BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY ASTON MARTIN CELEBRATES DB7 ANNIVERSARY - SUNDAY APRIL 7TH

BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY ASTON MARTIN CELEBRATES DB7 ANNIVERSARY - SUNDAY APRIL 7TH

Beaulieu’s new events season gets off to a stylish start with Simply Aston Martin on Sunday, April 7th as it marks the 25th anniversary of the DB7 going into production.

More than 300 Aston Martins are expected to gather in the grounds of the National Motor Museum for the fourth Simply Aston Martin rally, with an impressive display to celebrate one of the world’s most revered sports car marques.

A special area will be set aside for Aston Martin DB7s, from coupes to Volante convertibles powered by smooth six-cylinders to brutal V12 engines. An important landmark in the company’s history, the DB7 reintroduced the legendary ‘DB’ title after a two-decade break – and all are welcome to join the display.

Simply Aston Martin is well known for its diverse mix and fans, young and old, will love the sublime selection.

Modern-day Astons will be well-represented, from the DB9 and DBS to the Vantage and Vanquish. Look out for classic DB models of the 1950s and ’60s, V8 models of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, plus rarely seen early Astons from the 1930s and ’40s.

Aston Martin Owners’ Club members will display their cars, while dealer Aston Martin Chichester will bring a selection of the latest Aston for sale. Throughout the day, event-goers and visitors can vote for their favourite Aston Martin of the show in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

Don’t forget to go inside the National Motor Museum to see the 1922 Aston Martin 1.5-litre Strasbourg, one of just two built in the early days of the company to take part in the 1922 French Grand Prix. This rare car was constructed with financial backing from racer Count Louis Zborowski, the man behind the monster machines that inspired Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, now celebrated in a special exhibition in the museum.

Event tickets include entrance to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the museum, the World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those arriving in an Aston Martin to take part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult and £5 a child if bought in advance online before 5pm on April 4th. Tickets bought after that date or on the door are £12 an adult and £6 a child. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-aston-martin.

For rally participants, entry is from 9am - 3pm. The Brabazon Restaurant will serve hot drinks and breakfast snacks from 9am. All other visitors should enter through Beaulieu’s Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket, from 10am.

Simply Aston Martin is one of Beaulieu’s range of ten Simply rallies, which includes the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th. Simply Audi returns on Easter Sunday, April 21st, with Simply Ford on May 5th, Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

PREVIEW DAY PROVIDES FREE TRACK TESTING FOR SILVERSTONE CLASSIC COMPETITORS

PREVIEW DAY PROVIDES FREE TRACK TESTING FOR SILVERSTONE CLASSIC COMPETITORS

Competitors gearing up for another landmark Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) are once again being offered a welcome day of free track testing in advance of this summer’s spectacular three-day event.

Staged at the ‘Home of British Motor Sport’, the record-breaking Silverstone Classic is the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, annually attracting around1,000 race entries. The packed programme features the full spectrum of historic motor sport including retro races for F1, F2 and F3 on the same bill for the very first time. This summer’s added highlights include special showdowns to celebrate milestone anniversaries of racing legends Bentley (100 years), Mini (60 years) and Ford Capri (50 years).

All those competing in July’s extravaganza are being given the no-cost chance to fine-tune their cars and/or familiarise themselves with the full Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit on Wednesday 10 April.

The curtain-raiser will include morning and afternoon test sessions segregated into classes with an extended break at lunchtime to enable a series of event photo opportunities and other publicity-generating activities on-track (media accreditation details are below).

“The offer of free testing on the Preview Day provides us with a wonderful opportunity to give something back to all those competitors who play such an important role in making the Classic the huge global success it is today,” explained Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “We first introduced the initiative as part of our own Silver Anniversary celebrations back in 2015 and, ever since, it has proved extremely popular. It gives competitors a great chance to get revved for the Classic later in the summer.”

Understandably, the offer of free testing at Silverstone is oversubscribed each year and, once again, event organisers are expecting the limited number of available places to be snapped-up swiftly.

