The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has drawn motor enthusiasts from across the country to Birminghamâs NEC. The event has been offering classic car fans to view its 2,500+ vehicles, spanning over 1 million square feet. This yearâs season finale embraced the showâs theme of âFamily Tiesâ â either cars from the same manufacturing brand, or cars made by a single family name.
A New Era of Classics
This yearâs Classic Motor Show incorporated not only societies of classic car devotees, like the Morris Minor Owners Club or Capri Club International, but a range of modern cars. The TVR Griffith and Mazda MX-5 RF were displayed amongst heritage centrepieces. Manufacturers such as Vauxhall and Porsche GB also showcased some of their new models at the show.
Lee Masters, show director, said: âOur thanks go to all of the classic motoring clubs who not only support the event, but pull out the stops year after year.â
Awards All Round
A particular highlight of the event was the huge awards ceremony. The Meguiarâs Club Showcase had 16 classic vehicles being judged, and Ian Matthews taking the win for his 1959 Morris Mini. This is Miniâs second win on the trot â definitely a victory for Morris Mini owners everywhere!
A public vote next decided the winner of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition â 20 finalists boasted a diverse range of classics. First place here went to a 1983 VW Golf GTi Mk1 owned by Simon McNamara.
Sporting Bears offered a âDream Ridesâ service in exchange for charity donations. They raised a whopping ÂŁ35,000 for around 1,000 rides. Their most popular car belonged to Clive Gosling â a 700bhp Supercharged Ford Mustang, which chauffeured happy passengers across the 3 days of the show.
Going Once, Going Twice
The Silverstone Auctions were probably the most anticipated part of the Classic Motor Show.
ÂŁ3.6million was raised in selling 67% of the lots. The weekendâs biggest seller by far was a 1996 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 RHD, which went for ÂŁ281,750. Second place went to a ÂŁ158,700 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. Taking third was a 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, which came in at ÂŁ112,500.
Finally, an even bigger battle came in the form of the #ClassicRumble. Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead went head to head. Mikeâs team spent 8 months restoring a Ford Escort XR3i Convertible, while Ant crafted a 1950s-inspired single-seater racer from scratch. The competition was eventually declared a draw â both cars sold for ÂŁ22,500. The money raised goes straight to the competitorsâ chosen charities â the Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation and Harrisonâs Fund.
Classic Motor Show â Another Year Wrapped Up
Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, Andrew Evanson, stated: âFamily Ties really showcases the essence of our industry, being a community and sharing a common passion. What a show itâs been.â He went on to comment: âItâs been fantastic sharing this weekend with everyone, what a way to end the year!â
It certainly was â and people are already looking forward to the Classic Motor Showâs revival in 2018!
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