Date: 28 March, 2015
Location: NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
We all have our own indicators of the changing seasons. This time of year it may be the first daffodil, primrose or bird chorus.
But for many motoring enthusiasts, spring hasn’t really sprung until the arrival of the NEC Practical Classics Restoration & Classic Car Show.
It’s certainly an event worth waiting all winter for.
This year’s spectacular is no different, with a glittering cornucopia of all things classic below the same roof coming to Birmingham on the weekend of March 28 and 29.
This year’s highlights include...
Ask The Experts Live Stage in association with Footman James
Footman James, classic car insurance specialists, is proud to be associated with this section that could easily be re-titled: “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Classic Cars And Restoration But Were Afraid to Ask.”
It will see industry specialists covering a wide array of exciting topics. These include restoration projects, dealing with rust, how to sell or buy a classic and paintwork.
Magazine editors, specialist restorers and celebrity motoring show presenters, including Edd China and Mike Brewer from Wheeler Dealers, will give masterclasses, tips and Q&A sessions.
The country’s largest barn find collection
Three Aston Martins look set to steal the show at the event’s Barn Find exhibition.
Dave Whiting is bringing the first, a convertible DB6, from his West Sussex home. Whiting’s 1967 Volante Vantage is one of the few 29 Vantages built with all options available. Two more are arriving from the Lake District’s leafy corners; a DBS V8 and a DBS6.
The former, built in 1973, requires restoration having been stripped to its naked alloy. The latter, manufactured in 1971, has been stored in a barn for more than a quarter of a century.
Other gems include a gorgeous Triumph 2000 plus a mouth-watering E-Type Jag.
Silverstone Auctions
Fancy snapping up an affordable project car or classic to do up at weekends?
Saturday sees a fabulous auction which last year saw over £1 million of barn finds go under the hammer. These included a stunning Ferrari 246. This 1973-built GT Dino had been left rusting in a barn for just short of four decades. But it fetched £132,250 - despite its comparatively poor condition.
This year the sales see more pristine motors enter the mix.
Cars to tempt even the most frugal of bidders include an F355 Spider (1998) from Ferrari, valued at £60,000-£70,000 or a BMW Z8 (2001), tagged at £75,000-£95,000.
Or why not try an unvalued 3.8-litre Mk-II Jag (1961) which has seen no action for 41 years and needs a complete overhaul?
Best of the rest
- 500 classic motors of all shapes, sizes, price and condition on show
- 100 stands featuring classic car clubs
- 350 exhibitors, dealers, traders and the new season’s biggest indoor autojumble
Tickets
Tickets begin at £12 online. To book yours and to view latest updates, either ring 0844 8586758 or log on.
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