Entries – strictly restricted to those competing at the Classic – will be accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and application forms are available via the official event website at https://www.silverstoneclassic.com/competitor-info/Preview-Day-Testing.

For the public, Early Bird tickets for the 2019 Silverstone Classic are available offering significant savings. Adult prices start at just £37 giving ‘access all areas’ with admission to both race paddocks, trackside grandstands and the live music concerts.

Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website. 

BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY AUDI BUILDS ON LAUNCH SUCCESS - SUNDAY APRIL 21ST

BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY AUDI BUILDS ON LAUNCH SUCCESS - SUNDAY APRIL 21ST

A must for German car fans, Beaulieu’s Simply Audi will be back by popular demand for a busy Easter Sunday display on April 21st in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Beaulieu’s second Simply Audi event will build on the success of last year’s debut, which saw as many as 485 Audis drive into the attraction to join the display.

From the compact A1 and A2 to the luxury A8, high-performance RS, TT and R8 supercar, every type of Audi are welcome to take part. Owners are invited to park in the picturesque parkland, chat with like-minded enthusiasts and compare the classic styling of the Quattro with the modern curves of the TT, before enjoying one of the south’s leading visitor attractions.

A highlight of the day will be the People’s Choice Award, as visitors and event-goers vote for their favourite Audi of the show, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

Head inside the National Motor Museum to see one of the most iconic Audis on display, the awesome 1983 Audi Quattro A2 rally car which was driven to victory in numerous international events by motorsport aces Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola and John Bosch.

Event tickets include entry to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, 13thcentury Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those driving Audis and taking part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance online before 5pm on April 18th, or £12 an adult and £6 a child on the day. All other visitors can buy a general admission ticket to Beaulieu at the standard attraction price. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-audi.

Entry is from 9am - 3pm for rally participants. The Brabazon Restaurant will serve hot drinks and breakfast snacks from 9am. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though the Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket, from 10am.

Simply, Audi is the second of Beaulieu’s ten Simply rallies for 2019, including the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th. Simply Ford returns on May 5th, with Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

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CLASSIC MINIS TO PARTY AT SILVERSTONE

CLASSIC MINIS TO PARTY AT SILVERSTONE

Mini owners are being offered a fantastic opportunity to be part of the idolised little car’s unmissable 60th birthday party at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

Plans to salute the diminutive icon’s diamond jubilee with the biggest-ever grid of racing Minis has already been announced – but now comes confirmation of an exclusive anniversary track parade and display, too.

Designed to be the launchpad for a wonderful weekend of birthday celebrations, the special Mini pageant has been added to Friday’s packed timetable at the Classic.

What’s more, to encourage all those with a classic Mini to join the festivities, a unique Mini Celebration Package has been introduced specifically for owners of original pre-2001 models.

This cost-saving offer provides owners with a pair of adult tickets (for Friday or the full three-day weekend), a vehicle pass giving access to the Mini Celebration display area, plus entry into the Mini Celebration parade taking place on the full Grand Prix circuit at lunchtime on Friday.

This one-off package has been introduced to enable Mini owners who may not be members of those car clubs already attending the world’s biggest historic motor racing festival, to share in the extensive 60th birthday revelries.

“This is a big birthday for everybody’s favourite little car and we want to encourage all those lucky enough to own a charismatic original Mini to be part of what promises to be a very special 60th birthday,” explained Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

Those wishing to join the party can select the Mini Celebration Package from the ticket options available on the official silverstoneclassic.com website. Numbers are limited so early booking is highly recommended.

As well as honouring the Mini in record-breaking style, this year’s Silverstone Classic is also marking Bentley’s centenary and 50 years of the Ford Capri. The track programme also features evocative retro races for prized Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters for the very first time.   

Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.  

Classic Minis to party at 2019 Silverstone Classic

Mini owners are being offered a fantastic opportunity to be part of the idolised little car’s unmissable 60th birthday party at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

Plans to salute the diminutive icon’s diamond jubilee with the biggest-ever grid of racing Minis has already been announced – but now comes confirmation of an exclusive anniversary track parade and display, too.

