Backed by Practical Classics magazine the Classic Car & Restoration Show returned to the NEC for a busy three days. Like the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, also held at the NEC, this show provides a platform for car clubs to show their vehicles but with an emphasis on the restoration side. Proving more popular than ever this year’s show was 20% larger with 25 addition car clubs attending. Over the three days 28, 843 visitors enjoyed the 1,300 vehicles on display along with practical live demonstrations and interviews on the live stage. Following the event show director Lee Masters said “Once again the classic car community has exceeded all expectations and helped to create a fantastic three-day festival of everything motoring. The time and effort the clubs put into their displays, especially with the live demonstrations, is incredible and we are in awe of what they achieve. This show continues to go from strength to strength in these uncertain times and we thank everyone involved – partners, sponsors, traders and visitors – in helping make this the best show to date”

The finalists of the Practical Classics restorer of the year were on display having been voted for by readers of the magazine. The winner was announced as Paul Henly for his 1974 Datsun 240z, he was presented the golden spanner trophy by Practical Classics Editor Danny Hopkins and Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer. Twenty cars formed the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership display where visitors were able to vote for their favourite during the three days. Winning by just 16 votes was the 1964 VW Type-2 Deluxe Microbus owned by John Smith, second place was Ian Thompson’s 1971 Ford Escort Mexico with Tom Morley’s 1983 Austin Metro 1.3L in third. A wide variety of rusting vehicles could be found on the Carole Nash Barn finds display where visitors were again called on to vote for their favourite. Winning over the public was Steve Cato’s 1973 BMW E9 CSL.

A variety of cars were on hand from the Sporting Bears motor club for visitors to book rides in helped raise £15,700 for charity. One of the more unusual and popular rides was a steam powered traction engine. Over on the Practical Classics Live stage a team from the magazine could be seen restoring a Triumph TR6 which was running come the end of the show. The stage also saw a host of celebrity guests including Mike Brewer (Wheeler Dealers), Fuzz Townsend & Tim Shaw (Car SOS), Drew Pritchard & Paul Cowland (Salvage Hunters), Alex Riley & Villi Butler-Henderson (The Car Years), Lazy Boys Garage team and Kelvin Fletcher (Former Emmerdale actor not British GT race driver).

Traders attending could supply just about anything required to restore your classic from machinery & tools to paint and polish while others could provide pictures or scale models of your favourite classic. A popular area as ever was the auto jumble where all manner of parts and accessories could be found.

A gallery from the show can be seen here; 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Snap-magcom-2061747147426100/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2330151350585677

The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show with Discovery returns to the NEC next year from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March. Further details can be found by visiting www.necrestorationshow.com.

Gary Malkin