Practical Classics Restorer of the Year, with Lancaster Insurance
Practical Classics magazine editor Danny Hopkins and his brilliant team spend time each year reviewing readers' restorations with fine toothcombs to collate a lovely list of finished projects for the public to vote for their favourite. The competition is tough and all show great workmanship, but only one can come out on top.
Shortlist voting will open in the New Year.
Voting for the ulitmate winner opens for a month preceeding the show and closes on the Sunday morning of the event, with the golden spanner being awarded around midday to the deserving winner.
Stay tuned for more information over the coming weeks to see the competition narrow and join us at the show for the prize giving.
2020 Short List
Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, commented:
“All of the cars featured have a fantastic story and showcase what is so great about our industry; dedication, passion and enthusiasm.”
“All of the cars featured have a fantastic story and showcase what is so great about our industry; dedication, passion and enthusiasm.”
April 2019: Simon Hoar - Ford Cortina
Bought as a blast from the past bit of nostalgia for him and his dad, Simon’s rip-roarer of a Cortina was revived with graft and inspiration from fellow Ford enthusiasts. With its beautiful paintwork interior, he even found the first owner.
Bought as a blast from the past bit of nostalgia for him and his dad, Simon’s rip-roarer of a Cortina was revived with graft and inspiration from fellow Ford enthusiasts. With its beautiful paintwork interior, he even found the first owner.
October 2019: Graham Welch - Golf GTI
This early example of the GTi turned out to be a former press car so it had to be saved. VW fan Graham was quick to take the Golf to pieces and take it back to standard spec. With his mastery of self-taught VW restoration, Graham has a car of his dreams.
This early example of the GTi turned out to be a former press car so it had to be saved. VW fan Graham was quick to take the Golf to pieces and take it back to standard spec. With his mastery of self-taught VW restoration, Graham has a car of his dreams.
October 2019: Richard Skinner - Chitty Tribute
Richard meant what he said: ‘Before I die, I really want to build my own’. After 50 years of dreaming and two years of research, the end result was truly extraordinary and something of a crowd-pleaser. Gladly, Richard is still alive and enjoy the results.
Richard meant what he said: ‘Before I die, I really want to build my own’. After 50 years of dreaming and two years of research, the end result was truly extraordinary and something of a crowd-pleaser. Gladly, Richard is still alive and enjoy the results.
November 2019: Mark Fishpool - 1973 Triumph TR6
This classic Brit saloon was given the restoration of all restorations after years of inactivity. Mark’s big rebuild – which involved a bare metal stripdown - easily equates to one of the most visually and aesthetically stunning restorations imaginable.
This classic Brit saloon was given the restoration of all restorations after years of inactivity. Mark’s big rebuild – which involved a bare metal stripdown - easily equates to one of the most visually and aesthetically stunning restorations imaginable.
November 2019: Rob Hall - Astra GTE
This GTE has gone back to being factory fresh. With a baby on the way, the stakes were high for the Hall family so Rob’s work is nothing short of a miracle. It was finished with just a week to spare and ended up bringing the new addition home.
This GTE has gone back to being factory fresh. With a baby on the way, the stakes were high for the Hall family so Rob’s work is nothing short of a miracle. It was finished with just a week to spare and ended up bringing the new addition home.
February 2020: Emily Cook - Wolseley 1100
From the film, The Lady in the Van, this Wolseley 1100 found its way into the hands of Emily. Enlisting the help of family and friends and with one heck of a bare-metal rebuild, new paint job and a parts-buying marathon, this classic is back to its glory.
From the film, The Lady in the Van, this Wolseley 1100 found its way into the hands of Emily. Enlisting the help of family and friends and with one heck of a bare-metal rebuild, new paint job and a parts-buying marathon, this classic is back to its glory.
March 2020: Gary Needs - Vauxhall Chevette HSR
This father-son team’s fanatical level of attention to detail comes to the forefront with this exquisite Chevette. From the sensational rebuild of the Vauxhall’s bodyshell to the impeccable quality of the respray, it underwent a dream restoration.
This father-son team’s fanatical level of attention to detail comes to the forefront with this exquisite Chevette. From the sensational rebuild of the Vauxhall’s bodyshell to the impeccable quality of the respray, it underwent a dream restoration.
March 2020: Shaun Henry – Renault 10
Shaun proved you don’t need to loads of money to restore a car when he finished his rare Renault just before last year’s show. His mission to complete the project at home by himself succeeded and so he made it to the NEC in a blaze of glory!
Shaun proved you don’t need to loads of money to restore a car when he finished his rare Renault just before last year’s show. His mission to complete the project at home by himself succeeded and so he made it to the NEC in a blaze of glory!
Previous Winners
2020 Winner
Richard Skinner - Chitty Tribute
2019 Winner
Paul Henly - 1974 Datsun 240Z
2018 Winner
Colin Hitchcock - 1973 Fiat 500L
