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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.
LIFE AT THE TOP – SEVEN EXECUTIVE FORDS
- 10th January, 2023
For over ten years, the ‘E’ or ‘Executive’ badge on a British Ford denoted living the high life – cigars, unlimited Luncheon Vouchers and dining at the Angus Steak House every Friday. So which of these very magnificent seven would you choose?
“You can’t beat a bit of Bully!” – James Ross Sinclair and his Bullseye Star Prize Fiat Panda
- 9th January, 2023
For those readers too young to remember the magnificence of Bullseye, it was a quiz show from 1981 to 1995. ATV made the early editions, followed by Central after 1982.
FINDING MY FAMILY’S VW TREKKER – HTK 275 P LIVES!
- 9th January, 2023
The time is autumn of 1981, and the place is a village near Southampton where very little seemed to happen.
TOM KAREN OBE 20 MARCH 1926 – 31 DECEMBER 2022
- 4th January, 2023
On the 2 January, Practical Classics issued the sad announcement that Tom Karen OBE died on the 31 December 2022 at the age of 96. It is almost impossible to describe the impact of his designs on British culture, from the Bush TR130 radio to the Raleigh Chopper – and the Reliant Scimitar GTE and Bond Bug.
EIGHTY YEARS OF THE KERB DRILL
- 30th December, 2022
1) At the kerb, Halt! 2) Eyes Right. 3) Eyes Left. 4) Eyes Right Again. Then, if the road is clear - 5) Quick March. Don’t Rush. Cross quietly.
MEET THE OWNER - DON SCOTT AND HIS AUSTIN A99 WESTMINSTER
- 30th December, 2022
Don Scott has recently acquired what many will consider the ideal automotive Christmas present – an Austin A99 Westminster. To quote the launch advertisement, here was a motor car where “the good looks come naturally, without need of ornament or frippery”.
The Great British Trade-up Challenge Finale
- 29th December, 2022
Douglas Hester was the very proud winner of our Great British Trade-up Challenge car and has now collected his prize, congratulations!
Introducing our December Bright Young Spark – Nathaniel Tegg
- 29th December, 2022
Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Nathaniel to find out more about where his interest in vintage and retro styles first began. Nathaniel has always enjoyed vintage things since he was very young.
THE FORD CORTINA XLE – THE ULTIMATE MK. III?
- 28th December, 2022
At first sight, this is the perfect Cortina for all drivers who regarded a Jason King moustache as the height of fashion and the Berni Inn as the pinnacle of haute cuisine. It certainly appears to be a prime example of a facelifted Cortina XL Mk. III but then you notice the white reflectors on the front bumper, different hubcaps, a ‘V6’ shield on the front wings and the ‘Big 6’ badges.
THE CONTINENTAL MK. II – A CELEBRATION
- 28th December, 2022
In 1956 a car with power assistance for the brakes, steering, front seat, windows and even the quarterlights, an AM radio with an electric aerial and whitewall tyres, was not so much luxurious as downright extravagant. Inside, the upholstery was either leather by Bridge of Weir of Scotland or a selection of cloth trims and you could also have your name engraved on a plate on the centre of the passenger compartment floor.
THE BIG FREEZE – WINTER MOTORING OF SIXTY YEARS AGO
- 28th December, 2022
Sixty years ago, the nation saw its lowest temperatures since 1740, with some parts of the country enduring 20-foot snowdrifts and power cuts. Some villages were cut off for days, and on Dartmoor, 6,000 animals went without food for four days until helicopters were able to drop supplies.
MEET THE OWNER - PAUL BARNES AND HIS FORD CORTINA HUNTSMAN
- 28th December, 2022
In 2009, the Ford enthusiast Paul Barnes was searching for a Cortina Mk. II but was unable to find any suitable example. Finally, however, one of his colleagues told him that his father-in-law had just lost a close friend and had one in his garage.
MEET THE OWNER – SHAUN BROADBENT AND HIS VAUXHALL VICEROY
- 28th December, 2022
Shaun Broadbent is selling one of the rarest Vauxhalls in the country. Only 2,295 Viceroys left the dealerships between 1980 and 1982, and today a mere nine remain on the road - Search results for 'Vauxhall viceroy' - How Many Left? Yet, it had genuine potential and is a prime example of how poor marketing can seriously hamper a car's prospects.
AMERICAN SPLENDOR - THE KAISER MANHATTAN
- 28th December, 2022
Sometimes – in fact, often – eBay is a place of great temptation. You begin your search with the intention of buying a new pair of driving gloves, but within an hour, you are contemplating another classic car. And when presented with the chance of bidding for a Kaiser Manhattan, this is wholly understandable.
