In 1970, Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood drove the 917 KH (short-tail) with start number 23 and in the world-famous red-white Salzburg design to the first of (so far) 19 overall wins for Porsche at the circuit. The 917 was Porsche’s first time in the league of immensely powerful, large-capacity racing cars. Its 580bhp 4.5-litre 12-cylinder engine set new standards, and is still legendary today.
Changes in the regulations meant that prototypes were allowed a maximum engine size of 3.0 litres, and for sports cars 5.0 litres were allowed – but a series of at least 25 had to be built. The 1969 race season allowed the 917 to become fully race proven, with the result that the car entered 1970 with its reliability assured and improved aerodynamics to rectify its previously wayward behaviour at high speed.
For the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours the factory did not enter the cars directly, but via its partners, John Wyer Automotive and Porsche Salzburg. In a rain-soaked race, amid fierce competition from Ferrari, the 917s fought a close-won victory. Here’s the picture I took of it at the Concours of Elegance 2020.
This car, a Salzburg entry in the team’s red and white livery started with a disadvantage – driver Richard Attwood had opted for the smaller of the two engines available by 1970, the 4.5-litre instead of the 5.0-litre, and had chosen the 917 KH ‘short-tail’ version rather than the faster 917 1H long-tail. This was because the long-tail he’d driven at Le Mans in 1969 had been extremely unstable – but by 1970 the long-tail design had been made far more stable.
So, initially, Attwood and co-driver Hans Herrmann lagged behind the rest of the 917s and the Ferrari 512s. However, as rain started to fall in the evening, becoming torrential through the night, the car’s milder specification and the two drivers’ experience shone through – and to their great surprise they found themselves in the lead.
The heavy rain caused misfiring through the night, due to water leaking onto the ignition components, but the car kept going. After 24 hours it was still in the lead, despite the drivers being exhausted – particularly as Artwood later found that he had been suffering from the mumps.
Porsche 917 rear view at Concours of Elegance 2020
This was Porsche’s first-ever overall win at Le Mans, and another 917 finished second. Since then, Porsche has achieved a record total of 19 overall La Sarthe victories to date – but the first, in car 23, was surely the greatest of all.
The Alfa 6C 1750 was one of the sporting greats of the 1920s and ’30s. Introduced at the 1929 Rome Motor Show, it was technically virtually identical to its predecessor, the 6C 1500, except for an enlarged version of the six-cylinder overhead-camshaft engine designed by Vittorio Jano – who had been poached from Fiat by Enzo Ferrari, then of Alfa Romeo‘s racing department.
The idea of the larger capacity was for the model to be able to cope with heavier bodywork, and so the first versions had a long wheelbase. But, of course, a short-wheelbase Sport variant was soon also introduced, using a double-overhead-camshaft version of the 1750 engine. A more powerful iteration of the Sport, named the Super Sport, was then launched, with a 95bhp supercharged development of the double-overhead-camshaft unit.
Production of the Sport and Super Sport lasted for only two years before they were replaced by the naturally aspirated Gran Turismo and supercharged Gran Sport. These were the most powerful, as well as the shortest, of the series.
1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 at Concours of Elegance 2020
As was the norm in that era, these models were bought as rolling chassis to be bodied by the coachbuilders of the buyer’s choice. Most examples went to Italian coachbuilders － the bulk of them to Zagato and Touring, and a few to Castagna and Stabilimenti Farina. Zagato’s bodies were popular for the competition cars due to their light weight.
In 1933 the Gran Sport was replaced by the 8C 2300, essentially an eight-cylinder version of the Gran Sport. The Turismo was superseded by a series of six-cylinder cars that continued to be produced until the outbreak of World War Two. This car, chassis no. 0312867, which I saw at the Concours of Elegance 2020, was prepared for the 1929 Mille Miglia, and is one of the 52 Super Sports built on the third-series 6C 1750 chassis. It was completed in March, and soon after that it was driven to victory in the Mille Miglia by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi. Prominent businessman Enrico Wax from Genoa then paid a premium to acquire the car, seeing the kudos of owning a Mille Miglia winner – and so it was cherished virtually from new, making it one of the most original surviving Alfa Romeos of its era.
