Britain’s biggest resto show is back – and 20 classic owners want to win its flagship contest
PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR &RESTORATION SHOW NEC, BIRMINGHAM. 22-24 MARCH
0ne of the big draws for the Practical Classics Classic Car &Restoration Show is the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition. The contest in the NEC’s halls on 20-24 March has a heavy focus on cars that have been subject to the caring touch of a restoration and this year’s 20-strong line-up has been released.
Awealth of German classics make up a portion of this year’s roster – a 1998 BMW Z3 and a 1982 BMW 323i will stand along with a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E that has served as a learning experience for its young owner, a 1979 Volkswagen Golf and a 1990 Porsche 944 Turbo that is the proud winner of the Porsche Club of Great Britain Speed Championship.
From an Anglo-standpoint, there’s solid representation with a 1970 Mini Clubman, a 1965 Morris Minor with just 20,000 miles on its clock and a 1956 Austin A35 that is entwined with family history. On top of that there is a 1972 Triumph TR6 and a 1961 TVR Grantura Mk2a that started out as a project composed of 20 boxes of bits and an idea. Further up the performance ladder is a 1974 Jaguar E-type roadster, a 1964 Daimler SP250 and the contest’s newest entrant, a 2004 MG XPower SV.
Arather more everyman triple of entries includes a 1985 Ford Escort SE and 2000 Ford Escort van. A 1991 Rover Metro GTi tops off the trio and blends nicely into the brace of hot hatches that includes a 1991 Renault 5 GT Turbo and a 1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale.
Another Italian also joins the competition in the form of anow remarkably rare 1989 Fiat Panda 4x4. Capping out the score of cars is a 1997 Mazda Eunos Roadster that’s undergone extensive work and served as its owner’s wedding car.
