Celebration of a special charity restoration - local enthusiasts invited to join in the fun!

On Thursday 16th February, Practical Classics magazine and Lancaster Insurance Services are celebrating the completion of a special charity restoration and are inviting local enthusiasts to join them! After the get-together, the freshly revived 1974 Reliant Rebel Van will be heading off on a jaunt across the countryside visiting Papworth Hospital and Colchester Hospital, with original owner, Graham Catchpole and Practical Classics editor Danny Hopkins at the wheel.

The charity restoration, completed by Practical Classics and members of the Reliant Owners Club and partnered by HB Body and Autopaints Brighton, all supported by Lancaster Insurance Services, was launched last March and has taken a humble Reliant Rebel Van from wreck to riches, resplendent in NHS Blue. The Rebel was donated to Practical Classics by reader Graham Catchpole and after the run is completed, will head off to be auctioned at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show on March 24-26 at the NEC, where, in keeping with Graham’s wishes it will raise money for NHS Charities. Practical Classics Magazine will be revealing how the trip went in their Spring Issue on sale March 2.

Event details

Arrival from 8am - finishes at 10am

One free tea/coffee and croissant per person on arrival

Location: Lancaster House, Meadow Lane, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 4ZB

Danny Hopkins ‘When Graham called me, during lockdown, and asked if the magazine might be interested in restoring his stalled project to raise money for the NHS I was humbled and enthused, but we needed a partner. Lancaster stepped in, as they often do, with the kind of community minded help which we have come to expect. The car is now done, Graham is over the moon and on the run we will be visiting two Hospitals which have played an important role in his own life. It’s going to be a great day, and we hope it will stimulate some real generosity for a fabulous cause.’

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance Services, adds: “This project bought together two things we are passionate about; helping to save and restore much loved classics and raising money for good causes. We hope that enthusiasts will join us with their classic for a coffee and croissant, and to share their own stories about their pride and joy!”