Introducing our September Bright Young Spark…

Over the next few months we’ll be shining the spotlight on six ‘Bright Young Sparks’ who represent the younger generation of classic car enthusiasts – all of them nominated by you! You can find out more about the initiative here.

And today, we’re really pleased to announce our first finalist…. Amy Jones!

Amy Jones grew up with classics, so cars are in her blood. Our friends at Practical Classics went to visit her in Sheffield and asked her all about her passion for cars…

A love of classics from birth?

Yes, I suppose it was hard to avoid. Dad has always loved restoration, so a love of classics started young, and it never stopped. The workshop is where dad and I spent our time – it’s where I learned things. With that background what else could I do? I was always in the workshop with him. Still am really.

So, do you work cars all the time then?

Yep. I am an apprentice with PSA and I work in Sheffield at Robins & Day in Hillsborough. It was inevitable really as soon as I left school I wanted to work with cars… I’ll be finishing my level 2 at the end of the year, although it has to be said, I look forward to the end of the working day when I can go home and work on the old cars with dad. I eventually want to work on classics full time maybe join dad. Classics are more rewarding to work on, especially my Mini.

Tell us about the Mini

I wanted a classic Mini as my first car, dad had a classic Mini as his. I was a bit shocked when he said no, I should have a more modern car. We argued about it for a couple of months until one day I came home from work and he was acting funny. He asked me to come and have a look at something he had been doing in the workshop and there it was - he surprised me. I burst into tears. He had been looking for one for ages. It needed work though.

Was it a basket case?

It was full of rot. Wings, A panels, boot floor sills… I did some of the welding and a lot of the mechanics. I also chose the colour dad wanted original Caribbean Blue… I wanted Fantasy Pink… he didn’t like it to start with but he loves getting the looks now! He certainly doesn’t mind driving it – and I love it to bits.

Inspiring our Young People

The Bright Young Sparks initiative aims to support young people who are striving to join the classic car world - whether that’s by working in it or simply enjoying it as a hobby.

In the run up to the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March 2023, we’ll be celebrating and sharing the stories of six ‘Bright Young Sparks’ - as nominated by you!

So, what do they win? Each of our final six will win: £250 to go towards tools or classic kit. Two tickets to the PC Resto Show in March 2023 and a feature in the Lancaster newsletter and in PC. They will also be in with a chance of winning a 'Classic Car Industry Taster’ trip, including work experience with classic car mechanics, specialists and celebrities!