LANCASTER CLASSIC CAR NEWS
ULEZ BEATING CLASSICS FROM ACROSS THE DECADES
London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone is set to move from the North and South Circulars to the Greater London Boroughs on 29 August 2023, meaning any non-compliant car is liable for a £12.50 charge to drive inside the zone.
Meet the owner Aidan Sanderson
It is a major shock to realise that the 205 will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2023. That Gérard Welter styling still looks up-to-date, and it is hard to believe the early models were contemporaries of the Morris Ital. Today, the Peugeot is attracting an increasing number of younger enthusiasts, such as Aidan, the owner of this very handsome 1992 Junior Mi16.
Car Club Corner – News
With clubs finding their membership is ageing and with worries for the futures of both their clubs and cars, Lancaster Insurance Services decided it was time to lift the lid on the secrets of setting up and maintaining a successful Young Members register within a main car club.
Introducing our February Bright Young Spark – Harvey Annable
Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Harvey Annable a true mechanic, enthusiast, YouTuber, and Bright Spark.
The Austin Maestro at 40 years by Andrew Roberts
It is Tuesday, the 1st of March 1983 and British Leyland has just unveiled the successor to the Austin Allegro. Not only was the “Miracle Maestro”, promoted by one of the most over-the-top commercials in ITV history.
MEET THE OWNER – MATTHEW CURTIS AND HIS CITROEN CX 2000 CONFORT
Sometimes, a classified advertisement for a classic car acts as a siren, tempting you to throw caution (and overdraft) to the winds. Such a vehicle is the 1975-model Citroën CX 2000 Confort owned by Matthew Curtis.
SUPER-ECONOMY MOTORING - THE MESSERSCHMITT ‘BUBBLE CAR’ AT SEVENTY
Seventy years ago, if you were in need of a cheap urban two-seater, the new Messerschmitt KR175 was a viable option. For one, it was nine feet long and weighed just 485 pounds. The 170cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine was capable of 50 mph, and the steering was via a handlebar (with a twist-grip throttle on the left) directly connected to the track rod ends.
MEMORIES OF THE FIAT 600 MULTIPLA
There are some cars you will never forget. Nearly 20 years ago, I took to the wheel a Fiat 600 Multipla, a pioneer people carrier and a vehicle with quite industrial levels of charisma. Opening the back-hinged front door revealed a fascia best described as “ultra-minimalist” and a driving position that was slightly challenging.
MEET THE OWNER – STEVE BRANDRETH AND HIS FORD CAPRI GHIA MK. III
To say Steve’s Ford Capri Mk. III causes a sensation whenever he goes for a drive would be an understatement. He remarks, “The reaction I get every time I use it is incredible and the number of people that constantly take photos of it at every opportunity beggar’s belief.”
MEET THE OWNER – PETE MARSHALL AND HIS LADA 1200 ESTATE
“It took me years to track one down - my dad had seven, one after the other when I was growing up. It’s a UK car I found in a barn - not on a driveway on bricks kind of barn find!” And today, Pete Marshall is the proud owner of a 1976 Lada 1200 Estate – the result of one of the most important international collaborations in motoring history.
MEET THE OWNER - PATRICK BRADLEY AND HIS AUSTIN MONTEGO VANDEN PLAS AUTOMATIC
The story commences on Facebook where recently Patrick received a message asking if he would be interested in buying a Montego. Of course, as the proud owner of a Maestro Advantage, Mr. Bradley was naturally curious, even before he learned it was one of only two Vanden Plas Automatics on the road.
MEET THE OWNER – GARY LAZARUS AND HIS ROVER 2000 TC
Gary’s 1968 Rover is not just a prime example of the 2000 TC; it has also enjoyed television stardom as Dr Gordon Ormerod’s transport in The Royal. In addition, the P6 has featured in The Damned United and made a guest appearance on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, where naturally, it caused a sensation.