The 40th anniversary edition of the NEC Classic Motor Show delighted more than 70,000 enthusiasts in Birmingham, UK, across three action-packed days from November 8-10, 2024.
New for this year’s landmark event was the introduction of the Hall of Fame, honouring distinguished contributors to the motor industry. Awards spanned four categories: Classic Car, Industry Ambassador, Motoring Club and Community Ambassador.
Wheeler Dealers‘ Mike Brewer was inducted as the community ambassador, recognised for his contributions to the motoring community over more than 30 years. The Classic Car inductee was the Jaguar E-type, represented by Paul Crowther’s pristine Series 1 OTS. FBHVC chairman David Whale was honoured as the industry ambassador for his advocacy work supporting the historic vehicle movement. The inaugural Motoring Club inductee was the Jowett Car Club.
The huge number of enthusiasts in attendance were treated to a vast display of over 3000 cars
“It’s always great to see the classic car community come together, but this year was extra special,” said show director Lee Masters. “A personal highlight for me was honouring our Hall of Fame inductees, a very proud moment.”
The huge number of enthusiasts in attendance were treated to a vast display of over 3000 cars, and the presence of a record 338 motoring clubs across the seven exhibition halls. The marques and models on show were as diverse as you would expect, ranging from the 1381 Motor Club to the XR4 Register – and many were celebrating significant milestones of their own.
Demonstrative of the quality of cars showcased were the 14 vehicles shortlisted for the coveted Meguiar’s Club Showcase prize. In the end, the discerning judging panel deemed Andy Nash’s immaculate 1958 Fiat Nuova 500N as the deserving winner.
The Lancaster Pride of Ownership competition was also hotly contested. Of the 20 cars shortlisted, the public voted Richard Stacey’s 1967 Ford Mustang as the winning car. Second place went to Paul Clappison’s 2002 Porsche Boxster S, while Tahmid Haque’s 1986 Koenig Specials BMW 635 rounded out the podium.
A perennial highlight of the Classic Motor Show is the Sporting Bears Motor Club’s Dream Rides garage, which provides visitors with the opportunity to ride in the car of their dreams in return for a charitable donation. This year, Sporting Bears raised an impressive £42,580 for children’s charities.
Other highlights included the new Podcast Lounge, which saw popular automotive podcasts recorded in front of a live audience. Another 2024 addition was the DadCars Family Zone, which provided entertainment for children and young families.
The Meet the Experts Theatre hosted by Mike Brewer and YouTuber Alex Kersten hosted enthusiastic panel discussions and interviews with the likes of renowned car designer Frank Stephenson.
Finally, Iconic Auctioneers’ official auction record market-defying results, with fast Fords leading the charge. A 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux set a world record at £202,500, while two low-mileage Ford RS200s also achieved impressive results.
The auction house raised £63,000 for the RNLI with a unique Jaguar XJC-R restomod, and saw other notable sales too, including a 1980 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 owned by Chris Rea and a custom Land Rover Defender 110 commissioned by Guy Ritchie.
Next year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held at Birmingham’s NEC from November 7-9, 2025. For more information, click here.
