Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Reveals Restoration Favourites at NEC

There is a common theme amongst the first finalists selected for the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition – they all have fantastic restoration stories to share. Ideal then that the competition will be held at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 31st March to Sunday 2nd April.

Richard Morley, Divisional Head at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “The calibre of cars being displayed in the Pride of Ownership is always outstanding, and this year is no different. These first entrants show the passion, dedication and skill enthusiasts have for their classics and we’re looking forward to seeing the full line up at the show.”

The first is no stranger to the show as it appeared in the Barn Find display at the 2016 outing. Keith Buckley’s 1952 MG YB was at the start of a complete ‘body-off’ rebuild with a goal of having the restoration complete in time for the 2017 show.

Keith said: “'I found out that it was the first ever YB, and it was previously thought to have been scrapped. Car number 0251 left the factory in November 1951 and during the past four decades, had been garaged in Kent. I did some initial mechanical work to get the engine running but the body was too far gone. Its taken a lot of effort and some real blood, sweat and tears but I’ve reached my goal and can’t wait to show it off.”  

David and Dorothy Oxford’s 1957 Rover 105R is believed to be one of only 20 known survivors. Over the past few months, the restoration has taken shape with the interior now being entirely refitted by David, so come show time all will be in place.

Howard Hargate bought the 1971 Hillman Avenger Super 1500 in memory of his late mother and it is already his pride and joy, with just 37,000 genuine miles on the clock.

His love affair with the Avenger started as a 15-year-old apprentice at the local Hillman dealer in Barnsley. He owned five up to the mid 1980s but then moved on to more modern cars due to the arrival of children.

“When my mum died in 2012 she left us a small amount of money and my wife suggested I buy something to remember her by,” explains Howard. “Immediately I knew it would have to be another Avenger. I bought her without seeing her, and although a solid car, the paintwork, wings and rear arches were in poor condition. She underwent a complete engine out repair and respray to get her back to show condition. Part of the family, never for sale, she is a permanent reminder of my mum.”

To the untrained eye, Nathan Mills’ 1976 Ford Escort 1.3 Sport didn’t need much work when he bought it aged just 17 years old. The previous owner had fully restored the car, but Nathan has a sharp eye for detail.

“I replaced all the corroded bolts in the engine bay, as well as removing the overspray from when the engine had been painted,” says Nathan. “By the time it was finished it was better than new.”

The competition will feature 20 classics from a mix of manufacturers and eras selected to be put to the public vote, with the show visitors choosing their favourite ‘Pride and Joy’ and the winner announced on Sunday afternoon. 

