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Back in the 1970s, the likes of the Ford Granada GXL or Ghia Mk. I were often regarded as vehicles for the local elite; factory owners or the proprietor of a small chain of tobacconists. You were more likely to encounter one of the cheaper models as a minicab, company car or estate carrying a family to a holiday in Swanage and for these versions, Ford revived a famous badge - the Consul.

This column is by way of a tribute to one of the most interesting public service vehicles of post-war Britain - the Bedford ‘Green Goddess’ fire appliance. Its origins date back to 1949 when the Home Office created the Civil Defence Corps (CDC), whose purpose was to work alongside the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) in the aftermath of a nuclear war.

Decent weather is final upon us (at least it was when I wrote those words!) and, as the cinema adverts used to claim back in the 1960s, now is the time for ice cream. Highly decorated and still a part of the motoring landscape, the ice cream van is a very welcome sight at the end of a long summer’s day so here are six classic examples.

As with many of my generation, I first encountered the Austin K2/Y via re-screenings of Ice Cold in Alex on television. It is a film that showcases the talents of John Mills and Anthony Quayle at their considerable best and one of the principal characters is the battered but indomitable ambulance, which was one of the key British military vehicles of the Second World War.

This year marks a double celebration for Saab, not only is it the 40th anniversary of the Turbo, it is also the 50th birthday of the 99.

The VW Golf GTi Mk. I may have been one of the most notable ‘hot hatchbacks’ of the 1970s but it was neither the only or even the first of the breed. The half-dozen cars described below are my own selection – all front wheel drive, all with a third or fifth rear door and all of them highly entertaining.

‘What a magnificent car’, the three business-like gentlemen seem to be saying. ‘We like the cut of the owner’s jib for anyone who appreciates the 6/99 is clearly a chap amongst chaps. He obviously deserves a seat on the Board of Directors and 5,000 guineas per year’.

The top 10 beach cars.. or if you prefer, ten cars that help to make a successful vacation. In chronological order, we have:

If TV super-cop Gene Hunt had operated in the 1990s, which car would have replaced the 1980s Audi Quattro?

We’re thrilled to announce the show’s highest turnout last weekend, with more than 14,000 people attending the show, up 40% on last year! Over the weekend, 2,100 classic, motorsport and supercars were displayed over the 36 acres, with 1,720 classic and sports cars including those from members of 31 car clubs.

Club of the Month is always a very difficult feature for us to decide as there are always so many worthy recipients! This month’s was unanimously decided and has been awarded to ‘Yeovil Car Club’, a club we met at the Lancaster Insurance Classic and Supercar Show at Sherborne Castle, which took place last weekend.

The early ‘whale tail’ version of the Sierra Cosworth featured as our ‘Car of the Month’ last year but it was the 4-door saloon version of this car, with its less extrovert styling, which became much more accessible to those looking for a fast Ford. Over the 4 years that the ‘Cossie’ was produced some 25,000 vehicles were snapped up.

The announcement on July 16th of the Thirteenth Doctor sent me back to the distant past, one long before Christopher Eccleston – a time of disused quarries, entertaining rubber-costumed monsters and when masterminds who craved to rule the universe sported pointed beards to highlight their malign natures. And, as it turned out, quite a variety of cars…

This weekend, a team from Lancaster Insurance will be making their way to the picturesque Sherborne Castle for the Lancaster Insurance Classic & Supercar Show where over 2,000 vehicles will be on display including American, Custom and Hot Rod cars as well as a range of supercars.

Rockingham Motor Speedway was the setting for our mid-season meet and we set out to get back to our winning ways following the frustrations at Thruxton.

Many of us have been nearly bored to death by various jokes concerning that mythical car, the ‘Robin Reliant’. Firstly, it was and is a Reliant Robin - just as you would not refer to a ‘Cortina Ford’ or ‘Chevette Vauxhall – and secondly, the Tamworth company did not lack for ambition with their small cars during the 1970s.

A confession – I am an unabashed fan of the Hillman Imp family. The early models are, in my not at all boasted view, one of the best looking small cars of their generation with their quasi-Chevrolet Corvair lines.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic and Supercars Show at Sherborne Castle is fast approaching, with gates opening this Saturday at 10am!

Part three of the Legends of Brands Hatch Superprix takes a look at the Guards Trophy – Elva MK7S and below is a review from Ben Mitchell.

Part two of the Legends of Brands Hatch Superprix takes a look at racing action in the Classic F3 – Chevron B34 and below is a review by Max Bartell.