Stoneleigh a shadow of its former self?
Discussion
Ok so one thats bound to upset a few but...
Having gone since I was a nipper each year there seems to be less of a car show and more of a sunday market. Does anyone else feel the same?
The club stands had a fair turn out but still plenty of empty grass and the halls were very empty of actual cars. Those that were on display, the usual suspects in the main, looked very good but there was very little new.
I don't doubt the cost involved in going is very high for the samller manufacturers so perhaps it is time for a rethink.
In the old days there was also far more action on the show ground with auto tests and the like that owners could enter. Off road racing and a real buzz about the place.
I will still continue to go as will many because it is a habit and a nice excuse to have a drive and a day out in the car with my boy. But if I had travelled a long way and gone for the first time I can't help thinking I would feel short changed.
Having gone since I was a nipper each year there seems to be less of a car show and more of a sunday market. Does anyone else feel the same?
The club stands had a fair turn out but still plenty of empty grass and the halls were very empty of actual cars. Those that were on display, the usual suspects in the main, looked very good but there was very little new.
I don't doubt the cost involved in going is very high for the samller manufacturers so perhaps it is time for a rethink.
In the old days there was also far more action on the show ground with auto tests and the like that owners could enter. Off road racing and a real buzz about the place.
I will still continue to go as will many because it is a habit and a nice excuse to have a drive and a day out in the car with my boy. But if I had travelled a long way and gone for the first time I can't help thinking I would feel short changed.
I enjoyed my day out - it didn't seem vastly different to the last couple of times I've been but it has been a while - maybe a few less people in attendance at the show.
I saw what I wanted to see, spoke to the people I wanted to speak to.
Yes, I'd agree that there wasn't too much that as new, but again, that seems to be where things are right now.
Hats off to MEV (and Razor) for being the stars of the show!
I saw what I wanted to see, spoke to the people I wanted to speak to.
Yes, I'd agree that there wasn't too much that as new, but again, that seems to be where things are right now.
Hats off to MEV (and Razor) for being the stars of the show!
I just knew there was going to be the obligatory post moaning about how crap the show is and how things aren't like they were in my day and all that same old codswallop and BS. I've been five or six times, missed last year though and have to say I totally disagree with the OP. Why does everyone have to be so negative about things?
I thought it was a good show. Loads to see, a good busy crowd and a couple of new cars. The Royale Sabre looked magnificent and though it's not finished yet and still a work in progress, IMHO it's going to be a cracker. Must admit I've got one so a bit of self interest there I suppose. We had our annual AGM there as normal and there were 17 Royale's in our display area, the highest turnout ever, with one member driving his Sabre from Germany just to come to Stoneleigh and he thought it was an excellent. Nice touch from him too he bought two crates of German beer and gave a bottle to each of us Royale owners. Wasn't that nice?
There were loads of cars in the owners enclosures and apart from the fake Ferraris, everyone was happy for you to crawl over their cars and chat about them. The Ferraris though had black tape over their badges and chains round the stand (what's that all about?) and the owners seemed to have their noses stuck up each other's derrieres, but I digress.
Bought a few odds 'n sods and asked one tool seller in one of the sheds for a discount and he said the price of the stand space was such that he couldn't discount. He said his space in the cowshed cost him £700 for the two days so no idea what the halls cost. Maybe that's why more traders were in the sheds than the halls? Cheaper to rent? Food as always at all shows was pricey, £2.90 for a small tray of chips was a a bit of a ripoff.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and until the rain started this morning was thinking of going back today to pick up some more stuff but I can wait for newark.
No, sorry OP, you're wrong, it's a good show and needs all the support we can give it otherwise it'll disappear and then you'll be moaning about "why are there no kit car shows"
I thought it was a good show. Loads to see, a good busy crowd and a couple of new cars. The Royale Sabre looked magnificent and though it's not finished yet and still a work in progress, IMHO it's going to be a cracker. Must admit I've got one so a bit of self interest there I suppose. We had our annual AGM there as normal and there were 17 Royale's in our display area, the highest turnout ever, with one member driving his Sabre from Germany just to come to Stoneleigh and he thought it was an excellent. Nice touch from him too he bought two crates of German beer and gave a bottle to each of us Royale owners. Wasn't that nice?
