The mammoth Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham from 7-9 November was widely declared the best for years, reflected in a huge attendance of nearly 73,000 enthusiasts.
With the event covering seven halls of the NEC, as well as an autojumble, trade village, dealer area and giant 350-lot Iconic auction, there were displays from some 300 car clubs.
Annual highlights include the Sporting Bears dream rides, which this year raised £44,000 for charity while ‘names’ at the event included Ian Callum, Frank Stephenson, Mike Brewer, Richard Hammond and Tiff Needell.
Designer Professor Peter Stevens was inducted into the event’s Hall of Fame along with the Ford Escort, the Midland Automobile Club and Danny Hopkins.
Show Director Lee Masters said: ‘The atmosphere in the halls, the calibre of the displays, and the passion for classics was exceptional. It was fantastic to see so many of the younger generation in the show. As always, thanks go to all our sponsors, traders, clubs, and visitors for all their support.’
Following a public vote, Colin Fidler and his 1956 Austin A35 ‘Rusty’ lifted the trophy for the Best of the Best in the battle of the previous winners of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition, while the 2025 winner was David Wootton’s 2004 Vauxhall Astra GSi 2.0 Turbo. Mark George’s 2009 Ford Focus RS MkII second and Will Willson’s 1964 Ford Cortina MkI came third.
There were 14 cars in the Meguiar’s Club Showcase, with Stephen Hill’s 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 romping home with the highest score in the competition’s history.
With Iconics taking over virtually all of one of the halls with its marathon auction, it raised £11million some of the highlights were the cars from the Harry Metcalfe collection. His Espada made while his 1978 Jaguar XJC V12 Manual comfortably set a new world record at £157,500. All were dwarfed, however, by the £382,500 paid for a 1990 Ford RS200 S, one of only two finished by Ford in Rosso Red.
Some of Octane’s favourite vehicles, included the TVR Speed 12 making a rare appearance and a fascinating homebuilt Rover P5B estate are in the carousel below…
