Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

News as it arrives at OCC HQ:

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‘FAMILY TIES’ REVEALED AS 2017 NEC CLASSIC THEME

The theme for this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, powered by Discovery, will be ‘Family Ties’. Held at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November, the 240 exhibiting clubs are invited to embrace the theme with their own interpretations.

Acting Show Director Lee Masters explains: “The classic motoring community is one huge family but so is the motoring industry. Manufacturers create various models which are in families, with one model billed as the sister car to another.

“Plus, there’s those cars that have been passed down through families, from generation to generation; the motor your dad taught you to drive in, or the family saloon that took you on your first holiday.

“We also want to explore how a classic car ties people together. The car clubs introduce like-minded enthusiasts and friendships are formed that can have a remarkable impact on people’s lives. Maybe some couples met through their passion for classics; maybe some people were conceived in one!”

“There’s also the unseen ties of a car’s history; From the very first owner to the person currently sitting behind the wheel, and all those that owned the car in between. The car ties these people together and its often a smaller world than we think. The options are endless.”

As ever, this year’s show theme offers the exhibiting clubs a lot of scope and can be as diverse as the collection of marques represented at the NEC season finale.

Over 2,500 amazing classic cars and motorbikes will be on display, spanning over 100 years of motoring heritage, and covering over one million square feet – that’s about 12 football pitches!

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “The show is one of the highlights of our calendar and we’re really excited about this year’s theme. As a new father, I believe there’s nothing more important than family and think it’s great that we’re celebrating those ties and stories at this year’s show.

“For me, and many others, going around the event stirs up an incredible sense of nostalgia and it’s lovely to see families of all ages enjoying the displays and cars on show, together. Not only that but it’s fantastic to see people passing down their knowledge and expertise and igniting the passion of younger people into our great industry. We’re really excited to see how the theme is interpreted.”

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November.
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[Rick]

WHEELER DEALERS UK PREMIERE TO BE HELD AT LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW, WITH DISCOVERY.

An exclusive UK premiere of the new series of Wheeler Dealers, featuring show stalwart Mike Brewer with his new lead mechanic and co-host Ant Anstead, will be held at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, on Saturday 11th November.

The global classic car restoration show will air the first episode in the 14th season for around 200 guests in an after-hours screening at the NEC ‘season finale’.

Show stalwart Mike Brewer said: “Making Wheeler Dealers with a new partner and thousands of miles away from our native country is difficult, but the reward is bringing one of the world’s biggest and greatest car shows to the screen.

“We are immensely proud of our efforts and we are excited to share the new look Wheeler Dealers with a live UK audience for the first time ever. The show has more mechanical content than ever before and both Ant and I are thrilled with what we believe is a ground breaking build.”

Classic motoring enthusiasts are being given then chance to win two tickets in a prize draw which sees them automatically entered when booking their show tickets before Thursday 26 October.

The lucky winners will join Mike, Ant and special guests once the show doors are closed as part of an exclusive audience to watch the first episode of the brand new series, which will be introduced by the fellas themselves – host Mike Brewer and his new co-host and classic restoration expert Ant Anstead.

Enjoy a beer with the boys as we toast to the new era of Wheeler Dealers with an intimate Q&A session immediately after the screening including an appearance by the legendary designer of the vehicle featured in the show!

Mechanic and ‘new boy’ Ant added: “Joining Wheeler Dealers was like jumping into the deep end! We ran straight into filming and I’ve had to adapt quickly and roll my sleeves up and crack on. Just the way I like it!
“I am super proud of the cars Mike and I have restored and the car show we are making. A lot of sacrifice, dedication, sweat, tears and passion has gone into this. And I know the true car fans will see that.”

To be in with a chance of winning tickets to this exclusive premiere, enthusiasts need to simply book tickets to the UK’s biggest and best classic motor show before Thursday 26th October to be automatically be entered into the prize draw. For those that have already booked tickets to the show, they will automatically be entered into the prize draw for this exclusive prize draw*.
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[Rick]

VANDEN PLAS PROTOTYPE GETS FIRST OUTING AT THE NEC.

The name of Vanden Plas is one of the oldest in motoring history and the Owners’ Club is delighted to be showcasing five of its key models at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery - including one of British Leyland’s rarest prototypes.

The undoubted main attraction of the VPOC stand in Hall 4 will be the famous one-off ‘Landcrab’ prototype. In 1971 a Wolseley 18/85 was transformed into an elegant four-window saloon but the project was sadly cancelled by the management of British Leyland. Fortunately, it escaped being scrapped, the fate of so many project cars, and it went on to serve as a factory runabout before living in semi-retirement for many years. The Vanden Plas 1800 now resides in Scotland and will be starring at Birmingham’s NEC from 10-12 November.