There were loads of cars in the owners enclosures and apart from the fake Ferraris, everyone was happy for you to crawl over their cars and chat about them. The Ferraris though had black tape over their badges and chains round the stand (what's that all about?) and the owners seemed to have their noses stuck up each other's derrieres, but I digress.
Bought a few odds 'n sods and asked one tool seller in one of the sheds for a discount and he said the price of the stand space was such that he couldn't discount. He said his space in the cowshed cost him £700 for the two days so no idea what the halls cost. Maybe that's why more traders were in the sheds than the halls? Cheaper to rent? Food as always at all shows was pricey, £2.90 for a small tray of chips was a a bit of a ripoff.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and until the rain started this morning was thinking of going back today to pick up some more stuff but I can wait for newark.
No, sorry OP, you're wrong, it's a good show and needs all the support we can give it otherwise it'll disappear and then you'll be moaning about "why are there no kit car shows"
I though the opposite ?
Must admit I have only been a kit car/replica enthusiast for the past 3 years and have been to most shows in that time. For me it had the biggest turn-out and movement in the industry since this time. I can not answer before this, but I had seen a massive improvement in my time. The cobra replica's on the stands were amazing, the Toniq had made some good improvements to their cars, GD had their new GDT70 on show which was very nice. The new Razor was also very nice and well engineered/assembled and TEAM MEV had 10 different cars on their stand with an assembly show on the Exocet. Being an MEV fan, this was their biggest turnout on the grass with over 22 cars at the last count yesterday, compared to last year when their was 5 maximum. They also had the launch of the MEVX5 and the MEVAbusa for which jointly I think they took over 14 orders yesterday alone !!
Must admit I have only been a kit car/replica enthusiast for the past 3 years and have been to most shows in that time. For me it had the biggest turn-out and movement in the industry since this time. I can not answer before this, but I had seen a massive improvement in my time. The cobra replica's on the stands were amazing, the Toniq had made some good improvements to their cars, GD had their new GDT70 on show which was very nice. The new Razor was also very nice and well engineered/assembled and TEAM MEV had 10 different cars on their stand with an assembly show on the Exocet. Being an MEV fan, this was their biggest turnout on the grass with over 22 cars at the last count yesterday, compared to last year when their was 5 maximum. They also had the launch of the MEVX5 and the MEVAbusa for which jointly I think they took over 14 orders yesterday alone !!
I still enjoyed the show, and got to do and see and do what I wanted.
The show has always been massive. The fact is, it's just a little less massive than it has been recently. That comes as no surprise.
"A shadow of its former self" is too strong, but you can't be accused of being 'all doom and gloom' just because you noticed and stated that there was less than there used to be.
There was less, both inside and out. I didn't imagine it.
The show has always been massive. The fact is, it's just a little less massive than it has been recently. That comes as no surprise.
"A shadow of its former self" is too strong, but you can't be accused of being 'all doom and gloom' just because you noticed and stated that there was less than there used to be.
There was less, both inside and out. I didn't imagine it.
ColinM50 said:
The Ferraris though had black tape over their badges and chains round the stand (what's that all about?) and the owners seemed to have their noses stuck up each other's derrieres, but I digress.
Bought a few odds 'n sods and asked one tool seller in one of the sheds for a discount and he said the price of the stand space was such that he couldn't discount. He said his space in the cowshed cost him £700 for the two days so no idea what the halls cost. Maybe that's why more traders were in the sheds than the halls? Cheaper to rent? Food as always at all shows was pricey, £2.90 for a small tray of chips was a a bit of a ripoff.
