A record-breaking 72,738 classic car enthusiasts descended on Birmingham’s NEC for this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, marking a memorable weekend of celebration, community, and motoring passion (up from 71,520 in 2024).
Spanning over 330 club stands across seven halls, the show delivered an unrivalled showcase of automotive heritage. Highlights included the induction of Professor Peter Stevens, the Ford Escort, Danny Hopkins, and the Midland Automobile Club into the prestigious Hall of Fame, alongside heartfelt tributes to renowned motoring presenter Quentin Willson.
An exceptional line-up of motoring personalities kept crowds entertained throughout the weekend, with appearances from Mike Brewer, Richard Hammond, Tiff Needell, Matt Watson, and many more.
Reflecting on the event, Show Director Lee Masters said:
“What an amazing weekend. The atmosphere in the halls, the calibre of the displays, and the sheer passion for classic cars was exceptional. It was particularly encouraging to see so many younger enthusiasts enjoying the show. As always, we’re hugely grateful to our sponsors, traders, clubs, and visitors for their continued support.”
Celebrating ten years of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition, the show opened with the announcement of the public-voted ‘Best of the Best’ winner. From all previous Pride of Ownership champions, Colin Fidler’s beautifully restored 1956 Austin A35 claimed the ultimate accolade.
Affectionately known as ‘Rusty’, the car was restored by Colin alongside his father and brothers in memory of their late uncle, who originally discovered the vehicle but never had the opportunity to restore it himself—making the victory all the more poignant.
Competition remained fierce in the Autumn Pride of Ownership Final, with visitors casting their votes from the iconic hallowed carpet. David Wootton’s 2004 Vauxhall Astra GSi 2.0 Turbo emerged victorious, followed by Mark George’s 2009 Ford Focus RS MkII in second place and Will Willson’s 1964 Ford Cortina MkI in third.
Yvonne Gosney, Senior Trading Manager at Lancaster Insurance, commented:
“The Classic Motor Show is always a highlight of our calendar, and we’re delighted to have welcomed more than 72,000 visitors this year. Congratulations to our 2025 Pride of Ownership winners, David Wootton and Colin Fidler, our ‘Best of the Best’ champion. It’s the passion of this incredible community that makes the show so special, and we’re already looking ahead to 2026.”
The Hall of Fame welcomed four new inductees: the Ford Escort in the Classic Car category, Professor Peter Stevens as Industry Ambassador, the Midland Automobile Club as Motoring Club, and Danny Hopkins as Community Ambassador.
Celebrating 20 years at the NEC, the Meguiar’s Club Showcase once again set exceptional standards. Following meticulous white-glove judging, Stephen Hill’s 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 achieved the highest score ever awarded in the competition’s history, securing the coveted crystal trophy.
Charity remained at the heart of the event, with the Sporting Bears Motor Club raising an impressive £44,000 through its popular Dream Rides initiative. Proceeds will support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, Libby Mae’s Little Angels, Caudwell Children, and Jasmine’s Legacy of Dream.
Additional highlights included the debut of the Military Vehicle Trust Commemorative Showcase, the Pipercross Modified Car Display, and the return of popular attractions such as the DadCars Family Zone and Podcast Café. The Meet the Experts Theatre, hosted by Mike Brewer alongside YouTubers Mike Fernie, Garage of Luke, and I Drive a Classic, featured lively discussions with industry icons including Ian Callum, Richard Hammond, Tiff Needell, and Frank Stephenson.
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will return to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November 2026.
For updates and information, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.
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By Matt Hancock
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