Last weekend’s NEC Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, was a resounding success for VR‘s European team with the Nomad-BRM team reunion (above, Pete Austin photo) kicking off proceedings on the Friday. Owner/driver Mark Konig, designer Bob Curl and mechanic Julian Pratt were joined by Dick Salmon and John Sismey of BRM and Neil Fowler and Simon Ayliff who recently restored the Mk3 car. There was much for them to talk about and catch up on as they’d not seen each other for many years — it was a joy. Bob Curl even brought the original fiberglass model of the Mk3 he made almost 50 years ago.
Traffic to the VR stand was up by almost 50 percent on other years, and visitors voted the 1961 Series 1 E-Type Jaguar flat floor as the star car on display — some even suggested it should be voted car of the show. Restored by Liaz Jakhara of Zul Racing, Derby, the XKE was raised on one side with illuminated mirrors to show the excellent finish to the underside. Unfortunately, the Jaguar XJR14 and the Lotus 18 were unable to be on show due to technical issues, but Phil Stott Motorsport filled the breach with the ex-Davy Jones TWR XJR-10. The 1967 ex-Jacky Ickx F2 Matra completed the vehicle display, which also augmented the magazine’s Matra — The Rebirth DVD promotion.
The overall look of the stand was enhanced by the background supplied by Graphic Universe. European Editor Mike Jiggle, enthused, “This year’s NEC show must go down as one of the best. I’m truly grateful to everyone who made it possible, Neil Fowler Motorsport, Phil Stott Motorsport, Zul Racing, Hall & Hall and Ian Shaw of Graphic Universe. Of course, the reunion was the highlight of this year’s proceedings — thanks to all who took the trouble to travel many miles to make it possible. It was good to hear so many positive comments from visitors, many who thought we’d once again stepped up another gear or two on previous years. I also have to thank all of the VR Europe team for their dedication and professionalism, not only over the days of the show, but also for the hard work that goes into the preparation for the event. And next year? Well, we’ll be starting work on that in a couple of months time.”
As for the show as a whole, enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond gathered at Birmingham’s NEC to celebrate another fantastic year for the classic motoring community. Show Director Lee Masters said: “Our thanks go to all of the classic motoring clubs who not only support the event but pull out all of the stops year after year to bring the most amazing vehicles to the show.”
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 put 16 stunning classics 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.
Sporting Bears’ Dream Rides raised £35,000 by offering around 1,000 rides in exchange for a donation to children’s charities. The most popular car of the Dream Rides garage was Clive Gosling’s 700bhp Supercharged Ford Mustang, which hardly stopped over the three show days. Silverstone Auctions saw £3.6million change hands as 67 percent of the lots were sold (all inclusive). Biggest seller of the weekend was the 1996 Lamborghini Diablo SE30 RHD that went for £281,750. The 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale sold at £158,700, while the 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was hammered for £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.
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be held November 9-11, 2018. For complete information please visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com