The club’s oldest car on show is a Richmond Red Austin A105, one of just 500 Westminster saloons that in 1958 and 1959 were sent to the Kingsbury Works to receive a decadently luxurious new interior. The result was a car to compete with Rover and Jaguar and the club is very proud to be displaying one of only three known surviving models.

By 1960 Vanden Plas was a BMC marque in its own right and the handsome Pininfarina-styled 3 Litre Princess Mk. It would have been the perfect car for a businessman to power steer himself along the M1.

For enthusiasts of 1970s classics, there will be a 1978 1500 saloon that has been in the same family since it was nearly new - a fascinating and still-controversial blend of a traditional walnut and leather-trimmed cabin and very distinctive radiator grille with the Austin Allegro’s body.

The youngest vehicle is a wonderful legacy of the junior-yuppie era in the form of a 1989 Rover 216 that has less than 10,000 miles on the clock.

No aficionado of British classics should miss the opportunity to appreciate such an exclusive collection of fine cars – including one that so nearly ‘might have been.’

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, returns to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November.
_________________
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[Rick]

FIRST TEN FINALISTS IN LANCASTER INSURANCE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP REVEALED.

1979 Citroen CX 2400 GTi, owned by Neil Osborn

1961 Daimler Dart SP250, owned by Jonathan Smith

1959 Ford Cortina Savage Mk2, owned by Rob Sargent

1973 Ford Cortina 2.0 GT, owned by Mark Rogers

1978 Morris Marina 1.8 Special Saloon, owned by Trevor & Brian Ford

1965 K-code Mustang Fastback, owned by Gareth Jones

1970 Dodge Charger, owned by Craig Marsden

1936 Chevrolet Half Ton Pick Up, owned by Justin & Sally Ann Woolner

1941 Willys Coupe, owned by Andy Crockett

1972 Porsche 914, owned by Paul Hibbert

The first ten finalists in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership’s autumn competition is an eclectic mix with a selection of cars that are guaranteed to turn any petrolhead. From a traditional British classic to an American stunner, an original adventurer to a fire breathing hot rod, expect the unexpected!

Held at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November, 20 finalists in total will be looking to win the hearts and votes of the visitors, with the winner announced on Sunday afternoon.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, said: “Year on year, the calibre of cars in the Pride of Ownership is always outstanding and it’s fantastic to once again see such a varied line-up on display. We can’t wait for the show and to see the beauties in all their glory!

Joining the recently restored 1972 Porsche 914 owned by Paul Hibbert, is the 1979 Citroen CX 2400 GTi, owned by Neil Osborn, that was discovered in a barn back in 2016. Since then, the car has undergone a sympathetic restoration so whilst it’s roadworthy, it retains its originality.

Jonathan Smith’s Daimler Dart SP250 is bound to set alarms ringing – as its an ex-Police car. In the late 1950s, the Metropolitan Police were having trouble with the Café Racer crowd and needed a fast car that could chase after the rowdy bikers. The SP250 was the answer, with this particular car purchased by the Police in 1961. It now lives a quieter life in East Yorkshire.

No final would be complete without the iconic blue oval of the Ford badge and the final will see two stunning examples – a rare 1969 Ford Cortina Savage Mk2, owned by Rob Sargent, and a 1973 Ford Cortina 2.0 GT, owned by Mark Rogers.

The Savage with it’s V6 engine was created by race legend and Ford’s Competitions Manager Jeff Uren. Since undergoing a full nut and bolt restoration back in 2005, it has won many concours competition, even beating a Ferrari Europa much to Rob’s delight.

Mark’s Cortina is another award winning car. Only the second owner from new, Mark has fully restored the car but kept it as original as possible, even refurbishing the existing parts rather than replacing with new versions.

Linking into this year’s ‘Family Ties’ theme brothers Trevor and Brian Ford will be bringing their 1978 Morris Marina 1.8 Special Saloon, one of only six Specials believed to be still on the road.

The final four in this half of the completed line-up will create an American invasion of the best kind. Gareth Jones’ 1965 K-code Mustang Fastback and Craig Marsden’s 1970 Dodge Charger are the epitome of the American muscle car scene.

They will be joined by two Hot Rods that may be equal on power but world’s apart in terms of looks. Justin and Sally-Anne Woolner’s 1936 Chevrolet Half Ton Pick Up is all power and not pretty to look at, but an amazing feat of engineering.

While Andy Crockett’s all original steel 1941 Willy Coupe is breathtakingly beautiful but can still pack a punch in a street car shootout with it’s 468 Big Block Chevy engine or ‘RAT’ which, when blown and injected, produced over 700hp.

The Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership celebrates the passion of the owners, the history of the vehicle and the story that develops between the car and the owner over time. Previous winners include a family owned Metro City, a boat-tailed handmade Packard, and more recently, a Triumph Spitfire.
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Rick - Admin
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[Rick]

HISTORIC LOTUS REGISTER MAKES LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW, WITH DISCOVERY, DEBUT.

The Historic Lotus Register will be making its first appearance at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, at Birmingham’s NEC from the 10-12 November with a truly spectacular display.

In keeping with the ‘Family Ties’ theme of this year’s show, the Register has arranged a stunning selection of seven cars, each representing both the story of the marque and a milestone in automotive history.

The Mark VI was the company’s initial ‘production model’ while the Twelve, the Eleven, the Elite Type 14 and the Seven will all be celebrating their 60th anniversary at the show.

The Twelve, which became the first Lotus Formula One entry, and the Eleven, which won the 1957 Index of Performance at Le Mans, were the result of Colin Chapman’s pioneering experiments into the use of aerodynamics on a racing car. The London Motor Show of that same year saw the debut of the Elite - one of the greatest sports cars of the post-war era and the first vehicle in the world with a self-supporting GRP body.

Such is its appeal, the Lotus Twelve Registrar Mike Bennett will be travelling from Adelaide, Australia, to attend the show as additional support on the stand. Now that’s what you call a family!

As for the Seven, it is a true automotive icon and the Register will be presenting three prime examples at the NEC, from an early Series One model to a Series 2, the Lotus forever associated with The Prisoner.

Showgoers will also be able to see one of only three third generation SS ‘Super Seven’ Twin Cams known to exist in the UK. This has been the property of Philip Jewell, the Register’s Event Officer, since 2004 and he is ‘delighted to be a part of the event.’

“This is our first time at the NEC and we are thrilled at the chance to celebrate Lotus’ past and to welcome a new generation of enthusiasts to our stand,” said Philip.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, is honoured to be the venue for such an astounding presentation of motoring heritage; one that should not be missed by any motoring enthusiast.
_________________
Rick - Admin
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[Rick]

PORSCHE GB CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF THE 928 WITH RACING LEGEND RICHARD ATTWOOD.

Porsche GB will celebrate 40 years of the 928 at this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, held 10-12 November at Birmingham’s NEC. To mark the anniversary, four UK Porsche Classic Partner Centres have entered a 1978 928 in the 2017 season of the HSCC 70s Road Sport Championship, with racing legend Richard Attwood at the wheel.

In 1977, Porsche launched an all new front-engined sports car. Originally designed as a replacement for the 911, the 928 was a luxurious grand tourer powered by a Porsche designed 4.5l V8 engine producing 240hp. A focus on lightweight construction saw the extensive use of aluminium for the body panels rather than traditional sheet steel.

The 928 never did replace the 911 yet still secured its place in Porsche history as an outstanding luxury GT car and the last of the traditional 2-door, transaxle models.

And there may be even more to celebrate in the coming weeks as Richard Attwood is currently leading his class in the HSCC competition with just two more meetings until the end of the season.

British racing driver Richard Attwood raced for the BRM, Lotus and the Cooper Formula One teams, competing in 17 World Championship Grand Prix, achieving one podium and scoring a total of 11 championship points. He was also a successful sports car racing driver and won the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans race, driving a Porsche 917.

As part of Porsche GB’s support of its heritage, it now has four dedicated Porsche Classic Partners in Glasgow, Hatfield, Leeds and Swindon, which are centres that have exceptional classic experience to provide support and parts for its historical models as well as offering classic Porsche vehicles for sale.

James Toye, Business Development Manager for Porsche GB, said: “For us, tradition and innovation are bound closely together. More than 70 percent of all Porsche vehicles ever built are still on the road and therefore play a defining role in shaping the fascination of the brand.

“Porsche Classic is highly committed to prolonging the service life of every classic Porsche, offering experts who combine service and advice with the relevant expertise and enthusiasm. Each Classic Partner showroom has a Classic Corner, featuring vehicles and parts displays that tell you at first glance that you and your classic car are at the right address.”
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[Rick]

ORIGINAL GRAND PRIX BUGATTIS SHOWCASED AT LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW, WITH DISCOVERY.

The Bugatti Owners Club, with the support of the historic Bugatti Trust, will showcase a unique collection of nine original Grand Prix Bugattis at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, held 10-12 November at Birmingham’s NEC.

From the legendary supercharged 8-cylinder Type 35B through the ex-Richard Shuttleworth twin overhead camshaft supercharged Type 51 to the immortal Type 59, these breath-taking machines are art in motion.