ENGINE
1.75-litre, straight-six, DOHC, supercharger, 95bhp, single carb
CONFIGURATION
Front engine, four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, separate ladder chassis, aluminium body, live axle, semi-elliptic spring suspension, drum brakes
Near the top of any list of great classic road racers, you will find the Aston Martin DB4 GT. Competition-winning know-how inspired every facet of its design, and yet it also turned out to be effortlessly beautiful － two qualities that maddened its Modena competition. This model forced Ferrari to up its sports car game by breaking the famous Italian brand’s stranglehold on a discipline it had dominated since the early 1950s.
From the DB4 GT’s Perspex headlamp covers to its preposterously powerful (for the time) 302bhp straight-six engine, it was ready for Le Mans right from the showroom. In fact, one famous incident would prove this outright. At the 1959 Bahamas Speed Week, a works DBR2 was rolled just before its next race. The factory team had no choice but to pluck a customer’s stock DB4 GT from the car park and give it to Stirling Moss. He went on to win that race, cementing the model’s legend in the process.
1960 Aston Martin DB4GT at Concours of Elegance 2020
Simply upping the power would have been enough for most makers, but Aston Martin went so much further. Weight saving was taken to near-fanatical levels. The wheelbase was shortened by five inches, the rear seats were removed and the aluminium bodywork was thinner than that used on the road-going DB4. Even the quarter and rear window glass was swapped for lightweight Perspex. Borrani alloy wire wheels finished off a crash diet that saved 91kg (2001b) over the standard DB4. All this effort wasn’t wasted, with the car winning its opening BRDC Sportscar race at Silverstone, again in the hands of Stirling Moss.
This exceptional and unrestored DB4GT, that I got to see and photograph at the Concours of Elegance 2020, is thought to be the only car finished in this attractive shade of Wedgwood Blue from the factory. It’s also one of just 45 made in right-hand drive (from a total production of 75), and has remained in the UK ever since it rolled out of Newport Pagnell 60 years ago. For a time, the car belonged to prolific historic racer The Right Honourable Patrick Lindsay before passing to the equally well-known David Heynes. Now, in the hands of its current long-term owner, the car is once again used in anger on the circuit; just as Aston Martin intended.
Front engine, five-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, unitary body and chassis, coil-spring front with coil-spring live rear axle with Watt’s linkage, discs all round
UJB 140 is one of the four works Auston-Healey 3000s that were built by the factory for use in the 1960 Sebring 12 Hours. The car was used as a spare at that meeting, which at the time was the only American race on the calendar that counted toward the World Sportscar
Championship. Previously to this, British motor sport legend Jack Sears had driven the 3000 for BMC at Silverstone in order to test three-piston Girling brakes.
1959 Austin-Healey 3000 at Concours of Elegance 2020
Directly after the Sebring event the car was sent to Hambro Automotive Corporation, the New York importer of Austin-Healeys. From here in August 1960 it was bought by Richard Ecklund, the first actual owner of UJB 140. He raced the 3000 in SCCA events at Harewood Acres in Canada and Watkins Glen in New York state.
In 1986 Bob Deuell, a close racing friend of Richard’s who shared the car on occasion, bought UJB 140. At that stage, there were only 20,000 miles on the odometer. Bob prepared the Austin-Healey and raced it in Historic events until he sold it to Jerry Bensinger, a dealer friend, in around 2007. The 3000 then passed to Craig Hillinger, and on to Peter Jaye in 2009, who implemented an outstanding restoration to its 1960 Sebring configuration. The picture above is the one I took of the roadster at the Concours of Elegance 2020, with Racing Green paint and hardtop.
Very late in posting this, but life is busy, so I do what a can when I can. Here are 10 cars that really stood out to me at the London Concours 2022 that I’ve never seen before. In no particular order. Just wow on these cars, I love a rare and unique car.
Featured in the coachbuilt and concepts concours class. What a sleek and beautiful looking car. Revealed at the 1996 Paris motor show, the electro- transparent roof would be seen on the Maybach 62, the butterfly doors would be used on the McLaren Mercedes SLR and the active body control suspension system would eventually be introduced on the 1999 CL- Class.
