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When you own a classic car, it’s natural to want to show people how fabulous it is. One way of doing that is by entering it into a classic car show or competition, such as the Pride of Ownership awards.

As well as giving you the chance to show off your beloved classic car, the Pride of Ownership awards also let you admire other people’s treasured vehicles, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and hear the unique stories of the cars on show. 

Of course, 2020 has been a bit different but the Pride of Ownership awards did go ahead – online. 

We love seeing how many people share our love of retro rides. Remember Lancaster can help you find classic car insurance no matter what the model.

About the Pride of Ownership competitions

Running since 2016, Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership is a celebration of gorgeous classic cars and their equally wonderful owners. Running as part of the NEC Classic Motor Show, it’s a chance for enthusiasts to get their classic car fix, hear from motoring experts and watch demos.

It’s also about getting under the bonnet – so to speak. Finding out about the stories that accompany the cars and how they were restored back to their former glory.

Whether it’s a rare vehicle, a barn find, or one that holds great sentimental value for the owner, Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership wants to hear about it. The winner is chosen by the event’s visitors and is usually revealed on Sunday afternoon.

The 2019 autumn competition saw a 1961 lilac Morris Minor Million owned by Ted Brookes take first place. Second place went to Ian Cummins’ 1991 Mazda MX-5 and third spot was awarded to Tahmid Haque for his 1988 BMW E30 325i Sport.

So then, the hunt was on for 2020’s winners...

2020 online edition

As was the case for so many events and shows, it was not possible for the 2020 NEC Classic Motor Show to run as usual. Instead it went online, hosted by motoring expert Mike Brewer and brimming with everything you’d expect from the show – live auctions, showcase of classic cars, and the Pride of Ownership competition.

Pride of Ownership 2020 finalists

The competition might have been virtual, but the standard was still as high as usual. Here’s a rundown of the 2020 finalists, with a little bit about the owners, their cars and why they deserved to be part of the Pride of Ownership competition.

Andy Plumb, 2000 Reliant Robin MKIII

Andy Plumb is something of a rarity. He’s able to say he is both the owner and designer of his classic car. As the only designer at Reliant during the late 1990s, he still has his original sketches for his 2000 Reliant Robin Mk3 (the last Reliant model in production). 

When he bought it in 2014, the car was in bad shape, so Andy embarked on a full nuts-and-bolt restoration, with nothing left unturned. Apart from the respray, Andy did all the restoration work himself and the three-wheeler is now back to its former glory, complete with stainless steel dashboard, leather interior, custom seat belts, and inclinometer. 

The engine has also been fully restored for higher torque so it can keep up with other cars on the road today. It’s fast – but not too fast.

Steve Fletcher, 1974 MGB Roadster

Having owned his MGB Roadster since 1986, Steve Fletcher is its third happy owner. In 1987, he started the car’s first restoration and re-trim. Back then, spare parts were plentiful and he easily found new panels and suspension upgrades.

In fact, he had just completed the restoration, when a builder’s truck reversed over the bonnet. Typical...

Steve’s second restoration took place in 2020 and involved a full bare metal respray, replacing the glass with green top tint, upholstering the interior with leather throughout, and adding chrome door handles, an aluminium gear knob, and period-look radio. 

Steve wanted a bespoke look for his MGB Roadster, and he’s certainly achieved that.

George Loveridge, 1969 Triumph Herald 13/60

This 1969 Triumph Herald is usually driven every day by its owner, George Loveridge. Of course, this hasn’t been possible during lockdown, but George used it as an opportunity to give his cherished motor a bit of TLC.

He’s added a boot carpet (from an old rug and kitchen lino), painted the wheels cream (terrible for showing up dirt, but complements the Valencia blue bodywork perfectly), and added sound-proofing to reduce noise levels from the engine. 

He’s proud of his feature window complete with various stickers and the thicker steering wheel which offers a better driving experience. Finally, the engine bay has been given a refresh and now boasts an improved battery, ignition, and performance coil for greater reliability. Dependable and a great daily driver – what more could you want?

