THE Classic Capital of the UK is The Motorist in north Yorkshire, according to a competition run by specialist insurance company Footman James.

The venue triumphed over four other locations, each picked by the classic vehicle community as venues and locations of the UK that help make vehicle ownership so enjoyable.

Beating Bicester Heritage, Coleshill Auto Breakfast, Goodwood Motor Circuit, and Re:Fuel, The Motorist gathered 39 per cent of the public vote and combined with the decision of the FJ judges, it is the winner of the Footman James Classic Capital competition.

Based in Sherburn in Elmet near Leeds, The Motorist has rapidly grown into one of the most popular automotive venues in the north of England since its launch a few years ago.

Featuring an on-site café, The Arnage restaurant, and a garage and bodyshop, The Motorist is open all year round, but also hosts themed shows and meets each week.

Voters commented on The Motorist's "great atmosphere", saying it is a "true petrolhead's dream and delight".

With a focus on welcoming visitors no matter what sort of vehicle - classic or modern - they favour, praise was given for its facilities and space.

Yorkshire has a strong and growing classic car scene as reported on by Footman James partner, The Classic Valuer.

The Classic Valuer's platform allows people to see price guides for classic cars in one place, combining the sales data from across the years you can see the value of a specific classic, browse the latest auction results and more.

In 2023, the most valuable classic to be sold publicly was a 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 ‘Flat Floor' 3.8 FHC, for more than £304,000. Other models sold include a 2004 BMW M3 CSL (E46) for just under £100,000, and a 1989 Ferrari Testarossa for more than £87,500.

Analysis of Footman James policies shows that the most popular classic car in Yorkshire is the MGB, followed closely by the Morris Minor and Land Rover 88. Other popular cars range from classic Minis to Porsche 911s.

"We are delighted to have been recognised and to have won this fantastic award, voted for by car enthusiasts, our wonderful visitors and guests," saidAlec Howarth, managing director of The Motorist.

"We are excited over the journey we are taking together and this accolade really does spur us on, filling all the team at The Motorist with great pride and thanks. Thank you to Footman James, Classic Capital, the judges and to all those that took time to vote for us as we represent Yorkshire in this competition, your support is greatly appreciated."

Charlotte Moseley, head of marketing at Footman James said: "Footman James is thrilled that The Motorist has been crowned the UK's Classic Capital. Each of the finalists would have been a worthy winner so the competition was strong, but the strength of support from enthusiasts for The Motorist and Yorkshire was outstanding.

"The aim of the competition has been to highlight some of the best places to celebrate classic vehicle culture, where like-minded people can gather and share their passion for cars, bikes, and other models. We want to say congratulations to our worthy finalists but of course, to The Motorist specifically for all the good work they are doing for the community in Yorkshire."