The public is being invited to vote for the best classic car of the year from a shortlist prepared by an expert panel. Entrants so far demonstrate just how eclectic the competition entries are. They include a 1933 Standard Swallow two-door coupe, a 1987 Ford RS500 Sierra Cosworth, a 1955 Daimler Conquest Century Saloon passed through the generations of one family, and even a 1982 Morris Ital, allegedly “restored to its former glory.” Any car built before 1990 is eligible.

The winner will receive a first prize valued at over £3,500 with over £700 worth of runners up prizes up for grabs – not to mention some pretty substantial bragging rights. The format of the competition is that owners need to enter by 3 August via the competition website www.ccoty.co.uk.

An expert judging panel will evaluate the entrants on their individual merits as well as awarding extra points for going to extraordinary lengths to rebuild a car, any fascinating history and incredible journeys undertaken. They will also be looking for cars that are part of the family, those used everyday and those that have been obtained after a lengthy search or quest.

From this information and imagery provided, the panel will then shortlist 20 cars from each category and invite the public to vote for their favourite. It will be the public who decide the winner and the runners up of each category. The winning cars will then go on display at the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 16 – 18 November where the overall winner with the most votes will be revealed and the grand prize awarded.

Not to the Ital, surely…?