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Welcome to Lancaster Insurance News
Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
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Ten Vehicles That Altered Their Identity
- 15th January, 2024
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.
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STARS AND THEIR CARS – THE STARSKY & HUTCH FORD GRAN TORINO
- 9th January, 2024
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?”.
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Forgotten Hero – The Citroën Visa
- 9th January, 2024
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".
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60 YEARS OF THE MINI COOPER’S MONTE CARLO VICTORY
- 9th January, 2024
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:
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Charity Heroes - Craig Cheetham on festive fundraising efforts
- 8th January, 2024
There’s a good chance you’re reading this issue of PC during the festive season and, while the temptation may be to snuggle down in front of the fire with a mince pie and a glass of eggnog, there’s also plenty to be getting on with where your classics are concerned.
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Land’s End to John O’ Groats Reliability Trial 2023 is toughest for 7 years!
- 8th January, 2024
After 1500 miles over 5 legs, in 75 hours, the Land’s End to John O’ Groats Reliability Trial 2023 reached its end at a fine and sunny John O’ Groats, somewhat ironic after the dire conditions experienced during the event.
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Announcing our December Bright Young Spark, Courtney Ward!
- 5th January, 2024
My love for cars has definitely become my way of life. My grandfather was a brilliant mechanic, so naturally my dad followed suit with a passion for cars and detailing; I've grown up around it.
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The Ford Capri II at Fifty by Andrew Roberts!
- 5th January, 2024
When Ford unveiled the Capri II on the 25th of February 1974, they faced a vast challenge – how do you improve on the original Capri?
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Congratulations to Les, our Austin Healey winner!
- 5th January, 2024
Last year we gave you the chance to WIN a beautifully restored Austin Healey. We had thousands of entries, and we can announce that the lucky winner was Les!
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FORGOTTEN HERO - THE LANCIA FLAVIA
- 5th January, 2024
Quite simply, the Flavia was a crucial model in Lancia’s history - their first front-wheel-drive car. It is also hard to envisage how unusual a sight it would have been in the UK when it was new. Autocar described the Flavia as “a car for the connoisseur”, and Motor Sport regarded the Lancia not so much as a status symbol but as a:
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The SEAT 600 – The Car That Changed a Nation
- 5th January, 2024
It is a scenario familiar to many of us. You are casually scanning the eBay listings, gazing at the cars you cannot afford, when one vehicle metaphorically leaps out of the screen.
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MATCHBOX TOYS AT SEVENTY
- 5th January, 2024
This blog is by way of a triple celebration. Lesney issued its first Matchbox die-cast model in 1953, its first buses and lorries in 1954, and for seven decades they have delighted motoring enthusiasts of all ages.
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The Car That Came In From The Cold – The Borgward P100
- 4th January, 2024
For many years, this writer has regarded the Borgward P100 ‘Big Six’ as one of the most fascinating German cars of its generation. To find an ex-Guernsey RHD example being recently sold by Classic Car Auctions | 1961 B rgward P100 B g S x-F r Sale sorely tempted him, for the P100 belongs in a world of Cold War spies.
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Meet The Owner – Callum Cubbage and his Talbot-Matra Murena
- 4th January, 2024
For many years, I thought my father’s gold Talbot-Matra Murena 1.6 was one of the most unusual cars he had ever owned. Certainly, no one else in our village had decided to invest in an LHD three-seater mid-engine coupe. So, imagine my delight in seeing Callum’s example. He remarks: “This car is totally original apart from the replacement engine.