I like this car a lot. Unique looking, very low, just cool, period. The Ghepardo concept was revealed at the 2005 Geneva Auto Salon, with an all-aluminium body – a Bizzarrini calling card – and the shape inspired by the legendary 5300 GT. The engine came from a Renault – derived GP2 engine capable of revving to 10,000 rpm. The car was said to be capable of 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 225 mph.
I think that this Jaguar has to be one of the coolest Jaguar’s ever made and not put into full production. What a shame. Looks very cool dont’t you think?
Built to mark 50 years of the XK120, the XK180 caused a huge stir at the 1998 Paris motor show. It was designed by XJ220 stylist Keith Helfet as a modern interpretation of the D-Type and E-Type. Although enthusiastically received, only two cars were ever built: this example is owned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.
Very elegant and a beautiful looking car. Just 60 A6G 2000 GT’s were built, with most being bodied by Zagato, Pininfarina or Frua. However, this particular example is one of 21 crafted by Turin- based Carrozzeria Allemano.
Featured in the coach built and concepts class. Another Zagato beauty.
The 1900 was Alfa’s first production-line car, but while upper management heralded the cost savings, general manager Iginio Alessio feared for the future of the Italy’s design houses and stylists. He instructed the car to be made so that five coachbuilders could use the unitary frame as the basis for their creations.
Zagato created this example for Joakim ‘Jo’ Bonnier, who won with it at the 1955 Swedish Grand Prix, and took a class victory at the Karlskoga circuit a week later. Bonnier then sold the Alfa to Carl Lohmander, who competed in it at Denmark’s Roskilde Ring before inviting Bonnier to drive it at Oulton Park’s 1955 International Trophy. Again he took class victory.
Lohmander raced the car at several events, such as the Avusrennen in Berlin, and the car was featured in the December 1955 edition of Motor-Revy. The car has since remained in Sweden and Norway, continuing to compete in many events.
Featured in the coach built and concepts class. Not a beauty in my opinion, but unique for sure.
Built on the principles of quality and correctness – and V8 talk – the Peterborough – produced and built Ronart Lightning was intended to be a leading grand tourer. The body is all carbon fibre, and the space frame chassis and monocoque were designed in house with bespoke suspension.
The engine and gearbox came from Ford’s Mustang SVT, and it’s 4.6-Litre V8 provided 320bhp. A 500bhp supercharged version was also offered. The car was ahead of its time, featuring sat-nav, integral cooling fans in the leather Recaro seats, and it also had detachable carbon fibre roof panels. Only six examples were built before production ceased, and this is one of justice three that are thought still to exist. The fifth car built, it was the Ronart demonstrator and specified by the company chairman.
Featured in the coach built and concepts class. Two phrases I never thought I would hear in the same sentence Rolls-Royce and pick up. Amazing that this car even exists and respect to the original owner for commissioning its creation.
The brief for this unusual conversion was simple: build the ultimate Goodwood Revival tow vehicle. The car’s owner, a prominent historic motorsport enthusiast, entrusted Essex based Clarke and Carter with transforming a 1967 Silver Shadow into an elegant pickup.
In fact, the example the specialist was given had already been converted, but to a rather lesser standard- so to attain the quality required the restorers virtually had to start all over again.
The result is befitting of the authentic cars ethos, with hand-crafted detailing applied throughout. Fun flourishes included the ‘pick-up’ badging, created in a script mimicking what you would find on an original Silver Shadow.
Featured in the great British history class. I just think this is a cool car, very unique looking and a unusual colour.
The SS1 offered extravagant looks for a palatable price, and was available in fixed head coupe, tourer, sports saloon and drophead coupe form. It was not intended as a performance car, with up to 20 BHP available.
The Airline coupe was styled to get the most out of the six- cylinder engine, with a smooth air-sparing design that reflected the art deco fashion of the time. Only 624 were produced, and this one was originally delivered in March 1935 to Captain S Clough by Glovers of Harrogate.
