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.
Fiat X1/9 had a mid-mounted engine of 1,300cc originally, soon enlarged to 1,500.
Lotus Esprit
Alpine GTA 2.5 Turbo with cabriolet conversion.
1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider.
Lancia 037 Rally Car
Tornado GT40
1965 Morris Mini Cooper S.
Gilbern Invader Mk II
1977 Jaguar XJC.
Ford Fiesta Crayford convertible
Lancia Stratos
Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth
Morris Minor Traveller dressed up with poppies for November.
Alfa Romeo Alfasud
Ferrari 288 GTO
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.
1976 Enfield 8000 Electric Car.
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE.
Reliant Scimitar GTE
Borgward Isabella
1964 Morris Minor Deluxe.
Bond Bug
Renault Alpine
Toyota Celica
MG Metro 6R4
1995 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2. Originally supplied to Japan and imported.
Ford Cortina Crayford convertible
1953 Frazer Nash.
Austin Healy 3000 Mk 3
This BMW 2002 Ti needs a bit of work.
1972 Lancia Fulvia Berlina.
Peugeot 205 GTI. The iconic 205 is 40 years old this year. Happy Birthday.
1965 Riley Pathfinder.
1972 Citroen SM.
1991 Toyota Celica cabriolet.
Panther De Ville
1927 Sunbeam Land Speed Car.
Ford Sierra Cosworth
Triumph GT6
This 1994 Mercedes-Benz E220 Coupé lives in Cork.
The Fiat Ritmo was known as the Strada in the UK. This is a 105 TC.
Bugatti
1991 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9
1955 Cadillac El Dorado.
The unusual Matra Bagheera seated three across the front seats. Haven’t seen one in years.
The Beast is powered by a 27 litre Rolls Royce Merlin aeroplane engine. It has been clocked at over 180mph.
Renault 4 Pickup
Triumph Spitfire
This scooter has dual controls, designed to teach riders in safety. Very unusual.
Kaiser Darrin
The awful moment when you realise you haven’t proof-read your sign.
1974 Citroen Ami Super.
1968 Mk II Ford Cortina 1600e.
1929 HE 16/60.
Panther Solo mounted its Ford Sierra RS Cosworth engine in the middle.
The Vauxhall Cavalier was the Opel Vectra in Ireland.
1973 Triumph TR6.
1960 Ford Zephyr Zodiac Mk II Farnham Estate.
Heinkel Trojan 200
1981 Lancia Beta Spider
This Honda NSX has been specially signed to commemorate Ayrton Senna, who had a hand in its development.
1977 Jaguar XKC Restomod
Volkswagen Corrado Storm
MG RV8
Ford Escort RS 2000
1967 Fiat Vignale Gamine.
Austin Healy 3000 Mk 3
Very strong money for a 330i cabrio, although it looked immaculate. Must polish up my 325i version.
Porsche 911
Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale Spider
1971 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV.
Turn your Mazda MX-5 into a Tipo 184 replica. I showed this to a MX-5 owning friend and he was horrified.
