A Landmark Year for NEC Classic Motor Show 

There were so many landmarks to celebrate at this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery. Over 71,000 attendees headed for Birmingham’s NEC over the weekend for the world’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs  

Acting Show Director Lee Masters said: “This was a landmark year for the show in so many ways; The biggest in size, the most ever cars, and reaching 300 clubs to make it the World’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs. But also as it took place on Armistice Day and it was an honour to see so many clubs pay tribute. 

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the two-minute silence was broken by the sound of a Highland piper on the Discovery Live Stage. Thanks to everyone who came and supported the show. Now to start planning how to celebrate next year’s 35th anniversary of the show!”

This year’s show theme was ‘Built to Last’ and as expected, the clubs and displays interpreted this is so many different ways – from the Veteran Car Clubs stunning ‘Coming Home’ tribute to the end of the Great War, to a fantastic mix of heritage models against their most modern counterpart on the Renault, Alpine, and BMW club stands. 

Once again, one of the highlights of the show was the Meguiar’s Club Showcase, with 16 exceptional classics at the judges’ mercy with Lyndon Creamer from Gwynedd, North Wales, and his 1964 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle lifting the trophy. 

The visitors were the judge when it came to the winner of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition. With over 100 entries, the 20 finalists were all deserving winners but it was Rob Sargent and his 1969 Ford Cortina Savage Mk2 who was declared the victor.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager as Lancaster Insurance, comments: “This show highlights everything that is so special about our community; enthusiasm, dedication and a whole heap of passion and I felt a huge sense of pride as headline sponsor seeing the joy it gives people. 

“It’s been fantastic seeing the array of classics on display including Rob Sargent’s Pride of Ownership winning 1969 Ford Cortina Savage Mk2. A huge well done to everyone involved in creating some amazing stands and a weekend that has truly made memories that are ‘Built to Last’.”  

Sporting Bears’ Dream Rides raised £31,600 offering around 1,000 rides in exchange for a donation to children’s charities.

Silverstone Auctions saw £4million including buyer’s premium with 61% of the lots were sold at the weekend which will increase with post show sales. Frank Sinatra’s 1984 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible which was gifted to him by fellow Rat Pack members, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin, sold for £140,625, while Steve McQueen’s 1945 Willys Jeep sold for £84,375. The biggest seller of the sale was the 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Automatic Sports Saloon at £214,313.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be held from 8-10 November 2019, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.