News

• 72,738 enthusiasts attended over the three show days (71,520 in 2024).
• Over 330 club stands spanning seven halls of Birmingham’s NEC.
• Professor Peter Stevens, the Ford Escort, Danny Hopkins and the Midland Automobile Club inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• Extensive talent line-up entertained the crowds including Mike Brewer, Richard Hammond, Tiff Needell, Matt Watson, and many more.
• Tributes also paid to motoring presenter Quentin Willson.
• 2026 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held 6-8 November.

It was a weekend of celebrations at this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show as over 72,738 enthusiasts gathered to share their passion for all things motoring.

Show Director Lee Masters said: “What an amazing weekend! The atmosphere in the halls, the calibre of the displays, and the passion for classics was exceptional. It was fantastic to see so many of the younger generation in the show. As always, thanks go to all our sponsors, traders, clubs, and visitors for all their support.”

Marking ten years of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition, the show kicked off by revealing the winner of the ‘Best of the Best’ competition which had been voted for by the public in the lead up to the show. Out of all the previous winners, it was Colin Fidler and his 1956 Austin A35 that lifted the trophy.

Colin, who won the spring final in 2024, had restored the Austin nicknamed ‘Rusty’ with his dad and brothers in memory of their late uncle who had discovered the car and never got chance to work on the car himself.

Whilst previous Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership winners were being recognised, the competition in the autumn final was fiercer than ever. With visitors voting for their favourite out of the 20 cars on the hallowed carpet, it was David Wootton’s 2004 Vauxhall Astra GSi 2.0 Turbo that was crowned winner. Second place went to Mark George’s 2009 Ford Focus RS MkII and Will Willson’s 1964 Ford Cortina MkI came third.

Yvonne Gosney, Senior Trading Manager at Lancaster Insurance says: “The Classic Motor Show remains a highlight in our calendar, and we’re thrilled to have welcomed over 72,000 visitors this year - thank you all for making it such a success. We’d also like to extend a special congratulations to our 2025 Pride of Ownership winners, David Wootton and Colin Fidler, our ‘Best of the Best’ champion. It’s the passion of this incredible community that makes the show so special, and we’re already looking forward to seeing you all in 2026!”

The Hall of Fame saw four new names inducted with the Ford Escort joining the Classic car category, Professor Peter Stevens announced as Industry Ambassador, Midlands Automobile Club named as the Motoring Club, and Danny Hopkins introduced as Community Ambassador.

Celebrating 20 years at the NEC, the Meguiar’s Club Showcase saw 14 breathtaking cars come under the expert judges’ scrutiny as every inch was inspected with white gloves. Awarding the highest mark ever given in the competition’s history, it was Stephen Hill’s 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 that received the prestigious title and the crystal trophy.

The Sporting Bears Motor Club raised £44,000 from its popular Dream Rides. The ‘Bears’ gave ten-mile passenger rides to visitors in exchange for a charitable donation. The charities benefiting from this year’s show include Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, Libby Mae’s Little Angels, Caudwell Children, and Jasmine’s Legacy of Dream.

Other show highlights included the new Military Vehicle Trust Commermorative Showcase and Pipercross Modified Car Display. The DadCars Family Zone and Podcast Café returned alongside the Meet the Experts Theatre, hosted by Mike Brewer and YouTubers Mike Fernie, Garage of Luke and I drive a classic, with lively panel discussions and interviews with the likes of car design legend Ian Callum, Richard Hammond, Tiff Needell and Frank Stephenson.