LANCASTER CLASSIC CAR NEWS
“You can’t beat a bit of Bully!” – James Ross Sinclair and his Bullseye Star Prize Fiat Panda
For those readers too young to remember the magnificence of Bullseye, it was a quiz show from 1981 to 1995. ATV made the early editions, followed by Central after 1982.
TOM KAREN OBE 20 MARCH 1926 – 31 DECEMBER 2022
On the 2 January, Practical Classics issued the sad announcement that Tom Karen OBE died on the 31 December 2022 at the age of 96. It is almost impossible to describe the impact of his designs on British culture, from the Bush TR130 radio to the Raleigh Chopper – and the Reliant Scimitar GTE and Bond Bug.
MEET THE OWNER - DON SCOTT AND HIS AUSTIN A99 WESTMINSTER
Don Scott has recently acquired what many will consider the ideal automotive Christmas present – an Austin A99 Westminster. To quote the launch advertisement, here was a motor car where “the good looks come naturally, without need of ornament or frippery”.
EIGHTY YEARS OF THE KERB DRILL
1) At the kerb, Halt! 2) Eyes Right. 3) Eyes Left. 4) Eyes Right Again. Then, if the road is clear - 5) Quick March. Don’t Rush. Cross quietly.
Introducing our December Bright Young Spark – Nathaniel Tegg
Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Nathaniel to find out more about where his interest in vintage and retro styles first began. Nathaniel has always enjoyed vintage things since he was very young.
The Great British Trade-up Challenge Finale
Douglas Hester was the very proud winner of our Great British Trade-up Challenge car and has now collected his prize, congratulations!
THE FORD CAPRI MK.I – RIGHT CAR, RIGHT TIME, RIGHT MARKET
This writer was recently re-watching the Capri launch film and marvelling at a) how the plot gave hope to all middle-aged Brylcreemed would-be lotharios and b) Ford's superlative marketing. The development costs amounted to £20 million, so nothing was left to chance with the launch of "The Car You Always Promised Yourself" on the 5th of February 1969.
AMERICAN SPLENDOR - THE KAISER MANHATTAN
Sometimes – in fact, often – eBay is a place of great temptation. You begin your search with the intention of buying a new pair of driving gloves, but within an hour, you are contemplating another classic car. And when presented with the chance of bidding for a Kaiser Manhattan, this is wholly understandable.
MEET THE OWNER – SHAUN BROADBENT AND HIS VAUXHALL VICEROY
Shaun Broadbent is selling one of the rarest Vauxhalls in the country. Only 2,295 Viceroys left the dealerships between 1980 and 1982, and today a mere nine remain on the road - Search results for 'Vauxhall viceroy' - How Many Left? Yet, it had genuine potential and is a prime example of how poor marketing can seriously hamper a car's prospects.
MEET THE OWNER - PAUL BARNES AND HIS FORD CORTINA HUNTSMAN
In 2009, the Ford enthusiast Paul Barnes was searching for a Cortina Mk. II but was unable to find any suitable example. Finally, however, one of his colleagues told him that his father-in-law had just lost a close friend and had one in his garage.
THE BIG FREEZE – WINTER MOTORING OF SIXTY YEARS AGO
Sixty years ago, the nation saw its lowest temperatures since 1740, with some parts of the country enduring 20-foot snowdrifts and power cuts. Some villages were cut off for days, and on Dartmoor, 6,000 animals went without food for four days until helicopters were able to drop supplies.
THE CONTINENTAL MK. II – A CELEBRATION
In 1956 a car with power assistance for the brakes, steering, front seat, windows and even the quarterlights, an AM radio with an electric aerial and whitewall tyres, was not so much luxurious as downright extravagant. Inside, the upholstery was either leather by Bridge of Weir of Scotland or a selection of cloth trims and you could also have your name engraved on a plate on the centre of the passenger compartment floor.