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5^th East Midlands Classic Car & Motorcycle Show

5^th May 2003

The long-range weather forecast for the days leading up to the bank holiday Monday didn’t look too good; a combination of ‘cloudy’ and ‘scattered showers’. For most people this may be disappointing or even inconvenient. However, when you’re organising a classic car show it can be disastrous. The success of a show ultimately depends upon enthusiasts braving the elements in their pride and joys, something that many would be reluctant to do if there was any chance of rain.

Any such concerns that organiser Andrew Greenwood may have had ultimately proved to be unfounded. When the day came, it was blessed with exactly what the weathermen predicted, sunny intervals and the enthusiasts were out in their masses. As Andrew commented, “it doesn’t rain nearly as much as people imagine.”

There were 290 cars and 65 motorcycles booked in prior to the event and with others just choosing to just turn up on the day, how many were actually on the field was anyone’s guess. With regard to the paying public, there were another 2750 adults and OAPs with children getting in free.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Victorian Thoresby Hall, the 5th East Midlands Classic Car & Motorcycle Show was once again a resounding success. It attracts a wide variety of both people and vehicles and caters for all interests. There are a number of trade and autojumble stands, catering facilities, children’s entertainment, club stands and of course lots of cars and bikes. On this particular day, glass blowing demonstrations were taking place at the hall.

Naturally, the main attraction is the main show ring. Cars are shown in 9 classes (below) with a winner and runner up being awarded in each. The winner in each class going forward to compete for the accolade of being ‘Car of the Show’.

• Class A – Pre 1950’s
• Class B – Post 1950’s
• Class C – Post 1960’s
• Class D – Post 1970’s
• Class E – Post 1980’s
• Class F – Sports & Convertibles
• Class G – American
• Class H – Kit & Custom
• Class J – Commercial & Military

There are also equivalent classes for the motorcycles, but that will be the subject of another report. It is worth pointing out however that the unexpectedly high number of motorcycles being shown resulted the proceeding running a little late!

The compere does a fantastic job of whipping up enthusiasm and keeping the day flowing along smoothly, wherever possible interviewing the owners. The owner of a fire water tanker explained how it was still in operational service. Sure enough, later in the day it had to leave on a shout only to return later with tales of a local field fire.

Best in class

Judging the final

So, turning to the main proceedings of the day, the class winners were

• Class A – MG SA
• Class B – Morris Minor
• Class C – Morris Minor Traveller
• Class D – Escort RS2000
• Class E – XR2
• Class F – Triumph Stag
• Class G – Belair
• Class H – JBA
• Class J – Toyota Hiace

The final was, as you would expect, a close run race, with the Morris Minor of Richard Lee being declared the ‘Car of the Show’.

So if you are looking for the perfect way to spend a day out over the coming months, then check out our events page for show listings or click here for a full list of Andrew Greenwood’s event diary for the full year.

If you fancy having a go at writing up your event, get in touch via the contact us page and we will let you know how you can provide your own article.