The 2022 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration show is almost upon us. Here’s what to expect

The 2022 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration show is almost upon us, welcoming enthusiasts once again to the NEC, Birmingham, to witness an impressive array of classic displays and club stands, traders selling their wares, the Live Stage and much more. It all takes place from Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20 – and Classics World readers can even save money on tickets purchased in advance by quoting the special code at the bottom of this page.

Kicking off this spring’s show season in style, the Classic Car & Restoration Show will have over 1000 vehicles on display, ranging from barn finds and ongoing projects through to everyday classics and concours-standard perfection. It’s all about helping to inspire you with your own project, whether it’s nearing completion or something you’ve yet to make a start on. A visit to the show is sure to give you that extra encouragement.

There will be plenty of clubs exhibiting classics of all ages, with down-at-heel restoration projects displayed alongside immaculate examples. Many of the clubs really get into the spirit of the show too, with members actually working on their projects throughout the three days. And if you fancy a 10-mile ride in a classic out on the road, Sporting Bears will once again be running its Dream Rides facility – raising money for charity in the process.

Anyone interested in learning new skills or even taking up a career in classic vehicle restoration will want to head to the Skills Zone, organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the Federation Skills Trust. And there’ll be even more hands-on advice available at The Workshop, an area of the show offering sessions throughout each day, providing practical instruction in lead loading, panel work, using hand tools and the wheeling machine, plus how to remove bodywork defects.

Classics in need of major work will be the stars of the ever-popular Carole Nash Barn Finds section, which always offers a brilliant range of different cars unearthed from long-term storage. This year’s contingent includes a Mk3 Ford Cortina 1600, a Mk1 Escort Mexico, a 1975 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT 1.8, a 1960 Morris Mini van, and a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. It’s hoped that up to 20 vehicles in all states of repair will be on display, plus a special feature where visitors can see some of the barn finds from previous years that have subsequently been restored.

Classics finished to the highest standards will once again be starring in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership display, with the first ten entrants already announced at the time of writing. And even more gleaming metal will be available in the usual Classic Car Auctions sale, which this years sees more than 100 lots going under the hammer – ranging from classics to supercars, historic motorcycles to competition cars. Viewing is available on each day of the show, with access to the auction gained via purchase of a catalogue (at £10 for two guests).

No event at the NEC would be complete without celebrities from the world of classic vehicle TV, and this year’s Classic Car & Restoration Show is a chance to meet them in person. As you experience the show, look out for Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw from Car SOS, plus Mike Brewer and Marc Priestley from Wheeler Dealers. Fuzz and Mike will also be involved in the Classic World Live Stage, where great discussions take place on such wide-ranging subjects as restoration versus preservation, MoT exemptions and electrification.

There’s more than ever going on at this year’s Classic Car & Restoration Show, so don’t miss out. Ticket prices for adults start at £23 each, with children’s tickets (aged 5-15) at £18 per day. Classics World readers can get a £2 discount on standard tickets, however, by quoting the promotional code CLASSICCARBUYER at the online checkout.

To order tickets, or to find out more about the show, visit the show’s website here.