Lancaster News

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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.

Vauxhall Viva

Meet The Owner – Adrian Miller and his Vauxhall Viva HB SL90 Crayford Convertible

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 26th February, 2021

Last year we featured Adrian’s Viva De Luxe “Brabham” but, incredibly, this is not the rarest car in his collection. In March 1968, Crayford Engineering transformed five of the HB range into dropheads. Each was based on the SL90, finished in white and wore Cosmic Mk. I alloy wheels’. Luton officially approved the conversion, and they were distributed solely by the Leeds Vauxhall dealership Wallace Arnold.

FBHVC logo

What is the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs FBHVC?

  • 26th February, 2021

If it wasn’t for the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), many classic car owners wouldn’t be able to drive their pride and joy on British roads. The Federation was created to uphold the freedom to use historic vehicles on the road, representing the interests of classic car owners to officials, politicians, and legislators.

Classic car lined up

Best classic car designers

  • 24th February, 2021

As classic car enthusiasts, we are indebted to the many brilliant automotive designers who have given us our passion – without their unique vision, ideals and principles, we’d have nothing to get excited about. All cars would be one of the same, destined for the scrap heap at the end of their life, rather than carefully preserved as so many historic vehicles are today.

Classic car in Italy

How to plan a classic Italian Job-style road trip

  • 24th February, 2021

What comes to mind when you think of the classic British film, The Italian Job? Michael Caine – certainly. The Swinging Sixties – for sure. And classic cars. Lots and lots of classic cars!

Porsche badge

All about the Porsche 911

  • 23rd February, 2021

The classic Porsche 911 has been found to be the most valuable historic vehicle on the market with the models bringing in over £900 million to the UK economy. Research from the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation and Endurance Rallying Association (HERO-ERA) calculates that the 23,029 models add up to an estimated valuation of £911 million. The Porsche 911 was miles out in front in the list, with the Jaguar E-Type claiming second place with an estimated worth of £371 million from 4,120 models.

A classic car with a heart shaped exhaust tip

What’s the environmental impact of classic cars in the UK?

  • 22nd February, 2021

In this article, we set the record straight on what the new law will mean for classic car owners and help you keep up to date with the government’s long-term plans. But, first, it’s important to put it all into context by looking at the environmental impact of classic cars in the UK.

Lancia Gamma

DO YOU REMEMBER – THE LANCIA GAMMA BERLINA?

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 22nd February, 2021

In the early 1980s, certain large cars were more frequently encountered in brochures and the automotive press than in the metal – the Talbot Tagora, the Renault 30 TX and the Gamma Berlina. All deserved far more commercial success, especially the Lancia - one of the most distinctive saloons of its generation.

The Jaguar XKSS

THE JAGUAR XKSS – A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 19th February, 2021

When Jaguar unveiled the E-Type at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, several observers cast their minds back to 1957 – and an equally remarkable two-seater sports car from Browns Lane. The XKSS came about after the company temporarily retired from competition racing in 1956. However, there were several unsold D-Types at the factory while Jaguar’s dealers in North America saw a demand for a “Class C” production racer.

Blue Classic Car

How much do classic cars appreciate?

  • 17th February, 2021

Many classic car enthusiasts hope to make money from their hobby, but sadly not all of them are so lucky. So, what is it about a classic car that makes it appreciate in value? What factors should you consider when choosing a car as an investment? And how should you care for your car in a way that will boost its value over the years to come?

4x4 in the woods

What is green laning?

  • 17th February, 2021

Do you love driving? Enjoy a challenge? Want to get off the beaten track – literally? Then why not give green laning a try? This exciting hobby, which involves seeking out and exploring lesser known byways, is much loved by drivers of classic Land Rovers and other 4x4s. It’s a great way to remind yourself of those bygone days when motoring was still a thrill.

Classic car meet

What is the Gay Classic Car Group?

  • 17th February, 2021

The classic car community loves welcoming new owners into the fold. They’re a welcoming bunch who love sharing their passion with others, and passing on some of their motoring knowledge. With hundreds of classic car clubs up and down the country, you won’t have to look far to find a club that’s perfect for you and your vintage motor.

MARC WINCHESTER-HORSCRAFT’S 1964 VAUXHALL VIVA

ONE FAMILY FROM NEW – MARC WINCHESTER-HORSCRAFT’S 1964 VAUXHALL VIVA

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 16th February, 2021

‘Usually, the response is I drove one of those when working with BT. Or surprised to see one of those thought they had all rusted away. I enjoy going to car shows and like the response of people in regards to seeing an everyday car from years gone by’. The HA-Series Viva is indeed a rare sight; the production run was only from 1963 to 1966 and, as with several British vehicles of that era, it was prone to corrosion.

RENAULT ESTAFETTE

MEET THE OWNER – SIMON PIKE AND HIS RENAULT ESTAFETTE

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 12th February, 2021

In France the Estafette genuinely merits the term ‘iconic’; from mobile shops and ice-cream vans to mini-buses and as transport for the telephone service. The Renault could also be seen delivering bread, acting as a support vehicle at the Tour de France, and, as with Simon’s 1963 example, as a police van.

Maestro car

MEET THE OWNER – LUCY WORSLEY AND HER MAESTRO COLLECTION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 10th February, 2021

'It was through my other half that I started getting into Maestros' remarks Lucy 'Steve has had many over the last 15 years and, after meeting him eight odd years ago, I got into the car scene.'