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.
1981 Lancia Beta Spider
The awful moment when you realise you haven’t proof-read your sign.
1973 Triumph TR6.
The Beast is powered by a 27 litre Rolls Royce Merlin aeroplane engine. It has been clocked at over 180mph.
Heinkel Trojan 200
Kaiser Darrin
Triumph GT6
Lotus Esprit
Ford Sierra Cosworth
1964 Morris Minor Deluxe.
1974 Citroen Ami Super.
The Fiat Ritmo was known as the Strada in the UK. This is a 105 TC.
1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider.
Ford Cortina Crayford convertible
1977 Jaguar XKC Restomod
Citroen Traction Avant
Tornado GT40
Ford Fiesta Crayford convertible
1972 Citroen SM.
Turn your Mazda MX-5 into a Tipo 184 replica. I showed this to a MX-5 owning friend and he was horrified.
Very strong money for a 330i cabrio, although it looked immaculate. Must polish up my 325i version.
1991 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9
1929 HE 16/60.
Renault Alpine
Volkswagen Corrado Storm
Fiat X1/9 had a mid-mounted engine of 1,300cc originally, soon enlarged to 1,500.
1971 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV.
Reliant Scimitar GTE
The unusual Matra Bagheera seated three across the front seats. Haven’t seen one in years.
1927 Sunbeam Land Speed Car.
Toyota Celica
Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth
1972 Lancia Fulvia Berlina.
1977 Jaguar XJC.
1965 Riley Pathfinder.
Ferrari 288 GTO
Alfa Romeo Alfasud
Triumph Spitfire
Alpine GTA 2.5 Turbo with cabriolet conversion.
1955 Cadillac El Dorado.
1968 Mk II Ford Cortina 1600e.
1953 Frazer Nash.
Gilbern Invader Mk II
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.
MG Metro 6R4
1991 Toyota Celica cabriolet.
1976 Enfield 8000 Electric Car.
Borgward Isabella
Bugatti
1995 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2. Originally supplied to Japan and imported.
Porsche 911
1967 Fiat Vignale Gamine.
Panther Solo mounted its Ford Sierra RS Cosworth engine in the middle.
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE.
MG RV8
This BMW 2002 Ti needs a bit of work.
Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale Spider
Bond Bug
Morris Minor Traveller dressed up with poppies for November.
Panther De Ville
Lancia 037 Rally Car
Austin Healy 3000 Mk 3
This Honda NSX has been specially signed to commemorate Ayrton Senna, who had a hand in its development.
This 1994 Mercedes-Benz E220 Coupé lives in Cork.
Renault 4 Pickup
Lancia Stratos
1960 Ford Zephyr Zodiac Mk II Farnham Estate.
Peugeot 205 GTI. The iconic 205 is 40 years old this year. Happy Birthday.
Austin Healy 3000 Mk 3
The Vauxhall Cavalier was the Opel Vectra in Ireland.
This scooter has dual controls, designed to teach riders in safety. Very unusual.
