Last weekend’s third edition of The London Classic Car Show featured an expanded format that also included the Historic Motorsport International exhibition occupying adjacent halls in London’s ExCel Exhibition Centre.
Both events displayed a huge selection of desirable classics including in the Ferrari Tribute collection of 21 Italian icons whose combined value totals more than £120 million. Surprisingly, visitors were able to view these priceless Machines from Modena with nothing more than a thin cord barrier between them.
Unique to the LCCS in “Grand Avenue” along which, three times a day, classics are driven so that visitors can not only see but also hear the cars in action. For 2017 these moving exhibits were displayed in various categories for example Supercars, Aerodynamic Pioneers and Single Seaters, the audio contrast between a Rolls-Royce Touring Limousine and the Grand Prix Ferrari Dino had to be heard to be believed.
Guest of honor this year was Jacky Ickx who opened the show and had a dedicated display area containing six of his significant cars ranging from a Grand Prix Ferrari 312B to the Paris-Dakar Porsche 959 (above right, Roger Dixon photo). It was a true reflection of this great all-rounder’s diverse ability.
Several restoration companies showed work-in-progress pieces, and it was fascinating to see the beautiful art of the panel beater and making one think that it’s a pity to cover it up with paint. A particular crowd pleaser was the “undressed” Alfa Romeo 8c on Jim Stokes’ stand, laid bare with all its plumbing and wiring on display.
Expanding again in 2018 and combining both shows into one huge hall at ExCel, the London Classic Car and Historic Motorsport International show will be staged from February 15-18, 2018. Put the date in your diary.
