Classic Car Of The Year UK

Classic Car of the Year

The deadline for this year’s Classic Car of the Year competition has been extended to allow the judges more time to go through the diverse entrants who hope to become the UK’s Classic Car of the Year 2011. Cars entered so far range from a 1976 Austin Maxi 1750 to a 1961 Mercedes Benz 190SL, a Lancia Delta HF Integrale thats used on a daily basis and a Triumph Herald that has been in the family for three generations and is still going strong.

Classic car owners now have until the 31st August 2011 to enter their pride and joy in a nationwide competition, organised by Classic Car Weekly, Classic Cars and Practical Classics magazines. The winner will receive a fantastic first prize valued at over £3,500 with over £700 worth of runners up prizes up for grabs.

The competition, in association with Lancaster Insurance, is open to any car made before 1990. There are no restrictions on the number of cars owners can enter – if they are lucky enough to own more than one classic car, then all the vehicles can be included.

An expert judging panel will evaluate the entrants on their individual merits as well as awarding extra points for going to extraordinary lengths to rebuild a car, its fascinating history and incredible journeys undertaken. They will also be looking for cars that are part of the family, those used everyday and those that have been obtained after a lengthy search or quest.

From this information and imagery provided, the panel will then shortlist 20 cars from each category and invite the public to vote for their favourite.

It will be the public who decide the winner and the runners up of each category. The winning cars will then go on display at the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 11th to 13th November where the overall winner with the most votes will be revealed and the grand prize awarded.

The eventual winner of the title will receive a unique trophy as well as a mountain of prizes including a year’s free comprehensive car insurance up to a value of £300 from Lancaster Insurance and weekend tickets to the Classic Motor Show including hotel accommodation. Runners up will also receive a year’s free comprehensive car insurance up to a value of £300 from Lancaster Insurance as well as weekend tickets for the Classic Motor Show and hotel accommodation.

The first Classic Car of the Year competition held in 2010 was won by Amy Clements with her 1954 Jowett Jupiter SC which she had owned for over 30 years. Amy’s dad Keith bought the car with the intention of restoring it in time for Amy’s 17th birthday back in 1995. Some progress was made before life intervened. The Jupiter languished in several thousand pieces. In early 2009 Amy (now 30) asked: ‘Will my car ever be ready, dad?’ The response was: ‘Yes, if you help.’ Amy, along with her partner Jack, accepted the challenge and started a year long restoration.