NEC Classic expands to create the world’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs

Press Release

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, already the UK’s biggest indoor classic vehicle exhibition, is now even bigger for 2018!

Adding an extra hall, the show is inviting even more clubs to display at the event to create the World’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs.

Held at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November, around 300 classic car and classic motorbike clubs will showcase vehicles owned by members, interpreting this year’s show theme of ‘Built to Last.’ Hall 8, which takes the overall show space to one million square feet (the equivalent of 18 full size football pitches) will be called The Debutant & Special Display Hall as it will host 15 clubs that have never exhibited at the end of season finale ever before.

Acting Show Director Lee Masters explains: “The classic vehicle clubs are the DNA of the show so when we got the opportunity to increase to seven halls it gave us the chance to open the doors to those smaller niche clubs that haven’t had the chance to display their marques in previous years."

“What we didn’t realise was this also afforded us the accolade of being the World’s biggest gathering of classic motoring clubs representing so many different manufacturers and eras.” The ‘Debutants’ include the Richard Burns RB5 and RB320 Memorial Club, Dorset Area Farina Owners, Perana Owners Club, and the Monoposto Racing Club. United Centos (Fiat Cinquecentos and Seicentos) will also make its debut alongside Club Calibra, Fordsport, MINI Y REGister, and Racing-Puma.co.uk. The Austin Rover & MG Owners Club Sussex displays for the first time as does the Cannock and District Car Club, Chevettes n Kadetts, Fiat Coupé Club, RS500 Owners, and the Retro Caravan Club.

The show also welcomes back 25 clubs who missed last year’s event and ten more clubs that have not exhibited over the past two to six years. These include the Historic Marathon Rally Group, which will be celebrating 50 years since the London to Sydney Marathon Rally, the Aero Minx Register, Zastava and Yugo Owners Club and the Piper Sports and Racing Car Club.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, added: “I’m ecstatic that a larger number of clubs will be attending the show, giving us the opportunity to marvel at even more marques and models. Car clubs truly are the heartbeat of our industry and while having a close relationship with many, we are keen to support and work with more. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the debutants to the show and can’t wait to see the additional clubs on display!”  

With around 40 additional clubs this year, the organisers are expecting the number of cars and bikes on show to top 3,000 vehicles, including those that are on display by the 650 specialist traders and dealers also taking part.

As well as all the popular features such as Silverstone Auctions sale, Sporting Bears’ Dream Rides, the Restoration Theatre, and Discovery Live Stage, the show also boasts the UK’s biggest indoor Autojumble and Classic Trader Village. Such is its popularity with visitors and traders alike, the space is already 80 per cent sold out.
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The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November. For more information as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.