Finalists Announced for Pride Of The Paddock at Race Retro 2025

Race Retro, Europe’s premier historic motorsport show, is gearing up for its biggest Pride of the Paddock competition yet, with 20 stunning finalists set to compete for the coveted title. From February 21-23, 2025, Stoneleigh Park will host a dazzling array of historic competition cars, with visitors having the power to decide the winner.

This year’s finalists represent a remarkable range of motorsport history, featuring rally legends, endurance racers, and single-seaters that have graced some of the world’s most famous circuits.

The oldest car in this year’s lineup is Andy Lowe’s 1930 Austin 7 Supercharged, purchased in 1978 for just £25. Over the past 46 years, this incredible machine has been extensively rebuilt and upgraded, making it a regular sight on rallies, holidays, and even work commutes.

Goodwood Revival fans will recognize James Bott’s 1952 Jaguar XK120, a stunning example of classic British engineering. Meanwhile, Grant Harrison’s GSM Dart and Julian Crossley’s Jowett Javelin combine vintage elegance with serious speed.

Historic rallying is well represented, including Henry Hardiment’s 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S, which boasts an impressive competition record, particularly on the RAC Rally. Another standout is previous Pride of the Paddock winner Jim Angliss, who returns with his freshly restored 1963 Ford Anglia 105E. Derek Drinkwater’s 1961 Chevrolet Impala, an FIA-approved recreation of Dan Gurney’s Silverstone racer, adds American muscle to the mix.

For fans of striking modifications, James Williams’ 1976 Hillman Imp is sure to turn heads, while Stuart Kuy’s 1996 Volvo 850 T5, complete with period graphics and upgraded suspension, makes for a bold entry. Laurie Hatchard’s 1997 Dax Rush Quadra 5.0-litre Special is believed to be the factory prototype for the V8 model, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Classic rally cars are well represented with Mark McClelland’s 1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, once driven by François Delecour and Petter Solberg, alongside Nigel Hepburn’s 1995 Escort RS2000, which was piloted by Gwyndaf Evans on the Manx Rally. Mike Taylor’s Mk2 Escort, once part of the famous rivalry between Phil Collins and Colin McRae, will sit alongside Simon McMurdy’s Focus RS, a fitting tribute to McRae’s rally legacy.

Single-seater enthusiasts will be thrilled by Martin Sismey’s 1977 Javelin JL5 Formula Ford 1600, a car that played a key role in Nigel Mansell’s first race win - a true piece of motorsport history.

Completing the impressive lineup are a Crossley Special, Gary Ward’s Lola T644E, and Shaun Arnold’s 1972 Volvo 144, each bringing something unique to this spectacular competition.

Visitors to Race Retro 2025 will have the chance to vote for their favourite Pride of the Paddock entry, with the winner and two runners-up announced in Hall 3 on Sunday, February 23, at 3 PM.