 600 MULTIPLA

• 23rd February, 2023

There are some cars you will never forget. Nearly 20 years ago, I took to the wheel a Fiat 600 Multipla, a pioneer people carrier and a vehicle with quite industrial levels of charisma. Opening the back-hinged front door revealed a fascia best described as “ultra-minimalist” and a driving position that was slightly challenging.

SUPER-ECONOMY MOTORING - THE MESSERSCHMITT ‘BUBBLE CAR’ AT SEVENTY

• 23rd February, 2023

Seventy years ago, if you were in need of a cheap urban two-seater, the new Messerschmitt KR175 was a viable option. For one, it was nine feet long and weighed just 485 pounds. The 170cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine was capable of 50 mph, and the steering was via a handlebar (with a twist-grip throttle on the left) directly connected to the track rod ends.

MEET THE OWNER – MATTHEW CURTIS AND HIS CITROEN CX 2000 CONFORT

• 23rd February, 2023

Sometimes, a classified advertisement for a classic car acts as a siren, tempting you to throw caution (and overdraft) to the winds. Such a vehicle is the 1975-model Citroën CX 2000 Confort owned by Matthew Curtis.

The Austin Maestro at 40 years by Andrew Roberts

• 23rd February, 2023

It is Tuesday, the 1st of March 1983 and British Leyland has just unveiled the successor to the Austin Allegro. Not only was the “Miracle Maestro”, promoted by one of the most over-the-top commercials in ITV history.

Introducing our February Bright Young Spark – Harvey Annable

• 23rd February, 2023

Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Harvey Annable a true mechanic, enthusiast, YouTuber, and Bright Spark.

Car Club Corner – News

• 23rd February, 2023

With clubs finding their membership is ageing and with worries for the futures of both their clubs and cars, Lancaster Insurance Services decided it was time to lift the lid on the secrets of setting up and maintaining a successful Young Members register within a main car club.

Meet the owner Aidan Sanderson

• 23rd February, 2023

It is a major shock to realise that the 205 will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2023. That Gérard Welter styling still looks up-to-date, and it is hard to believe the early models were contemporaries of the Morris Ital. Today, the Peugeot is attracting an increasing number of younger enthusiasts, such as Aidan, the owner of this very handsome 1992 Junior Mi16.

THE PORSCHE 911 AT SIXTY

• 21st February, 2023

DO YOU REMEMBER – THE VOLVO 66?

• 21st February, 2023

We could have equally called this blog “Twilight Under Another Marque”, as several long-running models ended their careers with a different marque name. The Chrysler Hunter falls into this category, as does the Dodge Spacevan and the final DAF saloons, which were sold as Volvos in their last five years of production.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…SARAH CRABTREE

• 16th February, 2023

Sarah Crabtree needs no introduction, but in case you’re unfamiliar, she’s now Sales Manager for Evoke Classics, the online classic auction house headquartered in Essex. Before that, she stole the show during Bangers and Cash, the documentary series, recently renewed, that follows the trials and tribulations of Mathewsons auctioneers.

Celebrating “The Biggest News Since The Mini” – Simon Hayes and the Leyland Princess Enthusiasts’ Club

• 13th February, 2023

Like a lot of classic car owners, my interest was started by nostalgia – we had a Princess in the family back in the 80s, and I was always amazed at its shape, its size, and the noise its engine made. As a child I can remember being taken to Norwich, and my Auntie bought me the Dinky Toys Princess model – I vowed one day I’d have a real one.

MEET THE OWNER – MATT ‘FURIOUS DRIVING’ RICHARDSON AND HIS FLEET

• 10th February, 2023

Meet the owner, or meet the YouTuber? We should be told. A 1972 Rover 2000 P6 set Matt Richardson on the path to YouTube stardom. ‘I’ve had it since I was 17 – it’s not going anywhere,’ he said. Since then, the projects have fed the channel – and the channel has fed the projects.

FIVE UNDERRATED JAPANESE CARS FROM THE 70S

• 7th February, 2023

In the 70s, the Japanese motor industry was on its way to world domination. Buyers were hooked on the enticing promise of generous standard equipment and turn-key dependability; innovative though British cars were, industrial action sabotaged build quality, and ruined any chance of getting a new model when it first appeared.

Celebration of a special charity restoration - local enthusiasts invited to join in the fun!

• 7th February, 2023

On Thursday 16th February, Practical Classics magazine and Lancaster Insurance Services are celebrating the completion of a special charity restoration and are inviting local enthusiasts to join them!