Classic Motor Show 2011

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 08:30

Mid November and over 1,400 classic cars descend on Birmingham.

Brimming from wall to wall the NEC had every classic car an enthusiast could dream of, at the Footman James Classic Motor Show.

From Astons to Austins and Morgans to Minis, you name it and you were highly likely to find it here. Many of the stands played host to the more familiar names in the car world including Ford, Vauxhall and Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo. And with over 47,000 visitors over the three days who can blame some of these manufacturers for also featuring their most recent offerings alongside the classics.

However, what really makes this show the classic is the rare vehicles that it was possible to see and discover. Amongst my favourites were the 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Sports Tourer with its beautiful V8 engine and ‘Carnival Red’ colour, they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I was also delighted by the tiger themed decorations that adorned the car. Up next was the Bitter SC Cabriolet, a German car, 30 years old this year and displayed by Dutch owners. Another unusual German car, the Borgward Isabella, also caught my attention, a great shaped vehicle with its original advertising campaigns also featured on the stand to amuse me.

Tucked in the corner of hall 6 was a large collection of American vehicles. If British car drivers are concerned that supermarket parking spaces are no longer large enough, these Cadillacs, Corvettes, Mustangs and Chevrolets would be sure to change your mind. It seemed every vehicle came with its own story including a 1975 Chevrolet owned by some enthusiastic Manchester City fans that have chosen to decorate the car in their team’s colours and images, including having the logo embroidered into the seats. Another owner, of a Chevrolet Impala, had a shock shortly after he imported his vehicle when he discovered it had arrived complete with a black widow (which was swiftly detained by the RSPCA).

What was the same with every owner is the love and attention they give to their cars. All the restored vehicles were immaculate and gleaming under the lights of the NEC.

Chatting to Michelle, the proud owner of a 1973 MG Midget, she explained the enjoyment classic car ownership brings, including getting to take it out on club road runs and to shows like this one. I felt privileged when Michelle said I could sit in her car. I took to the wheel dreaming of a model life - Kate Moss owns a near identical vehicle!
It got me thinking where do I get a great classic like this and that’s when I stumbled across the ‘barn finds’. Discovered just over three months ago in a garden in Kent, were a collection of Morris vehicles and parts. The states of repair varied but some of the discoveries, with the right attention, could well be back at the show next year in a roadworthy condition.

For those who are lucky enough to obtain a rare find like this, the Classic Motor Show is the place to go. As well as the presence of 230 owner clubs, where you can discuss your restoration project with other enthusiasts, there was also a host of stalls to buy parts. The ‘autojumble’ included a plethora of gadgets and gizmos to fit to your vehicle, in addition there was memorabilia such as classic car magazines and clothing. A team of mechanics from Leeds City University were also on hand at the restoration theatre to share their tips, from welding to polishing, for restoring a classic car. Everything needed to get started on a restoration project beneath one humungous roof.

For those that could drag themselves away from the cars to the live stage, TV's Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Edd China spent the weekend entertaining fans and restoring a 1972 Mk5 Triumph Spitfire with parts and equipment provided by CES, Rimmer Bros and Strongman. Plus there was a treat for motorbike fans with one hall given exclusively to classic bikes and guest appearances from Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chilli. Over the weekend the Sporting Bears' Dream Rides raised around £35,000 for various charities by taking donations in exchange for a ride.

Summing up the show Andy Rouse, Show Manager, said: "2011 has surpassed all our expectations and once again the bar has been raised in terms of the cars, the bikes, and the overall presentation. From seeing the traders in action and business being done at the show, it proves the UK classic motoring movement continues to be buoyant in the current economic climate.”