Peter James Insurance Blog
MG TD – The story of the MG that America loved first (Part 3)
Having successfully achieved a significant rise in production volume with the 1945 MG TC, MG’s managers realised there was only one way forward as they sped toward the 1950s and that was further expansion. The Nuffield Organization agreed, in theory, but were less than keen to divert their limited...
Drive It Day 2025
We love Drive it Day (and Ride it Day)! There is no better way to kick-start the historic vehicle season for another year. This year the event is even more special as it is 125 years since the 1,000 Mile Trial, the event that the national awareness day commemorates....
Have your say and shape the future of historic vehicles
Our partners, The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs has launched its major five-year research to the entire road transport heritage community, and needs your help! Please participate in the crucial National Historic Vehicle Survey and keep transport heritage on our roads. Why the survey is vital… The Federation...
MG TD – The story of the MG that America loved first (Part 2)
The machinations of the Nuffield Organisation created obstacles for MG in the immediate post-war period. They sought to capitalise on the undoubted potential and marketing cache the MG brand had accrued in motorsport by expanding production and developing a new car. Succession Planning As we saw in part one,...
The Husqvarna Story – more than just Motocross racers
To most classic motorcycle enthusiasts, Husqvarna has always been regarded as a Swedish dirt bike brand with a stellar reputation forged by the successes of its motocross racers in the 1960s and 1970s. Rolf Tibblin delivered the marque’s first World Championship when he won the 250cc title in 1959....
Realising a young driver’s dream – 1996 MX-5
Morgan is 19 and cannot remember when he didn’t dream of owning a Mazda MX-5. The looks, the freedom, the sound of the engine and the rasp of the exhaust. The roof-down summer evenings and road trips with friends were all in his mind’s eye. Finally, in 2020, at...
The Arter Matchless G50 – The Ultimate British Single
No contest! There can only ever be one contender for the accolade of the ultimate British single on road or track. And that is the final evolution of the series of special-framed Matchless G50! Ridden by the legendary rider/engineer Peter Williams and built by revered tuner Tom Arter. Peter...
Legendary Bikes: BMW’s Supercharged Success Story
Sleek, stylish, supercharged and supremely fast – the BMW Type 255 won both the 1938 European Championship and maintained its reputation by then winning the opening round of the 1939 season, the Isle of Man Senior TT. Its 500cc engine had the same engine configuration that had been used...
MG TD – The story of the MG that America loved first (Part 1)
We celebrate the anniversary of the MG TD, the car that was the firm foundation of MG’s worldwide success. Production of the MG TD started in late 1949, making the early cars now 75 years old, although the model was actually launched in January 1950. The MG TD, and...
A retrospective on our visit to the Banbury Run 2024
The biggest annual event in the world for vintage motorcycles is without doubt the Banbury Run, which has been organised for the past 75 years by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. Over the decades the event has welcomed up to 600 riders of pre-1931 machines but entries are now...
