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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
MEET THE OWNER – BUDD BIRKITT AND HIS HILLMAN MINX
- 16th March, 2020
The very handsome Audax Series Hillman Minx owned by Budd Birkett is a prime example of a “Ronnie Stevens” motor-car. For those readers not devoted to 1950s and 1960s British comedy films, Mr. Stevens would often enter a scene wearing a snappy sports jacket and uttering the words ‘Hello, old man!’.
DO YOU REMEMBER - THE FORD CORSAIR?
- 16th March, 2020
One of the most popular films of Ford Heritage’s superlative YouTube collection is a 1963 gem entitled Jim Clark Drives Corsairs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yybJ5yRzbA4.
MEET THE OWNER – STEVE WADDINGHAM AND HIS AUSTIN ALLEGRO 1100 DE LUXE
- 13th March, 2020
There is one question that Steve Waddingham is often asked regarding his 1975 Austin Allegro – 'where's the square steering wheel...?'.
THE SHORT AMERICAN CAREER OF THE “AUSTIN MARINA”
- 13th March, 2020
What was the final Austin-badged car to be officially marketed in the USA? It was not the ADO16 or the Mini, for that honour goes to the Marina.
THE FIRST BRITISH “LIMITED EDITION” CAR – THE MORRIS MINOR MILLION
- 11th March, 2020
During the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s there appeared to be seven main approaches to "Limited Edition" cars. The first was to adorn the tail-end of a long-running model with as many extras as possible.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE VOLVO PV444 AND PV544?
- 9th March, 2020
Some motor-cars look upon fashion with disdain – cars such as the Volvo PV444/544. The advertisements may have hinted at a world of excitement, glamour and Trad Jazz.
Do you Remember the Singer Hunter?
- Harry Brown |
- 6th March, 2020
The answer to the question is probably ‘no’, as the Hunter was in production for just two years, and it was never a major seller. Yet, as the swansong to the independent Singer marque and a motor car of integrity, it deserves to be better remembered.
40 YEARS OF THE AUDI QUATTRO
- 3rd March, 2020
'A car awe-inspiring enough to be part of any tale too good to be true' wrote Ronald Barker in Car magazine of April 1981.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIAT 850 COUPE?
- 3rd March, 2020
‘There are three types of GT’ proclaimed Fiat GB in 1968. The ones that are little more than an ordinary saloon cars, nicely packaged. The ones that are hot but leave you cold aesthetically. And the ones that are real stoppers to look at – real goers when you get behind the wheel. In short, cars such as the 124 Coupe and the 850 Coupe – latter representing ‘11’ 10” of sheer excitement’.
MEET THE OWNER – JOHN GORDON AND HILLMAN AVENGER SUNSEEKER
- 3rd March, 2020
‘When I passed driving test my driving test forty years ago, my first car was an Avenger 1250 De Luxe’ remarks John Gordon. ‘I’ve driven at a lot of classics since that Hillman – but I was unable to resist the call of the Sunseeker’.
60 YEARS OF THE MINI VAN
- Harry Brown |
- 3rd March, 2020
The British Motor Corporation unveiled the Austin and Morris Mini Van in 1960, and when production ceased twenty-two years later, they were as much part of everyday life as ageing punks mooching around the local Wimpy Bar.
Top Gear – The Early Years
- 28th February, 2020
Sunday, March 1st marks the last of the current series of Top Gear - nearly 44 years after the first edition. Memories of the programme are often defined by the first presenter you recall, rather in the manner of your favourite Doctor Who. Some will recall Noel Edmonds, who seemed to really dislike the Strada and whose report incurred the wrath of Fiat GB. Others will always associate the programme with Chris Goffey. Sue Baker or Frank Pope. And, of course, there was the great William Woollard of subsequent "Woollarding" fame, seen here reviewing a Lada, an FSO, a Yugo and a Skoda.
The countdown is on for the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show!
- 27th February, 2020
Lancaster Insurance is thrilled to be returning to the NEC for the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with Discovery!
MEET THE OWNER - ROB FOSKETT AND HIS HILMAN SUPER MINX CONVERTIBLE
- 27th February, 2020
'I have had a few runs out with the roof down, but as I only bought it last September, I am looking forward to using it in better weather'. With a car such as a Super Minx Convertible, it is quite understandable why Rob Foskett is anticipating the summer.
