British Cars & Lifestyle Show

British classics pack the Rosmalen Autotron centre

’Trade stalls on the ground floor were arranged round a replica British pub’

For more than 25 years, car enthusiasts from the Netherlands, Belgium and the lower Rhine area of Germany have been bringing their families to the Autotron centre in Rosmalen for the British Cars & Lifestyle Show. With space for about 200 trade stalls and 20 club displays, the venue attracts well over 10,000 visitors during the weekend.

The car club displays on the upper gallery proved a good starting point for a visit to this year’s show. This is one of very few events outside the British Isles where the unsuspecting visitor may find Austin A35s, Morris Oxfords, Ford Cortinas and BMC 1100s along with more common sports and luxury cars from MG, Triumph and Jaguar. The clubs’ area was particularly lively, as the show was the first meeting of the year for many clubs.

The first stalls on the upper floor soon tempted punters to part with their money in exchange for old car models or brochures – or, in case of an empty space in the garage, to take home one of the many reasonably priced classics. Offerings started well under ¤10,000 (£8720) and included rarities like a Triumph 2500PI saloon, or a modern classic in the shape of a Rover 200 BRM.

On ground level the majority of trade stalls were arranged around a replica of a British pub in the centre of the hall. A wide range of tools and spares, antiquities and decorations, automobilia and British food, plus large and expensive Bentleys to affordable Spitfires and Minis really offered something for the whole family.

Flying the flag to welcome Anglophile motorists from Belgium, Netherlands and Germany inside the Autotron car show venue.

1969 Morris Mini Cooper 998cc, ready to hit the Monte Carlo Rally again – yours for €38,000 (£33,100).

‘Safety Fast’ – Dutch MG Drivers’ Club adopted the traditional MG slogan with a display of sporting heritage using a rare, race-prepped MGA Coupé.

Gleaming Rover 827 Vitesse is rare in the UK, never mind on the continent. Owner, Marc Stillebroer, imported this spotless example from Switzerland.

Combining classic ‘60s style with bold ‘70s colours, this well-presented, late Rover 2000TC could be driven away for less than €10,000 (£8720).

Family cars are the speciality of the Dutch AustinMorris-Riley-Wolseley Register, which displayed these practical British classics on its club stand.