TEN OF THE BEST: CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB AWARDS NAMES 2018 WINNERS

TEN OF THE BEST: CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB AWARDS NAMES 2018 WINNERS

The winners of the 2018 Classic & Sports Car Club Awards, held in association with Lancaster Insurance, have been revealed at a memorable ceremony at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham.

This year, the judges received an unprecedented number of entries from a diverse array of car clubs, as well as those passionate individuals who share a drive to preserve motoring history and broaden the appeal of the classic car community.

Alastair Clements, Editor in Chief of Classic & Sports Car, said: “Our judging panel was blown away by the volume and quality of the submissions this year. The overall impression from evaluating the entries was just how passionate, supportive and welcoming the entire classic car world is. We’ve learnt about labour-of-love restorations, incredible charity drives, youthful exuberance and an especially poignant rally marking the centenary of World War I. These extraordinary groups are the people who shape the classic car community. Moreover, the submissions also brought home what a bright future there is for classic motoring, and we would like to congratulate all of our 2018 winners on their fantastic efforts over the past year.”

The winners of the 2018 Classic & Sports Car Club Awards in association with Lancaster Insurance are:

Club of the Year: Ford100e.com

Lancaster Insurance Club Initiative of the Year: ‘Crossmember’ membership system, The Rover P6 Club

Club Personality of the Year: Peter Lee, Transit Van Club

Best Contribution to Charity: Secret Supercar Meet, Supercar Driver

Best Contribution by a Youngster: Katrina Forey, TR Register

Most Improved Club Magazine: Talbot Owners’ Club Magazine

Club Magazine of the Year: Idle Chatter, The 1100 Club

Best Club Website: www.hondas800sportscarclub.co.uk, Honda S800 Sports Car Club

Best Club Run/Rally: ‘The Long, Long Trail’, The Veteran Car Club of Great Britain

Best Club Show/Event: International Alvis Weekend 2018, Alvis Owner Club

In addition to these 10 pre-show categories, the Classic & Sports Car Club Awards judges also spent time exploring the halls of the Classic Motor Show, taking place this weekend at Birmingham’s NEC. The panel looked at car clubs’ displays across a further seven categories, seeking out the best cars and stands at the show.

These seven winning displays are:

Most Interesting Selection of Cars: Historic Lotus Register (Stand 2-840)

Best Themed Club Stand: Austin Counties Car Club (Stand 3-495)

Best Small Club Stand: Fiat 500 Enthusiasts’ Club (Stand 5-560)

Best Medium Club Stand: Wolseley Register (Stand 3-158)

Best Large Club Stand: Veteran Car Club (Stand 1-355)

Car of the Show: Bugatti Type 57S Vanvooren Cabriolet, courtesy Andrew Pisker, Bugatti Owners’ Club (Stand 1-325)

C&SC Special Award: Ford Cortina GT, courtesy Theo Bengry, Historic Marathon Rally Group (Stand 8-360)

To read more about our 2018 winners, head over to the Classic & Sports Car website at www.classicandsportscar.com or follow us on our social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #CSCClubAwards.

E-TYPE UK SERIES 1 RESTORATION WINS BEST IN CLASS AT WARREN CLASSIC

E-TYPE UK SERIES 1 RESTORATION WINS BEST IN CLASS AT WARREN CLASSIC

Leading restoration specialist E-Type UK showcased its recently restored and highly original Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at the Warren Classic Concours in North Maldon, Essex, where the period accuracy and incredible attention to detail impressed the Concours judges who awarded it the coveted Best in Class award in the Jaguar class.

The prestigious show, held in the glorious grounds of The Warren Estate, attracts an incredible array of classic and modern automobiles. E-Type UK’s original UK delivered right-hand drive flat-floor, external bonnet latch Series 1 E-Type was an instant hit among the crowds, and the astonishing detail of the build attracted the attention of visitors throughout the weekend.

In order to keep the world-famous British sports car entirely accurate and to period specification, many of the original parts were recommissioned and refitted. When it arrived at the E-Type UK facility, the 54th E-Type to have rolled off the production line had been resprayed in British Racing Green with a beige interior – far from how the car would have looked when it sat on the Coventry factory floor. The in-house body shop team completely stripped down the body and repainted it to its original Imperial Maroon finish.

The team went to incredible lengths to restore this Jaguar to the exact specification it was when it left the factory. The interior was taken from beige back to its flamboyant factory maroon – with a hand-built black hood to cover it. Where possible, each nut, bolt, cable and switch was disassembled, cleaned and returned to the condition it was in in 1961. From original spot weld patterns to an exacting interior trim pattern, every single detail was considered.

Last month, the car was also displayed in the Members Enclosure at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. As one of the most prestigious Concours events in the country, it welcomed rare and stunning classics from every corner of the globe. This prestigious Best in Class win at the Warren Classic Concours is a fitting accolade for this exceptional restoration and a true indicator of the superb work of the E-Type UK team.

Founder Marcus Holland commented “We’ve had an exceptionally busy Concours season that has seen E-Type UK and sister company DM Historics restorations shown at several world-class Concours including Pebble Beach, and to finish our Concours season with this Best in Class win further demonstrates the exceptional talent of our restoration team.

E-Type UK Chassis 54