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Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership
Celebrating classic cars and their owners, this fantastic display gathers together enthusiasts with the best stories about the rarest, most unusual and cherished vehicles.
We have seen cars found as a wreck and restored to its former glory, those that have been owned over decades from new by the same owner, some extremely rare examples and many with wonderful stories of how they hold significant sentimental value to a loved one.
The winner is chosen by you, the visitors, voted for throughout the show giving owners the opportunity to tell you their story and why you should pick their car.
The awards presentation takes place among the competing cars on Sunday afternoon.
Applications now open for the March competition!
The 2024 finalists
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The legendary Golf is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and over eight generations it has found millions of buyers. This one dates from the first generation, and thanks to a lot of effort it’s a cracking example. “I bought the car as a project back in 2018, and I knew it was going to need ... -
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The Rover Metro was launched in 1990 with the original GTi model powered by a fuel-injected 16-valve K-Series engine making 95bhp. Performance was lively with 0-60mph in a claimed 9.0 seconds. Joe always wanted one but insurance was too expensive at the time, but he finally managed to buy this examp ... -
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This striking sports car has been in Lesley’s family for more than fifty years, and having undergone a superb restoration it’s one that she could never part with. It’s a very special example that’s guaranteed to get plenty of interest. “My father bought it in 1973 and as a child I absolutely loved i ... -
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The BMW 3 Series is now in its seventh generation, but the car you see here is from the very first that was launched in 1975. It was produced until 1982 when it was replaced by the E30 model, so this 323i is a late example and is certainly a treat for fans of German classics. It was back in the late ... -
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These little Austins are absolutely packed with charm, and the lovely example you see here was originally found in a front garden by the owner’s Uncle Robin. He nicknamed it ‘Rusty’ but it has come a long way since then. “My uncle was an old-school mechanic and although he planned to restored it pro ... -
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Tom was just nineteen when he bought this special edition Escort convertible four years ago, and it’s one that he always wanted. “My Dad used to have one and I thought it was the coolest car ever.” This example had also been bought by its previous owner at this show back in 2017, so it’s something o ... -
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Affordable, easy to maintain and bursting with character, it is easy to see why the Minor has such a strong following amongst classic car enthusiasts. And with this delightful example having such originality and a low mileage it really is rather special. Mervyn has had the car more than fifty years ... -
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The 1990s was something of a golden period for the hot hatchback, and the turbocharged Renault thrilled buyers with plenty of power and performance. This one looks stunning but it has taken a huge amount of work to achieve such perfection. Chris says that he’d always wanted one, and on returning to ... -
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Enthusiasts will need no introduction to the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, and this example that was imported in 2005 has certainly been cherished by its owner. It’s one we think you’ll like. “More than twelve years ago I decided to hang up my leathers, sell my motorbike and buy a spor ... -
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This classic off-roader might be small but when it comes to the muddy stuff it’s more than a match for bigger, more expensive machines. There’s bundles of character, too, so it’s easy to see why this owner fell in love with them. “I’ve wanted one since the age of six when I saw what they could do of ... -
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The owner says that it was helping out on the TVR Car Club stand at a Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show that led to the purchase of his terrific TVR, so it’s certainly exciting to see this British classic here. “I worked in the motor industry from the age of sixteen and didn’t own a classic unt ... -
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We love seeing a classic Mercedes here at the show, but this fine example is a little unusual as it’s owner is just 15 years old. Bought in 2021 to help him learn engineering skills, he’s really enjoyed working with his father to bring it back to the condition you see here. His father, Narinder, say ... -
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Thanks to its powerful turbocharged engine and superb handling Porsche’s sports coupe is much admired by enthusiasts, and the example we have here is faster than most. It’s also been cherished by its proud owner. “This was a rolling restoration over thirteen years and my ambition was to end up with ... -
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The Delta Integrale was launched in 1988 and allowed Lancia to achieve success at the highest levels of rallying, and the original model would be followed by more powerful 16-valve and Evolution versions. Production ended in 1994 with just over 44,000 made. Giuseppe’s stunning example is in complete ... -
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This classy and capable two-seater makes for an excellent modern classic, and the superb example you see here is fitted with the smooth and powerful 2.8-litre straight-six engine. It’s a fine-looking car that receives plenty of attention out on the road. “Back in 2017 I was working at a local garage ... -
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There are plenty of reasons why these classic British roadsters find favour with enthusiasts, and when you combine the stylish looks with ample performance it’s easy to see their enduring appeal. This is a car that Paul always wanted, and having retired he bought the lovely example you see here. “It ... -
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The E-Type has long been considered one of the world’s most beautiful cars, and in Roadster form it combined those gorgeous looks with wind-in-the-hair driving thrills. What we have here is one of the Series 3 models that was powered by a 5.3-litre V12 engine. “I’d always wanted one but early cars w ... -
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These vans were once very popular with owners appreciating the practicality and affordable running costs, but a hard working life saw many disappear. So this superb example is a real treat for fans of classic commercials. “It had been owned by an elderly gentleman who just used it for commuting rath ... -
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The SV was launched at the 2002 Birmingham Motor Show, and boasted eye-catching looks and plenty of power. Not many were built, though, which means the opportunity to admire this superb car is something for enthusiasts to relish. Purchased by Paul in 2015 as a treat for his 50th birthday he explains ... -
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Once a common sight on the road, early Clubmans like this one are somewhat rarer today, and the condition of this particular example is a testament to the time and effort invested by its proud owner. “Always known as ‘Putty’ I won the car in a competition for just £12.50. I enjoyed a few months of d ...
How to enter
Vehicles manufactured before 31 December 2004 were invited to enter into the Pride of Ownership competitions for consideration.
The full Terms & Conditions are available on our T&Cs page.
Competition Rules
Unlike other competitions, this is not a concours event. Whilst the standard of the car is still paramount, it’s the story the owner and the car have shared that will be taken into consideration when deciding who makes it onto the final centrepiece display. Modified and replica cars will be considered alongside their original counterparts.
A vehicle can only be entered once in a three-year period for the physical competition. Any online versions are open to previous entrants and finalists. An owner can enter one vehicle per year but it must be a different one each year.
Clarion Events will not contribute to any transportation or accommodation costs for entrants.
The competition is presented in the spirit of like-minded enthusiasts coming together to celebrate their vehicles. Entrants are asked to keep this in mind when submitting their application.
Voting
Visitors can vote for their favourite car having had chance to not only inspect the cars at close proximity but also chat to the owners and hear their stories.
While the owners can engage and campaign with other entrants and visitors, any form of intimidation, cheating, derogatory remarks or bad mouthing is not tolerated and those involved will be disqualified and asked to leave.
Votes must be completed at the event within the competition display area. Votes will be counted and verified by Clarion Events Ltd and the organiser's decision is final.
The car with the most visitor votes wins with trophies awarded for first, second and third place. The first place winner will be invited to display their car at the next edition of the show.
Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager of Lancaster Insurance, sponsors of the Pride of Ownership, said: “This competition is an integral part of the show and a real highlight of the weekend for many visitors. There have been some outstanding winners and participants over the years and we know there’s still some real gems out there waiting for their time to shine."
Find out more about Lancaster Insurance. 
