Announcing our February Bright Young Spark, George Swift!

Where did your passion for classics start?

‘Many different places: an interest in the history of engineering, being brought up around older cars, my curiosity to understand how all the components of a car come together to produce an operating vehicle, going to countless car shows and watching the BTCC at Oulton Park when I was eight.

But the real reason was all the hours I spent playing Gran Turismo and Need for Speed as a kid. This gave me a basic understanding of which cars had what engines, different drivetrains etc. It gave me a passion that will last forever. The cars I was brought up with were BMWs, Subarus and Land Rovers, iconic in their own respective categories.’

What classics do you have?

‘My dad and I own a 1992 Land Rover Defender 200 Tdi 90 and an N-reg BMW E34 525i Sport manual with the all-important limited slip diff. My dad has owned the Land Rover since 2008, I was only six-years-old then, but I remember sitting in the centre seat changing gears as my dad drove. He has owned the BMW since 2002 when I was six months old. The Land Rover was a lockdown resto after being off the road for a couple of years, which left a lot of chassis corrosion needing work, cutting, cleaning, welding, fitting a new rear crossmember, etc.’

What is your dream classic?

‘The BMW actually – it is still a work in progress, it needs sills, wings, floor, wheel arches, Typical BMW. This car’s last MOT was in 2016 and it has seen a lot of rain since then, we’re hoping for it to see the road again very soon as we are convinced this is a real modern classic. I actually cannot wait to drive it as my dad tells me it’s a real driver’s car, a lot of work until that day though. Classic muscle cars such as the 1969 Dodge Charger or a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, these are also very special cars.’

What does the future hold, what is your ambition?

‘I don’t know what the future holds, but I know I’ll continue to enjoy everything I do with cars, whether that be fixing, modifying, or driving them. My ambition is to get more involved in the car scene and continue to learn and grow as a car enthusiast. The main objective now is to get the BMW on the road.

Why should you win BYS?

‘I believe I am worthy of winning BYS because of the time and effort committed, purely due to my love of cars. I would be very grateful to win, but if one of the younger enthusiasts with maybe a bit less experience in the workshop should win, I would be the first to congratulate them as this would motivate them to continue their love of classic cars.’

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!