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.

RARER THAN RARE – THE RENAULT 20 TX

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 15th April, 2021

According to How Many Are Left?, just 15 examples of the Renault 20 TX Automatic remain on the road in the UK. Forty years ago, they were regarded as desirable transport – well-appointed, versatile, extremely comfortable and with a certain degree of panache. More importantly, this example, co-owned by Chris Salter and Reg Duffett, was once the daily driver of a great friend to the classic community.

Fiat 130

THE FIAT 130 COUPE AT 50

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 15th April, 2021

50 years ago, Fiat unveiled one of their most beautiful cars: the 10 Coupe. It was not just a belated heir to the 2300S and the Lance Flaminia Coupe but a car fit to rival the BMW 3.0CS and the Mercedes-Benz 280CE. Famous owners included (but of course) Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.

Citreon Cityrama

THE WORLD’S FINEST BUS? – THE CITROEN U55 ‘CITYRAMA’

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 15th April, 2021

In 1956, the French travel firm Groupe Cityrama commissioned the famed coachbuilder Currus to build transport suitable for a new generation of tourists.

Austin a30

THE AUSTIN A30/A35 COUNTRYMAN – A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 15th April, 2021

In 1954, the motorist in search of a small estate-car had four options. The recently launched Morris Minor Traveller looked most appealing, while the new Hillman Husky was essentially a modified Commer Cob van.

COMMER ‘MAIDSTONE’

CARRY ON CAMPING – IN A 1961 COMMER ‘MAIDSTONE’

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 15th April, 2021

The year is 1961 and, somewhere in Hampshire, a family is en route to their summer holiday near Swanage. Dad is ranting about those Ton-up boys, Mum dreams of Laurence Harvey, their daughter reads about John Leyton in Mirabelle magazine, while son plots his way to owning a Corgi model of the Citroën DS19.

UK car show

Best car shows of 2021

  • 15th April, 2021

For classic car owners and enthusiasts, nothing beats the excitement of a classic car show. This is especially true in the UK, which is home to a glittering array of world-leading classic car events. These shows provide the opportunity to see some of the best and rarest vehicles in the world up close, maybe even purchasing one of your own.

Car Film Set

12 of the best car movies of all time

  • 15th April, 2021

Cars make movies. Movies make cars. The two go together as well as just about anything. We can’t imagine a time that car movies go out of fashion. At lease, we hope not.

Volkswagen Badge

Best VW owners clubs in the UK

  • 14th April, 2021

Volkswagen has enjoyed the best of times of late. The German manufacturer has famously been involved in an emissions scandal which dates back to 2008 has so far cost the company €30bn (£25bn) – and it’s rising. But VW still has a strong fanbase – especially among classic car owners.

Car Photography

Best Instagram accounts for classic car enthusiasts

  • 14th April, 2021

Did you know that more than 30 million people in the UK are now using Instagram, the photo and video sharing social networking service? And numbers are growing year on year. Classic car enthusiasts are not wasting the opportunity to utilise the platform either, posting thousands of pictures of rare and classic vehicles for us all to enjoy.

The rear end of a classic grey Jaguar E-Type with a red interior

How to take pictures of classic cars

  • 13th April, 2021

We’ve put together this handy guide to some of the basics you need to understand in order to take the perfect picture of your classic. Making your car stand out from the crowd has never been easier.

Talbot Samba

THE TALBOT SAMBA – A CELEBRATION

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 13th April, 2021

Of all the cars celebrating their 40th birthday in 2021, the Samba is one of the rarest, with just 19 remaining in use. They were the last new car to bear the Talbot badge - and one that represented a fresh direction for the brand.

Reliant Scimitar GTC

The Reliant Scimitar GTC – A Celebration

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 13th April, 2021

Looking at the Scimitar GTC, it is hard to believe that it debuted in the same year as the Audi Quattro, the Austin Mini Metro and the Ford Escort Mk3. This is not to imply that the Reliant looked at all dated, for it was a true Grand Tourer; handsome, purposeful and always looking ready for a dash along the A27 to Goodwood.

Ford Goldcrest

Five special edition Ford Escort Mk2s

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 13th April, 2021

In 1979, there would have been few keen motorists unaware that Ford was planning a radical new third-generation Escort – a front-wheel-drive hatchback no less. In the meantime, there was a spate of Limited Edition Mk2s.

Triumph MK1

The Triumph 2.5 P.I. Mk1 – A Celebration

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 13th April, 2021

The 2000 made its bow at the 1963 London Motor Show and by the mid-1960s Canley was already considering a more powerful version. One option was enhancing the 1,998cc-engine to create the ‘2000TS’.