Looking back on an amazing 2023

Looking back on an amazing 2023
Turning 40 is no mean feat. Cast your minds back to 1983, when seatbelts became law, breakfast television was launched and Boy George hit the pop scene, It was the year that the “A” prefix registration was introduced, Datsun rebranded as Nissan with the 300ZX, capable of 0-60mph in just 7 seconds and the first Z car to wear the Nissan badge. Peugeot launched the 205 – some consider this to be one of the best French cars of all time. The TVR 350i was the first TVR Wedge to boast a V8 engine and the Japanese bike manufacturers pushed the boundaries with the launch of the Suzuki XN85 Turbo, although production never really took off.

Our Coffee & Chrome meets remained a great success and have grown so much in popularity that you have to be quick off the mark to register to gain attendance. Our summer 40th celebration was a great success at the well-loved Impney Estate with more than 1000 cars and bikes shown in all their glory in the sunshine. Plus, all attendees received a birthday gift in the form of the Octane Footman James Classic Car Price Guide sponsored by Footman James - featuring values and specs for more than 1000 classics.

To test everyone’s knowledge and to inject a bit of fun, we held a 40th birthday “Price is Right” competition looking back in time to 1983 and offering different prizes to those who correctly guessed the value of the classic car. A big thank you to everyone who took part!

The spectacular Impney Estate near Droitwich Spa was the setting for most of our meets this year with hundreds of magnificent vehicles covering the A-Z of classic cars and bikes over the years. Unfortunately poor weather meant the April event at Prescott had to be cancelled but we were delighted to be able to go to their remarkable grounds in September where there was a huge variety of vehicles including the last remaining Model A ambulance, a backdated Porsche 911, an original “Frogeye” Sprite and rear engine Mini Metro.

You may also have picked up a copy of Ignite at one of the many shows and events we’ve attended this year, including the Great British Motor Show meets and the Scramble and Scramblers Assemblies at Bicester Heritage. In fact, 2023 was the year that Footman James launched their exclusive partnership with Bicester Heritage at the Flywheel gathering in June which also marked Bicester Heritage’s 10 year anniversary. In August, Bicester’s Scramblers and FJ’s Coffee & Chrome joined forces to host a very special evening meet at Bicester Heritage. Combining elements from both the Scramblers Assembly and Coffee & Chrome, the sold-out meet featured pre-war classics, archetypal British machinery, Japanese icons, modern supercars and more displayed on the historic airfield.

FJ also attended the Practical Classics Car and Restoration Show at the NEC, Birmingham in March. We hosted the Barn Find competition with 20 unearthed classics attracting votes. With a mix of dilapidated barn finds, some amazing completed restorations as well as “work in progress” projects, the trophy was awarded to a 1960 Mini 850.

We also headed back to the NEC for the Classic Motor Show in November. It was great to be back and to speak to so many enthusiasts and clients alike, and treat them to a free coffee with help from the Coffee Lada.

And to finish off the year, last week we ran our annual Christmas giveaway, which gave FJ the chance to give back to our wonderful community. From clients to fans of Coffee & Chrome, a big thank you for being here with us. Here’s to 2024!