Record visitors for NEC classic motor show

Nearly 69,000 enthusiasts made the trip to Birmingham’s NEC for this year’s classic motor how – a new record, beating last year’s visitor numbers by 4000 people. In total, 2500 car and bikes were on show.

The 10^th anniversary of the Meguiar’s Club Showcase saw Alexander Louden from Country Antrim lift the crystal vase for his 1939 MG TB. Alexander beat strong competition with only two points separating him from his nearest rival.

Best in show from the inaugural Pride of Ownership competition for classic cars went to the skiff-bodied 1926 Packard 420, restored by boat builder Steve Mills from Long Eaton. Second place went to Richard Water’s 1962 Austin A40 Farina, while third place was awarded to the 1957 Meadow Frisky, owned by Malcolm Dudley. 

The Discovery Channel’s Wheeler Dealers Live Stage was filled with celebrity hosts such as Mike Brewer, Edd China, Ant Anstead and Fuzz Townshend and special guests including Ross Brawn and Sir Stirling Moss.

Edd and the team from Walsh Vehicle Management transformed a 1998 Mazda MX-5 Eunos over the three days. The car was then driven away by Christine Fenlon, from Wolverhampton, who won the car out of all the visitors who had booked advanced tickets before the end of October.

Daniel Nwaokolo, Event Director, said: ‘The response to this year’s show is phenomenal. Thanks to all those who made it such a huge success – exhibitors, visitors, clubs and our fantastic celebrities.

‘The standard of classics presented by the clubs, exhibitors, and the new Pride of Ownership entries set the bar at a new level. We also had more dealers than ever before offering exceptional vehicles and reporting brisk business. Our passion and dedication to the classic community is clear and we will continue to build this show until it is the best in the world.’

Headline sponsor Lancaster Insurance embraced the ‘She’s a Beauty’ theme with its own take on the Miss World beauty pageant with a Gordon Keeble receiving the crown from Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer.

Richard Morley, Lancaster Insurance operations director, said, ‘This year's show has once again blown us away, from the new layout to seeing how the theme has been interpreted by so many is incredible.

‘Our 'Miss World' contest showcased six stunning cars from around the globe and 'Miss Great Britain' was named victorious! I'd like to thank those who loaned us their cars enabling this to happen.

The 2016 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will return to Birmingham’s NEC from 11-13 November. For more details, visit: www.necclassicmotorshow.com.