Classic Motor Show Preview

19/10/2006

The Classic Motor Show, held at the NEC Birmingham from Friday 27th until Sunday 29th October 2006, gets underway next weekend. Spanning five halls and half-a-million square feet of floor space, the show boasts a display of over 1,000 classic and rare cars from all eras, including a large number of American cars, according to the organisers.

The theme for this year’s show is ‘Designs of the Decade’, celebrating automotive design with a tribute to the cars that shaped the trends of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Clubs that will be displaying American cars include the NASC and NSRA, the latter bringing a cross-section of hot rods, street rods, custom cars and nostalgic dragsters. These include a Ford Model A, Model T, Mercury Kustom, an original 1960s front- engined dragster, and two well-known vehicles that made a name for themselves on the show circuit in the ‘70s – 'Small Fry' (Austin Ruby) and 'Hot ‘n’ Bothered' (Fordson van).

Other key clubs that will have cars on display include the American Vehicle Owners Club, the Classic Corvette Club and the Mustang Owners Club GB. The Mopar Owners Club will have three Dodge Chargers on show (1968/1969/1973), to illustrate how the body shape evolved. The National Can-Am Club, DeLorean Owners Club, Pontiac Drivers Club and American Auto Club will also be there, while the Pre 50s American Auto Club will have cars on show covering the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Finally, Classic American Magazine will be displaying a woody convertible plus American classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

In the seminar theatre, motoring celebrities Mike Brewer, presenter of Pulling Power, and Mark Evans, restoration expert and presenter, will be hosting a number of interactive seminars and giving the audience an opportunity to ask questions.

There will be the usual exhibitor stands, providing a wide range of components, spares, tools and motoring memorabilia, an impressive restoration theatre, and the chance to have a ride in your dream car in exchange for a donation to children’s charity. For further information, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.co.uk or contact the booking line on 0870 060 3776.