Why does everyone have to be so negative about things?Bought a few odds 'n sods and asked one tool seller in one of the sheds for a discount and he said the price of the stand space was such that he couldn't discount. He said his space in the cowshed cost him £700 for the two days so no idea what the halls cost. Maybe that's why more traders were in the sheds than the halls? Cheaper to rent? Food as always at all shows was pricey, £2.90 for a small tray of chips was a a bit of a ripoff.
Again, i too disagree with the OP. I think if you don't know why you are going it may be a let down. If you do your research before the show so you really know what you want to get out of it from the start then you have a blast! I don't know about other people, but i do not go to shows just for the hell of it.
My main aim of yesterday was to seek out and do a bit of research on GTM Libras for my brother (he's thinking about a potential future toy).
Have a good old nosey around the Buckland B3 (very impressed by the levels of finish and engineering)
Have a detailed look at the Razor and MEVX5
If you know what you want, all you have to do is ask. Personally i had quite a decent discussion with the guy on the Razor stand. I sat in the car, and being 6ft 5" i must say i was VERY impressed by the amount of room. There was loads of head room and long enough in the leg too. We also discussed engine options and pricing etc. I'm not so impressed with rear visability though
, it's rear styling is certainly great but i'm not so convinced about the front. I think the lights need to be further apart and to me, the track looks a little narrow, but it is certainly a very good attempt. A little front end revision may be needed here and there, but overall i liked it. I was hoping for a Nova style entry system though i must admit.
I had a good day, and weather was great too!
My main aim of yesterday was to seek out and do a bit of research on GTM Libras for my brother (he's thinking about a potential future toy).
Have a good old nosey around the Buckland B3 (very impressed by the levels of finish and engineering)
Have a detailed look at the Razor and MEVX5
If you know what you want, all you have to do is ask. Personally i had quite a decent discussion with the guy on the Razor stand. I sat in the car, and being 6ft 5" i must say i was VERY impressed by the amount of room. There was loads of head room and long enough in the leg too. We also discussed engine options and pricing etc. I'm not so impressed with rear visability though
, it's rear styling is certainly great but i'm not so convinced about the front. I think the lights need to be further apart and to me, the track looks a little narrow, but it is certainly a very good attempt. A little front end revision may be needed here and there, but overall i liked it. I was hoping for a Nova style entry system though i must admit.I had a good day, and weather was great too!
I thought the show was ok, but a few empty stands. There are many kit-car companies around the world, it’s a shame no one from the USA could come over, but I know the costs would be too much for small companies. It’s just a shame.
I saw the Attack K-1, a few years back, but haven’t seen it since and have never seen a Factory 5 GTM.
I think the quality of built cars in the club stands are getting better, and I always like seeing something new, even “Non-kitcar” like a silver Spectre.
But I would complain about the cost of the food; it’s getting way to excessive, and ticket prices. Rip off Britain again! I think that was shown in the lack of people queuing at the food stalls. I consider more people are bringing their own food, which is what I’ll be doing next year!
I saw the Attack K-1, a few years back, but haven’t seen it since and have never seen a Factory 5 GTM.
I think the quality of built cars in the club stands are getting better, and I always like seeing something new, even “Non-kitcar” like a silver Spectre.
But I would complain about the cost of the food; it’s getting way to excessive, and ticket prices. Rip off Britain again! I think that was shown in the lack of people queuing at the food stalls. I consider more people are bringing their own food, which is what I’ll be doing next year!
Just got back from the show. I thought that the show was pretty well covered with decent Kit Cars and a good supply from the likes of SVC, Wollies and all the tool and spanner men.
Plenty of kits about and an excellent contribution from Stuart Mills and MEV Vehicles including a 6 minute demonstration build of a MEVX5 Exocet build which was very impressive.
Stuart gave a commentary and the spanner men removed the car body and placed a new chassis around the original centre tube set up with all the suspension on it and removed the old MX5 bodywork and then fitted the new bodywork in place. All done in 5=6 minutes flat. Obviously the fastening, looms etc needed connection etc but the simplicity of the build was apparent from the demo. It was obviously attracting serious interest I could see orders being taken as I looked around. Excellent kit car.
