Gearing Up for Next Year? Celebrate Classic Car Restoration Highlights
The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show was a roaring success, drawing a crowd of 26,912 to Birmingham’s NEC. This celebration of all things automotive was a vibrant hub for restoration enthusiasts to share knowledge, skills, and a genuine passion for keeping motoring history alive.
Community Spirit Takes Centre Stage
Show Director Lee Masters highlighted the heartwarming sight of car clubs working together. From seasoned veterans to wide-eyed newcomers, all ages were united in their love for classic cars. This collaborative spirit bodes well for the future, ensuring that the legacy of these vehicles continues to inspire generations to come.
Workshops, Auctions, and Star Power
If you got the chance to be there, you’ll know the show was much more than static displays. The Practical Classics team got their hands dirty, restoring a Mini Countryman in the workshop. Meanwhile, a previously restored Rover project found a new home, selling for a cool £4,276 at auction. All proceeds went to a worthy cause, Prostate Cancer UK.
Car fanatics were also treated to insightful talks and interviews featuring motoring celebrities like Ant Anstead, Richard Hammond, and Paul Cowland. Plus, stars from popular restoration shows like “The Repair Shop” and “Bangers & Cash” graced the stage, sharing their experiences and expertise.
Unearthed Treasures and Award-Winning Classics
The Footman James Barn Find display unearthed 20 hidden automotive gems, each vying for the hearts of visitors. The ultimate crowd-pleaser? Derek Drinkwater’s stunning 1950 Cadillac Flower Car, a true embodiment of a bygone era.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition showcased 20 meticulously maintained classics. Colin Fidler’s gleaming 1956 Austin A35 (below) took home the top prize. In second-place was Mervyn Spencer’s charming 1965 Morris Minor, followed by David Shepherd-Jones’ nippy 1970 Mini Clubman.
Celebrating Clubs and Champions
The National Car Club Awards recognised the outstanding work of car clubs, both at the show and throughout the year. Ray Newell of the Morris Minor Owners Club received a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement award. The coveted Car Club of the Year title was proudly claimed by the Wigton Motor Club.
Other notable winners included the Gay Classic Car Group and Minikits for the Best Stand (large and small categories, respectively). The Morris Marina Owners Club was lauded for its live demonstration. The Jowett Car Club continued their winning streak with the Best Live Working on a Car Club Stand award.
From Barn Finds to Celebrities’ Choice
The show had something for everyone. Ollie Cox’s relatively unrestored yet intriguing 1977 Saab 900 on the Saab Owners Club Stand won Best Barn Find/Unrestored. Meanwhile, Graham Meacher’s meticulously restored 1970 Morris LCV Van on the Morris LCV Register stand received the Best Restored Car at Show award.
The Celebrities’ Choice Award, a true heart-stealer, went to John Holloway’s captivating 1971 Sunbeam Sport displayed on The Imp Club stand.
Honouring Heroes and Next-Gen Enthusiasts
Classic Car Weekly’s posthumously awarded Club Hero accolade went to Steve McKenna from the Ford Sidevalve Owners Club. He was recognised for his lasting contribution to the club. The future of the classic car scene wasn’t forgotten either. The Oxford Universities Motorsport Foundation received the Support of the Next Generation award for sharing their engineering expertise with hundreds of young people, some of whom are now making waves in the automotive industry.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
The spirit of giving was strong at the show. The Morris Minor Owners Club’s fundraising efforts for Marie Curie were acknowledged, while The Italian Job was crowned Best Run/Event of the Year.
The curtain may have closed on the 2024 show, but the engines of excitement are already revving for the next chapter. Mark your calendars – the 2025 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show takes place from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March.
What was your favourite part of the Practical Classics Show? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.
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