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For 20 years, the Meguiar’s Club Showcase has been a show within a show, where the hobby’s finest owners bring their greatest cars and perfection meets passion under one roof. This year, we celebrate two decades of memories while creating new ones. Every finalist has already won their club competition, but only one can take home the title of 'Best in Show'.

The nine cars you’ll want to see

Here’s your full line-up of finalists for 2025, each with its own story, personality, and reason to make the trip.

1. 1968 Volkswagen Beetle – Alex Boughen (Kings Lynn)

Owned for two years, this car began life with Alex’s brother-in-law. Stripped to the shell, it was rebuilt with new floor pans, boot floor, rear quarters and a custom 1951 “crotch cooler” vent job up front. Finished in deep custom paint and debuted at VolksWorld – a garage-built success with just 1,278 miles.

2. 1970 Ferrari 365/GTB-4 “Daytona Plexiglass” – Can Bitirim

An icon in rare Pino Verde, the only one of its kind with plexi-glass nose, this Ferrari once belonged to Suzuki race-team boss Jimmy Matsumiya. Curated by DK Engineering and O’Rourke Interiors, it carries history, provenance, and serious presence, with around 65k miles, now worth roughly £800k.

3. 1997 BMW M3 Evo – Nigel Smith (Somerset)

Twenty-four years of ownership and evolving improvements have transformed this M3 into a show favourite. Once a family daily, now a trophy-winning driver’s classic with 122k miles. It’s understated but deeply loved, and it still puts a smile on every time Nigel fires it up.

4. 1981 Morris Ital 1.3 L – Brian & Trevor Ford

One of just four base-model Itals remaining, this car has belonged to Brian’s family since new. Purchased in 1981, restored between 2005–2008 using a ‘new old stock’ bodyshell and original parts, it now carries its history with 164,500 miles on the clock.

5. 1994 Jaguar 6.0 L XJS – Darren Green

Water-filled boot, 100k miles, no service history… and then five years’ single-garage full-nut-and-bolt restoration. The result is concours-level finish, a unique ownership story, and a car that’s earned awards from Coventry to Hampton Court. Mileage now: under 1,000.

6. 2002 Ford Focus RS Mk1 – Mark Stewart (Doncaster)

Early build number (384 of 4,501), only 35k miles, original history, and over 500 hours spent detailing the underside. A fast-Ford legend rooted in rally heritage, still tight and thrilling every dry-day drive.

7. 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 E (Silver Fox) – Steve

One of the last 1600 E models off the line, this “Tina” defected to a garage corner for 20 years before a meticulous restoration returned it to near-28,000-mile glory. Full original colour, rostyle wheels and a story every time the garage opens.

8. 1950 Jaguar Mk V 3.5 DHC – Nigel Bowen-Easley

Supplied new by Max Hoffman in the U.S., this Mk V found its way back to the UK for a full rebuild before being restored to stunning condition. A four-seater, convertible Jaguar from the early 1950s with timeless elegance and a serious classic pedigree.

9. 1993 Mercedes W124 Saloon – Philip Wheatley (Cork, Ireland)

Used summer-only, around 75,786 miles, restored to successive Best in Show wins. A believer in subtlety over flash, Philip says the best part of owning it is seeing heads turn wherever it goes.

The Club Showcase isn’t just about polished paint and trophies - it’s about the clubs, the people, the stories behind each car. Many finalists still drive their cars to the NEC. Many entered their first show just to “see what happens”. So as we celebrate 20 years of Meguiar’s and the hundreds of cars that came before, this year’s line-up feels bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever.

Hall 1 at the NEC, this November, book your tickets now and come along. Two weeks to go, and the countdown is on. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor, club member, or just love great cars and stories, the Meguiar’s Club Showcase promises to deliver memories, inspiration, and maybe your next project.

Use discount code EM33 to save £2 per ticket!

BOOK TICKETS TODAY!

See you there!