A Lancaster man says it's a dream come true after his beloved sports car was picked as a finalist at the UK's biggest classic motor show.
Heath Ellis' 2005 BMW Z4 MkI Roadster has been chosen as one of 20 vehicles from across the UK to be showcased at the prestigious Pride of Ownership finals at the NEC Birmingham in November.
Heath, from Galgate, said he is particularly thrilled because he almost sold the car on three occasions when life got tough during the Covid pandemic.
"Sometimes holding onto what you love pays off," he said.
The Autumn Final of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership - featuring cars spanning decades of motoring - will be held from November 13 to 15 at the iconic venue, where visitors to the show will decide who will win.
The winner and two runners up all receive trophies and a year’s free car insurance; and the overall winner will also be offered the chance to display their car at the next event held by the organisers.
"The car is in an incredibly rare Maldives blue used as a launch colour for the early Z4s built at BMW's Spartanburg plant, and has won 10 awards," said Heath.
"The real story is the journey we've taken together over my eight years of ownership.
"During the pandemic, like (for) many local people, things got incredibly tough.
"I put the car up for sale three times and put it down listening to the voice in my head saying 'Don't do it you'll never get it back' and I would like to think this was my dad guiding me as this car was and is my joy.
"The money would have been for food and bills and survival.
"I even survived a targeted scam attempt from someone trying to take advantage of my situation but my wife's quick thinking saved us and I held on.
"This car isn't just metal. It's part of my soul, part of my family. It has a heartbeat.
"To go from nearly losing it for food and bills money, to representing our region on the national stage at the UK's biggest classic car show is a dream come true.
"I also have a feature article pending with Classic and Sports Car magazine."
Heath's car will be up against other finalists including a 1962 Hillman Super Minx, a 1972 Datsun 240Z, a 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, and a 1966 Morris Minor.
Previous winners at the show, now in its 11th year, include a 1964 Volkswagen Type 2 Deluxe Microbus and a 1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2.
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