NEC Classic car show
Discussion
I go every year, but tend to hit the autojumble first with a list of stuff needed, then go around the car stands if there's any time left.
I guess part of the issue is similar to the Manchester classic show - there's a limited number of people in the classic scene who are able and willing to get their car to the show on the setup day (presumably Thursday now the show is a 3-day event) and leave it there until Sunday or Monday, limited number of people and clubs who are prepared to pay to stay locally or go home and come back, so it's not surprising there's some similarity from year to year.
I guess part of the issue is similar to the Manchester classic show - there's a limited number of people in the classic scene who are able and willing to get their car to the show on the setup day (presumably Thursday now the show is a 3-day event) and leave it there until Sunday or Monday, limited number of people and clubs who are prepared to pay to stay locally or go home and come back, so it's not surprising there's some similarity from year to year.
Yes we had a Club stand a few years ago and a right pain it all is. As Droopsnoot says it involves leaving cars for the best part of a week. Going home is an option for some, but the stand has to be staffed for the three days and staying locally is not easy as you can't use the exhibit to go to the digs in.
The NEC carparks were less awful in 2012 than they were, but were still unacceptable for more than a rare visit.
The NEC carparks were less awful in 2012 than they were, but were still unacceptable for more than a rare visit.
Despite some of the hassles and cost of parking I go every year, usually parking up at Canley Station and using the train from there. Back in 2012 a mate had his SD1 on the club stand so I tagged along on the Thursday to help him set up, once the stand was sorted we had a good long wander around, free of the crowds of the show days. By the end of Sunday night though we were both knackered, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
I'll be giving the autojumble a proper shuftie this year as I need a few bits and pieces, not least some new tools.
The food and drink can be expensive and the venue's own lighting gives the place a strange vibe, but I'd still recommend the show to anyone who's tempted.
I'll be giving the autojumble a proper shuftie this year as I need a few bits and pieces, not least some new tools.
The food and drink can be expensive and the venue's own lighting gives the place a strange vibe, but I'd still recommend the show to anyone who's tempted.
wilfandrowlf said:
I've booked a ticket for the Friday (11th) this year, anybody know why its £6.00 more expensive?
I go most years, but as mentioned it does get a bit "samey"
The thing that really boils my p**s is the cost of the car park, IIRC it was £10.00 last year, robbing bas****s!
Park and train as a previous poster, I think Tile Hill and Hampton in Arden still have free parking. From the sounds of it, I'll give it a miss. I go most years, but as mentioned it does get a bit "samey"
The thing that really boils my p**s is the cost of the car park, IIRC it was £10.00 last year, robbing bas****s!
Riley Blue said:
Compared with shows I've been to in Belgium and Germany it's disappointing. Techno Classica, for example, is a far more varied event and well worth making an annual trip to Essen.
I guess it depends on your interests - I've seen show reports from several of those shows over the years and they do seem to be massive events, but as I'm primarily interested in stuff relating to my car (a seventies Vauxhall) it's not likely I'm going to find much there. As a trip to a show just for general interest, I'm sure you're right.Allan L said:
Yes we had a Club stand a few years ago and a right pain it all is. As Droopsnoot says it involves leaving cars for the best part of a week. Going home is an option for some, but the stand has to be staffed for the three days and staying locally is not easy as you can't use the exhibit to go to the digs in.
Showing my age a tad.....but when I used to staff the AVOOC club stand between 1984-88 shows clubs got discounted rates in the Metropole on site for those manning the stand all weekend. Same thing in '91 when Sunbeam-Lotus OC did our first NEC show stand as well. The evening bar sessions that weekend established good inter-club relationships with the Droopsnoot Group as a result
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