This annual classic car show, held at the NEC in Birmingham, has become a huge success over the past few years; rising numbers of attendees proves that there is a burgeoning interest in old cars in the UK.
The most gratifying thing about the event, though, was the massive range of cars present; not just exotica (of which, there was a bundle), but more mundane “classics” including a wide variety of our own BMC>Rover cars…
This Jaguar XJS was particularly significant for being the very same car that was exhibited at the 1975 Earls Court Motor Show. As the car that replaced the E-Type, the XJS certainly did not possess the timeless beauty of the original, but at the same time, the XJS did enjoy exciting proportions and an imposing road presence. However, the onset of US passive safety regulations meant that it was required to wear oversized “impact absorbing” bumpers… Looks good in this photograph, though.
The delightful little ADO16 was well represented at the show; the BMC 1100 owners’ club doing the the car and its owners proud. Particularly interesting was the gorgeous, late 1300GT, which, on the day, looked good enough to eat!.
The Maxi club stand was particularly interesting for its “themed” approach… and as a result of the club’s hard work, it won the award for the best themed stand at the NEC.
The Vanden Plas club stand played host to Alex Sebbinger’s mint ‘n’ boxed Ambassador…
This Ital is remarkably original – it is nice to see that a nice example of the last-ever Morris passenger car has been preserved for posterity
In the absence of the Princess and Ambassador owners’ club, it was down to the Wolseley (and Vanden Plas) stands to uphold the “Wedge’s” honour at the NEC.
More Jaguars – this time, two variations on the XJ40 theme:
Above is this gorgeous factory produced prototype estate version. It seems to me, that when a Jaguar based estate conversion is carried out successfully, it can look exciting and graceful – this XJ40 is a perfect example. One only needs to look at the Lynx XJS Eventer to see another good example; and the Avon XJ6 Estate as an example of how not to do it…
Below is this interesting XJ40 CoupŽ, which evokes memories of the much-missed 1970s XJ-C. However, some of the original’s grace seems to have been lost in the 1990s interpretation.
And finally…
Thanks to Declan Berridge and Mark Pacey for the photographs
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
- Concepts and prototypes : Hyundai/Rover Oden (1992) - 9 November 2023
- Opinion : So, maybe the Montego was the best they could do… - 8 November 2023
- The cars : Austin Montego (LM11) development story - 7 November 2023
Be the first to comment