Classic Motor Show at the NEC Birmingham
A visit report by Christian Mitterdorfer
After years of abstinence, it was time to visit the Classic Motor Show at the NEC Birmingham, the biggest and best classic car show in the UK. The main attractions were, of course, the numerous Rover Clubs. The diversity of our brand is proven by the fact that 13 different Rover Clubs exhibited at the fair, not counting the numerous Land Rover and Mini Clubs.
- Rover Sports Register
- Rover P4 Drivers Guild
- Rover P5 Club
- Rover P6 Club
- P6 Rover Owners Club
- Rover SD1 Club
- Rover 800 Owners Club, Rover 600 included
- Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club
- Rover Coupé Owners Club
- Rover 75 and MG ZT Club
- The BRM Club
- Metro Owners Club
- 6R4.net
During the visits, I concentrated on the clubs of the older models (up to the SD1), as well as the Rover Sports Register, founded in 1953, which describes itself as a kind of umbrella organization of the rover clubs, although there are also the 'Joint Rover Clubs', which also formally take on this role, but in which again not all rover clubs are members - so it's complicated in the English Rover club scene, however, the people behind it are identical in many cases. As a rule, the clubs had three to six different models on display and showed a quite appealing spectrum, biscuits and tea were served and people could have a lively conversation. A JET1 replica at the P4 booth was to be emphasized, which knew how to convince. At the P5 booth, two beautiful P5B Coupés shone in competition. On the two P6 club booths (which had quite rival features: 'It's a long story, you know...) the following vehicles could be admired: a police car, two Estoura station wagons (guessed one, one per club), one of them with a beautiful, authentic roof rack, one of only 77 VIP models built, of which 7 are said to still exist, a model tuned to well over 200hp and a few more 'normal' models. On the SD1 front, in addition to an original SD1 racing touring car, there were three Vitesse models in different colors. Another one was already in the morning at the hotel parking lot, or a really nice Vitesse Twin Plenum was auctioned at Silverstone Auctions during the fair for GBP 17,438. At the clubs for the newer models, I just stopped by. I have spoken to all those responsible for the club and there is definitely interest in an exchange with our clubs, the contacts have definitely been made.
In addition to the numerous Rover club stands, the incredible variety of English brand clubs at the NEC, as the fair is also called for short, is always fascinating, no matter how rare an English model with a club that cultivates the heritage of the model with the greatest dedication. Here I would also like to highlight a few according to deliberately very subjective feelings: Armstrong Siddley, Riley, Humber or Hilmann Hunter. An Alvis stand with wonderful models. For my recently purchased Austin 1300 GT, I was able to purchase a shift shaft including deflection lever and bolt, which was no longer available in Austria (but of course announced in advance), which a member still had at home, for a few pounds. In general, the armada of Austin clubs: Austin 1100, Austin Allegro, Austin Landcrab, Austin Maxi, Austin Princess, Morris Marina, each model represented with its own booth, I only missed the Austin 3l Club.
A visit to the NEC is recommended for imitation, the exhibition center is located almost within walking distance of the airport. Since there is no shortage of hotels at the airport, you don't even need a rental car or the like. Unfortunately, the direct flights from Vienna to Birmingham have been discontinued, so you almost can't avoid an overnight stay. Definitely I will come back
C.M.