DUCKHAMS DEBUT AT THE RECORD BREAKING PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR AND RESTORATION SHOW

It’s all very nice wandering around show halls packed with shiny classic cars, chrome gleaming and engines so spotless you could eat your proverbial dinner off them, but the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show with Discovery is a welcome anti-dote to that. The event not only celebrates cars that have been brought back from the brink of scrappage but also those in regular use and more importantly those rusty wrecks still awaiting restoration. This year, it was time for us here at Duckhams to join in the party and offer our support to those restorers, enthusiasts and businesses working hard to keep motoring heritage on the road.

The event organisers have revealed that the event broke all records – record crowds, record number of cars and clubs, record fundraising and more restoration projects than ever before. A staggering 28,151 motoring enthusiast, headed to Birmingham’s NEC over the three-day show to see over 1,000 cars in various conditions, from a rusty heap to a concours stunner and Duckhams were there to help support those restorers in need!

Our display included the Duckhams timeline charting key historic moments through the brand’s history that have been inextricably linked to British Motoring Heritage including the majority of vehicles on display at the show. Also, the Triumph TR4A of Terry Smith was displayed showing just what sort of classic sports car Duckhams Q20w-50 is ideal for. The Triumph TR4A is in regular use, attending events across the country run by the TR Register, one of our partner car clubs.

Also unveiled at the show were the new 20 litre pails for Q20w50. This new bulk purchase option is ideal for small home restorers and those enthusiasts with a fleet of classic cars to service and maintain. The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show was very successful for Duckhams’ trade. Nearly 30 restorers and workshops signed up with us over the weekend to purchase Duckhams for use on their clients cars and restorations. Those businesses wishing to know more should contact Duckhams c/o Martin Gough.

Elsewhere visitors to the show were treated to amazing vehicle displays, live working on projects and informative demonstrations from 159 classic motoring clubs, the most to ever appear at the show, giving visitors all the hints and tips to restore and maintain their own vehicles.

Show Director Lee Masters said: “Over the past five years, the growth of this event has been phenomenal, not just in terms of the numbers but in the way the car clubs are pushing the boundaries with live working and demonstrations. They spur each other on and give fresh ideas on how to showcase the wealth of knowledge within the club as well enticing new members. There is no other show in the classic motoring community like it anywhere in the world!”

The Duckhams team particularly enjoyed the Carole Nash Barn Find display, which saw 20 discoveries, in various stages of decay, including a Triumph TR6, an Austin A35, a Singer Gazelle and a vintage caravan. Visitors were treated to live music as they viewed the barn finds while artist ArtbyBex recreated the Citroen 2CV on show in a live painting.

At the other end of the scale, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership final was won by Paul Clappison’s 1972 MGB GT, with Bron Burrell’s ex-World Cup Rally Austin Maxi called ‘Puff’ taking second place while Graham Varley’s 1993 VW Corrado VR6 was third.

TV motoring celebrities attending include Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, Car SOS’ Fuzz Townshend all presenting items on the live stage with Discovery.

Classic Car Auctions saw 81 per cent of the 165 cars on offer finding new homes over the two-day sale with total sales reaching a whopping £2.1million, but luckily we managed to keep our hands in our pockets!

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