In 2023, ClassicLine Insurance, together with the good folk at MoreThanPolish.com set out on a mission. A mission to bring together as many popular, rare, or unusual car marques as possible that are no longer manufactured.
But how did this extraordinary classic car show come into existence and why did it do more than just unite car enthusiasts?
In mid-2022, ClassicLine was approached by premium car care specialist, Mark Wibberley from MoreThanPolish.com with a fantastic idea. To celebrate motoring manufacturing heritage and car marques which are no longer in production.
The idea was to host a one-day classic car show to bring together as many of these bygone marques as possible. Inviting vehicle owners and those who share an appreciation of automotive heritage to join the gathering and to show that the marques of yesteryear are still here today, living and breathing in the cars that we drive and cherish.
There are so many unique and historical marques that are no longer manufactured. Think of the likes of Hudson, Panhard, Armstrong-Siddeley, Daimler, and Borgward. Or what about Riley, Willys, Singer, Gordon Keeble, Bristol, and Heinkel Trojan to name just a few on the very long list of marques that have come and gone. Then there are the popular classic names of Morris, Hillman, Austin, Triumph, Reliant and even Rover and Saab which are no longer with us. What about all those interesting gems that people have hidden away in garages? Lea Francis barn finds, BMC Mini’s that have been tucked away for years. We knew they were out there…
So, over the next 10 months, the team behind the show collaborated their skills to set up a brand-new event on the 2nd of July 2023 which attracted almost 400 cars. From Austin to Daimler and Bertone to Wolseley, the show featured an eclectic mix of historic marques and recent favourites such as Rover, Saab, and Bristol.
You can view the Festival of the Dead – The Car Show highlights and photo gallery here:
Celebrating bygone marques at Festival of the Dead – The Car Show 2023 – Classicline Insurance
What made Festival of the Dead – The Car Show different was that it was open to classics cars and modern classics – whether they are stock, retro or modified. Whether you have a well-known or rare classic British made car, an American or overseas marque, or a custom or special; if the maker of your car has ceased production, you were welcome at Festival of the Dead.
But putting on a show and celebrating automotive heritage was not our only mission.
It was important to both MoreThanPolish.com and ClassicLine Insurance that this show should support a cause that is close to our hearts. The cars were of course the stars of the show with bygone marques and cherished classics celebrated across the field, but the heroes of the day were our friends at Mission Motorsport. As our chosen charity, every ticket purchased contributed to Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity that aids in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport and the automotive industry.
Representatives from Mission Motorsport joined us on the day, chatting about their Race, Retain, Recover, mission. The fundraising crew were also supported by the team from ‘The Long Way Round 23 for Mission Motorsport’. These inspirational guys are invigorating a sorry looking 1977 Triumph Spitfire and giving it a new lease of life ahead of an epic charity road trip with Mission Motorsport. And you’ll know how much we enjoy an epic road trip!
We are now delighted to confirm that Festival of the Dead 2023 raised £1,810.47 for Mission Motorsport. Every classic car enthusiast who attended the event has made this happen, so a big, big THANK YOU.
For an inaugural show, it was a great success. With a low-pressure vibe across the field, it was heartening to see everyone enjoying their shared passion for classic cars and supporting Mission Motorsport in the process. Plans are being considered for FotD2 and we’ll keep you posted on the details. In the meantime, you can subscribe to the mailing list here for show news and updates.
You may also be interested in reading:
Festival of the Dead – The Car Show Winners Features:
Best of British – The 1964 Gordon-Keeble GK-I Coupe
Building a LeaF – Barry’s 1950 Lea-Francis 2.5 Litre Sports