FAST START FOR NEW HISTORIC MOTORSPORT INTERNATIONAL   • More than 37,000 visitors pack inaugural HMI show at ExCeL • Racing legends entertain knowledgeable crowds in Supagard Theatre • Feverish bidding as classic 1968 Ferrari sells for more than £500,000  • Dates announced for next year’s expanded show: 15-18 February 2018 The inaugural Historic Motorsport International has been hailed as a resounding success, establishing the new London show as the must-attend launch-pad to the eagerly-anticipated historic competition season ahead.   Staged alongside the hugely popular London Classic Car Show for four packed days (23-26 February) at ExCeL, HMI underlined the UK’s position at the epicentre of the world’s thriving historic motor racing and rallying scene to more than 37,000 excited and enthralled visitors.   Appropriately the new show was opened on Thursday by motorsport legend Jacky Ickx, the 72-year-old Belgian ace who many regard as the best-ever all-round competition driver. In a remarkable career spanning four decades starting in the early sixties, Ickx won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, achieved eight wins and 25 podium finishes in Formula One, won the Can-Am Championship, took two World Sportscar Championship titles and victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally.   As well as performing his official duties, Ickx shared his memories with visitors during two fascinating public interviews in HMI’s busy Supagard Theatre on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning when he was joined by Derek Bell, the Englishman with whom he shared three of his Le Mans wins.   The Supagard Theatre also hosted entertaining interviews with a number of other famous faces from motorsport including renowned racers Emanuele Pirro, Steve Soper, Martin Donnelly and Jackie Oliver and was home to the two-day HMI 2017 Conference Programme – with leading names from the sport discussing important topics such as safety, driving standards and eligibility.    The tens of thousands of HMI visitors were also treated to a unique insight into all areas of historic motorsport. Exhibitors included the organisers of all of Europe’s premier series’ and championships as well as iconic race car constructors such as Lister and Crosslé.   Other notable displays came from historic preparation specialist Hall & Hall and Cosworth, the latter celebrating 50 years of its remarkable DFV F1 engine featuring one of the original 1967 Lotus 49s which gave the DFV the first of unrivalled tally of 155 grand prix wins. Positioned close to the main HMI entrance it was a major head-turner as was the 1988 Le Mans winning Jaguar XJR9 on show in the Supagard Theatre.   The world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – the annual Silverstone Classic – also had a major presence at HMI not only showcasing some of the stand-out cars that will be competing come July but also bringing its famous Scarf & Googles pub to London for the very first time.   Adding to the already buzzing atmosphere, HMI boasted a live sale by specialist auctioneers Coys on Saturday afternoon with an appealing collection of 22 competition and classic road cars coming under the hammer and generating more than £1 million worth of sales.   Topping the bill was a fabulous Ferrari 330 GT which – after some frenzied bidding from those at the show and on the telephone lines was finally sold to the room for £510,000 (plus premium). Other notable lots included a rare right-hand-drive Mercedes 190SL which achieved £120,000 (plus premium), one of the highest prices seen in recent times, £65,000 (plus premium) for a race-prepared Lotus Elan and £56,000 (plus premium) for a Deep Sanderson with 1963 Le Mans history.   “It was exciting to part of the very first HMI – a show that clearly is going to be a major player in the historic motorsport sector,” said Chris Routledge, CEO of Coys. “There were some amazing cars on show – and not just with us here at Coys. We are very much looking forward to next year.”   The confirmed dates for next year’s Historic Motorsport International are set for 15-18 February when HMI, once again, will run alongside The London Classic Car Show at ExCeL London.       “Launching a dedicated historic motorsport show in London alongside the already fantastic London Classic Car Show has created a fabulous pre-season market place for all aspects of historic motorsport,” said Show Director, Ian France.   “Many of those participating have already reconfirmed for 2018 when HMI will not only be bigger but will also be a week earlier thus providing all those involved with an even better opening to the competitive season ahead.”

