Latest news
Welcome to Lancaster Insurance News
Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
How to register a vehicle of historic interest
- 16th August, 2022
As we've discussed elsewhere on this blog, once a car becomes 40 years old it becomes eligible for what's known as 'Vehicle of Historical Interest' status. In most, although (as we are about to see) not all cases, this means that the owner of the vehicle no longer has to pay vehicle tax on the car, or submit it for an annual MOT.
The Renault 4 Plein Air – A Celebration
- Andrew Roberts |
- 10th August, 2022
It is the late 1960s, and you are hip, groovy, and generally “with-it”. You also crave beach transport with greater comfort than the Mini Moke can hope to offer, and Renault is now offering an open-top version of the 4 – the Plein Air.
THE FIAT X1/9 AT 50
- Andrew Roberts |
- 10th August, 2022
Fifty years ago, Fiat introduced three important new models – the 126, the 132, and a small mid-engine sports car greeted with some apprehension by many a Triumph and MG dealer.
THE CORGI SAINT VOLVO – THE FIRST BRITISH DIE-CAST FILM/TV SPIN-OFF
- Andrew Roberts |
- 10th August, 2022
Virtually all die-cast model enthusiasts know that 1965 was the year of the Corgi ‘James Bond Aston Martin DB5’ - but it was not their first film/TV spin-off.
MEET THE OWNER – BILLY MAXWELL AND HIS VAUXHALL MAGNUM SPORTSHATCH
- Andrew Roberts |
- 5th August, 2022
“Just 197 were produced, making it the lowest number production model. Its rarity is added to as Vauxhall never produced brochures or price lists. Dealers were offered them as company cars not for sale direct to the public although many found their way onto the forecourt”.
BERNARD CRIBBINS 29TH DECEMBER 1928 – 22ND JULY 2022
- Andrew Roberts |
- 5th August, 2022
During the 1980s, it seemed an unofficial rule of BBC television that Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. had to be scheduled during school holidays.
What Is A Cabriolet? The Best 80’s & 90’s Cabriolets For The Summer
- 4th August, 2022
For anyone not aware of cabriolet cars, the word derives from French origin and refers to vehicles that have either a hard or a soft-top retractable roof; or as you may have heard to these types of vehicles called a convertible.
PADDY HOPKIRK MBE 14th APRIL 1933 – 21ST JULY 2022
- Andrew Roberts |
- 3rd August, 2022
In 1964 some 299 cars were poised to take part in the Monte Carlo Rally including six BMC factory Mini Coopers. Their competition was fierce, with British Fords, Chryslers, Citroëns, Mercedes-Benzs, Saabs, Sunbeams, and Volvos due to take part. As for the favourites, Motor Sport observed
Is this the oldest MX5 in the UK?
- 29th July, 2022
Lancaster Insurance customer Ellie is the proud owner of a 1989 MX-5 Eunos, the oldest MX-5 believed to be in the UK today! The Japanese Market Spec model came to our shores in 1998 and fast forward five years to 2003, and this is when ‘Suki’ and Ellie’s journey began. Ellie was looking for a fun car for work and had recently come across an MX-5, thanks to a work colleague she visited that owned one. On her return home, Ellie’s search started in earnest when she spotted the red model in Autotrader. She made an appointment to see the car and the rest they say is history!
The Great Classic Trade-up – Our second car revealed…
- 27th July, 2022
We’ve now secured our second car – a 1993 Mazda MX5 Mk1 Eunos Roadster V-Spec Type 2 Edition – and we’re in love! We’re truly smitten with our new purchase at Lancaster Insurance HQ – a beautiful MX5 with all the bells and whistles, due to it being a V-Spec edition, which is a rarer model than the standard Eunos Roadster.
Our August club of the month is… The MX-5 Owners Club!
- 27th July, 2022
MX-5s are high on our agenda this month and to celebrate the wonderful roadster further, the world’s largest MX-5 Club is our club of the month!
THE MORRIS 1100 AT SIXTY
- 27th July, 2022
On the 15th of August 1962, the British Motor Corporation invited the ADO16, the car that would head the UK’s list of best-selling cars for many years. Company politics meant it was sold as a Morris, an MG, an Austin, a Vanden Plas, a Wolseley, and a Riley.
The Lancaster Insurance MG Owners’ Club Race Championship has been waving the flag for production based MG racing for over forty years
- 27th July, 2022
Ellie is the proud owner of a 1989 MX-5 Eunos, the oldest MX-5 believed to be in the UK today! The Japanese Market Spec model came to our shores in 1998 and fast forward five years to 2003, and this is when ‘Suki’ and Ellie’s journey began.
What is the British Commercial Vehicle Museum?
- 27th July, 2022
Get your ticket from the conductor and hop on board as we introduce the rather wonderful British Commercial Vehicle Museum.