Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership
Celebrating classic cars and their owners, this fantastic display gathers together enthusiasts with the best stories about the rarest, most unusual and cherished vehicles.
We have seen cars found as a wreck and restored to its former glory, those that have been owned over decades from new by the same owner, some extremely rare examples and many with wonderful stories of how they hold significant sentimental value to a loved one.
The winner is chosen by you, the visitors, voted for throughout the show giving owners the opportunity to tell you their story and why you should pick their car.
The awards presentation takes place among the competing cars on Sunday afternoon.
Entries for this year's competition are now closed.
The final line-up of 20 finalists
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This sixteen year old owner is very proud of his lovely Mini, and has undertaken plenty of work from refurbishing the interior to an overhaul of the mechanicals. He’s learnt plenty of skills from his Dad, and can’t wait to turn seventeen so he can drive it on the road. -
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It was cheap and very rusty, so only a full restoration would do for this fine British classic. It took three years to complete the body and paintwork, but only perfection was good enough for an owner aiming for complete originality, and the result is nothing short of amazing. One special MGB. -
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This cracking Golf had already received a top-notch restoration and numerous upgrades to the engine and running gear when Dave bought it, and he’s since spent time attending to a few details. Now it looks perfect and with a passion for hot hatchbacks, this is one he can certainly enjoy. -
Inspired by his dad’s ownership, Tom bought this second generation a couple of years ago with only 40,000 miles on the clock. He’s made a few subtle changes but prefers to keep his cars as close to standard as possible. Which is why it’s not wearing its original alloy wheels as those have been sent ... -
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Ben’s a huge fan of these rare and desirable Fords and bought this one aged thirteen. It’s since benefitted from a comprehensive restoration, with the owner sourcing lots of original parts, and he’s got some more work planned, too. And it’s been a star of Practical Classics magazine and Youtube. -
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Bought online from the US, the owner admits to having ended up with a wreck. But a comprehensive restoration has turned this cool Swedish classic into a car that was presented to his girlfriend as a gift for Valentine’s Day. A great story and a great example of the stylish coupe. -
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This is a Mk 1 Capri like no other, and it’s all thanks to an owner who admits to being a perfectionist. A stunning restoration, it’s benefitted from extensive upgrades to the engine, suspension and brakes along with a luxurious interior. Rav says that it never sees any rain! -
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Just two previous owners and 11,000 miles on the clock made this the perfect example for a BMW enthusiast. Very little work has been needed, so with time spent on a comprehensive service of the engine, transmission and brakes this 5 Series was ready to enjoy some outings to shows. -
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A replacement for car written-off in a serious accident, a restoration down to the last nut and bolt has been complemented by an upgraded 1600cc engine. It now boasts healthy power and performance, and it thoroughly deserves the awards and magazine features that have followed since. A stunning class ... -
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David spent almost thirty years trying to get his hands on this rare car, and finally succeeded in 2013. It’s been subjected to a painstaking restoration that took nine years, and the result is nothing short of stunning. And a fascinating history includes featuring on the cover of a Stargazers album ... -
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This gorgeous German classic has had a two-year rolling restoration, with plenty of time devoted to ensuring the interior had just the right amount of patina. Attention to the bodywork and a complete respray was accompanied by an engine re-build, and the stylish Mercedes gets used all year round. -
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Bought with an inheritance, this cherished ‘Pagoda’ SL has been through a ground-up restoration that took seven years. The owner is rightly proud of the effort she put in, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. It’s now being cherished and enjoyed just as her beloved Aunt Edna wanted it to ... -
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This desirable performance saloon has been subjected to a five-year restoration, with everything from the bodywork to mechanicals receiving plenty of attention. Jaswant - who owned one of these more than twenty years ago - is rightly proud of the result and says that driving the car brings back plen ... -
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Rescued from being a replica rally car, the owner has carried out plenty of work including attention to the body and a suspension overhaul. More jobs are planned, including an engine rebuild, but for now Neil is thoroughly enjoying his lovely Metro. It certainly brings back a few memories. -
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The owner first saw this very car back in 1989, so owning it today is a special experience. Bought at auction and in mint condition, it’s needed nothing but regular maintenance and is just ready to be enjoyed. Phil says that it always turns heads when it’s out on the road. -
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A keen Toyota enthusiast, finding the right example took some time but this Paseo is a credit to its dedicated owner. Some rust repairs and attention to the engine were needed, but all that fettling has resulted in a lovely example of this rare coupe. He describes it as a real mission. -
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This special edition of the brilliant drop-top has benefitted from attention to the bodywork, mechanicals and trim and it’s now in tip-top condition. It gets used most days, and the owner has taken it on plenty of trips across the UK and Europe, enjoying the great driving experience. -
Previously the subject of a nut-and-bolt restoration, this superb and somewhat rare Ford has been improved even further by its proud owner. He’s not quite finished yet, but for the moment he’s just enjoying the driving experience and the attention it receives whilst out on the road and at shows. -
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The owner purchased this car back in 1983 and it’s been cherished ever since. In largely original condition apart from a respray carried out in 2004, this remarkable hot hatchback has received numerous awards as well as appearing in car magazines and on television. It’s one very special GTI. -
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Having always wanted a 944 this example certainly fitted the bill, although a bit of work has been needed. Despite an impressive service history there were still jobs to do, including sorting some frustrating water leaks, but the strong performance is something the owner is really enjoying. This one ...
How to enter
Vehicles manufactured before 31 December 2000 were invited to enter into the Pride of Ownership competitions for consideration.
Entries for this year's competition are now closed.
The full Terms & Conditions are available on our T&Cs page.
Competition Rules
Unlike other competitions, this is not a concours event. Whilst the standard of the car is still paramount, it’s the story the owner and the car have shared that will be taken into consideration when deciding who makes it onto the final centrepiece display. Modified and replica cars will be considered alongside their original counterparts.
A vehicle can only be entered once in a three-year period for the physical competition. Any online versions are open to previous entrants and finalists. An owner can enter one vehicle per year but it must be a different one each year.
Clarion Events will not contribute to any transportation or accommodation costs for entrants.
The competition is presented in the spirit of like-minded enthusiasts coming together to celebrate their vehicles. Entrants are asked to keep this in mind when submitting their application.
Voting
Visitors can vote for their favourite car having had chance to not only inspect the cars at close proximity but also chat to the owners and hear their stories.
While the owners can engage and campaign with other entrants and visitors, any form of intimidation, cheating, derogatory remarks or bad mouthing is not tolerated and those involved will be disqualified and asked to leave.
Votes must be completed at the event within the competition display area. Votes will be counted and verified by Clarion Events Ltd and the organiser's decision is final.
The car with the most visitor votes wins with trophies awarded for first, second and third place. The first place winner will be invited to display their car at the next edition of the show.
Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager of Lancaster Insurance, sponsors of the Pride of Ownership, said: “This competition is an integral part of the show and a real highlight of the weekend for many visitors. There have been some outstanding winners and participants over the years and we know there’s still some real gems out there waiting for their time to shine."
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