Designed to be the launchpad for a wonderful weekend of birthday celebrations, the special Mini pageant has been added to Friday’s packed timetable at the Classic.

What’s more, to encourage all those with a classic Mini to join the festivities, a unique Mini Celebration Package has been introduced specifically for owners of original pre-2001 models.

This cost-saving offer provides owners with a pair of adult tickets (for Friday or the full three-day weekend), a vehicle pass giving access to the Mini Celebration display area, plus entry into the Mini Celebration parade taking place on the full Grand Prix circuit at lunchtime on Friday.

This one-off package has been introduced to enable Mini owners who may not be members of those car clubs already attending the world’s biggest historic motor racing festival, to share in the extensive 60th birthday revelries.

“This is a big birthday for everybody’s favourite little car and we want to encourage all those lucky enough to own a charismatic original Mini to be part of what promises to be a very special 60th birthday,” explained Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

Those wishing to join the party can select the Mini Celebration Package from the ticket options available on the official silverstoneclassic.com website. Numbers are limited so early booking is highly recommended.

As well as honouring the Mini in record-breaking style, this year’s Silverstone Classic is also marking Bentley’s centenary and 50 years of the Ford Capri. The track programme also features evocative retro races for prized Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters for the very first time.   

Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.  

Source: MPA Creative 31/01/19

40 YEARS OF THE FRESH AIR GENERATION: VOLKSWAGEN AT THE BREMEN CLASSIC MOTORSHOW

40 YEARS OF THE FRESH AIR GENERATION: VOLKSWAGEN AT THE BREMEN CLASSIC MOTORSHOW

1976 Volkswagen Golf I Cabriolet prototype

Wolfsburg – The Bremen Classic Motorshow traditionally kicks off the classic season, and Volkswagen Classic is celebrating an anniversary: four decades of the Golf Cabriolet. From prototype to production – under the slogan “40 Years of Sunny Outlooks”, two exhibits from the company’s own automobile collection at Volkswagen Osnabrück tell of the start of a success story. 

40 Years of Sunny Outlooks: The Golf Cabriolet success story

“Sun, Moon and Cabriolet” is the advertising slogan when Volkswagen launches the topless variant of the Golf I in 1979. Manufacture of the joint development between Volkswagen and Karmann starts on 14 February 1979 in Osnabrück. As the legitimate successor to the famous Beetle Cabriolet, the open Golf has big shoes to fill – and wastes no time in filling within a short time of its launch, as shown in the sales figures.

As well as the folding convertible top, another characteristic feature of the Golf I Cabriolet is its fixed roll bar above the B pillar. This striking design is the response to the safety discussions of the 1970s. As well as protecting passengers, the roll bar also provides an optimal connection point for the front seat belts and guides the rear side window securely and quietly.

Following the launch of the Golf II in 1983, the Golf I Cabriolet is initially produced without modification. The official second generation is essentially based on the old design from just over three years previous. In 1987, it is given a facelift, as part of a major product upgrade. The Golf I Cabriolet is produced in this modernised form until 1993. By the time the production of the second series ceases, 389,000 Golf Cabriolet has been built in Osnabrück. This makes it the most manufactured cabriolet in the world – rapidly superseding its predecessor.

The next fresh air generation

The successor is launched in July 1993: the Golf III Cabriolet, based on the technology used in the third generation of the saloon. Volkswagen once again opts for the striking central roll bar. The car features the same gains in terms of rigidity and safety in case of the car rolling, while systems like the automatically-deployed roll bar are not yet available. When opened, the roof now sits lower down. The generation leap is unmistakable. The Golf III Cabriolet comes equipped with double airbags, ABS and side impact protection as standard. The new topless Golf is another great success for Karmann and Volkswagen: 139,578 units roll off the production line by 1997. In 1998, the Golf III Cabriolet is given a facelift. With a few clever tweaks to the chassis design, the Golf III Cabriolet becomes the Golf IV Cabriolet. Production of the Golf Cabriolet in Osnabrück ends in 2001.

New edition of the open-air Golf

After a ten-year hiatus, the new Cabriolet, based on the sixth generation of Golf, rolls off the production line at Volkswagen’s new plant in Osnabrück on 17 March 2011. The new Cabriolet does not feature the fixed roll bar. It is replaced by roll-over protection that is deployed in a fraction of a second. A reinforced windscreen frame, additional structural modifications and various airbags ensure a high level of safety. The first Golf GTI Cabriolet is launched in 2012, followed in 2013 by the first Golf R Cabriolet. The era of the open-top Golf ends in 2016, after the manufacture of 770,039 cars.

The traditional cabriolet expertise at the site in Osnabrück remains unaffected and is now pointing to the future with the T-Roc Cabriolet, among other projects.

Roll bar-free “strawberry punnet”: Volkswagen Classic exhibits prototype Volkswagen Classic comes to Bremen with a unique Cabrio gem: the prototype of the Golf Cabriolet. In 1976, Karmann presented the Volkswagen board with an independently-developed variant of the cabriolet, without the integrated central roll bar. The proposal was investigated thoroughly in Wolfsburg. However, the head of Volkswagen vehicle safety had one major objection: “Not without a roll bar!” ordered Prof. Dr Ulrich Seiffert, with one eye on the anticipated US safety regulations, which would have a considerable effect on an export-oriented company like Volkswagen. Karmann reacted promptly and came up with a bar that would offer protection should the car roll, whilst at the same time offering improved support for the convertible top and improving the side window guides – and it also led to the Golf Cabriolet’s nicknames: Henkelmann (mess kit) and Erdbeerkörbchen (strawberry punnet).

“Or do you know of another cabriolet of this kind?“

What Volkswagen confidently promoted as being contemporary in one advert is now celebrating a major anniversary in 2019: 40 years of open-top Golf joy. The second Volkswagen Classic exhibit is all about these four decades of the fresh air generation. The early Golf I Cabriolet, in rare Capri Blue, will inevitably stir up that summer, sun and cabriolet feeling in many a fan in Bremen.

Hall 5: Connected by tradition

The Golf Cabriolets of Volkswagen Classic and other exhibits from throughout Volkswagen’s history can be seen in Hall 5 from 1 to 3 February. Volkswagen Classic is presenting itself alongside Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimers, Audi Tradition, Volkswagen Classic Parts, and the 1. Käferclub (Beetle Club) Wolfsburg, under the motto “Connected by tradition”.

Roughly 650 exhibitors from eleven countries will be represented in the 47,000-m² exhibition area at the Bremen Classic Motorshow. As well as the manufacturers’ exhibition stands, more than 100 club stands, an extensive parts market and the international sales exhibition will also attract visitors to the motor show.

About the Volkswagen brand:

Volkswagen Passenger Cars operates in more than 150 markets worldwide and produces vehicles at more than 50 locations in 14 countries. In 2018, Volkswagen produced around 6.24 million vehicles, including bestsellers such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta and Passat. Volkswagen has a current workforce of 198,000 employees around the globe. Added to this are more than 7,700 dealerships with 74,000 employees.

Volkswagen is forging ahead consistently with the further development of automobile production. Electric mobility, smart mobility and digital transformation of the brand are the key strategic issues for the future.

Join us at the MG & Triumph Spares Day 2019 Classic car enthusiasts can explore a wealth of traders, jumblers and service providers showcasing their wares. It’s the perfect place to meet like-minded hobbyists and pick up advice, hints, and tips from the people who know the ins and outs of these stunning marques. Alongside will be some of the UK’s largest MG & Triumph car clubs exhibiting their members’ restored machines, or displaying interesting projects still a way from completion. In recent years, both trade and club exhibitors have had live restoration and maintenance tasks taking place on their stands, and this year promises to deliver even more action. 2019 will see the introduction of MG & Triumph only parking as we invite owners to become part of the event and enjoy dedicated parking close to the exhibition halls. All vehicles displayed within this area will be eligible to win one of the many awards on offer, with a variety of trophies and rosettes up for grabs. Buy Tickets

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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CITROEN AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CITROEN AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

2019 marks the 100-year anniversary of French automobile manufacturer Citroën. The daring brand will celebrate its centenary at the London Classic Car Show on 14-17 February with a showcase of vehicles that have made the boldest marks on the automotive industry since its launch in June 1919.

