LANCASTER CLASSIC CAR NEWS
TOP FIVE GHIA-BADGED FORDS
When Ford acquired complete control of the Turin design house Carrozzeria Ghia in January 1973, the result was a sea change for their British flagship models. Aspirational motorists craved the car with the shield badge instead of the previous 'Executive' versions. And here are the five pioneering Ghias:
Meet The Owner - Siôn Hudson and his Vauxhall Cavalier L Mk. II
Once familiar, cars often undergo a seven-stage cycle. Firstly, they are launched with maximum fanfare before entering the second stage of their middle years. Next comes the last-of-the-line special editions, intended to clear showrooms for its replacement, followed by twilight in used-car listings.
Classic Cars – An Ongoing Story
Of all the automotive anniversaries that will be taking place this year, the one that stuns me the most is that the Citroen CX will be celebrating its half-century. I was aged about five when I saw my first example, and to say I was mesmerised was somewhat of an understatement.
MAGNIFICENT SEVEN LOST MODELS
Or seven versions of familiar BMC and British Leyland models that never made it to the showrooms:
A Remarkable Car – The Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas Series One
For many years, this writer has regarded the Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas Series One as the pinnacle of the XJ family. It is a car that exudes opulence and good taste in equal measure, a saloon of quiet but definite presence.
MEET THE OWNER - JON BENTLEY AND HIS SAAB 95 TWO-STROKE
To be the custodian of one classic car is a major responsibility - to have a 17- strong collection is virtually a full-time occupation. Jon Bentley’s 1965 95 is one of his fleet of Saabs that established the firm as a car maker.
Ten Vehicles That Altered Their Identity
It could be watching a film shot in New Zealand and wondering why a Hillman Minx is badged as a 'Humber 80' or seeing an old US advertisement for an Avenger under the name 'Plymouth Avenger'. And in 1981, when this writer was aged 11, he was mesmerised by the Fiat-based SEATS on his first visit to Spain.
TWICE THE ABILITY – THE STORY OF THE TWINI MOKE
The Mini Moke celebrates its 60th birthday in 2024, and possibly the most fascinating variant was the dual-engine ‘Twini’. When the British Motor Corporation displayed a prototype to the media in January 1963, their Managing Director George Harriman told the press:
60 YEARS OF THE MINI COOPER’S MONTE CARLO VICTORY
Sixty years ago, a Morris Mini Cooper 1071S, registration 33 EJB, was among the 299 entrants of the Monte Carlo Rally. As for the favourites, Motor Sport observed:
Forgotten Hero – The Citroën Visa
The sales copy said it was "A serious challenge to those who are ahead of the Joneses" and asked potential buyers ", Do you sincerely want freedom of choice"? Equally importantly, it would allow the owner to progress "smugly in winter when other cars dig their own graves with their rear wheel drives". Meanwhile, Autocar described it as "the work of a precocious wilful child curbed carefully by an intelligent sensible, mother". It was, of course, the Citroën Visa.
STARS AND THEIR CARS – THE STARSKY & HUTCH FORD GRAN TORINO
For a long time, Starsky & Hutch was a fixture on BBC1. Every week, Captain Dobey would order, “You two jokers - in my office”, and Huggy Bear would observe “You ever try to get ten horses in a basement?”. And every week, Detective-Sergeant Dave Starsky, played by Paul Michael Glaser, and Detective- Sergeant Ken ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson, played by the late David Soul, would fight crime in their Ford Gran Torino.