Announcing our October Bright Young Spark!

How did your love of classics start?

'My dad was a mechanic, and my mother was a nurse. So, when I was little, I had to go to dad's yard since I couldn’t stay in the hospital waiting rooms. Dad worked on classic Rovers and when I was old enough, would help him with mechanical work or bodywork, rubbing down whole panels and prepping for paint.'

Tell us about your cars!

'I bought Muttley the Mazda MX-5 recently. Bought cheap from a gent who imported him from Japan. I've replaced all four discs and pads, removed the hard top to safe storage, changed the battery and clamps to UK size, fitted halo lights and am currently waiting for a set of custom engraved rear lights. Millie the Herald is in the process of a complete nut and bolt restoration. Originally started as a rust-free project, which then exploded to a car in many pieces with a rotten chassis. With help from dad and friends we managed to replace all six outriggers as well as chassis extensions, which then I have primed, and painted body colour. I never really had any budget constraints – whatever it took to get it done properly. If I had to spend over £350 buying full outriggers for the Herald so it doesn’t look like a patchwork quilt underneath, then it’s worth the expense!'

What are your plans for the cars, ultimately?

'My future plan is to make the Mazda good paint wise, fix the lacquer peel on the wing and doors. He will eventually get a respray but that’s far in the future. I'd like to fix all the rust bubbles underneath, underseal it and waxoil all the nooks and crannies to hopefully prevent it from rusting in future. Other than that, I plan to tinker with it. Service items and such and cosmetic things like lights and some Mazda speed side skirts. The Herald will be resprayed proper in its factory cherry red. Done to original spec engine and interior wise. Just make it a lovely car. My end goal is to have my Mazda ‘Muttley’ as my fun car. Drive it around on B roads and just enjoy it. The Millie will then be my estate car, used to take a small tear drop caravan to car shows and show it off once its finished and painted.'

Are you in a club?

'Yes, I've joined both MG clubs as well as the Triumph Sport Six Club who have been amazing to talk to at the events. I've not yet joined the MX-5 Owners Club but have found a fantastic Facebook group for MX-5s. They have been so helpful with answering my questions and supporting the work that I've done to Muttley. I even had my first experience with a convoy to an event. It was wonderful to meet everyone for a drive and natter about MX-5s.'

Were you surprised to be entered into the Bright Young Sparks contest?

'To be honest, I think there will be others more deserving to win than me! But I'm honoured! I think I've been very lucky to have been nominated and look forward to meeting a lot more young people who share the same interests in classic cars.'

Inspiring our Young People

The Lancaster Insurance Bright Young Sparks initiative supports young people who are striving to join the classic world – whether 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 2024, we will be celebrating the stories of six ‘Bright Young Sparks’ – as nominated by you!
The six finalists will each win: £250 to go towards tools or classic kit, plus two tickets to the PC Resto Show in March 2024 and will be in the Lancaster newsletter and in PC, plus being in with a chance of winning an industry taster week with specialists. Visit Bright Young Sparks to find out more!