The Car Spy

Having reviewed hundreds of entries for this year’s Classic Car of the Year competition, held in association with Lancaster Insurance, the editors of Classic Cars, Classic Car Weekly, and Practical Classics have selected twenty cars for its voting shortlist. The fantastic array of shortlisted cars reflect the sheer diversity of the British classic car scene and the incredible challenges often faced by owners.

This ‘top twenty’ now needs to become the ‘famous five’ finalists so it’s time for you, the motoring loving public, to make your the choice of which vehicle could be this year’s standout winner. The closing date for voting is October 13th so don’t delay! The five short-listed cars will be revealed at the Footman James Classic Motor Show, at Birmingham’s NEC, on November 11th – 13th.

The shortlisted cars are:

• 1962 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II: a replica that pays homage to the marque’s rallying past, built to an impeccable standard.
• 1965 Peugeot 404: based on a standard export model and finished second in the 1965 East African Safari Rally.
• 1980 Lotus Elite S2.2: originally built by the Lotus F1 team but beautifully restored, this Elite was made available to Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis, Mario Andretti, and Colin Chapman.
• 1969 Jaguar E Type Series II: had same owner for 35 years who not only drives it but has lovingly driven rebuilt the entire car as well.
• 1959 Austin Westminster A105 Vanden Plas: number 416 of 501 produced, this low-mileage Westminster Vanden Plas exudes quality, character, and ‘Britishness’.
• 1977 Escort RS1800: first rallied in 1977 and victorious on the 1978 RAC Rally in the hands of Hannu Mikkola, and still rallying today.
• 1953 Bristol 401: a tip-off led to the discovery and subsequent purchase of this car, which has been the subject of a 22-year restoration.
• 1975 Jensen Interceptor Convertible: extensively-restored, this rare ‘walnut dash’ Interceptor convertible recently had a starring role in Channel 4’s Red Riding trilogy.
• 1949 Triumph Roadster: a six-year restoration undertaken by its owner, a former Triumph apprentice, has seen this ‘basket-case’ return to its former glory. 
• 1970 Porsche 911: once rotten and mechanically-tired, this Targa was completely stripped, restored, rebuilt, and resprayed, by a self-taught father and son team.
• 1960 Armstrong Siddely Star Sapphire: briefly owned by the current keeper in the late 70s, it was shipped off to Sweden for 30 years. Now back in the UK, it is being re-commissioned.
• 1970 BMW 2002: purchased from BMW Munich and still under the same ownership since new, it’s astonishingly-original despite spending much of its early life in harsh foreign climes.
• 1955 MG Magnette ZA: in the same family since new, used regularly, and in a wonderfully-original condition, this is a truly marvellous Magnette.
• 1969 Datsun 240Z: this delightful 240Z, which was rebuilt in 2002, is actually the original UK road test car.
• 1959 Triumph TR3S: one of three TR3’s entered by the works for the 1959 Le Mans. Using original drawings as reference, it has been rebuilt to original Le Mans specification.
• 1973 Ford Capri 3.0 GXL: this stunning Capri has been painstakingly and skilfully transformed from burnt-out wreck to concours prize-winner.
• 1932 Lancia Dilambda: twenty Dilambdas have survived worldwide. This magnificent example was rebuilt in time for the Lancia Centenary celebrations in Turin in 2006. 
• 1959 Messerschmitt TG 500: Delivered new to Israel in 1959, this ‘Tiger’ survived a lengthy incarceration and a bombing before returning to the UK for a  meticulous restoration.
• 1924 Alvis 12/50 Tourer: Bought by the current owner in 1958, and restored by him in the 1970s, this charming Alvis is a regular at concours events, driving trials, and weddings.

To cast your vote, visit www.ccoty.co.uk where you will find a brief history and pictures of all the cars. Make sure your favourite marque doesn’t miss out on making the grand final.