The NEC Classic Motor Show is a must for all classic vehicle enthusiasts. From the unveiling of radical custom cars to resto-mod showcases, and rare collectible models to celebrating classics that have remained in the same family for generations, this year’s show did not disappoint.
2022 saw a few new celebrity faces join the presenting panel. Richard Hammond with the DriveTribe team and Jonny Smith of the Late Brake Show were a welcome addition to the show. On two wheels, Dougie Lampkin, together with his son Alfie, wowed the crowds with their live-action stunt displays.
Well-known custom car builder Andy Saunders, unveiled his latest creation based on a Riley RM. Named ‘Deja’, this 2-seater roadster has a custom body, a long swooping bonnet and boot, and is painted in metallic lavender. Andy credits the Delehaye 165 Figoni-Falaschi and the Delehaye 175 S Saoutchik, as owned by Diana Dors, as inspirations for this custom car, and it is every bit as spectacular as we were anticipating!
On the topic of radical customs, we caught up with Phil Armitage to hear more on his ’55 F100 Pickup with Nissan 370Z GT engine and running gear. You can watch our chat with Phil over on Instagram Reels, and stay tuned for a full feature on this seriously cool pickup coming soon!
The Meguiars club showcase featured their usual collection of the best winning cars from this year’s shows, with the overall title being awarded to a 1956 Triumph TR3.
It was bear hugs all round when The Sporting Bears announced that they had raised over £3,000,000 raised for children’s charities! Well done to everyone who has been involved with the Sporting Bears over the years. Records were also being broken over in the auction areas when a stunning 1989 Jaguar XJ-S 5.3l V12 Convertible sold for a staggering £131,625! Unregistered with just 100 miles from new, we are sure this car will be welcomed by an avid collector.
The car clubs will always remain at the heart of this show, and with over 300 vehicle clubs in attendance, the Classic Motor Show is the place to showcase the best of the UK’s thriving classic car community. Wandering around the show, it was wonderful to see the Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register proudly displaying the ClassicLine-sponsored recommissioned 1939 Sunbeam Talbot 3-Litre. In case you missed the story behind this car, you can take a look here.
The three Avenger Tigers on the Avenger Sunbeam Owners Club drew the crowds, as did the impressive collection on the GT40 Enthusiasts Club stand, and the steel-bodied 1949 Jaguar XK120 pre-production prototype on the Jaguar Drivers’ Club stand. You couldn’t help but stop and stare at the 800bhp Merlin aeroplane engined 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Handlye special and the Lancia Stratos Zero on the Lancia Motor Club stand. The show judges were so impressed with the Lancia Stratos Zero that this car took home the ‘car of the show’ award.
Other vehicles which caught our eye included the 1952 Humber Super Snipe Series Ii-V on display with the Post Vintage Humber Car Club, the rock’n’roll custom 1962 Ford MKII Consul 375 Deluxe showcased on a traders’ stand, and the absolutely stunning 1.6 litre Sunbeam Harrington Alpine which took pride of place on the Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club stand. The two-tone gold and white Lambretta with a sidecar was really special and it was a delight to see a 1966 Alvis Graber Super on the Alvis Owners Club stand. This classic car is inspiring a new range of reimagined classics as one of six models offered in the expanded Alvis Continuation Series.
A special mention must go to Hall 8, the “all Ford Hall”. If you are a Ford enthusiast, then this is the Hall to head to! We enjoyed seeing the Ford100e.com stand and the MK1 Consul, Zephyr & Zodiac Owners Club UK featuring a stunning 1955 Zephyr Estate.
The National Street Rod Association has spent the past 12 months celebrating its 50th anniversary and the club showcase featured Rods through the decades, including one of the first club members with his supercharged Ardun flathead 1928 Model A Roadster.
We hope you enjoy the photos, and if you attended the 2022 NEC Classic Motor Show, we’d love to hear which vehicles were your stars of the show.
