Classic Motor Show ‘brakes’ attendance records

This year's Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham's NEC alongside supercar show MPH, broke all previous attendance records. With a joint cross-show attendance estimated in the region of 70,000, this was by far the busiest the show has ever been, confirming the Classic Motor Show’s status as the UK's biggest and best classic motoring extravaganza.

The show, owned by Clarion Events NEC, had around 300 trade stands as well as over 180 classic car clubs showcasing rare and unusual cars from all eras and from all over the world. On the live stage, TV motoring expert Mike Brewer set his mechanic Edd China a mission to restore a classic car during the show each day, something that normally takes a week on their TV series Wheeler Dealers. Edd then worked on the car throughout the day before the car was valeted by Meguiars and insured by Footman James ready for a visitor to win.

On Friday, Edd restored a C registration white Golf GTi Mk2. Brought by Mike for £940, the car had a new exhaust, new wheels and tyres, a new Semco cooling system, new front and rear seats, air filters, points, etc. The car was won by Brian Barnett from Birmingham and once restored, had an insurable value of £2,000.

On Saturday, Edd restored an E registration white Escort XR3i Convertible. Brought for £750, again the car had the same work as the Golf and was won by David Green from Dudley. Despite the November conditions, David drove the car away with the top down. Insurable value is £3,000.

Sunday and Edd took on his biggest job – a Green Mini Clubman. Brought for £1,500, the car had the new exhaust system, wheels and tyres, a Retrotec cooling system, a new radiator, new front seats, all new carpet throughout, air filters, points, etc. Once insured, it had an insurable value of £4,000. The car was won by Neil Gough from Solihull.

Specialist insurance broker and show sponsor Footman James says the classic vehicle industry is booming after handing out a record number of quotes at this year’s Classic Motor Show. The broker’s Classic Hits stand proved hugely popular with the crowds and on-site staff gave out 15 per cent more quotes to motoring enthusiasts than at last year’s event.

Paul Matthews, Footman James’ Managing Director, said: “The number of people receiving quotes from us just demonstrates the true strength of the industry. These are people who not only love classic cars but actually own or are about to purchase one and the numbers looked very healthy to me.

“Our stand certainly attracted people and demonstrates that modern classics are growing in popularity within the industry. Footman James has been a proud sponsor for more than a decade and it’s always fantastic to meet our core customers and see so many people enjoying classic cars.”

Fundraisers The Sporting Bears raised over £30,000 over the three days by giving visitors ‘dream rides’, a ten-mile ride as a passenger in one of their members’ cars, despite the weather slowing them down on Friday. The addition of the Gift Aid gave the Bears a final grand total of over £38,000.

The final of the Meguiars Club Showcase concours competition provided a breathtaking display of beautiful vehicles ranging from classic British sports cars to American hot rods. The eventual winner was the Jaguar XK150 S Type Roadster owned by John Brewster.

With over 1,000 spectacular cars on display, motoring enthusiasts enjoyed car parades, trade stands, a restoration theatre and classic gameshows. The show returns to the NEC next year from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2008. For information on the Classic Motor Show, visit necclassicmotorshow.com.