FETED FERRARIS SPARKLE AS RECORDS TUMBLE AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW   • More than 37,000 flock to the Capital’s premier classic car celebration  • London’s biggest ever Ferrari showcase enthrals show-goers  • Mini from the seventies sells for new world record price • Spectacular action as The Perfect Ten parades on The Grand Avenue  • Dates announced for next year’s show: 15-18 February 2018    With record crowds, record breaking displays, record numbers of exhibitors selling cars for record prices, The London Classic Car Show (23-26 February) has further established itself as the Capital’s premier feast of automotive culture and nostalgia.   This year’s enlarged showcase built significantly on the notable successes of the two previous shows, attracting unprecedented attendances on all four memorable days.   In total, more than 37,000 visitors (a significant 11 per cent increase on 2016) savoured close to 800 of the world’s finest classic cars on display at ExCeL London. With a combined estimated value of more than £500m, these ranged from barn-finds and in-progress restorations to unique concepts and pure-bred, championship winning race cars.   Sparkling displays provided by independent vendors ensured all the great marques were well represented in glittering style. AC, Alfa Romeo, Alvis, Bentley, Bugatti, Fraser Nash, Jaguar, Lotus, Mercedes, MG, Porsche, Rolls Royce and TVR were all included as well as many lesser known brands adding further to visitor interest and intrigue. These lined up alongside a number of today’s manufacturers such as Abarth, Aston Martin and Maserati all exhibiting their latest models alongside icons from their rich respective heritages.   The main spotlight in 2017, though, was firmly on Ferrari. The celebrated Italian company turns 70 this year and The London Classic Car Show presented an incredible display starring 21 of the greatest cars ever to wear the illustrious Prancing Horse. Never have so many rare and historic Ferraris been displayed in London; the special showcase was conservatively valued at more than £120 million.   The eye-catching tribute featured fabulous examples all the greats – Daytona, 275 GTB, Dino, 250 California, F40 and F50 – and was topped by a scarlet 250 GTO – the most revered and valuable of all Ferraris.   Just 39 of these virtually priceless icons were made between 1962 and 1964 and the show boasted not one, but two of these fabulous creations. As well as the GTO in the Ferrari Tribute, a second starred on the GTO Engineering display alongside other masterpieces from Maranello including a stunning 1955 250 Testa Rossa and an equally rare 250 GT Competition Berlinetta Sport Special rumoured to have been commissioned for Hollywood star Ingrid Bergman.   This year’s show also celebrated the career of Jacky Ickx, hailed by many to be motor sport’s greatest all-round race driver. A special display hosted six of the illustrious cars in which the distinguished Belgian had won grands prix, Le Mans and a Paris-Dakar adventure. Ickx himself was present together with three of the drivers he shared Le Mans wins with: Jackie Oliver (1969), Jürgen Barth (1977) and Derek Bell (1975, 1981 and 1982). This year’s other notable highlights included the rare sight of the celebrated ‘Holy Trinity’ – the three latest hypercars from Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche – on the Prindiville display, the Aston Martin DB10 produced exclusively for James Bond in the Spectre movie on the Corgi stand, an exceptional Aston Martin DB4 Zagato ‘sanction 2’ coupe shown by JBR Capital plus four incredible concept cars from motor shows of yesteryear which were presented by Octane and EVO magazines.   As well as providing a staggering selection of magnificent classic cars for visitors to relish, dealers confirmed considerable interest from buyers. Two cars were sold even before the show had officially opened its doors and many other significant sales followed during four feverish days. Proving that it is not only a show for premium purveyors, Classic Mini Finder sold a Mini Clubman 1275 for a world record price of £30,500.   Advice for those looking to buy a classic was available from respected TV expert Quentin Willson. He was present throughout the show and his latest ‘Smart Buys’ were showcased on the Classic Car magazine stand. “It’s got to be made in relatively limited numbers, it’s got to have a certain chemistry, it’s got to have a certain allure,” tipped Willson. “The cars that are going to go up have to be sexy, they have to look good and they have to make you smile.”   Adding to the excitement, the head-turning cars at ExCeL London were not only on static display. No fewer than 66 hand-picked classics – including some thunderous racing cars – were fired up for eye-catching displays on The Grand Avenue, a unique quarter-mile long highway running through the centre of the show.   This year’s theme was The Perfect 10 putting the spotlight on the best six examples of 10 different body styles which then were paraded on the catwalk allowing enthralled visitors to see – and hear – some of their favourite classics in action.   Another popular attraction was Car Club Square – a hall dedicated to enthusiasts of popular and affordable classics giving visitors the opportunity to talk to experts and fellow devotees.   All those attending The London Classic Car Show were also admitted into the new Historic Motorsport International – a complementary show celebrating the UK’s leading role in all areas of historic motor sport. Its introduction added yet another exhilarating dimension to the visitor experience.   “Whether it’s in size, the number of exhibitors or the amount of visitors, The London Classic Car Show just keeps growing and growing,” enthused Bas Bungish, Event Director. “The Ferrari tribute obviously has been a big success but it’s equally pleasing to know that dealers have sold cars and to see just how popular the addition of Historic Motorsport International has proved to be. There’s a huge synergy between classic cars and historic motor sport – now we will grow both shows in 2018.”   To that end, the organisers have already confirmed two even bigger shows will be staged at ExCeL London from 15-18 February in 2018.

