Show report: Newark 2018
When the last mince pie’s been eaten there’s only one place that can banish the winter blues, Carole Nash’s Winter Classic...
Our man Stan sums up the Winter Classic show, bringing us the best bits from Scooter World.
Held at the Newark Showground on the first full weekend of the New Year, the Carole Nash ‘Winter Warmer’ (or the Carole Nash
Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic to give the show its slightly less snappy full title) is well established as the venue to prepare for the coming season. Combining elements of a custom show, parts fair and autojumble, it’s popular with scooterists and bikers alike.
It’s not intended to be a trade show but its place in the calendar means that it’s the first opportunity for traders to show off their latest products and this year was no exception. Proving irresistible to visitors was the Scomadi stand, which not only featured all the latest models but also an interesting conversion combining a Scomadi frame with a Twin Targa engine. Paul Melici and Frank Sanderson were on hand to answer questions and Frank was also keen to show off his prototype Lambretta inboard rear disc.
Vespa enthusiasts were catered for by Midland Scooter Centre, who’d brought along their latest showroom specimens
and the Vespa Club of Britain’s much travelled stand made its first appearance of the year.
Visitors seeking to improve the performance of their Lambretta had their first sight of the new Quattrini kit courtesy of Chiselspeed and the latest products from Tino Sacchi’s ever fertile mind were available from Robbospeed.
One marked change from previous years was the inclusion of some motorcycle clubs in what had always been the ‘scooter hall’. Several general traders added a fresh dimension, although there were also plenty of new and used spares available from several specialist dealers. ‘Full blown’ custom scooters may have been thin on the ground but the custom show was well supported with several clubs putting on very professional displays. There was also an abundance of original paint machines, ranging from ‘as found’ Vegas to a T5 that had recently been purchased in mint condition and with less than 50 miles on the clock!
With such a range of delights on offer, its central location and easy access from the A1 there really is no reason to avoid this season opener. So unless you prefer to be at home taking down the Christmas decorations, put it in your diary for next year!
Stan