Announcing our 2023 – 2024 Bright Young Sparks winner, Rosie Hodgson-Jones!

At The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, Rosie was announced as our brilliant Bright Young Sparks winner, and received her award from previous winner, Katie! Rosie rebuilt and restored her wonderful pink 1926 Ford Model T, which stood proud on the Lancaster Insurance stand at The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show.

Congratulations to Rosie, and our wonderful runner ups, Courtney, Samantha, Joshua, George and Mark!

Let’s recap Rosie’s story below.

How did it all start?

‘My dad and granddad have always enjoyed tinkering and driving their vintage cars. Since I was really little, we have always gone out in them and on holiday with them, especially with the Ford Model T car club. I have always loved going on trips and have met so many interesting people.’

What is your car dream?

‘My dream for my car is to get my own T finished and registered on the road before I am 17, which is next September. I would like to be able to drive it on the road on my birthday with L plates. I have been practising driving other Model T's around the fields already at various different places.

Talk about the Model T resto

‘My project started when I went to the Model T club autojumble sale and bid on a 1926 tourer body. My granddad thought he had an engine at home in the back of his garage. The following weekend we dug it out and a mouse ran out. We properly began by stripping it back down to a bare block. I have since totally rebuilt the engine including boring and white metal-ing it with the help of my dad. My last year's Christmas present was a new radiator for my car. It was amazing when we first got the engine started. I have purchased and been given other parts including the chassis from a few different people. One in particular is Neil Tuckett who has been very generous with parts and his knowledge. I have also rebuilt the front and rear axles, so now it is a rolling chassis. I am currently working on the body. I had a go at shot blasting it and also welding it up. It is in primer now and nearly ready to be painted. The body will be pink, with the wings and running boards painted black. I love building my car. It is great fun!’

What are your plans?

‘I am about to do my GCSE's this summer. I am currently considering whether to go to college and do an engineering course, or whether I do my A levels. Ultimately, I would love to do engineering or restoration of vintage vehicles.’

What about the club and other cars? ‘I am a member of the Ford Model T Club of Great Britain and I have now written eight articles in its quarterly magazine. I have just won the club's Author's Award for my articles. Also, this year we have been on a number of Model T trips. ‘

How can we get more young people into classics?

The part that really got me interested was tinkering at home and having a chance to drive them around the fields. If car clubs have days where people can come along and sit in these cars, or possibly have a go at driving them around grass fields. I know my friends would enjoy this more than looking at cars at a show. If I win, the prize of the ‘industry taster week with specialists’ would be really interesting and hopefully would confirm what I want to do for a career when I leave school.’

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!