The NEC Restoration & Classic Car Show enjoyed a record crowd of 19,000 visitors in its second year, an increase of 60% from the inaugural event in 2014. The number of club displays also tripled, with more than 550 classic cars packing into the show halls, while Edd China, Mike Brewer, Chris Barrie, Ant Anstead and Tiff Needell held talks and workshops.
In total, 90 clubs displayed vehicles at the event – three times the number that visited in 2014 – with 60 of the stands featuring live demonstrations of restoration skills.
The much-coveted Club Stand of the Show prize was once again awarded to the Jowett Car Club.
A competition to see who could change the valves on a cylinder head in the quickest time was one by Jason Hibbert from the Cheshire Capri Club, who completed the task in just over two minutes winning £250 for his club.
One of the biggest draws was the Heritage Insurance Barn Find display, which featured 25 classics including a former Earls Court Motor Show Austin-Healey, a 1931 Nash Ambassador, a Saab 92B and an Aston Martin Volante.
The success continued at the Silverstone Auctions sale, which doubled its sales total from last year, with modern classics helping achieve a sales figure of more than £2m.
Show director Daniel Nwaokolo said: “A huge thank you to all the clubs, exhibitors, celebrities, car owners and visitors who supported this year’s event. These fantastic results reflect the hard work of everyone involved, the passion for classic cars and the continued enjoyment and preservation of our motoring heritage.”
Photo credit: Chris Wynn
