LANCASTER CLASSIC CAR NEWS
The New Avengers re-visited
Over the past few months, I have taken the opportunity to re-visit certain television shows of the past. Here are my observations on the thrill a minute series that was The New Avengers.
Do You Remember - The Morris 1800 MK.1?
In the 1960s the British Motor Corporation was renowned – or notorious, depending on your point of view – for its “badge-engineering”. This would occasionally result in some very short-lived modes, such as the Morris 1800 Mk. I, which debuted in 1966 and lasted only until the launch of the Mk. II “Landcrab” in 1968.
Meet the Owner - Sean Puckle and his Ford Cortina Ghia MK.IV
It would be fair to say that Sean is a long-term Cortina devotee – ‘I’ve had loads back in the day. In recent years I had a Concours 1600E Mk. II and I sild a lovely P reg 2000E last year, so this Ghia replaced it. I must always have a Cortina in my life - it’s like putting on an old slipper!’
DO YOU REMEMBER – THE VAUXHALL VENTORA FE?
Forty-five years ago, I regarded the FE-Series Ventora as one of the most handsome cars you were likely to encounter in the not very mean streets of Fareham. The vaguely Pontiac-style lines, the quad headlamps, the vinyl roof and the sound of that 3.3-litre straight-six engine denoted a car of modest but genuine distinction.
CAR OF THE MONTH – FRED DUKES AND HIS 1958 BEDFORD CA “ARISTOCRAT”
When you see a 1958 Bedford CA “Aristocrat”, you instantly know you are in the presence of a vehicle of distinction. There is the timber framing on the bodywork, the wonderfully over-the-top bonnet mascot and the opening Perspex rear windows.
Club of the month – Blackpool Thunder Car Club
Launched this month (July), Blackpool Thunder is a TVR club for the 21st Century. Spearheaded by Steve Charlesworth, Alex Leith and Howard Bryan, the club is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and welcomes all TVR owners and fans.
Test your classic car knowledge with Lancaster Insurance Top Trumps packs
To celebrate our love for classic cars, Lancaster Insurance is giving enthusiasts another opportunity to purchase its Special Edition Top Trumps packs.
How to save money on your next campervan holiday
Hitting the road in a classic camper can be a dream holiday but it also comes at a cost. If your last campervan trip cost more than you planned, make sure you follow these tips for a more affordable adventure next time.
60 YEARS OF SEAT BELTS IN BRITISH CARS
The Jensen 541S was quite a star of the 1960 London Motor Show. As compared with its 541R predecessor, it was four inches wider, lacked the familiar adjustable front air flap and featured a limited-slip differential and Dunlop disc brakes fore and aft.
THE JAGUAR XJ COUPE - A CELEBRATION
Some cars have the rare distinction of being even more exquisite in the metal than they are in PR photos – such as the Jaguar XJ Coupe.
MEET THE OWNER – ANDREW PYLE AND HIS VAUXHALL VIVA HA GT BRABHAM
In our last blog about the Viva HB Brabham, we noted its HA predecessor and how just one is believed to survive. The owner of that very car recently contacted us and so here is the story of Andrew Pyle’s Vauxhall - one of the most exclusive vehicles ever to wear the Griffin badge.