Section : International Classic Motor Show - NEC

Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

Posted By : John Fannon, 08-Oct-2005, 08:39pm

• Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

  Posted By : Kevin Rochfort, 08-Oct-2005, 08:56pm

  If you only go to one show a year, this is the one to go to.
  
  Not only will the TSSC have a stand, with a good selection of Triumphs, there will be several other Triumph Clubs with stands stacked full of Triumphs.
  
  If you are tempted to venture over to the "Dark Side", then there will be plenty of Mike Golfs on display as well. In fact, most makes of car will have club stands, some more creative than others.
  
  There is a large autojumble, where you will find some of the more obscure parts you might need, and the usual plethora of stands selling cheap tools.
  
  Personally, I find the Classic Motor Show to be a very down to earth show. I also think that it is not particularly well advertised, unlike "Classic Cars Live" which is grossly over advertised, over hyped and full of pretentious cars that most visitors wouldn't even want to own even if they could afford the six figure price tags.
  
  

  • Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

    Posted By : Colin Lindsay, 10-Oct-2005, 04:54pm

    I'm missing it this year for the first time in about five years - I start as soon as it opens and by four o'clock I'm still going round the trade stands, and usually have to run to the other halls to get any kind of look at the cars at all. I can definitely recommend it.

  • Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

    Posted By : Michael Charlton, 11-Oct-2005, 12:58pm

    Agree with you all ,including the comment of cut price tickets . . . . . .
    A good show ,well worth visiting ,been twice before.However the only time I may go again is if i was offered reduced tickets.
    Not saying I cannot afford it ,but with three of us,car parking etc I would not see much change out of fifty pounds.
    My objection is they keep increasing the cost until it takes the enjoyment out of day.
    When will organisers learn, that ever spiralling costs, reduce attendances.As noticed this year at quite a few events.
    If you want low cost entry and bits ,go to the Restoration shows, if you want to look at shiny cars,then stand back and admire your club cars . .. . . . . . not much difference.
    Mike

    • Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

      Posted By : William Davies, 11-Oct-2005, 01:58pm

      I have to agree with Mike. I usually get to the NEC show about once every five years, and that's really enough for me. I've not traded there. Other traders have told me that business at the NEC is excellent, having done my sums it would have to be exceptional to make up for the high price of trade space! Maybe next year.......
      Cheers,
      Bill.

      • Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

        Posted By : David Rumens, 12-Oct-2005, 05:43pm

        I agree with Mike and Bill. I tend to leave a gap of 5 years as most of the cars on show don't change much in less than that time coupled with it is not cheap! But if the tickets are cheap and you have not been before then go as you will enjoy it.
        
        I last went in 2003 and found the auto-jumble not that good for Triumph parts.
        
        Though for all of us its all about your own choice.
        
        
        

        • Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

          Posted By : Colin Lindsay, 13-Oct-2005, 07:30pm

          Personally I go for the large tub of sandblast grit and a huge roll of polishing cloth... all the things the Postie won't deliver without charging an arm and a leg... and all the myriad of little things you never bought until now - and then having seen them in the flesh, you realise exactly why!
          Colin

          • Is the International Classic Motor Show any good? 

            Posted By : David Jarvis, 14-Oct-2005, 10:25am

            As a warning - be careful about buying those cheap tools!
            I bought a bargain set of 20 spanners for cheap &163;'s from the Classic Restoration Show at the NEC, and I got what I paid for. Two of the spanners broke within weeks whilst trying to dismantle the front suspension. Should have known better.
            
            However, I find the stalls from the trimming companies the best. All those little grommetts (sp?) washers, clips, springy things and stainless widgets that usually ping off into the corner of the garage or dissolve in a rusty mess when you dismantle bits of your car. Never knew I could buy most of them new again until I went to a Classics show.