Motoring enthusiasts flocked to the NEC Birmingham last weekend for the UK\u2019s biggest indoor classic motoring celebration, setting a new record as some 71,000 people attended this year\u2019s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show.<\/p>\n
With 2,500 classic cars and motorcycles spanning one million square feet, there was plenty to see, ranging from a 1869 Tasker B2 \u201cLittle Giant\u201d 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\u2019s Heroes and Heroines theme.<\/p>\n
VR<\/em>\u2019s European team welcomed many visitors to their stand including Tony Southgate, John Fitzpatrick and Mike Brewer, as well as many subscriber friends too. VR<\/em>\u2019s European Editor, Mike Jiggle, was once again in enthusiastic mood, \u201cThe display cars were well received by visitors with something for all tastes. This was by far the most ambitious exhibition we\u2019ve put on in the UK, and I\u2019m pleased all the hard work paid off. I\u2019d particularly like to thank all concerned for the loan of their cars \u2014 Phil Stott, Rob Hall, Phil Garratt and Martyn Corfield. Thanks too to artist Fabrice Lachavanne for providing the fantastic artwork for our \u201cWall of Heroes\u201d and, of course, to all who helped build our booth. Unfortunately, some of our guests were unable to attend due to feeling unwell \u2014 on behalf of VR<\/em> 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Event Director Daniel Nwaokolo said: \u201cAnother 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\u2019d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support, and the visitors for making this year\u2019s show the best season finale ever.\u201d<\/p>\n Richard Morley, Divisional Head for Lancaster Insurance, commented: \u201cThis 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 \u201989 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\u2019re 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!\u201d<\/p>\n Silverstone Auctions\u2019 two-day sale delivered an 80 percent sell-through rate and total sales of \u00a35.8 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 \u00a3306,563.<\/p>\n