13 reasons to visit the NEC Classic Motor Show

The countdown is on

Finally, it is nearly time to hit the road for Birmingham as the NEC Classic Motor Show returns for the first time since 2019.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with discovery+, to give it its full name, is at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November and is the UK’s biggest indoor classic car event.

Before attending, make sure you have your NHS COVID pass ready and the show is describing itself as ‘mask friendly’, so if you’d feel more comfortable wearing a face mask, that’s completely fine. What’s more, the floorplan has been altered to make the aisles wider, to help reduce crowding.

And you might want to download the event app. Get it for free from Apple’s App Store or Google Play. And read on as we tell you why you don’t want to miss this year’s NEC Classic Motor Show.

1. The big numbers

If you’ve been before, you’ll know the NEC Classic Motor Show is vast. So while that means there is something for everyone, be sure you’re wearing comfy shoes!

How big? We’re talking seven halls to take in, 3000-plus classic cars, ’bikes and other historic vehicles, an anticipated 70,000 visitors and more than 270 clubs.

Plus, this is the show’s 37th year (including 2020’s online edition).

2. Get motoring

This might be a static classic car show, but there are a few opportunities for you to get moving.

Want to take the wheel? Check out HERO-ERA’s Arrive & Drive scheme where you can take a four-mile ride in a classic, as a driver or a passenger – prices start from £47 for drivers, to take a passenger ride it is £32. You can book your experience here.

Plus, Sporting Bears Dream Rides returns to the Classic Motor Show, raising money for British children’s charities. Make a donation and enjoy a 10-mile or 20-minute passenger ride in a special car – find out more.

3. Visit C&SC

We were always going to mention this, weren’t we? And you really do not want to miss the Classic & Sports Car stand this year.

We can’t tell you why, of course, that would spoil the surprise, but let’s just say we’ve got a very special classic on our stand this year – and here’s the F40 we brought in 2019 to whet your appetite.

We also have exclusive show subscription offers that come with a free gift. You can find us in hall 1 at stand 571.

4. Buy your next classic

If you’re in the market for your next classic – or you just enjoy window shopping (and who doesn’t?) – then you’re spoilt for choice at the NEC Classic Motor Show.

As well as the many dealers who’ll be exhibiting, Silverstone Auctions will be holding a classic car sale on 13-14 November, with viewing on Friday 12 November – check out the lot list here.

And if you’re into classic ’bikes, the motorcycle sale is on Friday 12 November; find out more.

5. Go electric

One of the showcases at this year’s event will centre around classic electric vehicles.

Called ‘Our Friends Electric’, it features classics that have always been electrically propelled, converted classics and ‘restomods’, and Mike Brewer will be interviewing owners and the companies that create these cars live on stage.

And it isn’t just a static display. Twice each day a selection of electric classics will be in action on a track in hall 5, including the 1912 Baker Electric, the Porsche 356-inspired Electric Chesil E and the RBW Electric Roadster ‘restomod’ (pictured).

So whether you’re for, against or undecided about electric classics, this is a great opportunity to find out more.

6. The clubs

If you’re an owner wanting help with your classic, or you’re considering a purchase and want some friendly advice from those in the know, car clubs are a super place to start – and with more than 270 exhibiting, no matter what make or model of car you’re interested in, there’s a good chance a band of passionate enthusiasts will be at the NEC Birmingham to share many pearls of wisdom.

Clubs also make a massive effort with their stands, so they are well worth nosing around anyway.

This year, among the Ginetta Owners’ Club’s show cars is a seldom-seen G12, while on the Club Triumph stand expect another rarity in the form of the Hurricane special by the Vincent Brothers, built in the ’60s on a GT6 chassis.

And if you fancy winning an XK, the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club is selling raffle tickets to do just that, the lucky winner being drawn on the show’s closing day.

7. C&SC’s Club Awards

Which brings us neatly onto our Club Awards, which we’re delighted to be presenting in association with Lancaster Insurance.

We know that the great British car club community is the heartbeat of the classic car world and so we’re excited to be able to celebrate the very best of it once again – and with an in-person ceremony on 12 November, following 2020’s virtual awards.

Watch this space for 2021’s winners!

8. As seen on TV

If you have been tuning in to the first series of Jimmy Doherty’s Dream Builds On Wheels on discovery+ and Quest, you’ll know what this is.

Doherty has built a motorhome based on a Bedford Green Goddess that entered service with the Irish Auxiliary Fire Service in the early 1950s, to take his family away on holidays and, with Goblin Works Garage’s Jimmy de Ville, has been meeting owners who’ve done similar.

Check out the build and hear Doherty on the live stage talking about the process – it was quite an undertaking.

9. More stars

More TV stars will be making an appearance at the NEC Classic Motor Show, when Paul Cowland and Drew Pritchard from Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars take to the live stage in hall 5.

See them at 2:30pm on Friday, and 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

10. Do it yourself

If getting your hands dirty with your classic is very much your cup of tea, then you’ll want to visit the Restoration Theatre, located in hall 4 at this month’s Classic Motor Show at the NEC Birmingham.

It is a chance to learn some handy skills from the on-stage specialists from Gilbert-Michaelson Ltd, who this year will be focusing on bodywork – expert advice awaits.

11. It’s a treasure trove

Are you having trouble finding a part for your classic? Then you could be in luck, because the NEC Classic Motor Show hosts the UK's largest indoor autojumble and trader village.

Components, tools, artwork, memorabilia, books, signs and more will be available. The only problem you might have is making sure you don’t buy more than you can carry!

12. A century of the Bugatti Brescia

If you like the sound of this, head for hall 1 stand 630 where the Bugatti Owners’ Club and The Bugatti Trust will be marking 100 years of the Brescia.

Bugatti scooped the top four spots in the Gran Premio d’Italia Vetturette race in Brescia, Italy, on 8 September 1921, with a four-cylinder model called the Type 13 – thereafter this, and its longer wheelbase derivatives, became known as Brescias.

Driving that winning car was Ernst Friderich (pictured) and this rare gathering of Brescias at the NEC will be a memorable sight.

13. Porsche 924 Carrera GT at 40

Elsewhere in the same hall – at stand 350, to be precise – another anniversary is being celebrated.

It is 40 years since the launch of the Porsche 924 Carrera GT, so the owners’ club will bring three special examples together at the NEC Classic Motor Show.

Derek Bell’s 245bhp Carrera GTS, that he received for taking fifth in a Porsche 924 Carrera GTP at Le Mans in 1980, will be joined on the stand by Ricky Caesar’s near-identical car, plus club chairman Alan Bradshaw’s Carrera GT.