Finalists for the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Autumn Final Revealed

• Twenty cars owned by private individuals will compete for the winner’s trophy at the NEC season finale.
• Competition is open to all vehicles manufactured pre 1 Jan 2004
• Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held 8-10 Nov 2024 at Birmingham’s NEC.
• Tickets now on sale via advance online booking.

The Autumn Final of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition is set to be a clash of the titans, making it fitting for this year’s Classic Motor Show’s 40th anniversary year.

Two-time winner Paul Clappison is back and looking for a hat track, this time with his immaculate 2002 Porsche Boxster S in its somewhat unusual colour scheme of Ocean Jade paintwork and Nephrite Green interior.

However, Paul faces stiff competition for our 2023 winner Tahmid Haque, who returns with a striking 1986 Koenig Specials BMW 635. A lot of money has been spent recommissioning this striking coupe, and as last year’s winner, can Tahmid take top-spot again?

One person who won’t be worried about the tight competition, being used to getting into small spaces, is legendary stunt driver Russ Swift who will display his stunning 1937 SS Jaguar 100. Used to pulling off spectacular feats, how will Russ fare in this toughest of contests?

But don’t think this is a three horse (power) race as there are some stunners from first time finalists too.

The oldest car is Nick Loizou’s 1930 Austin 16/6 Pass and Joyce Coupe which is the sole surviving example of its type and brimming with character.

Clive Thompson’s 1977 MG Midget was his link to a lost love he met 40 years ago. The couple and the car were reunited in 2012. The car has since had a full restoration to the exact specification of how it was when the couple first met.

Rather more unusual is the rare 1972 ADD Nova owned by Ed Straw - it’s certainly eye-catching and we wonder how many people have ever seen one. Talking of attention-grabbing, John Hemming’s 1991 Renault Clio 16v Dimma sports a head-turning body kit. Fewer than forty were made, and it’s been returned to superb condition.

Ford fans are well catered-for. The 1963 Ford Anglia of Jim Angliss is very special and needed a lot of work. Previous winner Stuart Turp’s 1983 Capri 2.0S is definitely one to admire and benefitted from a major restoration after being off the road for ten years.

Just as smart - and forty years old, just like the show - is Carl Evanson’s 1984 Ford Orion Ghia, and from ‘across the pond’ we have the 1967 Ford Mustang of Richard Stacey. Some 3500 hours of labour went into the restoration of this desirable muscle car.

More British cars include Roy Gaskill’s 1959 Vauxhall PA Cresta. In concours condition after much work, the American styling influence is clear. Claire Serrell’s 1988 Austin Rover Mini ‘Jet Black’ is rather smaller but no less special. Bought at a young age, she built the car with her dad and is rightly proud of their efforts.

For lovers of sports car the 1985 Lotus Esprit S3 owned by Dr Nathan Manghat has had a four-year, nut-and-bolt restoration and James Bond fans will love it.

The 2003 BMW 530d owned by Ship Duley is a modern classic saloon featuring subtle upgrades. Just as immaculate is the 1994 Peugeot 106 Rallye owned by Ashley Moulds, the little hot hatch receiving a comprehensive restoration.

The 1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600S that long-time marque enthusiast, Simon Adams, bought earlier this year combines racy looks with punchy performance.

Unusual and incredibly rare, Stephen Berry’s 1967 Autobianchi van was bought 12 years ago and needed a huge amount of work. Rather more familiar is the 1984 Volvo 240DL owned by Thomas Staniforth. It’s in great condition and boasts custom wheels and air suspension.

Which brings us to the biggest most luxurious of this year’s contenders, the 1976 Rolls-Royce Camargue that spent 15 years hidden away. Since buying the imposing car Steven Prevett and his wife have carried out a careful restoration.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 40th anniversary alongside the Classic Motor Show this year, and Pride of Ownership promises to be better than ever.” says Richard Morley of Lancaster Insurance. “The classics competing for the award are incredibly varied, so it’s set to be tough choice for people to pick their winner at this special show. It’s going to be a real treat for visitors and entrants alike.”

The winner of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership will be decided by the show visitors who will be invited to vote for their favourite. The winner will be announced by Mike Brewer on Sunday 10 November at 2pm.