NEC Classic: 2013 show report

The Classic Motor Show has been running now for 30 years, and just as the classic car scene is booming in popularity, it seems that the UK’s largest indoor show is going from strength to strength. Around 65,000 visitors made it to the NEC, and speaking to regular show goers, the National Exhibition Centre was busier in 2013 than it’s been before – with Saturday, particularly, rammed by people clamouring to get a glimpse of the UK’s best selection of classic cars.

And so it should – the classic car industry is now estimated to be worth £7bn per year in the UK alone. In 2013, there were 11 halls to choose from, with supercars, Youngtimers, classics and vintage/veteran cars fully represented. The Silverstone Auction grew to a two-day event, and  sold 85 of its cars, for a total of £2.8 million, doubling last year’s inaugural sale total of £1.3 million.

Winner of Meguiar’s Club Showcase final was the Jaguar XK150, owned by William Baldwin. William’s car won the grand prize, beating 16 other finalists that included an MGB, a Golf Cabriolet, a Lamborghini Miura, a Ford Escort RS1800. The culmination of over 50 events across the country and the cars represented the very finest from across the British classic car landscape and the quality of William’s car was second-to-none. And Jason Field won the Classic Car of The Year during the event.

Special guests at the show included Sir Stirling Moss, Theo Paphitis, the Wheeler Dealers Edd China and Mike Brewer (below), Quentin Willson, Steve Berry, Norman Dewis, David Soul and Jon Bentley.

Next year's show dates have been confirmed for 14-16 November 2014. More at www.necclassicmotorshow.com