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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
The future of classics is with youngsters
- 7th March, 2023
Like or not, the car – and by extension, historic vehicles – is under threat. Fewer youngsters aspire to drive than ever before, at least by the statistics of a 2021 Guardian report, which found just 2.97 million 16-25 year-olds had a licence, compared to the highs of 3.32 million in March 2020, and 3.42 million in 2012.
Pick of the saleroom: our favourite cars heading to auction in March
- 7th March, 2023
With 2023’s sales well underway, March is looking excellent for fans of British classics – whether they be barn finds, ex-celebrity or working vehicles with a new lease of life. Last month saw a fascinating collection of historics go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro sale on 25 February, including an unregistered, 300-mile rubber-bumper MGB and a cache of seven Lotus Elans from the Piddington Collection, including an S3 drophead given to the late Dame Diana Rigg.
THE AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE FROM ITALY – THE INNOCENTI 950/1100S
- 7th March, 2023
“A version of the Sprite with innate appeal to the sort of motorist who habitually wore sunglasses indoors” – that is how I described the Innocenti nearly eight years ago for Practical Classics and I stand by my words. It is the sort of sports car that belongs in the world described by Peter Sarstedt in Where Do You Go To My Lovely?, yet its underpinnings hailed from the UK.
Class of 1984: the stars of the National Classic Motor Show still doted on today
- 3rd March, 2023
Alongside Ghostbusters, Purple Rain and the Austin Montego, the National Classic Motor Show appeared on the scene in 1984. It had to have started somewhere – and in the case of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery, that year was 1984.
Buying a classic at auction: five top tips for how not to get carried away
- 3rd March, 2023
You’ve seen the programmes, you’ve read the magazines: you want a classic car of your own. There are hundreds of auction houses, both online and in-person; if you don’t want to haggle via the classifieds, the salerooms are the place to go. For a newcomer, however, the process can be a daunting one; the adage of ‘buyer beware’ applies, as always.
Four underrated Eighties Japanese cars you should consider giving a home to
- 2nd March, 2023
The Japanese car industry was on a roll in the 80s. Critical acclaim was rolling in from Europe and the United States – and as export markets grew, a greater awareness of Western tastes developed. Some brands gained notoriety owing to motorsport, anime or hard-won reputation; others, equally as deserving, had to live in their shadow.
Thank you for joining us for Coffee with a Cause!
- 28th February, 2023
Thanks to everyone who joined us at Lancaster Headquarters on Thursday 16th February as we supported Practical Classics in seeing off their ‘Rebel with a Cause’ restored Reliant Rebel on a road trip around the south-east of the UK.
STAYING POSITIVE: LONDON ELECTRIC CARS
- 27th February, 2023
Examining the pros and cons of electric vehicles – especially where converted classics are concerned – is long overdue. In the first part of a new series, Lancaster Insurance Services spoke to London Electric Cars, a firm transforming historics in Vauxhall, South London.
Three reasons why you should add a 90s car to your collection – if you haven’t already
- 27th February, 2023
Bag a car from the late 20th century, before youngsters, emissions zones and collectors beat you to it.
Nostalgia on wheels: why the Ford Escort Mk3 should be your next classic
- 27th February, 2023
Ford of Europe’s first front-wheel-drive Escort was a sales chart phenomenon that you can still afford to run and enjoy in 2023 It can’t have escaped your attention that the Eighties is back in fashion.
PRIDE IN HISTORICS: THE GAY CLASSIC CAR CLUB
- 27th February, 2023
Classic cars insulate us from the world and its troubles. The chance to enjoy shared interests with like-minded people is a welcome respite; unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community isn’t always afforded the same opportunity.
ULEZ BEATING CLASSICS FROM ACROSS THE DECADES
- 24th February, 2023
London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone is set to move from the North and South Circulars to the Greater London Boroughs on 29 August 2023, meaning any non-compliant car is liable for a £12.50 charge to drive inside the zone.
MEET THE OWNER – MICHAEL RYMAN AND HIS 1967 WARTBURG KNIGHT
- 23rd February, 2023
Michael’s fascination with the Wartburg Knight commenced in 1974 when his father bought a Carmine Red Mk. 4 Tourist from Woodman’s Garage in Thundersley. Nearly 50 years later, his stupendously rare 1967 RHD example reminds British motorists of a time when such cars offered cheap and very practical transport.
MEET THE OWNER – ROBBIE POOLE AND HIS NISSAN MICRA K10
- 23rd February, 2023
It all started when I was 16, my dad was working at a garage and a customer of his owned a 1986 pre-facelift Champagne Gold K10 that I used to love the look of - it was a 1L Automatic model”. The impact of that first-generation Micra on Robbie Poole was such that today he is the proud owner of a 1986 example that looks as though it has emerged in our dimension via a time warp.
