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