Ian Cummins, 1991 Mazda MX-5

When Ian Cummins bought his Mazda MX-5 in 2010, it was an automatic. Since then, he’s carried out much work on this Japanese import – including converting it to manual. 

He bought the car from eBay after splitting up with a former girlfriend and with help and advice from friends, he’s spent hours repairing and restoring the bodywork, mechanicals and adding upgrades. After a respray to its original Mariner Blue, Ian’s mum nicknamed the car Bluebird.

Ian started showing his MX-5 in 2011, attending shows across the UK and Europe. As Ian says, it’s all about the handling of the car, the fun of a car, and driving in hot climates (not always possible in Ireland). He’s constantly making additions because, like most projects, the car is never finished.

Mark Stewart, 1990 Ford Escort RS Turbo

When it comes to restoring his Ford Escort RS Turbo, Mark Stewart has one goal – to make sure it remains as close to the model that came out of the factory in 1990 as possible.

He acknowledges that it would be much easier to unbolt everything, clean it up and put it back together again. However, someone in the Ford factory bolted this car together, and that’s how he wants to keep it.

It took Mark a lot of time and patience to find this particular Escort. He first owned an RS Turbo aged 18 and has always had a passion for the model. He’s the fifth owner, and even though he likes to drive it as much as possible, it only has 45,000 miles on the clock.

With its original headlight protectors, mud flaps, dealer stickers, number plates, seats and waffle mats, Mark is hugely proud of his car – and rightly so. He’s spent countless hours cleaning, detailing, and preserving, and adores the originality of the vehicle. Time very well spent we’d say – hopefully it’s covered by classic car insurance to protect his investment.

Grant Howlett, 1955 MG Magnette ZA

Grant is the proud owner of an MG Magnette ZA, which was owned by his grandfather from new. This beautiful classic motor has never been restored, only preserved.

Complete with original number plates, the only additions to the car were made by his grandfather, namely an electric screen wipe pump, parking rod, and wheel trims.

The car spent 10 years in the US with Grant and in that time, the engine was rebuilt. Painted in twilight grey, the interior reveals the original walnut, mahogany, carpets, and oxblood leather. 

Grant has the original bill of sale confirming the car cost £945 when his grandfather bought it. He also has a receipt for the HMV radio specified at purchase. With just 54,000 miles, it really is in great condition.

Terry Leach, 1920 Ford Model T Hotel bus 

Manufactured in Ford’s Trafford Park Manchester factory, Terry Leach’s Ford Model T cannot help but turn heads. Terry has owned the car for 12 years and has completely restored it during that time. It is in pristine condition inside and out, and has a fascinating backstory, too.

The car was first registered in Scotland and owned by the MacKinnon family – makers of Drambuie. It is thought that the vehicle was used to make the journey between Edinburgh and London under the family’s ownership, possibly to move the top-secret ingredients used in Drambuie around the country. That’s a long journey in a modern car, let alone in this 1920 hotel bus.

The livery on the side is a nod to its roots. The right classic car insurance will help it stay in tip-top shape for another 100 years.

Paul Clappison, 1972 MGB GT

Paul’s plan was always to take his MGB GT to local shows and drive it around. With the exception of Covid, he’s managed to do both.

He’s carried out some minor upgrades, alterations and quite a lot of detailing. The resulting motor has proved a hit at shows and on social media. It’s even the cover star of the December 2020 edition of the MG Enthusiast magazine.

With its chrome spoke wheels and original steering wheel (which was discontinued after people got their fingers stuck in the holes), this MGB is clearly Paul’s pride and joy.

Mark McClelland, 1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

2.0 litre turbocharged engine? Check. Four-wheel drive system? Check. Electric sunroof, rally style wheels, stainless steel exhaust? Check, check, check.

Mark McLelland’s 1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a superb example. This is a lux model – which explains all the added extras – and is finished in Moondust Silver to give it added appeal.

But the cherry on the cake is found under the bonnet. Here you’ll find a signature of one of the design team members – a certain Frank Stephenson. Better known for his design work at BMW, Mini, Ferrari, his work can be seen at the rear of the car and that iconic Cosworth spoiler.

