The Footman James Classic 2011

The Footman James Classic Motor Show

This year’s Footman James Classic Motor Show will be a real family occasion as the organisers have chosen ‘Running in the Family’ as the 2011 show theme. From cars and bikes passed down from generation to generation to family groups of marques, famous racing families of drivers, cars or teams, families of cars sharing the same designer, same engineering etc, the clubs are invited to interpret the theme as they see fit.

Show manager Andy Rouse explains: “One of the most common expressions you hear from our visitors when walking around the halls is ‘my Dad had one of those’ and this applies to every marque, from Reliants through to Rollers! It’s like looking through a family album for most people as they see the car they learnt to drive in or went on holiday in, the first motorbike they rode, etc. It’s these vehicles that are a part of a family’s history we will be celebrating, the ones that feature in our family photos and have a sentimental link for us all.

“Of course, we always look forward to seeing how the individual clubs choose to interpret the theme and I’m also imagining families of V8 engines, families of successful racing cars, families of pioneering cars and many more different takes on the theme. One of the beauties of the show is the sheer variety, diversity and surprises that the clubs always bring.

“There is always a family ‘feel’ to the show as it’s the annual chance for all the club members to meet up and celebrate the best of the UK classic motoring scene. There will be plenty of family fun all day every day on the Live Stage with TV’s ‘Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and Edd China too.”

Held at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November, the Footman James Classic Motor Show is the classic motoring calendar’s season finale, with over 1,250 cars and 250 motorcycles on display across seven halls. As well as Britain’s best motoring clubs, the show also features the final of the Meguiar’s Club Showcase, bringing together the winning concours cars from the cream of various national club events throughout the year.

There’s also an impressive Restoration Theatre and over 300 trade stands sell a wide range of parts, spares, tools, motoring services and memorabilia while the popular Autojumble and Bikejumble are havens for mechanics looking for that elusive motoring component.

As well as the impressive car displays, visitors can also enjoy the Footman James Classic Motorbike Show featuring live motorcycle action, stunning bike club displays, a Pride of Ownership concours and a Vintage Wall of Death.