8 reasons to go to the NEC Classic Motor Show

By Lizzie Pope

| 6 Nov 2018

Classic & Sports Car – 8 reasons to go to the NEC Classic Motor Show

The countdown is on to this year’s Classic Motor Show – and there’s lots to get excited about at Britain’s biggest classic car show.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2018, with Discovery, to give the event its full name, takes place this weekend between 9 and 11 November at the NEC Birmingham.

There’s loads to see and a lot of ground to cover, so make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes!

So read on for our preview and if you’ve not yet got your tickets, click here.

1. More car clubs than ever before

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When we said it’s Britain's biggest classic car show, we meant it!

The addition of an extra hall for this year’s event means that total show space will be a frankly huge one million square feet – yes, you read that right.

This means there’s room for a staggering 300 classic car, ’bike and vehicle clubs, some of which are show regulars and others who are making a welcome return after an absence.

And if you think you’ve seen it all before, think again. The new-for-2018 hall – hall 8 – is The Debutant Hall, reserved for 15 clubs that have never had displays at the show before.

2. The C&SC Club Awards

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With the largest-ever gathering of car clubs in the world, there’s no better place for us to hold our annual Club Awards, supported by Lancaster Insurance.

Celebrating the very best of the UK’s classic car community, we’ve had a fantastic response and have received some exciting nominations, so thank you to everyone who got involved – and good luck!

We’re holding our Club Awards ceremony on the evening of the first day of the show (Friday 9 November) and will bring you news of 2018’s winners as soon as we can – follow #CSCClubAwards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the latest news, first.

**3. C&SC’s stand**

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Well, we couldn’t not tell you about our stand, could we? Make sure you visit Classic & Sports Car! We are at stand 245 in hall 1 – and you won’t be able to miss us!

Why? Because the Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ (above) that stars in our December 2018 magazine will be there.

And that’s not all, because we’re also giving away a 300SL pedal car! Head to our stand in hall 1 for full details of this exciting competition and our other show-only offers – or simply to meet the C&SC team.

4. Silverstone Auctions’ season finale sale

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One of the most talked-about cars ahead of this week’s NEC Classic Motor Show is this, the near-exact replica of the Bullitt Mustang, owned by musician Jay Kay, that’s going under the hammer.

But it’s just one of a host of interesting cars set to cross the block during Silverstone Auctions’ massive two-day sale at the NEC; it’s not even the only car from the Jamiroquai frontman’s stable that’s for sale, as you can read here.

In fact, to make things simple, we’ve compiled a list of our 15 favourite cars at this sale – click here to dive in. The auctions take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 November.

Buy Jay Kay’s Bullitt Mustang at the NEC

7 of Jamiroquai star Jay Kay’s cars are up for grabs

Come drive with me: Frank Sinatra’s Rolls up for sale

Steve McQueen’s Willys Jeep is for sale

5. Built to last

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The theme of the 2018 NEC Classic Motor Show is ‘Built to last’.

Of course, we don’t yet know how clubs and exhibitors will interpret this theme, but the venerable Land-Rover must be a contender. We’re excited to find out, though, as it seems a strong starting point from which to celebrate some of our best-loved classic marques and models.

“The theme can be interpreted in many ways and gives great scope for exhibitors to really make it their own,” said Dave Youngs, Car Club Manager for Lancaster Insurance.

“I can’t think of a better theme to showcase this passion and dedication which is undoubtedly built to last!”

6. 20 restored Porsches unveiled

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That’s right, 20 classic Porsches, restored to mark the manufacturer’s 70th anniversary and all finished in a ‘Liquid Metal’ silver paint are coming to this weekend’s NEC Classic Motor Show.

And if you like the look of them, they’re going to be sold, too.

So if this sounds like your thing – and it’s just one part of Porsche’s birthday celebrations – then make tracks for hall 1.

7. Pride of Ownership finalists

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With car clubs taking centre stage at the NEC Classic Motor Show – and in record-breaking numbers – it is a great place for the Pride of Ownership winners to be decided.

Representing enthusiasts from around the world, the 20 cars on the Winter Final shortlist are an interesting bunch, including the 1961 Maserati 3500GT pictured, as well as a 1938 Citroën Traction Avant Light 12, a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, a 1966 Morris Mini Traveller and a 1955 Triumph TR3.

Good luck to them all!

8. Everything for your classic

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This weekend’s Classic Motor Show has every aspect of classic car ownership covered, so long as you’ve got the footwear to handle the step-count.

Poke around Britain’s biggest indoor autojumble featuring over 650 trade stands, buy your next classic – or drool over cars you’re still saving for – in the Dealer Hall (hall 3) and get top tips in the Restoration Theatre.

You can even get behind the wheel, thanks to HERO’s Arrive & Drive fleet; if you’d like to book ahead, please click here.

There’s plenty more that we don’t have the space to list now, but take it from us – you won’t lack for entertainment.

We’ll be at the show all weekend ourselves, so pop along to our stand and say hi, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for all of the latest news from the NEC.