Classic Motor Show
Clubs, displays, buying and advice are all on offer at the NEC
Billed as the world’s biggest gathering of classic cars, the NEC and its sprawling floor space plays host to the Classic Motor Show on November 9-11.
More than 3000 classic and vintage cars, plus motorcycles, will cover the million square feet of the Birmingham convention centre with around 300 classic car and motorcycle clubs present.
The show celebrates vehicles from the turn of the 20th century from marques such as Rolls-Royce, Alvis, Ford and Jowett.
From there, historic motor sport in the 1960s takes the stage, paying homage to circuit racing’s heyday, with each decade and subculture – hot hatches, supercars and everything in between – given its own space for visitors to explore.
The theme of this year’s show is ‘built to last’, hailing cars that have been passed down from generation to generation, or those vehicles that have completed epic journeys.
Also starring at the Classic Motor Show is Ginetta. The Suffolk manufacturer’s 60th anniversary takes a centre stage at the show with everything from the G2 to the Le Mans-racing G60 LT LMP. Along with that, the Ginetta Owners’ Club – which marked the 60th anniversary of the marque in August – will display the oldest surviving Ginetta and more.
For those partial to a bit of rummaging and bargaining, the autojumble is the biggest indoor one in the UK, offering tools, parts, books and memorabilia with over 650 trade stands expected, with an exhibitor list available online.
With such a large gathering of members from the classic car community, those looking to enter the classic car market – or expand their collection – will want to visit Hall 3, where classic car dealers will be on hand to give advice and punters may come away with a new set of keys.
The show is open until 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday, with the show closing at 5.30pm on Sunday.
Adult/Senior tickets start from £26.50 for the day, with those aged 5-15 charged £16.50 and families (two adults and three children) charged £73. Children under 5 go free.
HOW TO GET THERE
The NEC is a five-minute walk away from Birmingham International Railway Station, and is accessible from the M42, M6 and M40 by car. The postcode is B40 1NT. Free shuttle buses are available from the NEC’s parking lot.
ALSO GOING ON
The British Motor Museum, in Gaydon, is a 30-minute drive away, featuring over 300 classic cars from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust, with free tours and family activities on offer.
DON’T MISS
HERO is offering its ‘Arrive and Drive’ classic car hire programme, giving people the chance to drive cars such as MGA and MGB Roadsters, a Lancia Fulvia or Delta Integrale Martini, and a Jaguar E-type.