Having produced more than 300 models during its rich history, ten of its prominent vehicles will be shown at ExCeL London at the London Classic Car Show, from the 1920s Citroën B12 through to its new 2019 Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, including:

Citroën B12 Taxi

The only surviving example of its kind in the UK and one of the very few left in the world, this 1926 Citroën B12 Taxi was found in 2002 in a chicken shed on a farm just outside Paris. The barn find was transported to Kent where a complete restoration was undertaken. The B12 was manufactured using mass production technologies, which were still unique to Citroën in the 1920s.

Citroën Traction Avant
Although criticised at launch on 19 April 1934, the Citroën Traction 7 was the first of the Traction Avant (front-wheel drive) line that eventually ran all the way through to 1957. It was deemed revolutionary for its many innovations, including being the first mass-produced car with a monocoque chassis and the first car in the world to lose the running board, which changed the way you got into a car – rather than ‘mounting’ it, you descended into its cabin. The specific example at the London Classic Car Show was built in 1939 and registered 15 days after the outbreak of the Second World War, making it one of the last cars to leave the factory.

Citroën Type H Van

The first front-wheel drive van in wide circulation, the Type H launched in 1947 and lasted decades without any major change up until the arrival of the C25 in 1981. It was deemed to have an innovative design for a commercial vehicle of its time and modern vans still take inspiration from its architecture and functional design.

Citroën 2CV

In 1935, Maison Michelin took over Citroën and proposed a ‘people’s car’ for rural drivers. A national survey was commissioned to determine the right price, speed and capacity – this led to the 2CV in 1948. The 2CV went on to be a hugely successful model with almost four million cars being manufactured until it was phased out in 1990. The model on show will be a 1964 2CV AZAM, which is one of only five of this specification left in the UK.

Citroën DS 

Its eye-catching ‘drop of water’ design, courtesy of Flaminio Bertoni, caused it to stand out when it was launched at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. This futuristic design earned DS the nickname the ‘Flying Saucer’. The hydropneumatic suspension combined with power steering gave the car its famous handling that allowed the DS to ride on only three wheels. In fact, the DS19 of General de Gaulle was able to save the President during the attack of the Petit-Clamart, in spite of its punctured tyres.

Citroën Méhari

The first French production vehicle with a body created solely out of thermoformed plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), the Citroën Méhari debuted in 1968. As a result, the car wasn’t susceptible to scrapes, small blows or corrosion and was easy to maintain and entirely spray washable, including the interior! The 1985 example appearing at the London Classic Car Show was registered in the Netherlands, with its hatchback shape making it a popular model.

Citroën BX 

In production from 1982-1994, the Citroën BX set a new standard for the brand; it’s one of the best-selling Citroën cars of all time and credited with saving the company from bankruptcy during the ‘80s.

Citroën SM 

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, the SM was the first Citroën to have a five-speed gearbox. The model on show was one of 1,500 vehicles that were exported to Italy, which was one of the best export markets for the model.

Citroën CX 

Launched in the summer of 1974, it was voted Car of The Year in 1975. Famed for its curved windscreen and a boot without a tailgate, it sold nearly 1.2 million units during its 16 years of production. On display will be a 1985 eight-seater Citroën CX Familiales in full ‘Prestige’ specification.

2019 New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV

Moving into the latest era of mobility, Citroën will show its New C5 Aircross SUV, reflecting today’s driving preferences. Classically SUV-shaped, it offers strong style choices and a range of personalisation options along with the latest in driver assistance and connectivity technologies to bring the exhibit up-to-date with a true Citroën vehicle in design and character.