Featured in the great British history class. Vauxhall built its’s first car in 1903, making it Britains oldest car maker. Named after the Vauxhall area of Lambeth where the original works were located. In 1905 Vauxhall moved to Luton where between 1927 and 1933 less than 50 Hurlinghams were built. To date only 19 cars are known worldwide with 5 in the UK. The Hurlingham captured the art-deco spirit of the 20’s with a centre body line running from the speedbird mascot to cropped boat tail. Scuttle mounted marine style vents, twin window-screens and flip up mother-in-law dicky seat complete the design.
I hope you enjoyed seeing these cars as much as I did. Many of these cars I saw for the very first time at the London Concours, which is why I love this event so much and cannot wait for next years event.
Have you seen our video (below), where we take a walk around the London Concours 2022, if not, here it is (and don’t forward to subscribe to our YouTube Channel).
A great event as always. Did you attend? What did you think?
It’s an absolute belter of an event. So massive, spread over several halls it normally takes me the whole day to walk around the show and I am sure I miss out on loads of stuff.
That’s me done on car show now for 2022. Now I look forward to 2023. Make sure that you are following us on our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter so that you do not miss out on our free give aways and competitions.
Here’s a little information about the beautiful 1963 ATS 2500 GT Coupe which was on display at the 2022 Concours of Elegance. What a beautiful shape. Lots of chrome. A wonderful looking rear end. We love it. You can see more Concours of Elegance news, reviews, videos and galleries here.
In terms of office-based tiffs, very few can have had such an impact on the automotive world as Enzo Ferrari‘s infamous falling out with key members of his eponymous empire.
Staff relations had been fractious for some time prior to November 1961, but came to head over the influence of Enzo’s wife, Laura, in the company. Sales manager Girolamo Gardini, manager Romolo Tavoni, chief engineer Carlo Chiti and development boss Giotto Bizzarrini issued a written ultimatum demanding her removal. Enzo fired them.
The ousted party soon set up a new company – Automobili Turismo e Sport, or ATS, funded by one of Ferrari’s most treasured customers, Count Giovanni Volpi’s Scuderia Serenissima. The 2500GT was the resulting road car – it had a mid-engined 2.5-litre V8 courtesy of Carlo Chiti and a chassis honed by Bizzarrini. The styling was courtesy of Franco Scaglione, and the body was crafted by Allemano.
This example is chassis 2004, and its first registered owner, Bruce McIntosh, bought it along with a spare 2.5-litre engine in around 1966. McIntosh unfortunately damaged the car, requiring the replacement of the damaged nose with a factory-built component. This work was performed in England by Grand Prix Metalworks, owned by Carl Rosner.
McIntosh sold the car to Rosner, who never really completed the car until the time he decided to sell it, in 1971. It is believed that the car was then briefly in the hands of an unknown enthusiast before being passed to Norbert McNamara, a Californian racer and collector, who already owned ATS chassis 2001, which had been converted to Chevrolet power. He bought chassis 2004 because it came with a spare engine that originally powered his own car.
After McNamara’s death the ATS underwent a two-year mechanical restoration in Costa Rica, completed in time for the 2008 Modena Cento Ore classic rally. After the event, the car returned to Costa Rica and was completely dismantled, with everything rebuilt as new.
Koni rebuilt the dampers, and a new clutch disc was located, while new custom gaskets and rebuild kits for the rare dual-throat 38 IDM Weber carburettors were supplied by Pierce Manifold. A set of special transmission gears were fabricated by the same company that produced the gears for the McLaren F1.
What a beautiful looking car, a rare car and we love it. We hope you love it to.
Paddington, corgis, and that James Bond Skit. These are just three of the many of things that make us think of the royal family.
Another is the hit Netflix series The Crown, and with a new season coming out on November 9th, Google searches for the show have increased by 128% in the past week alone.
The show is praised for its accuracy, and while it may not feature a certain fictional spy or marmalade sandwiches, it does heavily feature the royal family’s beloved classic car collection. In celebration of this, Heritage Car Insurance have decided to look back at some of the royal family’s favourite classic cars as featured in the hit show:
The Queen
Queen Elizabeth II was an enthusiastic motorist, and even in her 90s she continued to enjoy driving, often photographed behind the wheel. More often than not this was in a Land Rover, and The Crown has definitely paid tribute to that. The show frequently showcases the love the Queen had for driving, especially piloting herself (and occasional Prime Ministers) around Balmoral.
