A visit to the NEC Classic Car Show 2024

In which Sid zooms around taking too many pictures and offers them now, with captions. Something for every one…

IMG_4033.jpg
Probably a 1950s Suburban? Perhaps you can take the rat-look too far but at least you can see where the filler is.

IMG_4034.jpg
Slightly more lively is this fifties styled sports car …

IMG_4035.jpg
… that is an MX5 built into this sturdy space frame.

IMG_4036.jpg
This is a real 1950s MGA with a unique fastback and cool Zagato door handles. Perhaps Warren Kennedy could make you one if you ask nicely.

IMG_4041.jpg
This ‘59 ish Ford Consul could be the smaller English cousin of the mighty Ford Country Squire though with more modest fins.

IMG_4044.jpg
Time for a Japanese theme. Madam had driven this homage to the 1973 Skyline down from Sunderland. There are no headlights so they have a daylight only MoT certificate. Just look at the arches on that.

IMG_4046.jpg
Less decorated Nissan. In Japan they sold a short wheel base 300ZX turbo. I think the shape is better looking now than I thought 20 years ago.

IMG_4048.jpg
Here’s one for Matt. This is what the client wants for his/her Aston Martin DB6. There has been a discussion and this is the Very Brave Decision, Prime Minister.

IMG_4049.jpg
Before you scroll down, what is this?

IMG_4050.jpg
A larger, earlier 6×6 amphibious GMC DUKW, and better in a rural setting than the suburbs though ideal if you live by the water. Still, put the bungs in.

IMG_4051.jpg
Meanwhile back at the individual coupé the owner, a nurse and mechanic, has grafted the roof of a GT6 onto a TR4 with a convincing result.

IMG_4053.jpg
Still on the Triumph stand here’s one for Ian, though the little fog lights add nothing to the ensemble.

IMG_4054.jpg
For the Matra Simca fans out there (at least two of you) here is a Murena. A cheaper way to three seats abreast than a McLaren F1 though you get a Simca or Chrysler four rather than a BMW V12. But you could have one and it has pop up lights, so there.

IMG_4056.jpg
Three generations of Renault 5. The 5TL weighed 760kgs. The green 5E Tech weighs 1525kgs, which by the standards of electric cars is a win.

IMG_4057.jpg
One for Brian here, a genuine ex works Skoda 1000MB brought back from Czechia (not Slovakia) and rallied today.
IMG_4058.jpg
Of a similar era from a more prosperous country. The Plymouth Superbird had more than 1,000 ccs. 7,200 ccs. But maybe the best mod was the horn that gave the cartoon Road  Runner’s ‘beep, beep’. Or perhaps the wing. 0-60 in about the same time as our Golf but with some street presence.

IMG_4062.JPG
Here is your guess the engine question. The prize for the first correct answer will be our gasps of admiration and some extra fur for your anorak.

IMG_4065.jpg
Here a couple for AK. Above a 912 though not in the best colour …

IMG_4066.jpg
… plus a Ferrari 330 needing about as much work as the Suburban.

IMG_4070.jpgAnd finally an Alvis 4.3. The gent looking on wistfully was quite young when he commissioned a 4.3 Special of his own.
Sent from my iPad

One comment

  1. The Suburban is available in the same year, in good condition, for less money in the U.S. The Mazda conversion is a lot of work to end up back at a cute sports car. The Consul is fab, the 300ZX still looks a bit blah. I got the DUKW right (and Christmas is coming) but I am fully stumped by the engine. So is Google, it seems. You’re right about the 912. So THAT’s was a finished Alvis looks like!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *