This year's November Classic Car Show appeared to be one of the most successful in recent times. Three Halls were full of exhibits, Hall 5 being the largest. Trade stands from all the major restoration suppliers were present, together with many specialists displaying an amazing cornucopia of products. One stand appeared to be selling glassfibre baths - they turned out to be Inspection Pits to sink into the floor of an enthusiasts garage! 

The Show commenced at 9.30am each day and finished at 5.30pm. The queues of visitors began to assemble at 8.30am each morning in anticipation of the rush into the vast Halls. Exhibitors cars were highly prepared and many were covered in dust covers to keep them clean at night. At 9.25am each morning, the Tannoy announced that the Show would be opening in five minutes and duly the crowd raced into the Halls at the appointed time.

The standard of the displays was, as ever, exceptional with a tremendous use of plants to create atmosphere, as well as providing a little acoustic relief from the general noise of thousands of people in the exhibition. It was understood that the flower arrangement on the British Motor Industries Heritage Trust stand alone cost £5000! The latest generation of MGs from Rover MG were evident in a number of models on several displays. The MG Owners Club displayed the MGZT X-Power saloon which generated a great deal of interest.

It was evident from the number of visitors attending the show that Classic Car enthusiasts were not going to let the disastrous events of recent weeks dampen the passion for which the movement is known. By the end of each day, everyone could be seen carrying bags home stuffed full of catalogues and goods to quench their indulgence for classic motoring. As well as the traditional names: MG; Triumph; Lea Francis; Jaguar; Ferrari etc, the British Mini was well represented and the 'Italian Job' display was also reminiscent of the Beatles' Abbey Road LP Cover.

Many of the displays included cars which were being advertised 'for sale'. According to one restoration company, exhibiting a number of classic cars for sale, there appears to be a healthy market for Premier Condition specimens - although it seems difficult to find buyers for those vehicles requiring minor work. Some of the classics being offered were converted Left-hand drive vehicles from the USA, yet more were unconverted. Prices being asked for such cars seemed out of proportion to the amount of work necessary to drive an acceptable collectable investment.

Although the cars on display were, unsurprisingly, predominately British, there were many examples of European and American classics. The Ford Model 'A' Club exhibited a number of its marque, amongst them, this 30's Phaeton. Owned by Dee and Nigel Davey, dear friends from Solihull who have also been MG owners since the early 1980's, this car was purchased by Dee for Nigel as a Birthday present a few years ago. Dee, who is as American as apple pie, had it wrapped in a 'Big Red Bow' and delivered to their home.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of exhibiting RNB 636 on the Moss Europe stand in Hall 5. This proved to be a most pleasurable experience, one I was familiar with having exhibited a 1967 MGB Roadster on the MG Owners Club stand in 1985. The reception that the MG TF received was very humbling and it is always an honour to be congratulated on the work put into ones 'pride and joy'. I should like to thank Moss Europe for the opportunity to display my car.