Lancaster News

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Latest news

Welcome to Lancaster Insurance News

Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.

The Venezia

THE SUNBEAM FROM ITALY – THE VENEZIA

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 9th November, 2020

At first sight, it could be a car that belongs to the world of La Dolce Vita; transport for Marcello Mastroianni or Sophia Loren to Rome’s finest nightclubs. Almost every detail is reminiscent of 1960s European glamour - until you notice the grille’s similarity to the Humber Sceptre Mk.I and the Sunbeam Rapier Mk. V. And while the coachwork was indeed the work of Carrozzeria Touring, the running gear hailed from Coventry.

A classic MGB roadster parked in a car park with the roof down on a sunny day

The best classic two-seater convertibles

  • 9th November, 2020

Convertible cars let us squeeze every last bit of warm weather from our summers. What else gives you that wind-in-the-hair sensation? And when you buy a classic convertible, it’s the kind of investment that just keeps on giving.

Slough Citroën DS Pallas

The Slough Citroën DS Pallas – A Celebration

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 6th November, 2020

As a Citroën devotee of many years standing, there is one model in particular that I crave – the Slough-built DS Pallas. Here are my impressions from a Classic & Sports Car feature from five years ago:

An auction gavel on a stand at a classic car auction

Car auction myths busted!

  • 5th November, 2020

Whether it’s a bargain in need of some TLC or a beautifully preserved original, there are plenty of ways a seller can entice a would-be buyer. However, there are many car auction myths floating around, among both buyers and sellers, that need busting!

Fordson Van

MEET THE OWNER - JERRAMY TOPPING AND HIS 1950 FORDSON E83W

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 4th November, 2020

In the 1950s, no line of traffic would have been complete without an example of the E83W range en route to delivering coal, laundry, milk or, in summer, ice cream cornets. Their rate of progress could never be described as ‘rapid’ – there appears to be no instance of an E83W getaway vehicle in a British B-film – but they were almost guaranteed to reach their destination.

Toyota MR2

CAR OF THE MONTH – TONY PENMAN’S TOYOTA MR2 MK. II TURBO

  • Harry Brown |
  • 2nd November, 2020

Back in the early 1990s when Tony passed his driving test, he craved a Toyota MR2 Mk. II – “but the bank manager thwarted this ambition”. A few years later, he came close to owning one of these fine machines – “but my wife talked me out of it as it was not a practical machine for work purposes”. However, two years ago the Penman fleet was, at long last, joined by a 1990 turbo-charged Revision 1 –“a private import from Japan”.

Triumph 2500S

DO YOU REMEMBER - THE TRIUMPH 2500S?

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 2nd November, 2020

Some cars – no names – merely peter out at the end of a long run. A few conclude their career in a morass of special edition versions, festooned with stripes and wheel trims. And a select few ceased production on a high note – the Ford Capri 280 Brooklands, the Mini in 2000 and the Triumph 2500S.

Sunbeam Alpine

THE SUNBEAM ALPINE GT – A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 30th October, 2020

The clocks have changed, and there is a certain crispness in the air – in short, it is that time of the year when many classic sports car enthusiasts start considering a coupe rather than a convertible. However, the Sunbeam Alpine GT, with its detachable roof and soignée lines, really was the best of both worlds – assuming you only required two seats.

Genevieve

A TRIBUTE TO GENEVIEVE

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 30th October, 2020

As we all know, this year’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has been cancelled due to COVID-19 - https://www.veterancarrun.com/. As a tribute to this great event and to anticipate its return in 2021, here are twenty facts about Genevieve – one of the greatest films of all time:

Sporting Bears Logo

Club of the Month

  • Harry Brown |
  • 29th October, 2020

At Lancaster Insurance, we have worked closely with Sporting Bears for a number of years. We are a huge supporter of the club and wanted to shine a light on the fantastic work they do for charity and show how we can all get involved.

A motorhome set-up on the coast of a mountain lake with high mountains in the background

Why motorhomes are one of the safest ways to holiday after lockdown

  • 28th October, 2020

Let’s look at the reasons why motorhome holidays are booming, and why motorhome insurance is essential for protecting your home on wheels.

Racecar

2020 Hyundai Coupe Cup – review so far by Alex Cursley

  • Harry Brown |
  • 28th October, 2020

The 2020 Hyundai Coupe Cup season has been shorter than normal due to the current situation. With racing starting in August, we talk to our sponsored driver, Alex Cursley, as he looks back on the season ahead of the Championship decider at Oulton Park this Saturday (31st October).

Abingdon

A TRIBUTE TO ABINGDON

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 23rd October, 2020

On the 24th October 1980, one of the world’s most famous car factories closed its doors. Here we pay tribute to just some of the cars that were made in Abingdon.

A person's hands on the steering wheel of a motorhome

Can you drive a motorhome on prescription medication?

  • 22nd October, 2020

All drivers know it’s illegal to drive if they’re impaired by alcohol or illegal drugs. But did you know the rules also apply to prescription drugs?