The Classic Motor Show, held annually at the NEC in Birmingham is an absolute must-visit for classic car enthusiasts.
Between classic car clubs and dealers and several halls dedicated to parts suppliers and specialist restorers, there was something for everyone, including restoration workshops and demos.
It’s scary, but I counted three cars that I’ve owned in the past or currently own at the show, including the first new car I ever bought, and they’re all now considered classics.
Easily reached from Birmingham Airport, I’d highly recommend a trip next year.
Here’s a gallery from this year’s event.
Alfa Romeo Alfasud
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE.
The Beast is powered by a 27 litre Rolls Royce Merlin aeroplane engine. It has been clocked at over 180mph.
This 1994 Mercedes-Benz E220 Coupé lives in Cork.
This scooter has dual controls, designed to teach riders in safety. Very unusual.
Renault 4 Pickup
Austin Healy 3000 Mk 3
Lancia Stratos
Bond Bug
Ford Cortina Crayford convertible
Heinkel Trojan 200
1991 Toyota Celica cabriolet.
1968 Mk II Ford Cortina 1600e.
1972 Citroen SM.
1972 Lancia Fulvia Berlina.
Triumph Spitfire
Ferrari 288 GTO
1977 Jaguar XJC.
Peugeot 205 GTI. The iconic 205 is 40 years old this year. Happy Birthday.
1974 Citroen Ami Super.
Fiat X1/9 had a mid-mounted engine of 1,300cc originally, soon enlarged to 1,500.
Toyota Celica
1973 Triumph TR6.
MG Metro 6R4
Borgward Isabella
1976 Enfield 8000 Electric Car.
1929 HE 16/60.
The Vauxhall Cavalier was the Opel Vectra in Ireland.
Panther De Ville
Very strong money for a 330i cabrio, although it looked immaculate. Must polish up my 325i version.
The awful moment when you realise you haven’t proof-read your sign.
1971 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV.
Panther Solo mounted its Ford Sierra RS Cosworth engine in the middle.
Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth
Alpine GTA 2.5 Turbo with cabriolet conversion.
1955 Cadillac El Dorado.
Volkswagen Corrado Storm
Ford Escort RS 2000
This Honda NSX has been specially signed to commemorate Ayrton Senna, who had a hand in its development.
This BMW 2002 Ti needs a bit of work.
1981 Lancia Beta Spider
Renault Alpine
Citroen Traction Avant
Porsche 911
1927 Sunbeam Land Speed Car.
Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale Spider
Lancia 037 Rally Car
The Fiat Ritmo was known as the Strada in the UK. This is a 105 TC.
Bugatti
Turn your Mazda MX-5 into a Tipo 184 replica. I showed this to a MX-5 owning friend and he was horrified.
1995 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2. Originally supplied to Japan and imported.
Austin Healy 3000 Mk 3
1991 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9
Reliant Scimitar GTE
Triumph GT6
1977 Jaguar XKC Restomod
Fiat’s original Multipla could be said to be the first ever MPV. The later Multipla had an unusual 3 x 2 seating arrangement and challenging looks, although I much prefer this version to the updated toned down design.
Morris Minor Traveller dressed up with poppies for November.
Ford Fiesta Crayford convertible
Ford Sierra Cosworth
1960 Ford Zephyr Zodiac Mk II Farnham Estate.
The unusual Matra Bagheera seated three across the front seats. Haven’t seen one in years.
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