There are few things that evoke a bygone era of British glamour like a classic car show. The combination of classic design with evocative British landscapes transports you to a time and a place long departed. With so many car shows happening up and down the country, it can be difficult to find one that suits you best. Here’s a top ten showcasing some of the best that this country has to offer:
1. Shelsley Walsh MAC championships
This car show in Worcestershire, known as the May Midlander, is a roundup of the Midland Hillclimb Championship and the Paul Matty Lotus Championship. The combination of classic cars, racing and bucolic scenery promises to delight all who attend.
2. Abbey Hill Rally Yeovil
This car show is situated just off the A37, south of Yeovil, overlooking Dorset’s gorgeous landscape. As well as cars, there is an evening marquee and fairground, meaning fun can be had by everyone.
3. Berwick Historic Classic Rally
The Berwick Classic has always been a popular show. Its laid back atmosphere combines with the historical beauty of the cars on show to recreate the milieu of a lost era.
4. Magnificent Motors Eastbourne
With over five hundred displays of vintage cars, motorbikes and steam engines, this show in Eastbourne is surely among the most comprehensive of collections.
5. Donington Historic Festival
Located in Derbyshire, the Donington Historic Festival is an exciting new event on the petrol head’s calendar. As well as iconic cars duelling on the race track, spectators can wander around the site, enjoying the atmosphere and getting a close look at the cars. A demonstration of Group B rally cars is also included, showing off the sort of three point turns that most certainly never came up during your driving lessons.
6. Rushden Cavalcade of Transport
Held off the A6 in Northamptonshire, The Rushden Historical Transport Society Cavalcade of Transport and Country Fair showcases a mighty fleet of motoring hardware that no car lover could afford to miss.
7. Llandudno Transport Festival
One of Wales’ and indeed Britain’s biggest annual events, this show is held in conjunction with the Victorian Extravaganza. Period costume combines with vintage fairgrounds and a plethora of attractions to create a unique annual celebration of automobile design and Welsh heritage.
8. Herne Bay Kent Classic Car and Motor Show
Classic cars, bikes and cars from TV and film feature in this show on the coast of Kent. Entertainment and fun for all the family is provided, as well as the undeniable joys of the British seaside experience.
9. Brooklands Auto Italia Day
One of the biggest events of the year at Brooklands is the Auto Italia day. Every conceivable type of Italian car and motorbike is on offer here. In past years, this festival of automobile delight in Weybridge has seen over two hundred Ferraris.
10. Royal Grammar School High Wycombe Car Show
The 450th anniversary of the Royal Grammar School is marked by a large fayre and family day this year. Tied into this is a wonderful display of classic, iconic and often eccentric cars. For all motoring enthusiasts, this is not to be missed.
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This is a guest post by Jonathan Dudley, a fan of old cars and the people who drive them. Jonathan usually blogs for PassSmart, a site to help connect driving instructors and learner drivers in the UK.
