Posted on 18th November 2012
With close to 60,000 visitors to the 11 Halls at the NEC, this year's Footman James Classic Motor Show was the biggest and best so far, showcasing 1500 cars and 300 bikes, as well as the Silverstone Auction sale, and several dealers offering the chance to buy the car of your dreams
The success of the show is a testament to the hard work of Show Manager Andy Rouse and his team, the logistics of setting up the show must be challenging to say the least!
The show also attracted celebrities which this year included Sir Stirling Moss, TT Riders Guy Martin and Mick Grant, Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie, comedian Steve Coogan, actress Natalie J Robb, Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis and Motoring Journalists/presenters Quentin Wilson and Tiff Needell.
Mike Brewer was as busy as ever presenting several live features throughout the show, and with Ed China restoring a 1960 Morris Minor pickup on stage, whilst the Sporting Bears gave approx 1000 rides to show goers in a variety of modern and classic machinery raising over £30,000 in the process!!
I was particularly amazed by the Meguiar’s Club Showcase, where the standard of finish on the cars was sensational, the owners obviously more dedicated to their cars than I could ever be. The final winner was an absolutely stunning 1962 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Deluxe, but there was little to chose between the cars on show.
The Classic Motor Show has got to be one of the premier car shows in the UK, and offers something for everyone, separating it from the Top Gear Live show, makes for a better visitor experience, and I for one can't wait to see what Andy and his team do in 2013!
