CLASSICS AND CAPITAL IN LONDON
Following in the wake of Rétromobile is no easy task, but that fate befalls The London Classic Car Show. Still not five years old, the fledgling LCCS successfully drew a wealth of classic metal and enthusiasts to EXCEL in the capital’s Docklands from 14-17 February.
Most of the cars came courtesy of the UK’S numerous dealers, and even by Friday afternoon the centre was awash with ‘SOLD’ placards in windscreens. As a result, the show can feel less visual, or less curated, than some rivals. It’s more geared to turning over cars; but the cars certainly star.
Citroën brought its centenary celebrations to the UK with a B12 Taxi sharing the stand with later classics. Those included a pair of beautiful estates – the DS23 a particular highlight – and usual suspects such as an SM. The collection even brought context to the new Citroën tacked onto the end; it’s a brand never afraid to push the creative boundaries, and still does.
Anniversary parties for Mini and Bentley were held down the central ‘Grand Avenue’, with a series of cars puttering through the crowds – the majority successfully turning tail at its end, though not all. Stylist Ian Callum’s talents were celebrated beside an Italian Job display, such is LCCS’S eclectic variety.
And all those Mercedes, so very many Mercedes; they were at almost every turn, highlighting the marque’s unrelenting popularity with collectors. Tuners Brabus and Hemmels provided plenty, and they were ably assisted by many others – including a mammoth 230S Universal with the Club.
Gems could be unearthed all over the show, such as a rare Capri RS3100, original-parts ‘mongrel’ GT40, and record-breaker‘babs’ in television presenter Edd China’s aero-engined selection.
Coys squeezed 100 cars into its special centenary auction, the results of which weren’t declared by the time C&SC went to press.