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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
Top 10 Overlooked Cars in Bond
- Andy Roberts |
- 8th August, 2017
Nearly all of us are familiar with the Aston Martin DB5, the Lotus Esprit and the other cars prepared by the Q division, but this is a tribute to those often unsung four-wheeled heroes of the Bond films.
Do You Remember the Ford 'Consul' Granada
- Andy Roberts |
- 7th August, 2017
Back in the 1970s, the likes of the Ford Granada GXL or Ghia Mk. I were often regarded as vehicles for the local elite; factory owners or the proprietor of a small chain of tobacconists. You were more likely to encounter one of the cheaper models as a minicab, company car or estate carrying a family to a holiday in Swanage and for these versions, Ford revived a famous badge - the Consul.
Remembering The Green Goddess
- Andy Roberts |
- 3rd August, 2017
This column is by way of a tribute to one of the most interesting public service vehicles of post-war Britain - the Bedford ‘Green Goddess’ fire appliance. Its origins date back to 1949 when the Home Office created the Civil Defence Corps (CDC), whose purpose was to work alongside the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) in the aftermath of a nuclear war.
Six Of The Finest Ice Cream Vans
- Andy Roberts |
- 1st August, 2017
Decent weather is final upon us (at least it was when I wrote those words!) and, as the cinema adverts used to claim back in the 1960s, now is the time for ice cream. Highly decorated and still a part of the motoring landscape, the ice cream van is a very welcome sight at the end of a long summer’s day so here are six classic examples.
The Austin K2/Y Ambulance
- Andy Roberts |
- 31st July, 2017
As with many of my generation, I first encountered the Austin K2/Y via re-screenings of Ice Cold in Alex on television. It is a film that showcases the talents of John Mills and Anthony Quayle at their considerable best and one of the principal characters is the battered but indomitable ambulance, which was one of the key British military vehicles of the Second World War.
40 Years of the Saab 99 Turbo
- Andy Roberts |
- 26th July, 2017
This year marks a double celebration for Saab, not only is it the 40th anniversary of the Turbo, it is also the 50th birthday of the 99.
A Half Dozen 1970s Hot Hatchbacks
- Lancaster Insurance Services |
- 25th July, 2017
The VW Golf GTi Mk. I may have been one of the most notable ‘hot hatchbacks’ of the 1970s but it was neither the only or even the first of the breed. The half-dozen cars described below are my own selection – all front wheel drive, all with a third or fifth rear door and all of them highly entertaining.
Adverts of the Week - Wolseley
- Andy Roberts |
- 24th July, 2017
‘What a magnificent car’, the three business-like gentlemen seem to be saying. ‘We like the cut of the owner’s jib for anyone who appreciates the 6/99 is clearly a chap amongst chaps. He obviously deserves a seat on the Board of Directors and 5,000 guineas per year’.
Top 10 Beach Cars
- Andy Roberts |
- 21st July, 2017
The top 10 beach cars.. or if you prefer, ten cars that help to make a successful vacation. In chronological order, we have:
Gene Hunt: what would he have driven in the 1990s?
- Lancaster Insurance Services |
- 20th July, 2017
If TV super-cop Gene Hunt had operated in the 1990s, which car would have replaced the 1980s Audi Quattro?
Top 7 Doctor Who Cars
- Andy Roberts |
- 19th July, 2017
The announcement on July 16th of the Thirteenth Doctor sent me back to the distant past, one long before Christopher Eccleston – a time of disused quarries, entertaining rubber-costumed monsters and when masterminds who craved to rule the universe sported pointed beards to highlight their malign natures. And, as it turned out, quite a variety of cars…
Record Turnout for the Lancaster Insurance Classic and Supercars Show at Sherborne Castle
- Lancaster Insurance Services |
- 19th July, 2017
We’re thrilled to announce the show’s highest turnout last weekend, with more than 14,000 people attending the show, up 40% on last year! Over the weekend, 2,100 classic, motorsport and supercars were displayed over the 36 acres, with 1,720 classic and sports cars including those from members of 31 car clubs.
Car Club of the Month - July 2017
- Lancaster Insurance Services |
- 19th July, 2017
Club of the Month is always a very difficult feature for us to decide as there are always so many worthy recipients! This month’s was unanimously decided and has been awarded to ‘Yeovil Car Club’, a club we met at the Lancaster Insurance Classic and Supercar Show at Sherborne Castle, which took place last weekend.
Car of the Month - July 2017
- Lancaster Insurance Services |
- 19th July, 2017
The early ‘whale tail’ version of the Sierra Cosworth featured as our ‘Car of the Month’ last year but it was the 4-door saloon version of this car, with its less extrovert styling, which became much more accessible to those looking for a fast Ford. Over the 4 years that the ‘Cossie’ was produced some 25,000 vehicles were snapped up.
