Young Enthusiasts Lead the Way at Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show
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With a record breaking 110 of the 160+ clubs undertaking live working at the show, many of the stands saw the younger members taking the lead in the restoration activities.
Show Director Lee Masters said: “It was amazing to see so much knowledge sharing and skills being showcased by the clubs, especially with younger enthusiasts. I am so proud of our exceptionally strong and close community. Huge thanks to everyone involved - show partners, sponsors, traders and visitors as well as our motoring celebrities and the team from Practical Classics.”
The future of the classic community was just one of the subjects discussed on the Your Shout stage, one of four areas within the Practical Classics World. The stage also saw appearances from former Wheeler Dealer Ant Anstead, Dominic Chinea from BBC’s The Repair Shop, Simon Gregson from Coronation Street, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Salvage Hunters; Classic Cars’ Paul Cowland and actor/YouTuber Gary Mavers.
Within the Practical Classics World, the team in the PC Workshop worked on the restoration of Editor Danny Hopkins’ 1975 Fiat 124 Spider RHD. At the other end of the scale, Bob Medrum was awarded the title of the magazine’s Restorer of the Year with his Vauxhall Viva HB Estate.
Talking of restorations, there were stories galore on the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Spring Final. Out of the 20 finalists on show, first place went to young restorer Rory Clague with the 1985 Vauxhall Nova Saloon. Second with Mike Purcell’s 2010 Ford Focus RS Mountune MR375 Clubsport, whilst third place was awarded to Jamie Garrett and his 1960 Morris Mini.
It was Tom Wilkes’ 1933 Jaguar SS2 that was awarded the trophy in the Footman James Barn Find competition, facing off against 19 other cars that had been discovered in barns, sheds, garages and roads around the UK.
The Dream Rides Garage was packed with amazing cars all weekend, including some popular ‘practical classics’ with the Sporting Bears Motor Club raising £19,345 from operating passenger rides throughout the weekend.
A whopping seven World Records were achieved in the two-day sale conducted by Classic Car Auctions by Iconic Auctioneers. A sales rate was 83% was secured with more post sale deals in the pipeline, which really bucks the trend of many other auction houses at the moment. The total sales figure for the weekend was £2.5million.
A highlight of show was the National Car Club Awards, sponsored by Lancaster Insurance, which celebrate the tireless work and enthusiasm of the clubs, both at the show and throughout the year.
A total of 14 awards were presented to worthy winners including Industry Leader to David Whale of the FBHVC, Car Club of the Year to Vintage Sports Car Club, and the Lifetime Achievement award for former Rover and Vauxhall PR Manager and club stalwart Denis Chick.
Looking ahead, the next Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show will take place from Fri 20 to Sun 22 March 2026. For more information and updates, visit www.necrestorationshow.com.
