Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Spring Finalist Revealed ahead of NEC Resto Show

The Spring final will take place at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, which is held at Birmingham’s NEC from 21-23 March, where visitors can place their vote for their favourite.

For enthusiasts of British classics this year’s finalists are a real treat, beginning with Alexandra Phillips’ 1974 Austin Allegro 1300 Super. Many hours have been spent on the vehicle, and it even boasts the signature of Harris Mann. Jamie Garrett’s 1960 Morris Mini was bought by his grandfather, making for a great family story.

MGs are always popular and Peter Everington’s 2001 MGF Trophy looks superb after body repairs and interior refurbishment. Rather rarer is the 1985 Vauxhall Nova saloon owned by Rory Clague, a car he rescued from a scrapyard. The 1973 Ford Capri 3.0GXL has been in Stuart Whittaker’s family since it was new and presents in absolutely stunning condition.

Having owned her 1969 Mercedes 280 SL Rally Special for 25 years, Nikki Dino considers it ‘one of the family’ as its been part of every major event. Peter Boita’s 1984 Lotus Esprit Turbo is in time-warp condition, having covered just 2850 miles from new and featured in books and magazines.

For the winner of numerous trophies look no further than the stunning – and very quick - 2010 Ford Focus RS Mountune MR375 owned by Mike Purcell. Another sporting Ford is Jason Craze’s 2001 Puma, a Thunder model that has benefitted from plenty of mechanical work. Wayne Kruger’s 1988 Escort XR3i completes the celebration of the blue oval.

French classics are well-represented, too, with the striking 1971 Citroen SM of Andy Mewis having previously received an expensive restoration. The same applies to Nathan Mills’ 1998 Peugeot 106GTi that he has owned since the age of seventeen and spent thousands of pounds on. Paige Latimer says he will never part with his brilliant hot hatchback, a 1990 Renault 5 GT Turbo that his dad bought back in 2003.

A German classic, the 1980 Opel Kadett 1.3 SR of Paul Lewis, a rare car that wasn’t easy to find. Meanwhile, Dean Pickworth worked with his son to recommission his lovely 2001 BMW 325i Convertible that had been off the road for a few years.

If you love Japanese classics then the very rare 1976 Datsun 260C owned by Mick Wallis took him 10 years to find, and it’s now been comprehensively restored. Carl Evanson’s rare and interesting 1989 Nissan Micra has had just two previous owners and was bought for his daughter. As for Nicola Robynson’s 1999 Toyota Celica GT Convertible, it was in a sad state after being left in a barn but a rolling restoration has returned it to lovely condition.

Last but not least is Simon Williamson’s 1961 Goggomobil T700 Royal. These rare German machines always get plenty of interest, and this one is now in amazing condition.

Richard Morley from Lancaster Insurance adds: “The Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership display is a real highlight for many at the NEC and these 20 classics are certainly head turners. What makes these cars extra special is the people and stories behind them and I can’t wait to find out more next month. With something that will appeal to all ages and tastes, it looks like picking a winner is going to be a tough decision.”

The winner will be announced on Sunday 23 March at 2.30pm by Ant Anstead in Hall 5. Book your ticket to see if your favourite lifts the trophy.