1952 Land Rover Series I
It is no secret that Land Rover is one of the favourite brands of the royal family. Land Rover’s royal connection dates back to 1948 when King George VI was presented with the 100th production Land Rover. The Land Rover Series 1 was designed by Maurice Wilks in 1948 and was influenced by the American Willys Jeep of WWII.
The Daimler DS420, also known as the Daimler Limousine, was made by The Daimler Company Limited between 1968 and 1992. Many countries used it as an official state car, and the DS420 limousine has been delivered to more reigning monarchs than any other model, and the royal family is no exception. Interestingly, the 1992 Daimler DS420 Limousine was originally supplied to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, and it is one of the cars that we see her in most frequently on the show.
Source: Jaguar Heritage Trust
The Queen Mother was quite particular about her Daimlers; she had them in black over royal claret, a softer rear cushion than standard, and usually with her personal mascot, a lion, on the grille. She can be seen here visiting the Vanden Plas factory in London in 1970, inspecting the car being built for her.
Source: MyDS420
Land Rover Series 3 Station Wagon
In series 3, The Queen was driving an LWB Land Rover Series 3 station wagon during a hunting party on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
In later years a good number of Defenders and Range Rovers have also featured in the former monarch’s lineup.
Queen Elizabeth II with Crown Equerry Lt Col Sir John Miller (1919-2006) as well as her bodyguard and chauffeur, standing by a Land Rover on the Windsor estate in Berkshire, England, Great Britain, 11 May 1985. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
The Queen also owned two Rolls-Royce Phantom VIs, a Silver Jubilee Car and a more conventional 1986 model. Prior to the introduction of the two Bentley State Limousines in 2002, these were the official state cars. The show features a lot of different Rolls-Royce models, but the Phantom VI was the one the Queen used in real life.
Source: Rolls-Royce
Prince Phillip
1956 Lagonda 3 Litre Tickford Drophead Coupé
In 1954, Prince Philip commissioned an Aston Martin Lagonda 3-liter Drophead Coupe as a sports car that he and the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth could drive around in.
There were only twenty of these vehicles made, and it is the only one that wasprivately owned by the Duke of Edinburgh. Over the course of seven years, Prince Philip used the convertible as his personal vehicle. We can see it in Series 2 of The Crown.
Prince Philip also once owned a classic MG sports car, which played a massive role in the courtship of the future Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, as we also see in the early episodes of the show.
In real life, he drove an MG TC when he was courting the then Princess Elizabeth, which he traded in for the TD. Always an avowed MG fan, he also hosted several MG gatherings at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, proving that you never forget your first love.
circa 1950: Prince Philip driving his car with Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, in the passenger seat. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
As seen throughout the show, the then Prince Charles (played by Josh O’Connor) drives his Aston Martin DB6 Volante, which is very similar to the one the actual prince bought in 1971.
King Charles still owns the car to this day, and he once famously said in an interview that it runs on wine and cheese. Yes, quite literally, he said it runs on surplus English white wine and whey from the cheese process! RS Williams Ltd converted the Prince’s DB6 into a cheese and wine machine by working with a Gloucestershire-based bioethanol company called Green Fuels.
Source: The Telegraph
Princess Diana
Austin Mini Metro
During her time working in a nursery in London, Lady Diana Spencer drove a basic version of the Austin Mini Metro, which became one of the most photographed cars in history as paparazzi closely documented her life.
Prince Charles bought the vehicle for the then Lady Diana after he test-drove the vehicle out of the British Leyland factory in Longbridge. He took it on a 20-mile trip.
This was the personal car of Diana, Princess of Wales, and was built towards the end of Cabriolet production. Cabriolets are normally only available as two-seaters, but this one was specially fitted with two rear seats for Princes William and Harry. This car was used by the Princess between 1987 and 1991.
