MGCC teams up with Mike Brewer at the NEC

The MG Car Club brought star quality to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC over the weekend, hosting a packed display and welcoming Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer to discuss the progress of his MGA project in front of hundreds of fans.

This year’s show was the 33rd since the event was founded in 1984. It attracted more than 70,000 people over its three days, with 2500 vehicles on display amongst five packed halls and 257 clubs present. The MGCC’s display featured seven excellent cars, embracing the show’s ‘Family Ties’ theme with plenty of variety.

As well as the birthday pairing of the Y-Type and MGC, which are celebrating their 70th and 50th anniversaries respectively, the stand played host to an MG ZB Magnette and a stunning low-mileage MG TF Spark. A huge number of visitors were excited by the presence of the modified MGB GT built as a SAIC Intern Project, and for many the show offered the first chance to get up close and personal with the latest member of the MG family – the new 2017 ZS compact SUV.

Following a vote conducted at last year’s show, Mike Brewer’s MGA is currently undergoing a full nut-and-bolt restoration. Mike is working with the Club, Moss Europe and Rally Preparation Services to bring the A back to its best, and joined show-goers in witnessing the freshly powder-coated rolling chassis for the first time at the event.

Mike was excited to see the progress so far, and praised the Club for its involvement in the project. He also discussed the important role that clubs have to play: “The best thing people can do with a car like this is to join a club, become part of the community, get your car out on the road, use it and enjoy it.”

The show certainly kept Mike busy, especially when his #ClassicRumble battle with new Wheeler Dealers co-host Ant Anstead came to a head. Mike and his team had spent the past eight months restoring a Ford Escort XR3i Convertible, while Ant and his team built a 1950s inspired single-seater race car from scratch.

When Silverstone Auctions put the hammer down on both cars, it was declared a draw, with both cars selling for £22,500 including premium. All the money raised will go to Mike and Ant’s chosen charities – The Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation and Harrison’s Fund.

Elsewhere, a number of great MGs were scattered around the show. One of our favourites was the freshly-restored MG Metro of FWD Register Chairman Ben Hatton, which appeared amongst Honest John Classics’ top ten cars of the show.

Show Director Lee Masters said: “Our thanks go to all of the classic motoring clubs who not only support the event but pull out all of the stops year after year to bring the most amazing vehicles to the show.”

Next year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, will be held from November 9-11 2018. Visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.