NEC Classic Motor Show: the ultimate car Enthusiast gala
Birmingham’s NEC played host to a spectacular celebration last weekend as the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show embraced its ‘biggest and best’ mantra, drawing in 71,290 aficionados to bid adieu to another remarkable year for the classic car community.
Lee Masters, the maestro behind the scenes, shared his excitement: “From the moment the doors swung open, the halls buzzed with an electrifying atmosphere. After navigating through challenging years for the events industry, a palpable positive energy swept through. Conversations with exhibitors echoed joy at the sight of more attendees, increased spending, and a renewed confidence as the economy regains stability.”
“The collaboration among our experts and speakers at the new Meet the Experts Theatre was a highlight – on stage and off. The sense of community was heartening, and it’s a joy to witness the show and the classic car movement forging ahead.”
The Meet the Experts Theatre hosted a dynamic lineup of panel discussions covering a spectrum of industry topics, from career advice to the art of acquiring a classic, synthetic fuels to the world of sheds and cherished ‘sh*tboxes.’ Recognizable faces like Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer, ‘Auto Alex’ Kersten, Gary Mavers of Classic Obsession, and 12-time World Trial Bike Champion Dougie Lampkin shared their insights.
Newcomers gracing the stage included popular YouTubers Adam Canfield (AdamC3046), Ben Marshall (DadCars), Ian Seabrook (Hubnut), and Shahzad Sheikh (Brown Car Guy).
The Meguiar’s Club Showcase set a new benchmark as judges scrutinised the exhibited cars with the discerning eye usually reserved for prestigious events like Pebble Beach. Matt Birtwhistle emerged victorious, clinching the crystal trophy for his 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster OTS, a meticulously restored pre-production prototype.
In the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership, it was Tahmid Haque and his 1993 BMW 850CSi Individual (above) that captured the hearts and minds of visitors, claiming the top spot. The 1977 Leyland Mini of sixteen-year-old twin brothers Liam and Ryan Rippard secured second place, while James Tetherton’s 1982 Ford Fiesta XR2 bagged third.
The Bike Pride of Ownership saw Blake Hemingway and his 1979 Yamaha XT500 take the crown, followed by Pete Murray with his 1953 Moto Guzzi Falcone Turismo in second place and Freddie Brown’s 1975 Kawasaki H1 500 Mach 3 in third.
The Sporting Bears Motor Club, orchestrators of dreams in the Dream Rides garage, raised an impressive £37,145 for children’s charities through ten-mile passenger escapades around the NEC.
Richard Morley, representing headline sponsor Lancaster Insurance Services, expressed his jubilation: “Our partnership with Clarion and the Classic Motor Show has thrived for over a decade, and this weekend was truly unforgettable. Our community, built on a fantastic ensemble of enthusiasts, clubs, and businesses, played a pivotal role. Celebrating these relationships at the NEC was a joyous occasion.”
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