Classic Motor Show,14-16th November
End of Season Party for Classic Car Fans at the NEC, Birmingham
Oct 16, 2008
It is time for classic car, and motorcycle, fans to head to the National Exhibition Centre near Birmingham, UK for the 2008 Classic Motor Show, just off junction 6 of the M42. This is the end of season get together for all aspects of motoring nostalgia.
The whole history of the motor car will be represented by over a thousand thoroughbred and popular classic, vintage, veteran and retro-style cars. They will be exhibited on owners’ and car club stands staffed by enthusiastic and knowledgeable members and officials. Exhibits will vary from the pristine concours examples to recent “barn” finds and projects in progress.
Restoration Theatre
Leeds College of Technology host this event and will be not only demonstrating restoration techniques. They will also be showing how to undertake a project and explaining what is entailed. Ask a specific question and the experts may not only describe what is needed but show how it should be done. Even try it out on someone else’s metal!
Anniversaries
It is a year of many major anniversaries which will be celebrated at the event:
- Ford Model A is 80
- Honda is 60 years old
- Land Rover is 50 years old as is the Jaguar XK120 and the Morris Minor
- Forty is the big one:
- Wankel rotary engine was launched in the NSU Ro80 at the 1967 Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1967 for the 1968 model year.
- Twin-cam Ford Escort made its rally debut in February1968 in the San Remo Rally and first win was at the Circuit of Ireland at Easter .
- A Hillman Hunter won the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon
These anniversaries and more will be represented by contemporary vehicles many in better condition than when they left the factory.
Dream Rides
Visitors will be offered a ten-mile ride in variety of classic vehicles in a return for a donation to charity. The 2007 show raised over £35,000 ($65,000) using 60 cars a day including real exotica: Ford GT40, Ferraris, Maseratis. Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and then new Audi R8 supercar.
The Sporting Bears Motor Club run Dream Rides and they are a charitable organisation supporting UK Children’s Charities. All monies received in donations goes to the nominated charities.
Wheeler Dealer Livestage Show
Mike Brewer, star of magazine, (rally) stage and screen will head up an interactive show. It will be car magazines brought to life with question and answer session, seminars with a focus on fun. He will be supported, as always, by his over-worked sidekick, Edd China.
Bits and Pieces, and much more
If bits are needed for a classic it should be possible to find it here or someone who will be able to provide it later. As well as major suppliers there will be hundreds of dealers, traders, autojumblers,
The trade show is not confined to car parts it also includes associated services, tools, books, catalogues, pictures, paintings and other memorabilia.
There will be cars for sale at a wide range of prices: everyday classics to thoroughbred and prestige. Perhaps the ultimate Classic Car Showroom?
The show is sponsored by Footman-James, the specialist insurance broker, and Meguiars who are world leaders in automotive surface products. They will have stands to supply and advise on their products and services.
A Full Day Out
There is more than enough to provide the classic motoring enthusiast with a full day out sharing their passion with likeminded exhibitors and other visitors. Tickets include acess to the Classic Bikes at Classic Motor Show hall.
NEC is easily reached by car, train or even aeroplane. The show is open 10am-6.30pm on Friday, 9.30am-6.30pm Saturday and 9.30am-5.30pm on Sunday.
A brief impression of the show is now available.
Book online at http://www.necclassicmotorshow.com or telephone 0870 060 3776 (international: +44 115 912 9000)
