​Next year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, is set to be a record breaker as it will be the biggest yet! Another hall is being added, increasing the show by 20 per cent, to provide more space for new classic car clubs and those clubs who want to do more live working at the show.

​Some 175 clubs will attend the three day event held at Birmingham’s NEC from 22-24 March 2019. Of those confirmed, 13 clubs appearing are making their spring debut at the show. 

​Acting Show Director Lee Masters said: “This is the fastest growing motor show in the UK which proves just how much interest there is, not only in the classic car market, but in owners wanting to look after their own cars. As well as advice and expertise on restoration, we aim to also provide valuable knowledge on how to maintain and service your own vehicles which can save owners time and money in the future.”

​Ford fans will be well catered for with the Ford AVO Owners Club continuing the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Escort Mexico by displaying an ex-press car that is undergoing restoration. The Mk1-5 Cortina Owners Club celebrate its 30thyear with a stand featuring a fully restored Mk 4 Cortina 2.3S believed to be the only one on UK roads.

​The Tickford Owners Club celebrates 50 years of the Ford Capri with a superb mix of project and restored cars. The RS500 Owners community pay tribute to the brilliant driver, Rudi Eggenberger, who sadly passed away this year. His exploits in the Cosworth RS500 touring car were legendary and the stand features one of his racers.

​For something a little more unusual, the Retro Caravan Club stand is a must-visit.  Displaying caravans at different stages of restoration, including a barn-find example, visitors can watch repairs being made to one during the show.

​Staying with the unusual theme, the Buckler Register enthusiastically promotes these fascinating British sports cars, and show-goers can watch members build an example from a bare chassis to a running car and admire a Buckler 90 that has never been on the road. And remember the tiny Peel P50 hailing from the Isle of Man? The Peel Owners Club will attempt to build one during the show.

​British cars are also well represented amongst the debutantes, including the MG Car Club’s Young Members Group. Highlights of the Group’s stand include an MGB GT in daily use, a barn find MGA Coupe, and an MG ZT-T in concours condition. And be sure to visit the 1100 Club which will be showcasing maintenance and restoration work alongside fascinating technical displays.

​For more Britishness, the Rover Coupe Owners Club is marking 20 years since the end of Coupe production and 30 years since the launch of the R8 platform that underpinned the stylish sports car. A very early, pre-release press car is a highlight of the stand and restoration work will begin at the show. With numerous Vauxhall anniversaries to be celebrated - including 30 years of the Calibra coupe - visitors should head to the Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association stand.

​German marques are well represented, too, with the Quattro Owners Club displaying the first ever UK model that requires restoration. Visitors to the Scirocco Register stand can enjoy the 45th anniversary of the Mk 1 model and admire one of the earliest cars in existence, a 1974 Scirocco TS.

With such a great selection of clubs making their debut, the 2019 show promises to be better than ever. For more information as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.co

​The theme of this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, has been revealed as ‘Built to Last’.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November 2018, the clubs and exhibitors are invited to interpret the theme in any number of ways as they create amazing displays. 

Acting Show Director Lee Masters explains the thinking behind this year’s theme choice: “We wanted a theme that paid tribute to the various elements of motoring but in particular the centenary of the end of World War 1, which falls on the final day of the show. If there is anything that sums up ‘Built to Last’, it’s the service men and women that ensured the safety and freedom of our country that we all enjoy today.”

​As well as honouring the military and service personnel, the theme also affords itself to celebrating those marques that have also reached huge milestones such as 130 years of Rover, 120 years of Renault, and 110 years of the Ford Model T. 

​There are also those vehicles that have been ‘built to last’ so that they can be passed down from generation to generation, undertake epic journeys and challenges, and even remain on the roads to this day – some with their original drivers.

​Lee added: “It is not only the show that is marking the impact of these thoroughbred cars as many manufacturers are now also looking to the cars of yesteryear for inspiration and protecting the heritage fleets for the enthusiasts of tomorrow.”

Dave Youngs, Car Club Manager for Lancaster Insurance, comments: ‘‘The theme can be interpreted in many ways and gives great scope for exhibitors to really make it their own. I work with clubs on a daily basis and admire each enthusiasts’ contribution, ensuring that our classic car community stays vibrant for future generations to enjoy. So along with celebrating marques, models and anniversaries, I can’t think of a better theme to showcase this passion and dedication which is undoubtedly built to last!”

​As well as all the obvious ways the theme can be conveyed, the organisers have also come up with a few fun and family elements they hope to showcase too.

This year sees the 60th anniversary of LEGO, enjoyed by children and adults all over the world. With vehicles such as the Mini Cooper, Ferrari F50 and VW Beetle immortalised in the famous plastic brick, and new vehicles being released in the future, it is hoped to have some of them on display.

There are also plans to extend the theme into the various show feature areas including the Restoration Theatre, Discovery Live Stage, and Sporting Bears’ Dream Rides Garage.

​Tickets are now on sale for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November.
 
For more information, ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.