This car was delivered new to Princess Margaret. According to Princess Margaret’s instructions, the Silver Wraith II had been designed with particular details: finished in Cardinal Red under a black Everflex covered roof, inset with Standard Pennant and Royal Crest mountings and even a blue police light!
It is truly a bespoke interior, and for a lady who is often portrayed on the show as ostentatious, it’s rather modest. This exact version of her car cannot be seen on the show, but it is truly iconic and fit for royalty.
Source: CarScoops
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director at Heritage Car Insurance comments:“The royal family’s choice of cars through the decades shows their support for British manufacturers and the heritage of British motoring.
From the style and glamour of Jaguar and Aston Martin, to the enduring practicality of Land Rover, the royals have embraced the best of British, with iconic results. As one of the most photographed families in the world, the cars are always there, fulfilling both style and function in historic moments – both in real life and on-screen depictions.”
We attended this years Concours of Elegance on the first day, Friday 2nd Sept. With this years event being the 10th anniversary, it was a truly wonderful event with several previous Concours winning cars on show. Here are selection of some of our favourite photos that we sourced from this wonderful event from the days we were not there. Some great shots and unique photos. Maximum respect goes out to all the photographers taking the official photos over the weekend . I hope you enjoy browsing this selection of photos (above), some great shots…
You can see many more of the photos we took at Concours of Elegance 2022 here on our Concours of Elegance 2022 Facebook Album. Also I strongly recommend that you take a look at our top 10 cars from this show and many others here.
Make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter or following us on social media (@mycarheaven) to be updated of our competitions and more. Recent competitions have included winning tickets to Silverstone Classic, Concours of Elegance, Petrolheadonism Live & currently the NEC Classic Motor Show, and soon to come Race Retro.
Another year brings another chance for us classic car enthusiasts to be part of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, which once again brings together an impressive array of classic car and motorcycle clubs. Alongside this, there will be iconic classic and vintage cars and motorbikes for sale, autojumble and stalls and anything classic car related, ensuring it’s an event not to be missed.
This is the renowned and best season finale for any classic car/bike owner, enthusiast, club member, collector, or simply anybody with a passion for classic vehicles!
But there’s a lot more than just the classics that will be on display. After you’ve admired these amazing vehicles, you can source parts and tools for your maintenance and restoration needs from the many specialist traders, or shop for those elusive pieces in the autojumble. If you’re looking for something to fill that classic-shaped hole in your life then you’re sure to find an outstanding range on offer from the Car Dealers and at Silverstone Auctions.
There are also many activities that you can enjoy, including presentations from motoring celebrities and experts, and hearing from specialists throughout the halls. You’ll be able to drive out in a unique classics with HERO-ERA or Sporting Bears, helping them raise money for some wonderful children’s charities.
Read on to find out what the show will include and how you can enter our competition to win show tickets.
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Highlights to Wet Your Appetite
Whether you want to roam the halls and relish in rare vehicle discoveries, you are looking for information on a particular marque, want to meet celebrities, fancy a driving experience, or learn practical skills, the show has something on offer for all classic car and bike lovers.
New for 2022
As well as the usual show favourites, there will be plenty of exciting new features at this year’s show, from live music performances to historic racing bikes.
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Alternative Fuels
The future of motoring seems to be steering us to all-electric, leading many classic car owners to seek out available alternatives. This year’s event will showcase how some classics are making the change and staying on the road.
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Restomods
This growing trend fits classic/retro vehicles with modern features, where old meets new and classic meets modern, giving you the best of both worlds.
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Wings Tour Bus
Paul McCartney’s 1972 Wings Over Europe Tour bus restoration is nearing completion and will be on display, featuring live music performances throughout the weekend.
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Motul Historic Racing Bike Feature
Suzuki racing motorbikes will be presented in a stunning display, with Motul showcasing the past fifty years of top flight two-wheeled motorsport.
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Meguiar’s Detailing Bay
Meguiar’s will be bringing their detailing bay to the show, alongside their much-loved Club Showcase. Presenting car’s under the light, the team will get to work on the chosen cars and leave them sparkling.
