MGCC attracts crowds at busy NEC Resto Show

The MGCC was in the thick of the action as this year’s Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with Discovery, proved to be the biggest – and busiest – yet.

A record 28,151 motoring enthusiasts, an increase of over 3000, headed to Birmingham’s NEC over the show’s three days to see over 1000 cars, from rusty heaps to concours stunners. They were treated to amazing vehicle displays and live demonstrations from 159 classic motoring clubs – the most to ever appear at the show.

The Club’s stand was a major highlight this year; especially when the ex-1968 London to Sydney Marathon MGB was unveiled in front of a huge crowd of press and public by members of the original build team, Pete and Sharon Smith. The MGCC’s MGB Register and Steve of Abingdon Car Restorations put in a mammoth amount of work to restore it in time for the show, and their efforts paid off as the car proved to be a star attraction.

Meanwhile, MJS Auto and Marine owner Mike Stafford completed a cambelt and water pump swap on the 1996 MGF owned by Safety Fast! magazine editor Andy Knott, and the Club’s Zed Register showcased its talents with a stunning ZR, ZS and ZT V8 trio.

The Club’s young members were also heavily represented at the show, including Matt Haines. The 17-year-old’s 1983 MG Metro appeared in its half-completed state at last year’s event, but this time it was fully finished and looked superb. The crowning glory for Matt’s superb project came when Wheeler Dealers’ TV stars Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead took time out of their busy schedules to lend their approval!

Continuing the young member – and Metro – theme, FWD Chairman Ben Hatton was delighted to receive the accolade for Young Member of the Year during the National Car Club Awards ceremony on the Saturday night. Ben is the youngest Register chairman in the Club, and displayed his silver 1983 MG Metro at the show. See HERE for more.

MG’s were out in force throughout the rest of the show, too. The Carole Nash Barn Find display saw 20 discoveries on display, including an MG Midget. At the other end of the scale, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership spring final was won by Paul Clappison’s 1972 stunning white MGB GT.

Some brilliant MGs were offered for sale by Classic Car Auctions, with a wide range of models from a stunning 1950’s TF through to a 1994 RV8. In total, 81 per cent of the 165 cars on offer found new homes, with total sales reaching £2.1million.

The 2019 Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with Discovery will take place from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th March 2019. For more information and updates, visit www.necrestorationshow.com