The economic downturn did not seem to have materially affected the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre over the weekend of 13-15 November. It would have not been surprising if the show had been rather smaller when there had been so many anniversaries at the 2008 Show.
In fact if the Classic Motor Show became any bigger it would not be possible for a visitor to do it full justice in a day. It currently takes more than seven hours to get right round the complete show even skipping the Autojumble and having a very short lunch.
Historic Motorcycles, Classic Bikes at Classic Motor Show.
This was the second year to include classic motorcycles and exhibitors had responded well to the success of last year’s event. There were many more exhibitors and the motorbikes were spilling out into a second hall. The result was a busier feel to the motorcycle show which created a much better atmosphere than at the 2008 Classic Bikes Show.
This was probably helped by the Classic Bikes exhibition being mainly motorcycle owner’s clubs without the set piece exhibitions. There were the usual knowledgeable and helpful enthusiasts manning the stands all very keen to talk and even to facilitate photography. It is would be difficult to pick out specific stands but one has to admire the owner of the second oldest road going BSA Bantam from 1948. He had taken it on a 10 days trip to the Normandy D-day battlefields as part of a dream trip with a friend recovering from a stroke. The oldest Bantam was also on display and looked smarter than when it left the factory.
Citroen Celebrating 90 Year Anniversary of the Marque
The Citroen Owners Club, the 2CVGB club and the Traction Owners Club had a major display with all the usual models including a 1939 Citroen 2CV. However the main exhibits were four prototypes, three of which were being seen in the UK for the first time.
The 1936 prototype of the "Tin Snail", 2CV, the TPV was instantly recognisable as such. But the others were much less familiar. The most notable was the 1956 C-10, a brave and futuristic design, that was to fit between the 2CV and the much larger DS. It had a twin cylinder boxer engine like other small Citroens of the time and hydropneumatic suspension and partially gull-wing doors. The striking shape resulted in the nickname “Coccinelle” (or beetle) but it was abandoned in favour of the more conventional Ami 6.
Another prototype intended to fill the same gap was the C-60 which shared many design cues with the Ami and the DS. The development costs became too high and it was dropped. Eventually the gap was filled by the GS. Also on the stand was the 1971 Project-L prototype which led to the CX.
One of the most striking vehicles on the stand was Leonard Drew's immaculate Citroen DS (“Goddess). It may be the best DS in the world as it has won more than 100 shows across Europe and was on sale for £55,000 ($90,000).
Old and New – The History of Motoring In One Place
The show continues to cover the whole history of motoring from the turn of the 20th century Mercedes-Benz to much more modern, and mundane, vehicles that are still cherished by their owners. They ensure that the complete history of the motor car (and motorcycle) is maintained and they would consider the government’s scrappage scheme for ten year old cars as an anathema and denial of the motoring heritage.
Such people love their cars and as enthusiasts are willing, even keen, to talk and share their passion. As a result it is difficult to do the show full justice in a day to meet as many of these people as one would wish. The range of cars on show is pretty much a complete history of the car although the veteran and vintage exhibitors are thin on the ground. A friendly event.
There was also the now almost obligatory "barn find", a 1955 Sunbeam Supreme MkII whcih had spent the last twenty years or so in a barn. It was in remarkably good condition with little rust and was appropriately styled with dust, straw and a hen's nest.
Trade Show and Autojumble
Apart from the cars there are the trade stands and an autojumble where almost anything motoring is available. This year the Autojumble and Trader Village almost filled Hall3/3a with everything from hard to find parts to memorabilia and books. Who would have thought a pristine Observers Book of Cars would now be worth almost £60 ($100) when many would have been bought with a child’s pocket money in the 1950s and 60s.
A Full day Out for the Classic Car Enthusiast
The Classic Motor Show requires at least a full day of 7-8 hours and most importantly a comfortable pair of shoes. There is a lot of ground to cover and a full day touring an exhibition of this scale is very hard on the legs and feet especially as there are few places to sit except to eat. Nevertheless it was a Grand Day Out.
The Classic Motor Show was again sponsored by classic car insurance specialist Footman James and car care experts Meguiar’s.
The 2010 Classic Motor Show and Classic Bikes
The Classic Motor Show and Classic Bikes will take place again at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre from Friday 12th (Press/ Trade day) to Sunday 14th November 2010.
Martin P Wilson - Martin is a director of major business change & turnaround consultant by profession but a widely published writer & photographer by ...
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