Press Release For Immediate Distribution: 23/2/17

RACING LEGENDS TAKE OVER LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW OPENING DAY   • Special displays pay tribute to Ferrari and Jacky Ickx • Classics to covet, classics in action, classics to buy  • Show continues everyday until Sunday (26 February) • Dates announced for next year’s show: 15-18 February 2018  No fewer than five Le Mans legends – with an incredible 18 wins between them – took over London’s ExCeL’s exhibition centre today (Thursday) as the London Classic Car Show and sister show Historic Motorsport International opened their doors for a four-day feast of classic motoring nostalgia.   At 3pm, Derek Bell and Emanuele Pirro – both with five Le Mans wins apiece – declared the London Classic Car Show open for business, something six-time winner Jacky Ickx had done for HMI earlier in the day.   After entertaining a rapt audience in the show’s Supagard Theatre with his motor racing philosophy, Ickx moved to the London Classic Car Show as Guest of Honour, where he was reunited with a number of cars from his racing past.   A special display included his Ferrari 312 B2 and Brabham BT26 Grand Prix winning cars, and the Gulf Mirage GR8 and Porsche 956 that he shared with Derek Bell to claim two of their Le Mans victories.   “Seeing these cars here brings back so many memories. Good times,” he said.   Ickx, Bell and Pirro were stars of the opening day’s gala evening celebrations, where they were joined by two more Le Mans winners, Jackie Oliver and Jürgen Barth.   Another great racing name, Dario Franchitti, joined in the celebrations after earlier opening one of the show’s many highlights, a Ferrari Tribute comprising of 21 iconic Ferrari roads cars together worth an estimated £120 million. This year marks Ferrari’s 70th anniversary and the display, curated by Ferrari specialist dealer Joe Macari, brought together Ferraris old and new, from the 375MM from the early fifties to its latest hypercar, LaFerrari.   Although Franchitti, a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, has never raced Ferrari he has a strong affinity with the Prancing Horse. “Much of the money I made from racing I’ve spent on buying Ferrari road cars,” said the Scot. “I’ve owned about ten over the years and still have a couple including an F40.”   There was star-studded action throughout the day. TV’s classic car guru Quentin Willson picked his four classic ‘Smart Buys’ – cars to buy now before their values rise out of reach – while Corgi Toys launched its new range of James Bond model cars with two very special full size Aston Martins: the movie-only DB10 from Spectre and the DBS as seen in Casino Royale.   And at 6:30pm sharp, engines were started as a number of ultra rare classics took to The Grand Avenue, a quarter-mile long highway running through the centre of the show.   The cars, part of the show’s Perfect Ten feature, were categorised under ten different body styles and captured the best of their breed. The Grand Avenue, a feature unique to the London Classic Car Show, allows visitors to see and hear their favourites in action actually inside the show arena.   Then, once the final exhaust note had been killed, it was time for the Gala Celebrations to begin where the all the star drivers and Willson were joined by TV Chef and petrol head James Martin.   “I’ve always had a huge passion for Ferraris,” admitted Martin. “When I was a young lad I had Ferrari photos on my wall and now I’m lucky enough to own a few.”    Both shows are open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, opening at 10am on each day.   Bas Bungish, show director, said: “Now in its third year, the London Classic Car Show just gets better and better. And next year it’s going to be better still. We can confirm that both the London Classic Car Show and HMI will be back from 15-18 February, 2018 in a new, even bigger format at ExCeL.”   Admission to the London Classic Car Show incorporates free entry to HMI. Both shows run from 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.   Tickets are available from the show website – thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk – and on the door where entry to both shows costs £2 Captions: Top: Emanuele Pirro, Quentin Willson, Dario Franchitti, Derek Bell, Jacky Ickx, Jackie Oliver, Jürgen Barth, James Martin and Joe Macari. Below top left: Multiple Le Mans winners Derek Bell and Emanuele Pirro open the 2017 London Classic Car Show. Below top right: Dario Franchitti opens the Ferrari Tribute at The London Classic Car Show. Below second left: Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell reuntied with their victorious Porsche 956. Below second right: Jacky Ickx (middle right) with his Le Mans winning co-drivers Jackie Oliver, Jürgen barth and Derek Bell. Below third left: Austin Healey on The Grand Avenue. Below third right: Lamborghini on The Grand Avenue. Below bottom left: Alvis on The Grand Avenue. Below bottom right: Crossle race car on The Grand Avenue.