WelCome to the shoW!

danny hopkins, editor, praCtiCal ClassiCs

The UK’s biggest and most hands-on classic car restoration show takes place this Saturday and Sunday, 5-6 March, filling the halls of the NEC, Birmingham, with inspiration, aspiration – and rather a lot of good old-fashioned perspiration.

Classic cars restored from wrecks to concours perfection will be on display alongside an intriguing selection of barn finds that could one day be prize-winniing wonders. And there’ll be live – and definitely sweaty – restoration demonstrations on the main stage, where TV celebrity classic car nuts Mike Brewer, Edd China and Ant Anstead will be chatting to visitors.

As well as the shiny stuff, experts will be available throughout the weekend to help owners perfect their skills and add to their technical armoury, as 120 car clubs from across the UK assemble to show off some of their own projects. More than 30 organisation will be making their show debuts this year, among them the Ford 100E Owners Group and Club Peugeot UK.

The winner of the Practical Classics Restorer of the Year competition, shortlisted from restoration projects featured in CCW’s sister magazine and in association with Heritage Classic Insurance, will be announced at the event, while a display by Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership will showcase 20 of the finest classics in the UK, including an immaculate low-mileage Austin Ambassador.

And for spares hunters hoping to pick up parts ahead of those springtime recommissions, there’ll be a huge autojumble next to the Trader Village. Two other ways to dig deep: Dream Rides will be offering lifts in glorious cars for charity and there’ll be a great selection of lots for sale with Silverstone Auctions. See you there!

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tUrn oVer to see a Floorplan oF the shoW