Hundreds applied. Just 20 will make it. And now, 12 of this year’s Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership finalists are officially locked in.

This is not about price tags or polish alone. It’s about graft, loyalty, late nights in the garage and the stories that make a car impossible to sell.

From family keepers to full nut and bolt revivals, this year’s lineup already proves why Pride of Ownership is one of the most loved, fiercely fought competitions at UK events.

And remember, the winner is not chosen by a panel.

It’s chosen by you.

Let's meet the 12 confirmed finalists...

Andrew Laybourne’s 1984 Ford Transit 4x4

Believed to be the only Mk2 Transit ‘SIRA 4x4’ in the UK, this striking van is finished in the iconic 1980s Triplex Race livery, making it even more unique. Imported from Germany with just 11,000kms on the clock, Andrew took ownership in 2019 and spent two years on a ‘rolling restoration’ to create this incredible example.

Dominic Taylor-Lane’s 2000 Range Rover 2.5 DSE

A ‘Timewarp’ car, this Range Rover had only had two owners from new and done 43,000 miles when Dominic took ownership. Having loved them as a child, this is Dom’s third example, however he thinks this one is possibly the best left outside of a museum! It even has the Dealer fitted VHS Player and a Sony Playstation installed.

Robert Meldrum’s 1970 Vauxhall Viva HB Estate

Robert’s first car was a Viva HB Estate and after he blew the engine up at the age of 18, he decided to customise the car. It was his pride and joy so when he crashed it, he was devastated. Fast forward to 2010 when he discovered this example and set about a full restoration. There are not many of these models left in existence, but Robert has since acquired another three for his garage!

David Powers’ 1983 Ford Capri III 1.6LS

Purchased new by his father Don as a daily driver, in part exchange for a brown Morris Marina, this was the car David learnt to drive in. After his father passed away, David decided to restore the car which took six years to get it to this impressive standard. Having completed it last year, David headed out to smaller shows but is now ready for the NEC.

Mark Bartholomew’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

Mark purchased this matching numbers car as a ‘basket case’, already partially stripped for restoration with a wealth of spare parts. Fast forward ten years and the restoration was finally complete using OEM parts where possible with some imported from the USA. Mark wanted a sympathetically restored 70s classic capable of 100mph, and although he hasn’t tried the ton as yet, he’s pretty sure its capable!

Angie Billington’s 1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet

Affectionately known as Peanut, this is Angie’s dream car. Its condition is a testament to the care lavished on her by her three previous keepers, with Angie being the fourth and only lady owner. Although the car is not concour standard, it has been shown and recognised at events around the UK.

Clive Thompson’s 1960 Triumph Herald Convertible

Purchased in 1990 as a restoration project, the Herald has been completely transformed. Stripped to bare metal, it has had a complete overhaul both mechanically and aesthetically. Clive first resprayed it on the drive, but it has since had a professional paint job. Whilst it is used sparingly, Clive has enjoyed 35 years of happy motoring.

Jack Lonergan’s 1980 Rover Mini Clubman Estate

Restored with his dad, Jack has taken this Clubman Estate from a bare bodyshell to a car anyone would be seen dead in… as it’s a hearse! They hadn’t planned for it to be a hearse, but when his grandad passed away in 2023, the funeral directors asked what grandad’s interest were, and as a Mini fan, the idea took hold!

Jason Mould’s 1983 Ford Escort RS1600i

This RS1600i is an original example that had been off the road since 2007 before Jason purchased it a year ago. Only showing 42k miles, it had an extensive five-year body restoration but hadn’t been finished to Jason’s standards. Not only has Jason finished the project, he’s also spent the winter overhauling the engine bay.

John Clements’ 1973 Mazda 1300 Estate

Discovered by John in Belgium with only 10,000km on the clock, this is the car his brother owned that John learnt to drive in. His brother gave him the car which he kept until he upgraded to a Mazda 323. But he also regretted parting with the car so was delighted when he stumbled across this example on a Facebook page.

Paul Edwards’ 1997 Toyota Paseo

Having owned a Paseo from new before starting their family, Paul promised his wife that he would buy her a replacement Paseo as soon as finances allowed. However, poor health and the rarity of the model meant that it took a lot longer than anticipated but Paul finally fulfilled his promise. Having dementia, his wife connects the past and her previous experiences with the Paseo they drive in the present.

Stuart Johnson’s 1989 Ford Orion

This is no ordinary Orion and is guaranteed to turn heads with its eye-catching Peaky Blinders design. Owned by Stuart for 15 years, he has just completed a three-year rebuild. What started as a patch of rust has ended up a labour of love, fitted into his busy schedule at his garage business, and shows that imagination has no limits.

Giuseppe (Joe) Iezzi’s 1974 Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico

Joe started his career as a mechanic the same year his car came off the production line. Purchased in 2012, the Mexico went a significant restoration and returned to the road in 2014. Having appeared at show’s since, Joe’s Mexico entered the Classic Motor Show Hall of Fame in November 2025.

In just a two weeks, these 12 finalists will roll into the halls, each one hoping your vote sends them home as 2026 champion.

Eight more are still to be revealed. The competition is only getting tougher.

Join us at the show, hear the stories in person, study every detail, and decide which classic deserves to take the title.

Because this is what it’s all about: keeping cool cars on the road, celebrating the journey, and giving the best story the crown.