The Razor three wheeler was also very impressive. Absolutely stunning looking compact small car and really well thought out. Talking to the two partners they had obviously had a lot of racing experience and hill climbing experience at Shellsey Walsh and Prescott when developing the car. I understand they have more than ten tears experience with building and racing Three wheelers and it showed in the Razor, which had the best gel coast I have ever seen. Quite outstanding car superb finish.
Usual m=[number of seven recreations which I will not list there are already too many.
But all in all a really good standard as a Kit Car show and I was impressed with the efforts of the manufacturers. There is life in Kit Cars yet!
Plenty of kits about and an excellent contribution from Stuart Mills and MEV Vehicles including a 6 minute demonstration build of a MEVX5 Exocet build which was very impressive.
Stuart gave a commentary and the spanner men removed the car body and placed a new chassis around the original centre tube set up with all the suspension on it and removed the old MX5 bodywork and then fitted the new bodywork in place. All done in 5=6 minutes flat. Obviously the fastening, looms etc needed connection etc but the simplicity of the build was apparent from the demo. It was obviously attracting serious interest I could see orders being taken as I looked around. Excellent kit car.
The Razor three wheeler was also very impressive. Absolutely stunning looking compact small car and really well thought out. Talking to the two partners they had obviously had a lot of racing experience and hill climbing experience at Shellsey Walsh and Prescott when developing the car. I understand they have more than ten tears experience with building and racing Three wheelers and it showed in the Razor, which had the best gel coast I have ever seen. Quite outstanding car superb finish.
Usual m=[number of seven recreations which I will not list there are already too many.
But all in all a really good standard as a Kit Car show and I was impressed with the efforts of the manufacturers. There is life in Kit Cars yet!
Was my first time to the event and was impressed with it went in my quantum with my father and joined the quantum stand which had a good turn out and for the first time i believe all the different models where there together. Most of the clubs were friendly and was great talking to people about there cars apart from the fake ferrari club but the lambos next to them were nice.
The main reason for going was to look around the exocet and make a order, meet stuart and the guys at mev and road track and race and was impressed with the cars on display very good quality aswel mayby a mevabusa for my next build mayby.
The main halls not full but the cars on display were of good quality and seemed to be plenty of intrest in the cars. Plenty of stalls where you could buy pretty much anything you want.
The food was expensive but on par with other non kit car events but that doesn't bother me as i bring my own food.
All in all a good show which i will be going back to again and for the op you are what is wrong with this country always putting a downer on things and as most things better in the past well the past is the past move on and appriciate what we have in the kit car industry and this country.
The main reason for going was to look around the exocet and make a order, meet stuart and the guys at mev and road track and race and was impressed with the cars on display very good quality aswel mayby a mevabusa for my next build mayby.
The main halls not full but the cars on display were of good quality and seemed to be plenty of intrest in the cars. Plenty of stalls where you could buy pretty much anything you want.
The food was expensive but on par with other non kit car events but that doesn't bother me as i bring my own food.
All in all a good show which i will be going back to again and for the op you are what is wrong with this country always putting a downer on things and as most things better in the past well the past is the past move on and appriciate what we have in the kit car industry and this country.
I'm just back from three days at the show and as I first went in 1984 I think I'm qualified to comment.
I thought the show this year was a vast improvement over recent years, far more people asking questions at our club pitch. Nothing like the crap of the years of the mini-motos which was just hell. There also seemed to be fewer empty stands in the halls.
The 'non-car-related' stands didn't seem and worse than they have been for 15 years.
Libra, Slomax? You should have come to see us at TeamGTM.
However...
Shadow cast by the MEV owners.
Drag racing down roads used by people walking??? Grow up, boys. If I'd been security you'd have been off the site. I think they let you off lightly.
I thought the show this year was a vast improvement over recent years, far more people asking questions at our club pitch. Nothing like the crap of the years of the mini-motos which was just hell. There also seemed to be fewer empty stands in the halls.
