LANCASTER CLASSIC CAR NEWS
Meet The Owner – Darren Staples and his Vauxhall Nova Sola
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.
Sportissimo – Robert Meldrum’s Vauxhall Viva HB De Luxe Estate
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.
A Truly Exclusive Renault – Jason Crawley’s 20TX
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”.
Join us for the Lancaster Insurance Services Classic Motor Show at the NEC on 8-10 November!
Tickets go on Sale for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on 8 May!
DRIVE IT DAY 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.
To Cortina and Back in a Cortina By Glyn Dawson
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.
The Volkswagen Golf at 50 by Andrew Roberts
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.
Stars of The Lancaster Stand No. 1: Vivian the Vauxhall Viva HC
During the 2024 Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, one car on the Lancaster Insurance Stand evoked some entertaining reactions from the showgoers. Visitors to the NEC circled Annie Redshaw-Lloyd’s Glacier Blue Viva HC and peered into the vinyl-trimmed magnificence of its interior.
RARER THAN RARE – 1979 FIAT 131 1300CL
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.
Meeting An Old Friend – 1983 Austin Ambassador Vanden Plas
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.
“It is a leader amongst cars of today” – The Ford Zephyr-Zodiac Mk. I
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.
PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP WINNER 2024 – COLIN FIDLER’S AUSTIN A35
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. He passed away in 2018, and my brother, my dad and I took the car on!” The result was one of the undoubted stars of The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show.