DESPITE the cost of living crisis and values of classic cars on a downward trend the numbers attending the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at Birmingham’s NEC were up again this year.
Some 26,958 petrol heads – including yours truly and a few like-minded pals – attended the three-day show where a 110 of the 160-plus clubs on display did live restoration work – many with younger members taking the lead.
Some fantastically restored vehicles were on display from Austin Allegros to vintage Rolls Royce cars plus film and TV star vehicles.
The future of the classic community was just one of the subjects discussed on the Your Shout stage, one of four areas within the Practical Classics World. The stage also saw appearances from former Wheeler Dealer Ant Anstead, Dominic Chinea from BBC’s The Repair Shop, Simon Gregson from Coronation Street, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Salvage Hunters Classic Cars’ Paul Cowland and actor/YouTuber Gary Mavers.
The team in the PC Workshop worked on the restoration of Editor Danny Hopkins’ 1975 Fiat 124 Spider RHD. At the other end of the scale, Bob Medrum was awarded the title of the magazine’s Restorer of the Year with his Vauxhall Viva HB Estate.
At the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Final first place went to young restorer Rory Clague with his 1985 Vauxhall Nova Saloon. Second was Mike Purcell’s 2010 Ford Focus RS Mountune MR375 Clubsport whilst third place was awarded to Jamie Garrett and his 1960 Morris Mini.
It was Tom Wilkes’ 1933 Jaguar SS2 that was awarded the trophy in the Footman James Barn Find competition, facing off against 19 other cars that had been discovered in barns, sheds, garages and roads around the UK.
The Dream Rides Garage raised £19,345 for charity from passenger rides throughout the weekend and several world record prices were achieved in the two-day sale conducted by Classic Car Auctions by Iconic Auctioneers where despite the squeeze on people’s pockets the total sales figure for the weekend was £2.5million.
The next NEC Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show will take place from Fri 20 to Sun 22 March 2026. For more information and updates, visit www.necrestorationshow.com.
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth
