Johnny Smith – host of the The Late Brake Show YouTube channel – has curated a selection of restomods for a display at this weekend’s Lancaster Insurance Motor Show on 11–13 November
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show returns to the NEC in Birmingham this weekend, boasting a wide array of classic cars from across the hobby spectrum. A particular highlight looks set to be a display of restomodded classics hand-picked by Johnny Smith, the TV presenter and YouTuber behind The Late Brake Show.
With a mix of internal combustion and electric power on display, a collection of six to eight cars will take pride of place among the collection. Generally defined as modernised classic cars that combine high-tech upgrades with classic aestheics, restomods can be seen as a way for classic cars to move with the times – or simply to be made easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.
The display will include an interesting cross-section of iconic models. The Jaguar E-type will be represented by the Eagle Low Drag GT, a restomod whose technical and aesthetic updates are the product of Eagle’s 30 years of experience. Similarly racy is the MST Mk1, an extensively overhauled Ford Escort Mk1 intended for track and fast-road use.
The Late Brake Show’s affinity with electrified vehicles is reflected by the inclusion of the Range Rover Chieftan Hybrid, the latest creation from Range Rover conversion specialist JIA, based in Banbury. An extensively re-engineered Range Rover Classic, the car promises a more modern and impressive driving experience thanks to combined petrol and electric power.
Full EV conversions are also set to be represented: a new electric version of the Mazda MX-5-based Dowsetts TIPO 184 kit car – famously designed by classic car personality Ant Anstead – is set to make an appearance. Meanwhile, renowned restomodders Retropower will be bringing two cars along for the display: the ‘Duratina’ and ‘Project Utah’. A track-prepared MGB by Zytek is also set to be included.
“We are really excited to be involved with the NEC Classic and can’t wait to bring some of the cars we’ve featured on our channel live to the show,” said Johnny Smith. “There will also be a few cars that have been on our wish list for a while as well as some that will appear in the not too distant future.”
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with discovery+, is scheduled to be held at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 November, 2022. Tickets are on sale now here – or you can sign up for the newsletter here for more updates.
And if you’re reading this on Wednesday, November 9, there’s still time to enter our competition to win tickets to the show – simply click here to enter!
