Motoring enthusiasts flocked to the NEC Birmingham last weekend for the UK’s biggest indoor classic motoring celebration, setting a new record as some 71,000 people attended this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show.
With 2,500 classic cars and motorcycles spanning one million square feet, there was plenty to see, ranging from a 1869 Tasker B2 “Little Giant” engine to the enormous Bloodhound SSC show car that welcomed visitors to the premium hall. From Penny Farthings to a Jet-powered boat, the lineup of vehicles was the most diverse ever as the 273 exhibiting clubs celebrated the show’s Heroes and Heroines theme.
VR’s European team welcomed many visitors to their stand including Tony Southgate, John Fitzpatrick and Mike Brewer, as well as many subscriber friends too. VR’s European Editor, Mike Jiggle, was once again in enthusiastic mood, “The display cars were well received by visitors with something for all tastes. This was by far the most ambitious exhibition we’ve put on in the UK, and I’m pleased all the hard work paid off. I’d particularly like to thank all concerned for the loan of their cars — Phil Stott, Rob Hall, Phil Garratt and Martyn Corfield. Thanks too to artist Fabrice Lachavanne for providing the fantastic artwork for our “Wall of Heroes” and, of course, to all who helped build our booth. Unfortunately, some of our guests were unable to attend due to feeling unwell — on behalf of VR I wish them a speedy recovery. Our aim was to develop the success of 2015 and from the very favorable comments received to date it would appear we certainly achieved our goal.”
Event Director Daniel Nwaokolo said: “Another amazing year. The clubs continue to astound us with their valued dedication to creating the best displays year after year. Our new features proved extremely popular, especially the Drive a Classic Car Experience, and we have early reports of excellent sales from our traders and dealers. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support, and the visitors for making this year’s show the best season finale ever.”
Richard Morley, Divisional Head for Lancaster Insurance, commented: “This year’s show has once again blown us away, and shows the dedication, pride and passion of our industry. There have been so many highlights this weekend, from having an amazing and eclectic array of British classics on our stand, seeing James and his ’89 Austin Metro City ‘Gerty’ take the top honor in the Pride of Ownership competition and of course Margo finding a new home through Silverstone Auctions. We’re so proud and delighted to have raised awareness of prostate cancer within the community, as well an incredible amount for Prostate Cancer UK, what a way to end the year!”
Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale delivered an 80 percent sell-through rate and total sales of £5.8 million, which is its best ever NEC sale if not best ever sale. The biggest seller of the auction was a 1957 Porsche 365A T1 Speedster that sold for £306,563.
The dates for next year’s show are November 10-12, 2017, with further details available by visiting www.necclassicmotorshow.com
