Classic Ford of the Year 2025: Your Guide to the 12 Incredible Nominees

Over the past year, our sister publication Classic Ford magazine has showcased an incredible array of stunning vehicles. The time has now come for enthusiasts like you to decide which one deserves the ultimate accolade: Classic Ford of the Year 2025.

The world of classic Ford restoration has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months, brimming with top-quality rebuilds and groundbreaking projects. From jaw-dropping engine swaps to painstakingly original restorations, the passion of the community has been on full display. We are thrilled to present the official shortlist of twelve incredible cars, all of which have been featured in the pages of Classic Ford magazine. Now, it's your turn to cast a vote for your favourite.

What makes a classic Ford truly special? Is it flawless originality, a revolutionary restomod approach, or a deeply personal labour of love? The twelve nominees below represent the very best of everything the scene has to offer. Browse the incredible entries and make your selection at the bottom of the page.

Meet the Nominees for Classic Ford of the Year 2025

Car A: Dan Thorne's Mk2 Fiesta

Owner: Dan Thorne

Featured: November 2024 Issue

This is a Mk2 Fiesta like no other. Dan Thorne's creation, revealed at the 2024 Great Unveiling, features a race-spec ST170 engine, a sequential gearbox, and a unique paint colour inspired by a kitchen knife. It’s a true testament to innovative engineering.

Car B: Stephen Gibson's Mk5 Escort

Owner: Stephen Gibson

Featured: January 2025 Issue

Stephen Gibson's car is exceptionally rare. Based on a Monte Carlo, this prototype Cosworth boasts a host of unique features, making it a truly jaw-dropping and one-of-a-kind vehicle that stands out even among the rarest Fords.

Car C: Michael Gates's Mk2 Orion

Owner: Michael Gates

Featured: July 2025 Issue

Imagine an Orion Equipe that received the full Special Vehicle Engineering treatment. Michael’s car features a 2-litre Zetec engine, original equipment-style BBS wheels, and a host of other upgrades, creating a factory-inspired performance saloon.

Car D: Greg Caton's Mk2 Escort Van

Owner: Greg Caton

Featured: September 2025 Issue

Mk2 vans are not typically known for high performance, but Greg Caton of G-Cat Racing has shattered that perception. His stunning Escort van is powered by a BDG engine, proving that practicality and extreme performance can go hand-in-hand.

Car E: Tony Taylor's Mk5 Cortina

Owner: Tony Taylor

Featured: June 2025 Issue

Tony Taylor’s restomod Mk5 Cortina is a car full of intriguing details. It features Mk4 body panels and Peugeot steel wheels that keep onlookers guessing, while a specced ST170 engine and a superb interior provide an thrilling driving experience.

Car F: Tony Stacey's Mk2 Escort

Owner: Tony Stacey

Featured: November 2024 Issue

Tony Stacey is a man who would save every Mexico if he could. His latest Great Unveiling project, a stunning Mk2 Escort restored by Panelcraft, represents the pinnacle of preservation, resulting in one of the finest examples of the breed.

Car G: Andrew Sygrove's Mk2 Capri

Owner: Andrew Sygrove

Featured: January 2025 Issue

Andrew Sygrove initially had no plans to restore a Capri, but that all changed when he took on the challenge of this mega-rare 1977 1.6L model. The result is a magnificent restoration of a true classic.

Car H: Mark Lane's Mk2 Granada

Owner: Mark Lane

Featured: November 2024 Issue

Known affectionately as the ‘2JZ Granada’, Mark Lane’s Mk2 has been a sensation since its debut at the Great Unveiling, racking up a host of awards for its impressive engineering and striking presence.

Car I: Dave Simms's Mk1 Escort

Owner: Dave Simms

Featured: July 2025 Issue

This Mk1 Escort holds a special place in Classic Ford history, having been the first cover car when the magazine launched back in 1997. Owner Dave Simms has spent decades meticulously returning it to its factory-fresh glory in a stunning Electric Monza Blue.

Car J: Scott Shepherd & Rob Ransom's Mk3 Fiesta

Owners: Scott Shepherd and Rob Ransom

Featured: Spring 2025 Issue

Starting life as a humble base model, this Mk3 Fiesta has been transformed into the perfect sleeper. A clever and subtle injection of power has turned it into a car that delivers big surprises.

Car K: Mike Wilson's Mk1 Escort

Owner: Mike Wilson

Featured: November 2024 Issue

Could this be the ultimate built-not-bought Mk1 Escort? With a homebrewed 2.5-litre Duratec engine, a total shell rebuild, and unique tweaks, Mike Wilson’s Great Unveiling project makes a very strong case for that title.

Car L: Andrew Armiger's Mk3 Fiesta

Owner: Andrew Armiger

Featured: March 2025 Issue

Andrew Armiger’s long-term project is a lesson in dedication. His Mk3 Fiesta is a modern evolution of the classic RS Turbo concept, steadily improved over time to create a brilliant and highly capable modern classic.

How to Vote for Your Favourite Classic Ford

The polls are now officially open! You have until Monday, November 3, 2025, to cast your vote for the Classic Ford of the Year. The winning vehicle will be revealed in the January 2026 issue of Classic Ford magazine, which goes on sale on Friday, November 21. This is your chance to champion the restoration, innovation, and sheer passion that you believe represents the best of the classic Ford world. Don't miss this opportunity to have your say.