Spring announces itself in many ways, but for thousands of enthusiasts across the country, its true arrival is heralded by the first major gathering of the motoring faithful: the Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC. For me, this annual pilgrimage has become as much a tradition as the event itself; an opening ceremony for the season of circuits, concours and club meets ahead.
The day began at 7:00am, slipping out of Leigh and onto the M6, the early‑morning fog clinging to the road like a final remnant of winter reluctant to leave. By the time I joined the M6 Toll, the haze had lifted to reveal a crisp, bright morning – the sort that promises good things. As ever, a stop at Norton Canes for a proper breakfast set the rhythm for the journey, before pressing on toward Birmingham and the familiar sprawl of the NEC.
By 9:30am I was making the short walk to Hall 3A, joining the cheerful throng eager for the 10:00am opening. This hall, traditionally the domain of the Iconic Auctioneers sale, never fails to deliver a sense of theatre. Over 230 vehicles sat poised under the lights – each with its own story, its own place in the broad tapestry of motoring history. Ferraris and Astons rubbed shoulders with pre‑war saloons, classic motorcycles, tractors, and one particularly eyebrow‑raising exhibit: the Mini once owned by Freddie Mercury’s ex‑wife.
Ten pounds bought a programme and the privilege of stepping beyond the perimeter to inspect the lots at close quarters. I allowed myself the harmless indulgence of mentally spending vast sums on cars I had no intention of bidding on – an essential part of any good auction experience.
Beyond the sale lay the vastness of the main show: over 1,300 classic cars, 160‑plus club displays, and more than 250 exhibitors. A scattering of barn‑find treasures greeted visitors crossing into Hall 4, each vehicle suspended in time, wearing its neglect proudly. An MG‑B, a Mk1 Ford Zephyr, and a rather tempting Triumph Dolomite Sprint stood out among the dust‑coated offerings, each whispering its own restoration possibilities.
The traders and club stands beyond offered the usual mix of nostalgia, practicality, and temptation. I found little that my S‑Type required, but the model stalls succeeded where the autojumblers did not: a beautifully rendered 1:43 Bentley Speed 8, victor of the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours, is now destined for my study shelf.
One of the joys of this show is its sheer variety. Need a set of spanners? Easy. Fancy a full interior retrim in Connolly leather? Absolutely possible. Want to learn how to panel‑beat, weld or spray to a professional standard? The Restoration Workshop provides live demonstrations throughout the day, a rare and valuable insight into the crafts that preserve our motoring heritage.
Hall 5 offered yet more club displays, and I made straight for the Jaguar Drivers’ Club stand. A C‑Type, a D‑Type, and a wonderfully presented XK8‑R commanded pride of place; fitting exhibits in the Club’s 70th anniversary year. A commemorative mug was purchased with little hesitation.
Nearby, the Practical Classics “Your Shout” stage played host to some of the most recognisable faces from the world of “shed TV” – Richard Hammond, Mike Brewer, Dominic Chinea and Derek Matthewson among them. I caught Matthewson’s session, a warm, engaging conversation that delved into the origins of Bangers and Cash and his decades of experience in the auction world. His anecdotes alone were worth the price of admission.
By the time I left the halls, the seasonal mood had truly taken hold. The NEC show is more than an exhibition: it is a celebration of what keeps the classic‑car community alive – passion, craft, memory, and the collective belief that every vehicle, no matter how humble, has a story worth telling.
