Dream Rides at Footman James Classic Motor Show
Sporting Bears celebrates its 21st Anniversary this year and the fund-raising all-makes, all-ages classic car club returns offering its popular Dream Rides at the Footman James Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 12-14 November.
The club is poised to hit the £800,000 target with its Dream Rides, where, for a donation ranging from £25 to £100, enthusiasts can hop in the passenger seat of their favourite classic car for a 10-mile drive. All monies raised are then distributed to childrens’ charities and the club is looking to meet its £1million target in 2015.
Founded in 1989, Dream Rides were created three years later and at the 1992 Classic Motor Show, with just 14 cars (including a seven-litre Cobra), raised £4300. Thanks to its success the Sporting Bears were sufficiently encouraged to organise Dream Rides across the country, from the Scottish Isle of Bute down to world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit, Brooklands.
The NEC-based Classic Motor Show is the biggest fund-raising event and now, as the Footman James Classic Motor Show between 70 and 90 cars are expected, offering car enthusiasts of all ages the chance to experience their classic and help someone less fortunate at the same time.
In recent years, the Dream Rides garage which can be found in Hall 2 is one of the most popular places to hang out as you will see cars ranging from a 1936 Lagonda and the stunning Ferrari F40 to a brand spanking new Audi R8 and the throttle busting Bugatti Veyron. Combine these with Jaguar E-Types, Maseratis, GT40s, and there really is something for everyone.
Last year the Sporting Bears raised more than £32,000 at the Classic Motor Show, with more than 1000 enthusiasts making a passenger seat donation that was given to four chosen charities. And with the £800,000 goal in sight organisers are hoping more classic owners will offer their cars to Dream Rides and bring the £1million target closer.
Interested classic owners can obtain more details from mickb41[at]hotmail.com or visit the Sporting Bears web site. sportingbears.org.uk
The Classic Motor Show is open from 10am until 7pm on Friday, 9.30am until 7pm on Saturday, and 9.30am until 5.30pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from £17.50 when purchased in advance. For more information on the Classic Motor Show, visit necclassicmotorshow.com. For information on Footman James, visit footmanjames.co.uk.
