LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

EXCEL CENTRE, LONDON, 18-21 FEBRUARY

An incredible display highlighting the 20th century’s most impressive hypercar is to head-up the second London Classic Car Show, held at the ExCeL Centre in the Docklands on 18-21 February.

A display dedicated to the McLaren F1, an Aston Martin Group C racer and a collection of the Alan Mann Racing team’s historic cars are among the latest attractions that are to contribute to what the organiser says is a much improved show.

The 241mph McLaren will be the star of the Greatest Supercar of the 20th Century display, which explores the philosophy behind the car’s creation and its extraordinary attention to detail – think of its goldlined engine bay and central driving position.

F1 designer Gordon Murray – who also worked on the Light Car Company Rocket and is involved in TVR’s rebirth later this s year – will also be interviewed on the show’s opening night, and says he’s looking forward to celebrating the car’s impact.

‘People are aware of the headlines but the car is much deeper than that,’ Gordon says. ‘This exhibit will offer people the opportunity to get a unique insight into the car, what it stands for and the story behind how it was created.’

Day tickets for the show – which are available through the show’s website – start at £23.

Other displays confirmed for the show include the Aston AMR/1 racer supplied by marque specialist Nicholas Mee & Co, and the unveiling of a new Shelby Cobra Daytona on the Alan Mann Racing team’s stand at the show.

The show has been substantially expanded from last year’s inaugural event, although the Grand Avenue display of classics parading through the centre of the show’s halls is being retained.

www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk Last year’s London Classic Car Show enjoyed a successul debut, but the organisers took on criticism from the press and showgoers. Instead of resting on their laurels, they’ve accepted what could be different and, as far as I can see, changed things. Car clubs will be welcomed this year – they’ve even got their own ‘square’. Speaker’s Corner has some famous faces in it, including Gordon Murray of McLaren F1 fame, and there’s a look back at my favourite type of rallying machines – Group B. The Grand Avenue, the highlight of last year’s event for me, will be even bigger and better this time. There’s been a lot of hype around it this year – let’s hope it lives up to it.