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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
A Truly Exclusive Renault – Jason Crawley’s 20TX
- 3rd May, 2024
At last year’s Silverstone Festival, many visitors were seen mouthing the phrase “What is it?” at a handsome, burgundy-coloured hatchback. Some seemed to think it was a Lancia while others were under the belief it was an Audi. Few seemed to recognise Jason Crawley’s 20TX – the car Renault claimed was “certainly no slouch”.
Sportissimo – Robert Meldrum’s Vauxhall Viva HB De Luxe Estate
- 3rd May, 2024
This is a totally and utterly subjective view, but this writer regards Robert Meldrum’s Viva HB as one of the most handsome estates of its era. Today, his white Vauxhall creates a stir whenever he goes for a drive, with amazed reactions from members of the public too young to recall the HB.
Meet The Owner – Darren Staples and his Vauxhall Nova Sola
- 3rd May, 2024
The reasons why people engage with a classic car are as diverse as the vehicles themselves. It could be due to their performance or the opportunity to realise a childhood dream of owning a machine last glimpsed in The Ladybird Book of Motor Cars. For some, it is the chance to experience a favourite television programme or film vicariously.
MEET THE OWNER - ANDREW THOMSON AND HIS VOLKSWAGEN SANTANA
- 3rd May, 2024
Andrew Thomson recently acquired a car from the 1980s that has been almost entirely forgotten in the UK through no fault of its own. The Santana GX5 was spacious, dependable, and very well-appointed, but its main fault was that the Volkswagen badge meant little to the UK’s middle managers.
Join us for the Lancaster Insurance Services Classic Motor Show at the NEC on 8-10 November!
- 1st May, 2024
Tickets go on Sale for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on 8 May!
The Volkswagen Golf at 50 by Andrew Roberts
- 30th April, 2024
Dale Smith’s VW Golf N is a VIC—Very Important Car. Firstly, it reminds us that the GTi Mk1 was never a common sight on British roads during the late 1970s; it was not sold in right-hand-drive form until July 1979. Instead, you were far more likely to encounter the likes of the N.
To Cortina and Back in a Cortina By Glyn Dawson
- 30th April, 2024
When I learned of a trip to Cortina being organised by Graham Orchard of the MK2 Club I was excited as my wife Christine and I had heard from friends how good the previous trip had been somewhat 10 years ago. In March 2022 Graham sent details of the hotels (10 in all) and ferries and we went ahead and booked our place.
DRIVE IT DAY 2024
- 30th April, 2024
A few inches from my car was a Mini Pick-Up, a form of motoring life last encountered en mass when Bros were still in the charts. To my right was the metallic gold magnificence that was a Lancia Gamma Coupe. Ahead of my front bumper was a 1970-model Morris Minor 1000 police ‘Panda Car’ and a very handsome Rover R8 owned by Gavin Bushby.
Meet the Owner – Laurie Taylor-Reed and his 1969 Citroën Dyane 6
- 15th April, 2024
The lower profile of the Dyane in the UK compared with its Citroën 2CV stablemate is one of the abiding mysteries of the classic car world. True, it had a shorter production run than the Deux Chevaux – 1967-1984 – but it offered almost all its virtues together with five doors and such creature comforts as a front ashtray.
Meet The Owner – Harry Traill and His Ford Falcon Wagon
- 15th April, 2024
It is a real head-turner. People look at it and smile. Children will walk with their parents, stopping and pointing at it as it drives past. The car seems to put a smile on anyone’s face wherever I go in it, and the number of compliments you get just going to the shop alone is astounding.
PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP WINNER 2024 – COLIN FIDLER’S AUSTIN A35
- 15th April, 2024
Colin Fidler’s splendid A35 won the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership 2024 competition and epitomises the sales slogan: “Buy Austin and Be Proud of It!” As he explains: “The car belonged to my late uncle Robin.
“It is a leader amongst cars of today” – The Ford Zephyr-Zodiac Mk. I
- 15th April, 2024
Sometimes, the connoisseur of 1950s popular culture, such as this writer, is faced with automotive temptation, such as this 1956 Zephyr-Zodiac offered by Craner Classics. The young Arthur Daley would have craved this car, which would have also been the object of admiration among Teddy boys at the Hammersmith Palais.
Meeting An Old Friend – 1983 Austin Ambassador Vanden Plas
- 15th April, 2024
Sometimes, the world of Ebay is one of surprises – including finding the Austin Ambassador Vanden Plas I once owned. And now Bob Farrington hopes it goes to a good home.
RARER THAN RARE – 1979 FIAT 131 1300CL
- 15th April, 2024
Sometimes, the most seemingly minor detail about a car remains in the memory: the Wolseley’s illuminated ‘Ghost Light’ grille badge or the Humber Hawk and Super Snipe’s fuel filler hidden behind the offside rear reflector.
