Lancaster News

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Welcome to Lancaster Insurance News

Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.

Classic car parked on cliff overlooking sea

Modern classic cars in 2022 for first time owners

  • 18th August, 2022

So, you're thinking of buying your first classic car. Exciting times! But what motor from yesteryear will suit you best?

A row of campervans on a grass field

Best caravan and campervan pitches in 2022

  • 17th August, 2022

If you've spent time in your campervan, you’ll know the UK is blessed with legions of wonderful, campervan-friendly campsites. These range from basic – a toilet and a shower block – to pampering, with onsite restaurants, kids' playrooms and more. Here are just a few of our favourites from around the UK.

Blurred high speed cars on the autobahn

How to drive on the autobahn

  • 17th August, 2022

Think of the word ‘autobahn’ and what mental image springs to mind? Chances are that it's either a certain hypnotic groove by German synth pioneers Kraftwerk… or a luxurious German saloon cruising down a well-maintained motorway, with no care for the speed limit. Yes, as many motorists know, the autobahn system – Germany's motorway network – has certain sections where no speed limit is in place. That, according to your driving personality (and the car you drive), probably either sounds quite exciting or somewhat frightening.

Shiny red classic car with wheel close up

How to register a vehicle of historic interest

  • 16th August, 2022

As we've discussed elsewhere on this blog, once a car becomes 40 years old it becomes eligible for what's known as 'Vehicle of Historical Interest' status. In most, although (as we are about to see) not all cases, this means that the owner of the vehicle no longer has to pay vehicle tax on the car, or submit it for an annual MOT.

Renault 4

The Renault 4 Plein Air – A Celebration

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 10th August, 2022

It is the late 1960s, and you are hip, groovy, and generally “with-it”. You also crave beach transport with greater comfort than the Mini Moke can hope to offer, and Renault is now offering an open-top version of the 4 – the Plein Air.

Andrew Roberts

THE FIAT X1/9 AT 50

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 10th August, 2022

Fifty years ago, Fiat introduced three important new models – the 126, the 132, and a small mid-engine sports car greeted with some apprehension by many a Triumph and MG dealer.

Volvo P1800

THE CORGI SAINT VOLVO – THE FIRST BRITISH DIE-CAST FILM/TV SPIN-OFF

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 10th August, 2022

Virtually all die-cast model enthusiasts know that 1965 was the year of the Corgi ‘James Bond Aston Martin DB5’ - but it was not their first film/TV spin-off.

Sport Hatch

MEET THE OWNER – BILLY MAXWELL AND HIS VAUXHALL MAGNUM SPORTSHATCH

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 5th August, 2022

“Just 197 were produced, making it the lowest number production model. Its rarity is added to as Vauxhall never produced brochures or price lists. Dealers were offered them as company cars not for sale direct to the public although many found their way onto the forecourt”.

Cribbins

BERNARD CRIBBINS 29TH DECEMBER 1928 – 22ND JULY 2022

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 5th August, 2022

During the 1980s, it seemed an unofficial rule of BBC television that Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. had to be scheduled during school holidays.

man driving a cabriolet car in the sun

What Is A Cabriolet? The Best 80’s & 90’s Cabriolets For The Summer

  • 4th August, 2022

For anyone not aware of cabriolet cars, the word derives from French origin and refers to vehicles that have either a hard or a soft-top retractable roof; or as you may have heard to these types of vehicles called a convertible.

PADDY HOPKIRK

PADDY HOPKIRK MBE 14th APRIL 1933 – 21ST JULY 2022

  • Andrew Roberts |
  • 3rd August, 2022

In 1964 some 299 cars were poised to take part in the Monte Carlo Rally including six BMC factory Mini Coopers. Their competition was fierce, with British Fords, Chryslers, Citroëns, Mercedes-Benzs, Saabs, Sunbeams, and Volvos due to take part. As for the favourites, Motor Sport observed

Is this the oldest MX5 in the UK?

  • 29th July, 2022

Lancaster Insurance customer Ellie is the proud owner of a 1989 MX-5 Eunos, the oldest MX-5 believed to be in the UK today! The Japanese Market Spec model came to our shores in 1998 and fast forward five years to 2003, and this is when ‘Suki’ and Ellie’s journey began. Ellie was looking for a fun car for work and had recently come across an MX-5, thanks to a work colleague she visited that owned one. On her return home, Ellie’s search started in earnest when she spotted the red model in Autotrader. She made an appointment to see the car and the rest they say is history!

MX5

The Great Classic Trade-up – Our second car revealed…

  • 27th July, 2022

We’ve now secured our second car – a 1993 Mazda MX5 Mk1 Eunos Roadster V-Spec Type 2 Edition – and we’re in love! We’re truly smitten with our new purchase at Lancaster Insurance HQ – a beautiful MX5 with all the bells and whistles, due to it being a V-Spec edition, which is a rarer model than the standard Eunos Roadster.

MX5

Our August club of the month is… The MX-5 Owners Club!

  • 27th July, 2022

MX-5s are high on our agenda this month and to celebrate the wonderful roadster further, the world’s largest MX-5 Club is our club of the month!