Announcing our November Bright Young Spark, Joshua Finch!

How did it all start?

Dad always had a classic car restoration project. My earliest memory is of a Morris Traveller. Helping him with his projects from a young age was what really sparked my passion for cars. Seeing my friends and family’s amazing reaction to the transformation of the cars really does make all the blood, sweat and tears worth it.'

Tell us about the 'B'

My 1979 MGB holds a lot of sentimental value for my wife, her family and of course myself – which makes me love it even more. I have done a lot to get it driving properly. I’ve been right through all the engine’s systems, while I also installed Bluetooth, integrated into the old radio, opened up the old radio and custom-made the new Bluetooth module to work with the old radio volume dial. I painstakingly refurbished the wire wheels, a long and tedious job. The car is where it needs to be now, but I still long for my dream car, a late Rover Mini Cooper Sport, in Tahiti Blue. I’ve always wanted one from a young age. I have created an Instagram page (@thegreen_mgb) to document the 'B’s life and the ongoing project that it is.

So, any other classics?

'I knew my wife’s late granddad, Ray, long before meeting her! He was always at local car shows with his 1949 Morris Eight Series E, and my dad and I often spoke to him about his cars and tinkering. The Morris Eight is now being looked after by me and my dad. This car has had countless hours of work done to get it up and running after being stood time and it fought us every step of the way. Months of work saw it used alongside the MGB as a second wedding car at my wedding in June, with both cars receiving a huge amount of attention on the day.' What is your next project? 'My plans are to build my own garage, and progress further with the Morris while also continuing to maintain the MG. Another classic car is definitely on the cards as I would like to replace my daily car with something a little more characterful. I am a member of the MG Owners Club. When I go to shows and speak to other members, they have a wealth of knowledge to learn from. The older members seem to really enjoy seeing someone younger being such an enthusiast, as sadly many people in my age group don’t typically share the same passion.'

What makes you a Bright Young Spark?

'I would love to potentially work in the industry, but I have never worked in the sector before. I have always wondered and asked myself what it would be like to work with classic cars for a living, winning this competition would answer that for me. Everything I have learned to do with working on cars has been entirely self-taught, with the occasional guidance from my dad and a Haynes manual. Also, being a newly qualified electrician, the term would be rather fitting.

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!