Photos by John Retter Photography

This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, was heralded as the ‘season finale’ as enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond gathered at Birmingham’s NEC to celebrate another fantastic year for the classic motoring community in style.

The clubs embraced this year’s show theme of ‘Family Ties’ with displays ranging from cars from the same manufacturing family to cars made by one family name. Many including the Morris Minor Owners Club and Capri Club International celebrated family occasions such as weddings, holidays, prom night and even funerals.

This year saw a number of newly launched modern cars showcased alongside the heritage marques such as the new TVR Griffith and the Mazda MX-5 RF as well as displays from manufacturers including Porsche GB and Vauxhall.

The Meguiar’s Club Showcase saw 16 stunning classics put under the judges’ spotlight with Ian Matthews from Sutton Coldfield and his 1959 Morris Mini crowned the winner, making it a win for Mini owners two years in a row.

Then it was up to the public to decide who would be victorious in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition. Out of the 20 finalists, showcasing a diverse mix of cars, first place went to Simon McNamara and his 1983 VW Golf GTi Mk1.

Silverstone Auctions saw £3.6million change hands as 67% of the lots were sold (all inclusive). Biggest seller of the weekend was the 1996 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 RHD £281,750. The 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale sold at £158,700 while the 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 saw the hammer down at £112,500.

The biggest battle of the weekend was between the Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead as their #ClassicRumble came to a head. Mike and his team had spent the past eight months restoring a Ford Escort XR3i Convertible while Ant and his team built a 1950s inspired single-seater race car from scratch.

When Silverstone Auctions put the hammer down on both cars, it was declared a draw, with both cars selling for £22,500 including premium. All the money raised will go to Mike and Ant’s chosen charities – The Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation and Harrison’s Fund.

Eds view:  Whilst the show has lost some of its polish since the departure of the Classic Jaguar and Land Rover stands and the larger Classic dealers, there appears to be no let up in the desire for Classic cars, bikes and their associated serves.  The auto jumble was at least 5 bodies deep at all times at the NEC, and visitors appear to be all ages and all generations –  the family theme seems to have been really embraced by all. We were slightly disappointed in the lack of cars and bikes you could actually buy! I think some dealers may be missing a trick here.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be held from 9-11 November 2018, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.