YOU spend all year improving and polishing your four wheel pride and joy and then go to the Classic Motor Show and realise that there are motors out there that put yours to shame.
Along with a few like-minded petrol head pals (and 71,500 other classic car fans) I went to Birmingham for the recent NEC show, sponsored by Lancaster Insurance, where more than 3,000 classic and vintage vehicles were on show from the 1900s up to the 1990s.
Immaculate is not a big enough word to describe the vast majority of these incredible cars – from micro cars to super cars – so well restored or refurbished that you simply could not take them out in the rain.
Also on display were the more mundane ‘cars your dad had’ presented in a condition even more remarkable given the humble origins of motors that back in the day you would not have wanted to be seen in being dropped off at the school gates.
This year’s show broke records for the number of car clubs exhibiting with 338 stands amongst the seven halls plus all kinds of trade and parts businesses meaning that a day simply was not enough to get around it all.
And if four wheels is not your thing there were also lots of classic motorbikes and commercial vehicles to admire plus a classic car auction for those looking to expand their collections.
The Sporting Bears Motor Club were again giving dream car rides in return for a charity donation and during the three day show raised £42,580 for several good causes.
Show Director Lee Masters said: “It’s always great to see the classic car community come together but this year was extra special. A personal highlight for me was honouring our Hall of Fame inductees, a very proud moment. Huge thanks to all our sponsors, traders, clubs, and visitors for celebrating our 40th anniversary with us.”
Next year’s show is from Friday 7th November to Sunday 9th November.
See www.necclassicmotorshow.com for more info.
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth