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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.
Why go direct to a classic car insurance broker?
- 19th August, 2024
We’ve been in the insurance business since 1984 and in that time we’ve arranged cover for some truly fantastic cars. Whether it’s a rare model, has a fantastic story, or simply fills you with pride and joy, we understand that your classic needs to be protected and have the correct cover in place should the worst happen.
MEET THE OWNER – MEL NEALE AND HIS SIMCA 1501 ESTATE
- 19th August, 2024
I've had the Simca for five or six years. My father had a saloon in the 1970s, so I got to the stage when I was in a position to purchase one – albeit an estate version. When I bought it, I didn't register how rare the 1501s were. I purchased the Estate via eBay from a guy in Norfolk who had bought it off a farmer a month previously. It had sat in a barn for 29 years after the father passed away.
MEET THE OWNER -ABDUL SHAIKH AND HIS VAUXHALL VENTORA V.I.P.
- 12th August, 2024
Some limited-edition cars were to clear the showroom of stocks before the launch of a replacement model. Others marked the end of a long and distinguished production run, while a third group enhanced the appeal of a recently introduced line-up. The Ventora V.I.P. falls into this last-named category, and there are now believed to be only two on the road.
MEET THE OWNER – MICHAEL DICKENS AND HIS LADA RIVA
- 12th August, 2024
“I found it in a scrap yard in Kempston. The old lady that owned it from new had crashed it into her house and stopped driving. Her family scrapped it, and I bought it blind for £300 to cannibalise it for parts for my 1994 Riva Estate. It was immaculate when it turned up (aside from a dented wing and smashed headlamp), and I just couldn’t break it up.”
RARER THAN RARE – 1966 RENAULT 16
- 12th August, 2024
When Renault GB introduced the 16 to British motorists in the autumn of 1965, it would be fair to say it did not resemble any UK family saloon. To quote the advertisement: “The Renault l6 is a new breed of car. Compare the looks of the new Renault 16 with other 1 ½ litre cars”. This 1966 De Luxe is believed to be the oldest surviving British market example.
MEET THE OWNER – PHIL CAUNT AND HIS HEINZ 57 WOLSELEY HORNET CONVERTIBLE
- 12th August, 2024
“I must first say I did NOT restore it myself—I purchased it with it needing 'minor amendments' to make it how I wanted it, including removing some extra work that the previous owner wanted, plus adding some overriders, going over the fuel system, and other 'tweaks'. It is a lovely car, but of course, unless you know it's a 'Heinz,' Joe Public thinks it is a Wolseley Hornet that has just had a chop job!”
MEET THE EXPERT – SARAH CRABTREE
- 12th August, 2024
Readers will instantly know the name of Sarah Crabtree, as the director of Evoke Classics, from the television series Bangers and Cash, and from meeting her at events in the company of Ivan, her Morris Ital. This writer has had the great privilege of witnessing Sarah pilot this fine machine around the Silverstone circuit – an experience never to be forgotten!
THE FIAT 131 AT 50 By Andrew Roberts
- 5th August, 2024
It is always a pleasant experience to be reacquainted with Theo Kyriacou’s Sport, which goes by the Nom-de-Fiat of Hugo.
Meet The Owner – Herb and his Fiat 1500
- 5th August, 2024
“I am 22 years old and have wanted a classic car since my early childhood - you could say I have admired them all my life. I remember my dad having a Morris Oxford Series VI Farina for a while; it was the family car until we found out the floor was made of cornflake packets!
The Mini Moke at 60 by Andrew Roberts
- 5th August, 2024
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Mini Moke, we travel to Portmeirion in North Wales, where this writer had the honour of encountering one of the most famous automotive television stars of the 20th century.
The RAC are our exclusive breakdown partner
- 5th August, 2024
We’re now offering RAC roadside assistance as a new add-on policy benefit for customers with cover starting from £19.95!
Exciting New Feature: Podcast Lounge at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show!
- 5th August, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new feature at this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show: The Podcast Lounge!
TWENTY MOTORING MEMORIES
- 5th August, 2024
While on wedding car duty (look out for another blog soon), I pondered how a 1960 Wolseley 6/99 appeared to modern traffic and my advanced age. Was I really aged only 14 and contemplating my GCE O-Level options when Lancaster Insurance was formed in 1984? And here are 20 aspects of motoring and transport that might be lost on the youth of today:
MEET THE OWNER – MARK DENTON AND HIS JOWETT JAVELIN
- 5th August, 2024
A friend in the village I grew up in had it from 1967 until he passed away 22 years ago. I never thought the car would ever come on the market! I like the lines of the Javelin – they remind me of the Vanguard – and the work of its designer, Gerald Palmer! My car is a Javelin De Luxe, first registered to Jowett’s sales manager, Arthur Joplin.
