Memories of the 2024 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show by Andrew Roberts

As always, it is impossible to summarise the experience of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, which is always a great event. Here are just 30 impressions of the 2024 Show:

1. Approximately 1,267 people said, “My mum/dad had one of those” on seeing the Austin Montego Vanden Plas EFI on the Lancaster Insurance stand. And that was just within the space of one hour on Saturday!
2. The Gordon-Keebles in burgundy and green. The GK is undoubtedly one of the UK’s finest grand touring cars – and would have been the ideal transport for the Sean Connery-era 007.
3. A DKW F102, the last car from the famous manufacturer, and really marking the end of popular two-stroke saloons in the former West Germany. That smart bodyshell went on to be used by the new generation of four-stroke Audis.
4. The first-generation Maserati Quattroporte; a car for La Dolce Vita set.
5. The Rover P4 Drophead, which was easily the equal of any Alvis or Bristol of that era in terms of sheer elegance.
6. A RHD BMW 700LS Coupe; the 700’s importance to the marque’s fortunes cannot be overstated.
7. A line-up of Metros seemingly intended to make me feel old – I was aged ten at their launch.
8. The understated grandeur of the Bentley Eight on the Lancaster stand.
9. The Mini ‘Jet Black’ - a limited-edition example that was very acceptable in the 1980s, and more so today.
10. The Montego stand celebrating 40 years of one of BL’s most important cars.
11. The Dodge-badged television licence detector van. I had forgotten a) how ubiquitous the ‘Spacevan’ once was, b) how the last examples sported a black grille and c) Just how imposing they looked.
12. The green Vauxhall Cresta De Luxe PC; the sort of vehicle that would chase Simon Templar’s Volvo P1800 in a late episode of The Saint.
13. The Talbot Matra-Rancho in all its soft-roader glory, down to those swivelling mesh-covered spot lamps on the front wings. Ideal for sighting any wildebeest that might suddenly appear along the Kingston Bypass.
14. The British Railways-liveried Austin 101 Van that looked so jaunty it should have been in a Doctor comedy film.
15. The first-generation 4 on the Renault Classic Car Club stand - a reminder of one of Le Regie’s most brilliant designs.
16. Not to mention the yellow Renault 12TS, the car with the most stylish head restraints in its class.
17. The early Austin Maxi with its rather elegant Roy Haynes-styled front.
18. A Vauxhall Firenza’ Droop Snoot’ exuding menace and charisma in equal proportion.
19. The Rover SD1s; another masterwork of David Bache.
20. The BMC ‘Landcrabs’; reputedly the favourite design of Alec Issigonis.
21. Jon Bentley’s magnificent 95 on the Saab Enthusiasts’ Club display; there was no other small estate car like it in 1963.
22. Riley RMs that epitomised the word “dashing”.
23. The Wolseley Register stand; as a 6/99 owner, this was a natural port of call.
24. The Morris 1800 ‘Wedge’ is incredibly rare and a superb example of Harris Mann’s great design ‘au naturelle’.
25. The Hillman’ New Minx’; the Rootes Group’s rival to the Ford Cortina Mk.2 is a highly appealing machine.
26. The utterly fabulous Lancer, Galant and GTO of the Mitsubishi Colt Owners Club; this year marks the 50th anniversary of Mitsubishi sales in this country.
27. A Talbot Alpine; a good-looking and practical car that deserved more success in the UK than it achieved.
28. A Volvo Duett, a PV-based light utility vehicle that remained in production until as recently as 1969. Alas, Volvo did not officially export them to the UK.
29. A car I have not encountered since about 1995; a RHD FSO 1500 Estate!
30. My Car of the Show; a 1966 Vauxhall FC Victor works’ ambulance. Complete with a blue flashing light. Not to mention the Winkworth bell.

Above all, my memories are of how the exhibits inspired enthusiasts of all ages throughout the event. That is entirely due to the tireless efforts of owners and club members who are always responsible for making the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show such a landmark event!