Alongside its celebratory centenary exhibit, a parade of Citroën will also grace the show’s Grand Avenue. One of the event’s most popular attractions, visitors will get the chance to see the cars fired up and demonstrated live around the indoor arena. For the first time, grandstand seating will be available for to provide the very best view of the on-track action, with tickets priced at £10 each.

“2019 is a very special year for Citroën and we’re looking forward to kicking off the centenary celebrations at the London Classic Car Show next month,” said Karl Howkins, Managing Director, Citroën UK. “We’re bringing together a fantastic collection of iconic models that have resonated with motorists and showcase the brand as it’s developed through the years.”

London Classic Car Show Event Director Bas Bungish said: “We are delighted that Citroën has chosen the London Classic Car Show to mark this key milestone. Citroën has shaped the history of the automobile industry over the past 100 years and it will be fascinating to see a selection of these notable cars in one place.”

Tickets are on sale for the London Classic Car Show. Advance ticket prices start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show.

For further information and to purchase tickets for the London Classic Car Show, visit www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk.

FIRST FIVE FINALISTS FOR LANCASTER INSURANCE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SPRING FINAL REVEALED

FIRST FIVE FINALISTS FOR LANCASTER INSURANCE

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SPRING FINAL REVEALED

The first Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership final of 2019 is shaping up to be one of most hotly-contested yet, and as anticipation builds ahead of the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, the first five in the Spring final can now be revealed.  

Held at Birmingham’s NEC from 22-24 March, the first finalist is the Volkswagen Type 2 ‘Splittie’, loved around the world, and the 21-window De Luxe Micro Bus owned by John Smith since 2015 is sure to attract plenty of attention.

Built in December 1964 as a right-hand drive vehicle for the UK market, power comes from a 42bhp, 1.5-litre engine and it still sports the original factory colour scheme. The subject of a six-year nut and bolt restoration that began in 2004, it has even featured in a German television programme on classic cars.

Annie Lloyd’s 1961 Bond Minicar Model G has been in her family for around 25 years and she inherited the car from her late ex-husband. Keen to keep his name alive, this quirky three-wheeled British classic which the owner calls ‘Mr Bond’ has appeared at numerous shows and always draws a crowd. With the bodywork in need of a refresh it is currently undergoing some restoration, but Annie promises it will be ready for its appearance at the NEC.

Show visitors who prefer a more modern classic certainly won’t be disappointed by Paul White’s 1990 Eunos Roadster. Better known as the Mazda MX-5 in the UK, the car was bought by the current owners’ grandfather in 2002, and when he sadly passed away Paul decided to keep the car in his memory. Having restored the paintwork, it now looks stunning and has won awards at a number of car shows.

No Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership display would be complete without an American classic and the 1970 Dodge Challenger RT owned since 2006 by Robert Nauer is guaranteed to stand out.

The original ‘GoMango’ orange paintwork is certainly striking, but not only has the car covered less than 48,000 kilometres but it is also rare. It is one of the few remaining examples built at the AMAG plant in Switzerland and has appeared at shows on both sides of the Atlantic.

And last but not least is another modern classic in the form of a 1992 Toyota Starlet GT Turbo. It belongs to Sammie-Jo Webster and was bought by her father back in 2006, before being given to her as a 21^st birthday present. Once used as her daily driver and in delightfully original condition, Sammie-Jo is keen to promote the ownership of classic cars amongst young people.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “This announcement is always exciting and the first reveal of the 2019 Spring finalists has not disappointed. Here is a great selection of classics from around the world and with MX-5s also celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, I can’t wait to see these incredible cars on display and hear the stories behind them.”    

A total of 20 wonderful classics will be competing for this year’s Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership spring final, and with fifteen finalists still to be announced visitors to the show can look forward to a tough choice when it comes to voting for their favourite.  

 For more information on the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com