17 October, 2014
The quest to find this year’s hottest American classic car ends in a thrilling finale next month - and you can help to decide the winner.
The Footman James Car of the Year 2014 final is being staged during NEC Birmingham’s Classic Motor Show on November 14-16.
Seven magnificent classic American vehicles have won through the UK-wide heats. The winner will receive not only a coveted bespoke trophy, but a cheque for £500.
The swinging ’60s dominate proceedings this year, with six of the seven finalists from that decade.
Can I vote?
Yes, this year your vote will go towards the final overall judging.
Simply visit Classic American Magazine’s voting page. But hurry! Voting ends at 5pm on Monday, November 3.
Runners and riders
Chrysler New Yorker (1964)
This August, luxury showroom-condition model has still only registered 16,000 miles after half a century. Wheels Day saw Surrey’s Gavin and Robbie Garrow triumph with this grey vintage treasure.
Cadillac Series 62 Sedan (1960)
Woodbridge’s Tilly and Roger Sharman are flying the flag for Suffolk after winning the Atomic heat.
Pontiac Bonneville (1966)
Long and heavy, this General Motors-produced beauty remains an echo of a bygone age. Colin Shepherd, from Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, prevailed at this year’s American Speedfest qualifier.
Mercury Colony Park (1970)
The newest of the competitors is “only” 45 years young with plenty left on its clock, having recorded a mere 54,000 miles. Much of its life has been spent in dry storage in California. Blackpool’s Gary Nutton scooped first place at this year’s Stars & Stripes spectacular at Tatton Park to earn his place.
Packard 1801 Deluxe Club Coupe (1940)
At a venerable 74, the oldest of the candidates, its distinctive, bloated shape looks as if it has come straight from the reels of a black-and-a-white US detective movie. Northamptonshire’s Gerry and Thom Brouillard proved there is life in this old automotive dog yet by taking the Rally of the Giants heat.
Dodge Super Bee 440 Six Pack (1969)
Another Hertfordshire-based exhibitor, Royston’s Pete Wiseman came through the Mopar Euro Nats Santa Pod showpiece with his late 1960s gem. No other finalist is as loud as this vibrant red-coloured machine. No wonder Pete wore sunglasses to the heat!
Chevrolet Corvette “fuelie” (1965)
Warwick’s Sarah and Jerome Johnson scooped the Prescott’s Autumn American Classic heat with this ermine white-coloured beauty - with a meagre 43,000 miles on its clock.
All under the same roof?
Yup. This magnificent seven come face to face at next month’s Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC before judging takes place.
The prestigious November event allows visitors to get up close and personal with historic American cars at their best.
How do I book?
Book online and tickets are cheaper. Adults pay £55 for a pass for all three days; £34 for a weekend pass; £25 for Friday and £18.50 for either Saturday or Sunday.
Opening times during the event are as follows:
Friday (10am-6.30pm)
Saturday (9am-6.30pm)
Sunday (9am-5.30pm)
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