Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show NEC 2024 | Page 33

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CAR OF THE YEAR

Once again , Classic American Editor Ben Klemenzson has been searching car shows across the county for the best in Americana to bring visitors to the Classic Motor Show a show stopping display of all the USA has to offer . Make sure you don ’ t miss the display and find out who is crowned the winner .
Jason PetiT – 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Hemi
Take a bow Jason Petit , whose 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Hemi won the fifth and final heat of this year ’ s Kingstown Shipping Car of the Year competition . Jason ’ s Superb Dodge was featured in Classic American a couple of years back ( April 2022 / CA371 ) shortly after it first arrived on these shores . A real WP23 code car means that it ’ s a genuine Hemi car and one of 29 with four-speed manual and power disc-brakes and has been verified by Mopar guru Galen Govier . Make sure you come along and check out this magnificent Mopar and the other cars on the stand !
Michael Nash – 1963 Corvette Sting Ray
The winner of the second heat of this year ’ s Kingstown Shipping competition is a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray , owned by Michael Nash from Locksheath , Hampshire . It features a 327 cu in V8 , 4-speed manual transmission , power steering , power brakes , and front disc brakes . Restored by Scott Groves of Corvette Kingdom , the car was upgraded with turbine knock-off wheels , re-upholstered in blue leather , and resprayed in Daytona Blue . Originally from Pennsylvania , Mick is its fourth UK owner .
Steve & Marina Tennick – 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer
The Kingstown Shipping Car of the Year was awarded to this stunning 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer at the Classic American Stars and Stripes show in Cheshire . Owned by Steve and Marina Tennick from Warrington , the car features a 270cu in / 183bhp Super Red Ram Hemi engine and striking triple-tone paintwork . The Royal series was Dodge ’ s intermediate trim level for ’ 55 and included hooded chrome headlamps and unique trim . The Tennicks , the 7th owners in the UK , are seeking more information about the car ’ s history . If you have any details , please get in touch !
Graham Howard Wall – 1949 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
This 1949 Cadillac Coupe DeVille belongs to Graham Howard Wall and has been something of a hot topic on the American car scene for a while due to its remarkable originality . Graham was left the car by the previous owner in thanks for his service looking after the car as its mechanic . Cadillacs were world leaders in automotive technology at the time and the car features a 331cu in V8 engine ( 5.4-litres ), automatic transmission and hydraulically operated power-windows and powerseats . It still wears much of its original paint and interior fabric .
Colin Shepherd – 1960 Buick Invicta
Heat four of this year ’ s Kingstown Shipping Car of the Year competition took us to Stonor Park , where the All American Auto Club hosted one of the UK ’ s oldest American car shows , the Rally of the Giants . Colin Shepherd ’ s 1960 Buick Invicta won the award for this penultimate heat . He acquired the car in 2017 and spent five years restoring it before returning it to the road in 2022 . The car is powered by a 401 ‘ Nailhead ’ motor with a Dynaflow automatic transmission . Colin has had the front seat reupholstered , new carpet fitted , and a new convertible top added in its original Peppermint Green .

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