Classic Motor Show - 2009 |
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 The annual Classic Motor Show was run at the NEC last weekend the 13th to 15th November 2009. So what you may be asking why were we at inter-bike doing looking at cars, well that is because for the second year running it had a large dedicated hall for classic motorcycles.But, before we get onto that, a quick run down of the facts and figures is in order, because you just have to say that the sheer size and diversity puts many motorcycle shows in the shade. The Classic Motor Show features over 1400 cars in five halls covering over 60,000 square metres or, half a million sq ft in old money. This year, like previous years it attracted tens of thousands of visitors from not only the UK but all over Europe and beyond. It manages to cover all ages of vehicles, marques and models, so you get to see veteran, vintage, classic and the fast growing future classic, mirroring really what is happening in the motorcycle world. Along with the car displays, the show also showcases UK companies and traders involved in offering every conceivable product and service to the classic car enthusiast some of which can be useful to the classic motorcyclist! Back to two wheels and providing a superb link not only metaphorically and in terms of historical significance, but physically ideally positioned between the two and four wheel displays was a magnificent stand by the famed Ace Café. The roadside legend was, as it is once again, purveyors of teas, coffees and food to car drivers, motorcyclists and truck drivers alike and became a meeting place for all those with an interest in vehicles powered by the ‘infernal’ combustion engine! But, as most motorcyclists know, it was like other similar venues around the country, the spiritual home of the Cafe Racer. Therefore it was somewhat appropriate that the Ace teamed up with Meguiar’s to organise a competition to find the best Cafe Racer in the UK today. Positioned around their stand were some of the very best from all generations that include fairly modern versions of the iconic genre. Fittingly it was superb period ‘Norvin’ albeit in a very un-British factory colour scheme, that scoped the overall prize. Keeping the period feel, the Ace provided a rockabilly DJ spinning swing, rock and roll and surfing tunes from the ‘40s through to the early ‘60s. They also hosted Travel Ink Tattoo and Rockit Tatu, who showed off his inking skills in Europe’s only mobile tattoo parlour, based in a unique custom American Airstream caravan. Moving down past the Ace to the main motorcycle hall it was easy to see a marked increase in the number of clubs present as well as general stall holders selling memorabilia, books clothing and some auto-jumble type spares. . The Norton Owners’ Club who are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary had a superb display of production racers and former Norton works road-racer and engineer Peter Williams on the stand. As well as clubs like them showing traditional British bikes, there were plenty showing modern classics like the new Different Strokers club. The club’s focus is Japanese two-strokes, ‘grey’ imports and limited edition bikes really echoing what is happening in the car world move to more modern classics! ‘RealClassic’ magazine and Meguiar’s were supporting the ‘Pride of Ownership’ contest which saw individual owners of classic motorcycles competing for a range of prizes in six classes. In fact there was so much going on I am sure to have missed something or someone! But, to conclude this report it should be remembered that the classic car and motorcycle world has actually thrived amid the financial doom and gloom of the recession that has hit the current automotive trade as the popularity of this show continues to prove. Both sides have seen the blue-chip classics increase substantially in value, causing a move to other less desirable classic’s that the average person can afford, causing a general increase in values across the board. However, the more modern classic car world is under threat and supplies of this type of vehicle are being depleted by the Government’s money for old cars or scrappage incentive. That does not apply to bikes and thus the bike part of this show continues to increase year on as people look to the more affordable and easy to store classic motorcycles. From what we saw this year we would say make space in your diaries for the show next year as it is becoming a must visit. Lets face it, when you have had your fill of two wheels there is plenty to keep the petrol head entertained in the car halls (including Clarkson and Top Gear), even if it is only to say “My old man had one of those!” Article by Ian Kerr
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