The 'non-car-related' stands didn't seem and worse than they have been for 15 years.
Libra, Slomax? You should have come to see us at TeamGTM.
However...
Shadow cast by the MEV owners.
Drag racing down roads used by people walking??? Grow up, boys. If I'd been security you'd have been off the site. I think they let you off lightly.
Edited by Ferg on Monday 7th May 18:18
Ferg said:
Libra, Slomax? You should have come to see us at TeamGTM.
Yes, we did have a good look at the Cars! That 1.8 Audi turbo one from (germany?) looked the nuts, it better be at the €34k asking price. Saw a few other nice ones, but not in the market just yet. My Brother would fit no probs and they really are very well put together, they are very much like low volume production cars aren't they! Do you rekon I (at 6ft5") would be able to wedge myself in? slomax said:
Yes, we did have a good look at the Cars! That 1.8 Audi turbo one from (germany?) looked the nuts, it better be at the €34k asking price. Saw a few other nice ones, but not in the market just yet. My Brother would fit no probs and they really are very well put together, they are very much like low volume production cars aren't they! Do you rekon I (at 6ft5") would be able to wedge myself in?
Ah. Bertram's Audi car. From Holland. It was a fantastic car...then he fitted a DSG and went to nightschool to learn how to get the gearbox CANBUS system to talk to the engine....smash said:
Anyone get a video of the MEV exocet demo Steffan mentioned - would love to see that, sounds very impressive.
Had planned to go but weather at this end was rubbish (raining - no fun with aero screens!). Shame sounds like there were a couple of things worth seeing.
One of the reasons I gave up Aero Screens years ago. Had planned to go but weather at this end was rubbish (raining - no fun with aero screens!). Shame sounds like there were a couple of things worth seeing.
I may be (am) an old wimp but I find minimal weatherproofing on the drophead car is essential. And a heater. I want to go fast: not cold!!!! or Wet!!!! It means I can usually get there! The odd one does break on the way. Thank you RAC/AA/Green Flag and all helpers over the years!
smash said:
Anyone get a video of the MEV exocet demo Steffan mentioned - would love to see that, sounds very impressive.
Had planned to go but weather at this end was rubbish (raining - no fun with aero screens!). Shame sounds like there were a couple of things worth seeing.
Youtube Video Clip posted see PH Thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Had planned to go but weather at this end was rubbish (raining - no fun with aero screens!). Shame sounds like there were a couple of things worth seeing.
nigel
My first time at a kit car show yesterday. I really enjoyed it, lots to see. Some beautiful cars there, but the one that made me laugh out loud was that rather inspired mini atop a 4x4 platform. Cheers chaps, that made my day...
I could have easily walked away with about five other cars yesterday. Was it a GD in the main hall close to the Ultima's that had a beautiful metallic plum-purple colour. It was stunning.
I could have easily walked away with about five other cars yesterday. Was it a GD in the main hall close to the Ultima's that had a beautiful metallic plum-purple colour. It was stunning.
I looked into having a stand, but due to cost (it isn't cheap), not being able to run equipment (noise levels and H&S) for demo's means I would of had alot less interest in what I do and what I sell.
Due to the cost of stand's I can understand why fewer traders and why the food cost's so much.
It's alot of burgers and coffee to pay for it.
Saying that, using a Porsche to tow your burger bar means they can't be doing too bad.
Other than that, can't say I noticed fewer clubs, some just got put in the "cow sheds" instead of the grass.
As for the cars, lots of nice finished cars, so all good.
Good to see a show that dosn't mind dogs walking around.
Due to the cost of stand's I can understand why fewer traders and why the food cost's so much.
It's alot of burgers and coffee to pay for it.
Saying that, using a Porsche to tow your burger bar means they can't be doing too bad.
Other than that, can't say I noticed fewer clubs, some just got put in the "cow sheds" instead of the grass.
As for the cars, lots of nice finished cars, so all good.
Good to see a show that dosn't mind dogs walking around.
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