Latest news

Stuart Turp from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, became the first winner of the inaugural Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show, as visitors to Birmingham’s NEC voted his 1969 Ford Capri 1600 GT XLR as their ‘Pride and Joy’.

Out of the 80 applicants, 20 cars were selected for the grand final spanning over 60 years of motoring. TV motoring presenter Ant Anstead announced the winners with Jim Scott’s 1966 Ford Cortina taking second place and Martin Healey’s 1964 Saab 96 2-Stroke taking third.

Richard Morley, Operations Director at Lancaster Insurance, said: “Seeing the cars on display over the weekend and the sheer volume of interest in them from attendees, was a reminder of the dedication and passion within our community. The cars, and their owners, have remarkable back stories and we would like to congratulate all the owners who were selected for the display and of course congratulate Stuart on his win, which clearly meant a great deal to him.”

Stuart’s Capri is rare – not only was 1969 the launch year, but his car has every option pack available, from leatherette trim to a chrome tailpipe. He restored the car himself, though work was slow at first, and recently had the bodywork re-done by a local garage, with new wings, a new front valance and a full respray in the original Amber Gold colour.

Stuart said: “The Capri was the car you always promised yourself – I bought this one in 1989 having promised myself just that! I’ve always been a Ford man, and I’ve had 11 Capris now – MK1s, MK2s and MK3s. To me, it’s like a poor man’s Jag!”

The finalists ranged from a 1952 Humber Pullman Limousine to a 1999 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Bathurst edition, and included models from Austin, Rover, MG, Triumph, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, and even a Studebaker.

The next Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership will take place at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, back to the NEC from 11^th to 13^th November, with applications already being accepted. To apply, send your contact details, the year, make and model of the car, a brief history and two images to andrea@poppyseedmedia.co.uk.

Stuart’s Capri will automatically be entered into the November competition as part of his prize, and his advice for anyone undertaking a restoration is to ‘have deep pockets and an understanding wife.’ 

For more information on the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.