Here’s our pick of the top 10 things to see at the Classic Motor Show, taking place this weekend (from the 11th – 13th November) at the NEC in Birmingham.
1. FBHVC Village Green
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs works to ensure that yesterday’s vehicles have a place on tomorrow’s roads, through their work supporting clubs and museums alongside lobbying government and decision makers on their behalf. First on our list, because the FBHVC Village Green is likely to be the first thing you see, located in front of you in the main entrance to Hall 5.
This year, the FBHVC Village Green will showcase the freshly restored ‘Wings over Europe’ tour bus with live music performances throughout the weekend. This will sit alongside the Baden Powell 20hp Rolls-Royce supporting Childline® and introduce the exciting new club insurance schemes from Peter James.
You will be able to purchase your National Drive-it-Day Rally Plate as well for the 2023 awareness event, with proceeds going to the NSPCC’s Childline®.
2. Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club celebrating an important centenary
This year, Jaguar fans celebrated 100 years since the formation of Swallow Sidecars by William Lyons and William Walmsley in Blackpool. The company began building custom sidecars before moving into car body production for specials based on vehicles like the Austin 7. By the end of the 1930s, they were building more bespoke vehicles using the running gear from the Standard Motor Company. After the Second World War, they changed their name to Jaguar and built their own vehicles creating the luxury sporting car brand that we all know and love today.
The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club display will feature an example of one of the 1920s Swallow Sidecars, the first SS motor car the Swallow Seven, an SS1 saloon that has been in the same family for 90 years, plus some stunning Jaguars that represent Jaguar in the modern era.
Plus, in the 40th anniversary year of the start of Group C in the World Sportscar Championship, the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club will feature the centrepiece that sums up the marques most famous racing achievement, victory at the 1988 Le Mans 24 Hours with their distractive Silk Cut liveried XJR9.
3. Historic motorcycle displays
It’s not just classics on four wheels that are the attraction of the show, historic motorcycles are also a treat that we look forward to! There will be hundreds of bikes on show including a vast display of BSA’s, Triumph’s and a great selection from our friends at the Vintage Japanese Motor Cycle Club.
4. Over 270 clubs showing off a massive variety of amazing vehicles
Clubs and their enthusiastic members are the backbone of the classic car industry, that’s why we work so hard at Peter James to support clubs through our club insurance schemes. This support is not only financial but offers unique policy benefits for members too. Nowhere is this more apparent at the NEC Classic Motor Show. Each year the show welcomes hundreds of classic clubs to fill halls with their wonderful cars, vans, and motorbikes. Every club, along with their members, bring so much enthusiasm and knowledge along with an incredible selection of stunning vehicles.
5. Trade stands and autojumble
We love hunting out a good bargain or digging out that hard to find car part. The Autojumble at the NEC Classic Motor show allows you the chance to meet specialist exhibitors and find the bits you need!
6. Live stage
Next up on our top 10 things to see at Classic Motor Show is Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer joined by Alex Kersten and Jonny Smith to host the discovery+ Live Stage. There are also live interviews with stars like Richard Hammond and many other presenters from the plethora of car shows on TV. Plus, several panel sessions including views on the future of the classic car world from industry experts. The highlight on the stage though is always the live restoration by the Practical Classics Magazine team, where the resurrect a classic car – against the clock!
7. Cars for Sale and Silverstone Auctions
The Silverstone Auctions area is one of the major draws of the NEC Classic Motor Show and every year, old classics find new homes with often some big surprises on what vehicles make at the hammer. As partners of Silverstone Auctions, we can always help with ensuring you have the right cover in place for any purchases you might make!
8. HERO-ERA Arrive & Drive a Classic Car Experience
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. If you fancy trying out a classic car, this is an ideal way to sample the delights of historic motoring before you take the plunge!
9. MOTUL Racing Bikes
Showcasing the past fifty years of topflight two-wheeled motorsport, our friends and fellow FBHVC trade supporters on the Village Green at the show, Motul will present a stunning display of Suzuki racing motorbikes to mark this significant milestone for the marque.
10. Peter James Insurance stand
More than anything at the show, we are looking forward to meeting you – hearing about your amazing classic cars and making sure they are covered with the most suitable classic car insurance package possible. We look forward to meeting you on the Federation Village Green in Hall 5 throughout the weekend.
