London Classic Car Show, Excel

[stratfordshark]

Interesting visit today to this new arrival on the calendar.

Very different feel (and on smaller scale) to NEC. Almost all the exhibitors were high end classics dealers (high end here means low water mark of six figures, and no upper limit since some if the cars here had fetched millions in auctions), as well as restorers operating at this rarified level. All presented so beautifully that it felt as if all the cars were inside a metaphorical glass case. Only one club displaying and that was Lamborghini Owners, which tells it's own story! So the whole event had a rather glossy feel - the kind of atmosphere obtaining at the big motor shows for new cars.

One welcome innovation was the use of central runway through hall to show off cars actually driving - a catwalk for beautiful models! Such a thrill to see (and hear) cars in action.

There were two superb themed areas. One devoted to the life and work of master F1 car designer Adrian Newey, and another featuring significant Le Mans winners including GT40, Silk Cut Jag, Bentley and of course our beloved 956. Both displays could have been permanent attractions in any top motoring museum.

There's still Sunday left if you fancy a visit. It is very much fantasy land, but many historically important cars on show.

Pic shows Vince and Steve from NLHSE ogling the "catwalk models".

[GlennS]

I suspect it was no coincidence that it was on the same weekend as the London Boat Show. There were some very inflated prices taped to car windscreens.

[Sean Smallman]

It was not the usual format for a Classic Car Show but a nice selection of cars on display and some fabulous cars for sale.

It was a nice way to spend a Saturday morning. We managed to get ringside seats for the moving element of the event and had a nice coffee whilst the cars went up and down the arena.

The boat show was equally enjoyable and having the two events together made a day of it.

[stratfordshark]

On my Facebook feed today the organisers announced dates for 2016 show (slightly later in Feb, so Sean can't do double-header with Boat Show!), and 50% expansion of floorspace