Each Bugatti on display claims a significant racing history both pre- and post-war. For the younger enthusiasts, four original Factory built ‘Baby’ Bugattis are assembled on a mock racing grid which will fit in well with the overall show theme of ‘Family Ties’.

A feast to the eyes for all ages, the vintage Grand Prix Bugattis confirmed for display include the Type 35, 35A, 35C, considered to be the most successful of the Bugatti racing models, the Type 37 and 39 derivatives, Type 51, 54 and 59, which succeeded the Type 35 as Bugatti's premier racing cars for the 1930s.

The Bugatti Trust is an independently funded educational charity dedicated to the study of the works of Ettore Bugatti. It was formed in 1987 by the late Hugh Conway supported by a small group of Bugatti enthusiasts. The original archives were based on his remarkable collection of historic material including thousands of technical drawings, photographs and historic documents which are available for academic and educational research.

Housing a permanent display open to the public all year round with vintage Bugattis and racing memorabilia, the Bugatti Trust also presents special exhibitions such as ‘Bugatti Bikes and Bicycles’ and ‘Louis Chiron The Man’. A key objective is to encourage young engineers and designers and the Trust runs regular STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) workshops offered for free to visiting families.

To celebrate the ‘Family Ties’ theme of the show, Bugatti Trust will have some educational activities for children based on the stand’s display of outstanding historic GP cars.

Don’t miss this stunning display in Hall 1, Stand 320.

Acting Show Director Lee Masters said: “We are honoured to host such an amazing line-up and can’t wait to see the visitors’ reaction to these amazing machines that helped shape motoring and motorsport history.”

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, returns to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November.
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Rick - Admin
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[Rick]

Post-event PR:

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ENTHUSIASTS CELEBRATE AT LANCASTER INSURANCE
CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW’S ‘SEASON FINALE’.

There’s a reason the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, is heralded as the ‘season finale’ as enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond gathered at Birmingham’s NEC to celebrate another fantastic year for the classic motoring community in style.

Show Director Lee Masters said: “Our thanks go to all of the classic motoring clubs who not only support the event but pull out all of the stops year after year to bring the most amazing vehicles to the show.”

The clubs embraced this year’s show theme of ‘Family Ties’ with displays ranging from cars from the same manufacturing family to cars made by one family name. Many including the Morris Minor Owners Club and Capri Club International celebrated family occasions such as weddings, holidays, prom night and even funerals.

This year saw a number of newly launched modern cars showcased alongside the heritage marques such as the new TVR Griffith and the Mazda MX-5 RF as well as displays from manufacturers including Porsche GB and Vauxhall.

The Meguiar’s Club Showcase saw 16 stunning classics put under the judges’ spotlight with Ian Matthews from Sutton Coldfield and his 1959 Morris Mini crowned the winner, making it a win for Mini owners two years in a row.

Then it was up to the public to decide who would be victorious in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition. Out of the 20 finalists, showcasing a diverse mix of cars, first place went to Simon McNamara and his 1983 VW Golf GTi Mk1.

Sporting Bears’ Dream Rides raised £35,000 offering around 1,000 rides in exchange for a donation to children’s charities. The most popular car of the Dream Rides garage was Clive Gosling’s 700bhp Supercharged Ford Mustang which hardly stopped over the three show days.

Silverstone Auctions saw £3.6million change hands as 67% of the lots were sold (all inclusive). Biggest seller of the weekend was the 1996 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 RHD £281,750. The 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale sold at £158,700 while the 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 saw the hammer down at £112,500.

The biggest battle of the weekend was between the Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead as their #ClassicRumble came to a head. Mike and his team had spent the past eight months restoring a Ford Escort XR3i Convertible while Ant and his team built a 1950s inspired single-seater race car from scratch.

When Silverstone Auctions put the hammer down on both cars, it was declared a draw, with both cars selling for £22,500 including premium. All the money raised will go to Mike and Ant’s chosen charities – The Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation and Harrison’s Fund.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “Family Ties really showcases the essence of our industry, being a community and sharing a common passion. What a show its been, from having an amazing array of our car club partner's classics on our stand to seeing Simon and his 1983 VW Golf GTi MK1 win the Pride of Ownership, it's been incredible.

“A real highlight has been our #ClassicRumble and with the help of Mike, Ant, their respective teams and Silverstone Auctions, we're delighted to have raised awareness and funds for two incredible causes - Harrison's Fund and Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation. Its been fantastic sharing this weekend with everyone, what a way to end the year!” 

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be held from 9-11 November 2018.

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(I've begun to upload photos, see http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=19909 for the first batch, RJ)
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[lowdrag]

I must get new glasses! There was I wondering what all the fuss was about Lanchesters