NEC Classic Car Show.

[Oddball67]

Has anyone attended the Classic Car show at the NEC this weekend?

If so, what's it like? Any recommendations and Any Pic's?

[bmcecosse]

How much does it cost to get in? And to park? ?

[lambrettalad]

parking a tenner,somebody said 26 nicker to get in

it is very very good ,bigger than last year

[bmcecosse]

Good grief....... !

[leafie]

I was there yesterday and will be there tomorrow. It would have been £10.00 to park and £27.00 each entry but fortunately for me the friend I was with has a stand at the event.It is bigger but seems expensive when you compare it to the Manchester Show at Event City.That was £10.00 entry and free parking, not as big as NEC yet but a good indoor show. Watch out if you need cash for the auto jumble because even the cash machines charge to take money out . Apparently cars were backed up as far as the motorway at 9.00am this morning so even though the NEC squeeze you till the pips squeak the cost doesn’t seem to be putting people off.

[a8pte]

a fortune to park a fortune to get in a fortune for a cup of tea....rip off...

[PaulTubby]

Was thinking off going to this, but buy the time you think you got to pay for fuel, for me its 90 miles each way, food and drinks, car parking, entrance fee it just seems to much. Also last time i went the autojumble has some good stuff but very over priced.

[autolycus]

I've been at the show today. I won a pair of tickets in a competition (again!), and parked at Birmingham International Station, where it's a fiver at off-peak times and weekends. Since the show was in the high-numbered halls, this does make for a long walk, taking a good 15 minutes, but all inside apart from a few yards. Walking back, knackered after a long day, carrying a ton of freebie leaflets, a tin of thinners, and a sheet of millboard, tested the old will to live. I have no sympathy with those who moan about food prices: take sarnies and a flask.

The show itself was just too big. Too much dross (anyone for a bog-standard Focus?), too many "gift" stalls, too many chuggers, and I think clubs were given too much space. The tool stalls all seemed to sell the same Chinese tat, much of it costing more than the identical item on ebay - even paying postage.

There were some lovely cars, it's true, and even dealers whose car prices seemed way ott to a mean old bu..er (buyer, that is, of course) like me, had plenty of sold stickers in evidence. What recession?

It would have been good to see a few more name badges on people manning the MMOC stand, but the greeting was friendly, and the cuppa was welcome.

The car I wanted to take home? The H J Mulliner drophead bodied Derby Bentley on the RREC stand.

I know it's very short notice, but if anyone wants a free ticket for Sunday, and can pick it up from between Derby and the M1 on Sunday morning any time after 07.30, pm or email me asap.

Kevin

[lambrettalad]

search this site for cheaper parking,catch the train from a nearby station,I've had free tickets on this site for a while ,only one person replied,take a sandwiches and a flask,£2.70 for a coffee in Brum is normal,the admission fee is high I agree,but some of the parts fairs are £8 and this is indoors and even taking the tat out,the standard of cars and bikes on display is very very high,and the hard work ,without pay,which some exhibitors put in is fantastic,I've spent the best part of two days answering questions and chatting to people ,hopefully making their visit that bit better ,with no pay just free tickets,plus the work i've put in to display my pride and joy.

In terms of rip off Britain this show comes pretty far down the list ,I recently drove to Malvern,paid £6 quid in and saw 15 stalls at the auto jumble,mostly overpriced rubbish

[bmcecosse]

Oh I didn't know I could show my car and get in free! Perhaps next year.......

[ampwhu]

i was there yesterday. i got a free lift from surrey, a free entry ticket and i took sarnies and a bottle of tap water.

all i spent was £2 on 2 flap discs for my grinder.

i thought the show is getting poorer over the years. if i had to pay, i doubt i would go.

[bmcecosse]

So - what were MMOC doing on their stand? Demonstration rebuilding of brakes? Fitting new hub bearings? Grinding in valves? Stripping and re-building an engine? Gearbox?? Final drive?? New brushes in a dynamo? How to adjust the Regulator? Starter overhaul? Anything useful like that ???

[leafie]

So - what were MMOC doing on their stand? Demonstration rebuilding of brakes? Fitting new hub bearings? Grinding in valves? Stripping and re-building an engine? Gearbox?? Final drive?? New brushes in a dynamo? How to adjust the Regulator? Starter overhaul? Anything useful like that ???

Nothing like that I'm afraid as clubs are not allowed to do demonstrations on their stands as the public have full access. That type of thing is done in the restoration demonstration area and on the live stage throughout the day.

[mike.perry]

The entry was actually £16.50 if you pre booked using the password from Minor Matters + £1.25 per credit card transaction + £10 car park

[MColes]

The MMOC (including the three young members, which included myself) were involved with helping out the Practical Classic guys on the main stage putting the pick-up together. We also gave as much help and advice as we could when visitors to the stand asked for advice. There was also a demonstration by two of the young members (including myself again) on how to clay bar and wax a car

[Dean]

Me, my dad and my youngest son went yesterday. It was very big and busy. Enjoyed looking at the old Metro's, Allegro's, Maxi's, Marina's, Escorts, Capri's etc the cars I remember myself as a kid. Bumped into Mike on MMOC stand and had to spend ages around the Mini stand as my son didn't want leave them.

[simmitc]

If you wanted a demonstration of working on a Minor, the Practical Classics stage featured a full rebuild (or at least re-assembly) of a Minor pickup over the three days. The engine was reassembled on a bench with full access for anyone to walk up and ask questions. As Matt said, a few of the younger members, and some of the older ones too, were on the stage assisting. It was fantastic publicity, and we had a number of enquiries on the MMOC stand from people who wanted to buy a pickup.

The show is big enough to justify two days to loo at everything; but I have to agree with the views on prices. Still, cheaper than a Rolling Stones gig! From the MMOC's point of view, it was an excellent show with many new memberships, some renewals, good regalia sales, and fantastic hospitality / technical advice. If the cars had been for sale, I'm sure that they would all have been sold! The theme this year was the MOT (trips abroad, not the annual test). 2013 will be the centenary of Morris Motors, so watch out for more details on due course. In the meantime, remember to book the date for the special rally: 14th - 16th June.

[stag36587]

Have to say I always love the NEC show but I was disappointed this year. Some great cars on show but it was just too big and too busy. And I agree with comments about some modern tool tat on some stands, but at least I was able to come away with my first ignition key, some grommets and speedo bulbs so I was happy on that score. I also really appreciated the coffee and a chance to sit down for a few minutes at the MMOC stand though.

[brucek]

I went along on Saturday afternoon - first time I've been for many years. Club stand was great - some really nice cars and celebrating the places the club has been on the annual MOT trip. Great to see Matt and the young members involved too - you can come and clay polish my car anytime Matt Well done also to Keith, Christine and organising team for their efforts. Had a good wander round - some lovely cars on display and also had a smile at the Ed China and Mike Brewer show - cunningly disguised as a rolling restoration of a 1000 pick up. Yes OK it was a bit cheesy but if the like of Wheeler Dealers is getting a few more interested in saving old cars then that's fine by me. Most of the questions were coming from younger kids so who knows what they will be restoring in a few years time.

I know it's easy to be critical about the cost and the value for money but then you can say that about practically anything these days. The show was very busy which indicates to me that there are a lot of folks out there keeping older cars and bikes on the road. Let's be thankful for that and praise the owners (sometimes of cars we all claim to hate and ridicule) for their efforts to prolong the life of examples of our motoring heritage

[lambrettalad]

well said