Finalists revealed for ‘Pride Of Ownership’ spring competition at NEC resto show

Published: 07/03/2024

The twenty finalists that will be competing for this spring’s Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership title can now be revealed. With an amazing selection of cars making to the final at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, it already looks like picking a winner will be tougher than ever.   

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager for Lancaster Insurance, said: “We’re thrilled to have such a stunning collection of classics competing for this year’s award. There is a huge amount for enthusiasts to look forward to, with something that will appeal to all ages and tastes, and it looks like picking a winner is going to be a very tough decision.” 

Fans of German classics are going to be spoilt for choice, and in the BMW camp is Nigel and Donna Hewart’s 1998 BMW Z3. Bought seven years ago and carefully maintained, it’s a stunner. It’s joined by Steve Poulton’s 1982 BMW 323i, this desirable performance saloon in his proud ownership for forty years.

If it’s a Mercedes-Benz you prefer then the 1993 190E model owned by 15-year old Arun Bilkhu is a real treat. Bought by his father Narinder so Arun could learn engineering skills, they’ve loved working together on the classic saloon and have both become very attached to it.

Anthony Lattka spent four years restoring his 1979 Volkswagen Golf, carrying out much of the work himself. It’s a superb transformation and an achievement that he’s rightly proud of. Our last German classic is an immaculate 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo owned by Barrie Powell. The subject of a rolling restoration, it’s a trophy winner in the Porsche Club of Great Britain Speed Championship.

British classics are well represented, too, and the 1970 Mini Clubman owned by David Shepherd-Jones has undergone a huge restoration. Brimming with character is Mervyn Spencer’s 1965 Morris Minor - it’s in amazing condition and still has just 20,000 miles on the clock.

The smallest car on this year’s display is Colin Fidler’s 1956 Austin A35 that once belonged to his Uncle Robin. Restored in his memory, this charming car deserves plenty of attention. As does the 1972 Triumph TR6 owned by Paul Bayley. It’s benefitted from plenty of work and provides huge enjoyment.

We have also got two more great British sports car, including Pete Richardson’s 1961 TVR Grantura Mk 2a. He bought it as an unfinished restoration with parts in about twenty boxes! The 2004 MG XPower SV of Paul Lewis is an eye-catching and rare machine, and it has only covered 3500 miles. 

Robin Davies says his 1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster is his dream car, and the extensive restoration has resulted in something very beautiful. Only around 1674 Daimler SP250s were made, and Lesley Finlay’s stunning and much loved 1964 example has been treated to a meticulous restoration. 

Completing the British corner of this year’s display is a pair of Fords, Tom Pickworth’s 1985 Escort SE being a limited edition model that he bought aged just nineteen. Our other Escort is the 2000 van owned by Steve Cokayne, a classic commercial that’s in superbly original condition and guaranteed plenty of attention. Meanwhile, Joe Lawrence’s 1991 Rover Metro GTi is a car he always wanted, and a rare classic nowadays.

Fans of the hot hatchback will certainly appreciate Chris Armstrong’s 1991 Renault 5 GT Turbo. The owner has learned plenty of new skills while restoring it himself. Even hotter is Giuseppe Rampello’s 1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale, a stunning example that has appeared in magazines and on television.

Another Italian classic is Sean Moogan’s 1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 that is believed to be the only one of its type still on the road. Heading to Japan brings us to the 1997 Eunos Roadster owned by Martin Thorpe - it’s benefitted from extensive work and was also his wedding car!

The winner will be announced on Sunday 24 March by former Wheeler Dealer and master mechanic Ant Anstead at 2.30pm. The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show is held 22-24 March 2024 at Birmingham’s NEC with tickets now on sale. For more information as well as the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com