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This past weekend, the NEC Classic Motor Show celebrated its 40th anniversary in Birmingham, drawing thousands of enthusiasts and car lovers from across the UK and beyond. Running from 8-10 November 2024, the event is legendary in petrolhead circles, and for years, I’d wanted to go. Every November, I’d think about it, only to find myself either too busy or realising the show had come and gone. This year, though, was different. With tickets booked months in advance and the date firmly circled on the calendar, there were no excuses. I was finally going to the NEC Classic Motor Show!
Getting There
The journey from Cardiff to Birmingham NEC is a bit of a trek, about 105 miles, or roughly a two-hour drive. We set off around 7am, aiming to arrive for the show’s 9am opening. The early start was worth it to make the most of the day. We’d pre-booked parking, which not only saved a fiver but also streamlined the process once we arrived (although it still came to £13.95 – a necessary evil, I suppose).
It had been years since I’d last visited the NEC, and I’d forgotten just how vast the site is. However, the signage and staff were all very helpful, guiding us directly to our parking spot, which was about a ten-minute walk from the entrance. For those needing a lift, there’s a shuttle bus, but the walk was a great way to stretch the legs and get excited about the day ahead. As a small tip for anyone planning to go: you hand over your pre-paid parking voucher at the end of the day upon exit.
Entering the Show
For an event of this size, getting in was impressively smooth. Despite the crowds, ticket scanning was quick and efficient. After a swift scan of our QR codes, we were officially in – and don’t forget to pick up the show programme as you enter!
This year’s show spanned six expansive halls, each filled with incredible cars and exhibits to explore. The halls interconnect, but you can also get your hand stamped, allowing you to shortcut through a concourse area for easy access to the different spaces. With so much ground to cover, a bit of tactical route-planning is essential to ensure you see everything without doubling back too much.
Highlights of the Show
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the NEC Classic Motor Show, and it was a treasure trove of automotive history, celebrating four decades of bringing enthusiasts together. As a first-time visitor, I didn’t know what to expect, but the variety on display was staggering – from gleaming Jaguars and meticulously restored Ferraris to quirky, rare models I’d only ever read about. There’s something magical about seeing these cars up close; they’re not just vehicles; they’re living artefacts, each with its own story.
Highlights that made it truly unforgettable, especially as a first-time visitor. Here’s a breakdown of the best bits:
- Countless Car Displays: For classic motoring enthusiasts, this show is unparalleled in the UK. As the grand finale of the season, it brings together a staggering variety of classic vehicles, from rare and unique models to iconic favourites. Nowhere else can you find such a diverse array of cars in one place.
- Classic Car Clubs: The car clubs form the heartbeat of the NEC Classic Motor Show, each dedicated to preserving and celebrating a different marque or model. The Gilbern Car Club was a personal highlight, being from Wales – it’s always nice to see a homegrown gem! The Marcos Car Club was another standout, showcasing a unique mix of British engineering and style. For anyone wanting to explore the full range of clubs from 2024, here’s the link to all the participating clubs: 2024 Club List.
- Traders, Dealers, and Autojumble: With over 350 exhibitors, there was no shortage of stalls to explore. The autojumble section, packed with vintage parts and rare spares, was heaven for anyone looking to restore or modify their car. For those more interested in ready-made purchases, the dealers had a tempting range of classic cars on display. And for collectors of a smaller scale, there were model cars galore – every type you could imagine!
- Iconic Auctioneers: Formerly known as Silverstone Auctions, Iconic Auctioneers brought one of the UK’s most high-profile classic car auctions to the show. With over 100 classic cars and motorcycles up for grabs, plus a range of automobilia, it was hard to resist the allure of placing a bid! Even if you’re not buying, the auction atmosphere alone was worth experiencing.
- DadCars Family Zone: The Family Zone, organised by DadCars and led by Ben, was an absolute win for families with young children. With car-themed colouring activities, treasure hunts, and a fun, interactive space for kids to learn about classic cars, it made for a family-friendly experience that I could relate to – especially with my daughter by my side and another little one on the way. It’s brilliant to see an effort to inspire the next generation of classic car enthusiasts!
- Meet the Experts: Throughout the show, expert panels covered key topics in classic motoring. Live talks and Q&A sessions kept us all informed on the latest trends and topics, while celebrity guests added an extra layer of excitement with their candid group chats. For anyone passionate about cars, it was a unique chance to hear directly from industry experts and famous faces alike.
- Cars for Sale: The Classic Car Weekly Dealer Hall was a dream for anyone in the market to buy. The selection was broad, with cars to fit a range of budgets, from more affordable entry-level classics to higher-end collector pieces. If you’re on the lookout to add to your collection or dive into classic car ownership, this hall is a must-visit.
- And So Much More…: From the sheer variety of cars to live demonstrations, restoration tips, and more, the show offered an incredible experience from start to finish. It’s impossible to capture it all, but these highlights capture the spirit of the NEC Classic Motor Show – an event every car enthusiast should experience at least once.
Each part of the show brought its own unique charm, and after this experience, I can’t imagine missing out next year. Here’s to more classic motoring memories ahead!
One of the most interesting themes this year was the idea of the “modern-day classic.” This term feels oddly personal now; it made me reflect on how my perception of “classic” cars has changed. Growing up, I imagined classic cars as black-and-white movie stars – Model Ts or vintage Bentleys. But as the automotive industry has evolved, so has the definition of what makes a car “classic.” Cars from the 1990s and early 2000s are now being celebrated as “modern classics.” It’s strange to think that the cars I once saw as cutting-edge are now part of the “classic” conversation.
Today’s cars are packed with digital tech, hybrid or electric engines, cameras, sensors, and ultra-light steering. Exhausts (if you even have one that isn’t hidden) are engineered to be silent, all thanks to stricter emission standards. In contrast, the “modern classics” from the ’90s and ’00s had a more visceral, analogue feel. They lack some of today’s polish and tech but make up for it with raw character, unique handling, and that distinctive sound we rarely hear in new cars today. You don’t necessarily need the rumbling drama of a V8 engine, but it’s a treat to experience one if you can.
What Defines a Classic?
This visit had me pondering – what truly makes a car a classic? Is it age, design, nostalgia, or something else entirely? For me, a “classic” might be any car that carries a bit of history and a lot of character. A classic doesn’t have to be flashy or fast; it simply needs to stand out in some way and remind us of a different time in motoring. Modern classics, meanwhile, bridge that gap, blending the old-school charm we love with hints of more recent innovation. But everyone has their own definition, and that’s part of the fun – it keeps the conversations lively and the debates endless.
Attending the NEC Classic Motor Show for the first time, especially in its milestone 40th anniversary year, was a fantastic experience. The chance to wander through rows of iconic vehicles, each a piece of motoring history, was worth the wait. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just an admirer of fine cars, the show has something for everyone, and I’ll definitely be marking it on my calendar again for next year.
What about you – what’s your take on what makes a car a “classic” or a “modern classic”?
