Classic Car And Restoration Show Review

Reviewed by Steve Reedy

Yesterday I went to an incredible car show. The whole event provides you with a sensory overload as you amble around enjoying the remarkable displays. The enthusiasm that comes across from so many of the exhibitors feeds into a new found appreciation for classic cars.

The remarkable size of the event, the variety of what is on display, the number of participants, the sounds of the cars and auctioneers at work, and the smell of the food not only provides those that are car enthusiasts, but those new to this world, like me, with a journey through car history and a great day of entertainment. It was exciting to have the opportunity to see so many people milling about enjoying this event at the NEC in Birmingham.

The show opened on Friday 18th March and carries on until Sunday 20th March. I travelled up on the train from London so got to enjoy seeing the countryside. Getting into the NEC was extremely easy once I arrived, at most a 10 minute covered walk from the train to the event halls. Car parking is a short walk away on site as well. There is the opportunity to buy a wide range of drinks and snacks onsite.

The show has grown to utilise three of the halls in this enormous complex, and despite its impressive size it is easy to navigate and well laid out.

Right from the beginning as you enter the Halls you are taken back in time. If you are a fan of classic English cars like the MG’s, Jaguars and Austin’s – they are all there for you. The thing I enjoyed most was getting to see cars inspired by the eccentric inventors and developers of yesteryear, created before legislation drove many of these small companies out of business. On a more modern vein there was the brilliant innovation of seeing “Odd Cars“, displaying cut down versions of modern classics like a VW Beetle.

The show caters well for both those who live and breath cars and novice people like myself. For those wanting to know more about restoration there are workshops on panel making, lead loading, and paint polishing, as well as Q&A sessions with a number of TV personalities from the motoring world. Engineering firms are there to help with all your restoration needs and there are plenty of cars being worked on that look like they have been sitting in a barn untouched for 50 years to fully restored.

At the end of Hall 5 “Sporting Bears” operate a stand raising money for the event’s nominated charity. If you fancy a ride through the open road in a car of your dreams, for donations starting at £20, you can choose from the cars available on “The Cool Wall”. While I was there I saw a range of Mustangs, Aston Martins, TVR’s, Porsche, and an incredible Ford GT available.

If this journey through automotive history leaves you inspired to own one of these classic cars, then The Classic Car Auction is held in Hall 3; over 200 cars were being auctioned off over the three days. While there I saw a huge variety of classic cars on offer, with everything from a Peugeot 106 to a 1990’s Bentley GT going under the hammer to willing new owners.

Overall, this was both an informative and entertaining day out. A real treat!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tickets from £26

Classic Car & Restoration show is at NEC, Birmingham until 20 March 2022.

For more information and to make a booking tickets can be bought from:
https://www.necrestorationshow.com