13 reasons to go to the NEC Classic Motor Show this weekend

Back to Birmingham

The Classic Motor Show, an indoor extravaganza for the UK’s classic car community, returns to the NEC Birmingham from 10-12 November 2023.

Seven exhibition halls will be filled with more than 300 car clubs and around 3000 classic cars, ’bikes and other fascinating vehicles.

If you’re one of the 70,000 visitors expected to attend the show, or you’re simply interested in finding out more about it, then here’s a helpful rundown of what’s in store this year.

1. It takes two

‘Perfect Partners’ is the theme for this year’s event.

Car clubs will decorate their stands accordingly, so keep an eye out for some imaginative displays.

Maybe there will be celebrations of marques that teamed up to create a special model, such as the Lotus Cortina and Austin-Healey?

Perhaps they’ll be inspired by an iconic silver-screen duo or a motorsport pairing that defined an era.

We’re excited to see what they come up with this weekend.

2. Car clubs galore

It’s easy to strike up a conversation with one of the many hundreds of friendly and knowledgeable enthusiasts at the Classic Motor Show, and it’s all thanks to the 300-plus car clubs that rock up to the NEC Birmingham each year.

From the Isetta Owners’ Club of GB (stand 5-498) to Classic Funeral Vehicles (stand 5-649), there really is something for all tastes.

The Volvo Enthusiasts’ Club (stand 5-465) will mark the end of Volvo estate-car production in the UK with a pair of classic Swedish load-luggers, while the Midlands Mini Club (stand 5-780) will bring along a slice of local history in the form of a ’60s Birmingham City Police Mini.

3. Visit Classic & Sports Car

Don’t miss the Classic & Sports Car stand. 

You can make the most of our exclusive show subscription offers, and be sure to check out this year’s eye-catching display car.

Head over to stand 1-575 to say hello.

4. Meet a record-breaker

The National Motor Museum’s record-breaking Sunbeam 1000hp is heading to the Classic Motor Show – you can check it out on stand 1-580.

Nicknamed ‘The Slug’, you’ll be hard-pushed to miss this mighty machine.

The 200mph behemoth has been touring motoring events this year to raise awareness of the National Motor Museum’s quest to restore the land-speed car and return it to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2027, 100 years after its record-breaking run there.

5. Skill share

Fancy learning a new skill or brushing up on your DiY knowledge? Head to the Restoration Workshop in hall 4 to watch some handy demonstrations.

The team from Wakefield-based specialist Gilbert-Michaelson Ltd will be sharing tips and tricks relating to a variety of engineering and restoration jobs.

Topics include how to polish paintwork and panel-repair techniques. The team will be answering questions on a one-to-one basis, too.

6. Centenary celebrations

This year marks 100 years since Triumph produced its first car and Alvis introduced the 12/50, plus MG can also trace its roots back to 1923.

So be sure to visit the Alvis Owner Club (stand 1-860), Club Triumph (stand 4-730) and the MG Car Club (stand 3-445) as they mark these motoring milestones.

Texan team boss and racing driver Carroll Shelby would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2023, too, and the GT40 Enthusiasts’ Club (stand 1-220) is planning to bring seven Gulf-liveried Ford GT40s to the NEC Birmingham to pay tribute, which should be quite a spectacle.

7. In the driving seat

Get behind the wheel of a classic car with HERO-ERA Arrive & Drive.

The five-car fleet includes a Triumph TR4, Volkswagen Golf GTI, MGB roadster, Lancia Delta Integrale and a Mini Cooper.

A four-mile trip in the Triumph, VW or MG costs £55 for drivers; it’s £75 to get behind the wheel of the Mini or the Lancia. Passenger rides are available from £30 – you can book your trip here.

Alternatively, you can take a ride in a modern or classic car with Sporting Bears Dream Rides, a charity that offers 10-mile or 20-minute passenger rides in return for a donation. More than £30,000 was raised at last year’s show – find out more here.

8. Full of pride

The Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership finalists will offer an eclectic mix of classic cars in hall 3, and it’s down to Classic Motor Show visitors to pick this year’s winner.

A 1956 Vauxhall Cresta is the oldest car among the 20 contenders, while a restored 1971 Porsche 911 and a 1991 Nissan Primera represent the variety of makes and models in the final.

The winner will be announced at 2pm on Sunday 12 November.

9. Step into the past

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ stand at the Classic Motor Show is always worth a visit because of the variety of vehicles on display.

This year, a one-of-nine MG J4 will be joined by a Zagato Zele electric car, an 11,000-mile Mini Cooper Sport, a 1963 Land-Rover fire engine and more.

Last year, the FBHVC unveiled a restored 1953 Bristol bus (pictured) that was used by Paul McCartney and his band, Wings.

You can find the FBHVC on stand 5-410.

10. Hear from the specialists

The Meet the Experts stage in hall 5 will host a series of informative Q&As, discussions and interviews across the weekend.

Presenters Mike Brewer from Wheeler Dealers and journalist Alex Kersten will join industry campaigners and other star guests to discuss the past, present and future of our classic car hobby, from sustainable fuels to how we can preserve automotive heritage.

Multiple motorbike trials champion Dougie Lampkin – who is also doing a live action show in hall 5 – will make an appearance on the Meet the Experts stage, too.

11. Classic cars for sale

Iconic Auctioneers, formerly known as Silverstone Auctions, is heading to the Classic Motor Show with some tantalising lots for its final sale of 2023.

You can browse the lots, which feature a 12,500-mile Ford Sierra RS 500 Cosworth, a pre-war Bentley 4 Litre Sports Saloon and a drop-top Lotus Elan, in hall 2.

If you’re tempted by one of the classic cars, the auction takes place at 10am on 11 November, while a selection of ’bikes will cross the block on 12 November.

And to find out which lots caught our eye, check this out.

12. Showstoppers

The Meguiar’s Club Showcase brings together show-winning cars from various UK car club events that took place throughout 2023, and the judges have the tough task of picking the best of the best. 

This year’s finalists include a Subaru Impreza WRX ‘555’, a Volkswagen Type 2, a Jaguar XK120 and a Ferrari 328GTS.

The Best in Show winner will be announced in hall 1 at 12pm on Sunday. Good luck to the contenders!

13. Hunt for car parts

If there’s an elusive spare part you need for your classic car, then there’s a good chance you’ll find it at the Classic Motor Show, which hosts the UK’s largest indoor autojumble.

Browse the 350-plus trade stands for parts and accessories, automobilia, books, tools and more. The autojumble takes place in hall 4.

If you would like to go to the Classic Motor Show at the NEC Birmingham, on 10-12 November 2023, you can find out more and book tickets here. We will see you there.