Guy Loveridge, 1958 Jaguar 3.4 

Guy Loveridge’s 1958 Jaguar 3.4 is now known as the Jaguar Mk 1 (following the launch of the Mk 2). This is a Special Equipment model, meaning it’s fitted with a more powerful C-Type engine and disc brakes.

The Jag has been in the family for many years, and has frequented many events around the UK. It always attracts plenty of attention and is in superb condition. According to Guy, it has managed over 100 miles on a test track. 

The interior is original and comes complete with a 180 speedometer, period radio, and wind-up aerial. Its tourist badges pay homage to legendary Formula 1 racing driver Mike Hawthorn. Long may it continue turning heads.

Paul Hibbert, 1973 Porsche 914

When Paul Hibbert bought his Porsche 914 in 2016, he became its fifth owner. 

The engine had been rebuilt by a Porsche mechanic, but the paintwork had seen better days. Paul decided to carry out a full bare metal restoration. The restoration took four months, with the final month spent rebuilding the car. Throughout the process, Paul was on hand with his camera, documenting the progress.

The car has been finished in Zambezi Green and the finished product is something to behold. Remember, if you’re looking for a restoration project like this, our classic car insurance can cover the duration of the work.

Jake Clappison, 1979 Triumph Spitfire

Jake Clappison bought his Triumph Spitfire in 2019. It’s the first classic car he’s owned and was keen to get involved in the classic car community. A love of classic cars runs in the Clappison family. Jake’s inspiration came from his dad, Paul who owns a 1972 MGB GT (see above).

Originally white, the previous owner changed the bodywork colour to bright yellow about 20 years ago, and Jake is happy with the choice of colour.

With its beautiful wooden interior and original seat covers, Jake has done lots of detailing since he bought the car. Admittedly, the head gasket blew shortly after purchase, but since then all has been well. He’s enjoyed driving the Spitfire so far but is hoping to get out and about in it more next year.

Nick Loizou, 1930 Austin 16/6

In 1979, this Austin 16/6 was found in a barn in Wales, and it was desperate for some TLC. Luckily, Nick Loizou was on hand to snap it up and give it the care and attention it deserved. Over the following 24 years, Nick has lovingly restored this motor and today it is a delight to behold.

Thought to be one of only three made with the Weymann body construction – and the only one of those to have survived, this is a rare model and in immaculate condition.

The car’s first owner, Miss Hetty Holloway, paid £295 for it and kept hold of it for 32 years, before part-exchanging it for an Austin Minx.

Nick says the car continues to run well and is happy to do 45mph (it’s not so happy at its top speed of 60mph).

Mark Fishpool, 1956 Hillman Minx Californian

Mark Fishpool describes his Hillman Minx as a car that’s slightly off the radar.

The rear window is separated into three sections, its wind-down windows give it a coupe look, and the two-tone interior matches the exterior (Pippin red and cream). It’s a great example of mid-50s American styling.

This Californian was rescued from a scrap yard in London, after being found in a warehouse that was due to be demolished.

Mark discovered the car has had three previous owners. The first, a theatre agent in Anglesey, the second fitted a towbar to the back so he could pull his caravan, and the third kept hold of it until 1973.

Mark was keen to keep the car as original as possible. It needed a bare metal respray, but he has managed to keep the original engine, gearbox, exterior chrome, and interior features.

And the winners are…

Which was your favourite? Virtual attendees at this year’s NEC Classic Motor Show cast their votes and the results were as follows:

1st Paul Hibbert – 1973 Porsche 914

2nd Paul Clappison – 1972 MGB GT

3rd Mark Fishpool – 1956 Hillman Minx Californian and Ian Cummins – 1991 Mazda MX-5

Protecting your classic car

Classic car insurance from a specialist insurance broker gives you the protection your beloved motor needs to continue its journey for many more years to come. The cover can be tailored to your vehicle and your needs.

Arranging your classic car insurance through Lancaster Insurance means you could get historic rally cover, EU cover, Car Club member discounts of up to 25%, and access to our 24-hour claims helpline.

At Lancaster Insurance, we offer some of the most schemes in the UK. Get in touch with the team for an instant quote and to find out more.

Get a quote today.