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