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Classic Car Displays
Spanning over 120 years, from vintage motors to traditional British classics, historic motorsport to American muscle cars and retro hot hatches, this year the show will explore more stunning collections of vehicles that are brought together for the classic car community’s season finale at Birmingham’s NEC.
Whether you’re interested in what’s going on under the bonnet or prefer to gawp at these amazing vehicles and imagine hitting the open road, one thing’s for sure – the Classic Motor Show is the best motoring day out for car fans from any decade.
No matter what aspect of the motoring work interests you, be it classic cars, bikes, buses or vans, you will find something to astound you amongst the 3000+ vehicles on display.
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Classic Car and Bike Clubs
Every year the show welcomes hundreds of classic clubs to fill halls with their unique cars, vans and motorbikes. Each and every club and members of it, bring so much knowledge and joy along with their gorgeous vehicles. A broad range of marques and models will be represented, guaranteeing visitors will find their favourites.
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Traders, Dealers & Autojumble
Find everything you need as a car lover. Explore more than 600 exhibitor stands offering all the products and services you could need. Dive into the plethora of goodies that the Autojumble has to offer, talk wheels with specialist exhibitors, and source your first or next classic car with the dealers or at auction with an excellent range of cars for sale.
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Silverstone Auctions
Silverstone Auctions holds with one of their most high profile classic car auctions in the UK, featuring 100+ classic cars and motorcycles at the show, plus a great range of automobilia.
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Looking to buy?
Whether you’re a fan of Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, or Triumph, you can find something to aspire to on the auction block or from the car dealers selling their cars at the show.
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Looking to sell?
If you want to get the best price for your classic beauty, Silverstone Auctions offer a superb opportunity to get your car or motorcycle in front of a highly receptive audience. You can speak to them or other dealers at the show.
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Classic Motorbike Showcase
The Classic Motorbike Showcase welcomes classic bike enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond to share their passion for remarkable two-wheeled classics. Come and admire motorbikes from an array of marques.
With clubs representing BSA Bantam, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, and more there is something to suit every interest. You’ll have the chance to spend time talking with the clubs representing your favourite!
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Pride of Ownership
Celebrating classic cars and fantastic motorcycles, this glorious display gathers together owners and enthusiasts to vote for your favourite of these cherished vehicles.
Past displays have shown cars found as a wreck and restored to their former glory. Others that have been owned over decades from brand new by the same owner, as well as some extremely rare examples. Prepare for many wonderful stories of how these vehicles hold significant sentimental value to loved ones.
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Classic American Car of the Year
Throughout the year, Classic American’s editor, Ben, searches the country for the best in show cars. He’s whittled it down to 6 spectacular motors that will be in the running to become the Classic American Car of the Year.
Finalists include a 1958 cream Cadillac, a 1972 burnished bronze Buick Riviera, and a 1936 yellow Cord Westchester Saloon.
Come and admire all of the cars at the show and see who is crowned the winner!
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Meguiar’s Club Showcase
This fabulous feature showcases ‘the best of the best’ from the UK classic car club scene from the last year. The celebration brings together an astonishing line up of award-winning cars from club-organised events throughout the course of the year. These cars undergo intense scrutiny at the Classic Motor Show before the ultimate ‘best in show’ is revealed at the prize giving on Sunday afternoon.
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Restoration Theatre
Ever wanted to find out about classic vehicle restoration? Well now you can from the expert mechanics and renovators at the Restoration Theatre. Whether you’re interested in working on your own project, or looking for a career change, you can learn some great skills here!
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HERO-ERA Arrive & Drive
Get behind the wheel of a stunning classic motor courtesy of HERO’s Arrive & Drive fleet and take a 4-mile spin around the NEC.
Have you ever dreamed about getting behind the wheel of a stunning classic motor? Now you have the chance! HERO- ERA’s Arrive & Drive fleet are available for you to make this dream a reality. You’ll have the chance to take a classic car of your choice for a 4-mile spin around the NEC throughout the show.
Even if you don’t feel confident about driving one of these iconic cars yourself, or you don’t have a licence, no need to stress, one of their dedicated team will be delighted to take you for a passenger ride!
If that hasn’t wetted your appetite then nothing will!
