The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show returned to the NEC in Birmingham last weekend, retaining its crown as a major highlight of the classic enthusiast calendar. Here’s what you missed
The NEC Classic Motor Show is known for its sprawling scale and incredible variety of classic metal. This year’s show was no exception, with around 3000 classic cars and motorcycles on display being enjoyed by 69,324 vistiors over the course of November 11–13, 2022.
At the core of the show were some 300 club stands, each putting in huge effort to present its members’ cars in the best light. Many were celebrating important milestones and anniversaries: just some of those we spotted included 40 years of the MG Metro, 50 years of the Alfasud, plus 60 years of the MGB Roadster. Statement displays were also a trend; hightlights included the Citroen Car Club’s incredible BBC Roving Eye XM estate recreation (complete with functional period broadcast equipment) and the FD Owners Club’s remarkable rotary engine sculpture paying homage to the Mazda RX-7’s iconic powerplant.
Silverstone Auctions took up residency in Hall 2 as per usual, with hundreds of classic cars and bikes going under the hammer on Saturday and Sunday respectively. We picked out some of our favourites ahead of the sale, which itself threw up some welcome surprises for consigners amid healthy bidding on Saturday. Stay tuned for our full auction report for all the headline sales, which totalled £7.3 million once the final lot had crossed the block.
The Sporting Bears returned to the NEC for the 30th time, offering their Dream Rides to visitors for customers and raising over £35,000 for charity over the weekend; the club’s fundraising now totals over £3 million.
Fan-favourite competitions also returned to the show: the Pride of Ownership finalists were displayed at the centre of Hall 3, with those for the Meguiar’s Club Showcase taking centre stage in Hall 1. Ian Croft’s Lotus Elan Plus 2 took the spoils in the former competition, with Mark Rainer and his 1956 Triumph TR3 taking the top spot in the latter. Both enjoyed a winner’s presentation with classic car TV personality Mike Brewer.
A number of famous personalities joined Brewer on the show’s popular Live Stage, including Jonny Smith and Richard Hammond, both of whom could be spotted on the show floor on their respective stands for The Late Brake Show and Drivetribe/The Smallest Cog.
After another successful year, the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has been confirmed for a return in 2023 on November 10 to November 12. Head to the show’s website for more information.
