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HALL 1
You’ ve cast your vote – now see who’ s crowned
Best of the Best!
From thousands of votes to the final five! The Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership: Best of the Best celebrates ten years of incredible restorations and inspiring stories. These finalists – all past winners, embody the passion, pride and dedication that make classic car ownership so special. Discover their journeys and see which story captures your heart.
Colin Fidler’ s 1956 Austin A35
WINNER: SPRING 2024 Once rescued from a front garden and nicknamed‘ Rusty’, this charming A35 was lovingly restored by Colin, his brother Mark, and father Ronnie in memory of their late uncle Robin. Since winning in 2024, Colin has joined the Ayrshire Classic Car Club and taken‘ Rusty’ to countless shows – even chauffeuring his daughter to her school prom in style at the famous Brig o’ Doon.
James Cribb’ s 1989 Austin Metro City
WINNER: AUTUMN 2016‘ Gerty’ the Metro began life as James’ s late wife Marg’ s beloved car. Restored in her memory, it won hearts nationwide and the 2016 Pride of Ownership title. Nearly a decade on, Gerty has clocked over 140,000 miles, appeared at events across the country, and continues to turn heads. James even engineered bespoke wheels to keep her proudly running like new.
Paul Clappison’ s 1972 MGB GT
WINNER: SPRING 2018 After years of searching, Paul found his perfect MGB GT- now an award-winning example of meticulous care and detail. Since taking the 2018 title, it’ s become a familiar sight at shows nationwide, featured in Car SOS and MG magazines, and even stood guard as the‘ gatekeeper’ at our show.
Simon McNamara’ s 1983 VW Golf GTI Mk1
WINNER: AUTUMN 2017 Bought when Simon was just 21, this once“ Old Rust Bucket” became a restoration triumph. After a five-year rebuild, his pristine Mk1 GTI went on to win concours titles and inspire a Corgi die-cast model. Since winning in 2017, Simon continues to show the car nationwide, including at his own events, keeping the original hot hatch legend alive.
Ted Brooke’ s 1961 Morris Minor Million
WINNER: AUTUMN 2019 One of just 350 ever built, Ted’ s lilac‘ Milford’ is a labour of love 18 years in the making. When Ted moved house mid-restoration, he didn’ t let that slow him down, instead, he built a new workshop complete with a spray booth so he could finish the job properly. Since winning in 2019, the car has enjoyed six years on the road, an extraordinary feat when only around 40 of these rare editions are still running today.
Join us on the Lancaster Insurance stand( 1-480) for the trophy presentation on Friday at 10:45am with Mike Brewer.
Missed the announcement? Still come and meet the owners, hear their stories, and see these stunning finalists up close. They’ re the perfect reminder of why we all love classic cars …
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