Some of the most iconic marques are celebrating time-honoured tradition at this year’s Footman James Classic Motor Show when it returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 11-13 November.
It’s the centenary of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot and the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club has chosen this as a major theme. Two cars, one a 1912 Silver Ghost, the other a current-model Ghost, will be positioned either side of a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot that stands at over one metre tall. Nearby, a revolving display will highlight the mascot’s subtle changes throughout its 100 year history.
The club is also showing a 1928 20HP, and a 1979 Silver Shadow 2. Although ‘partly-sectioned’, both cars are fully-functioning and an integral part of the club’s popular workshop sessions, as are the accompanying cut-away Phantom V12 and Silver Wraith straight- six engines. Completing the display is a 1937 Limousine de Ville Phantom III with coachwork by Mayfair and a delightful 1934 20/25 3-position Drophead that’s been in the same family since new.
The Aston Martin Owners Club will have 3½ cars on its stand this year, the ½ car being the ‘sectioned’ DB9 kindly loaned by the factory. There’ll also be a current model Vantage, a classic 1960s Aston, and a simply superb, Ulster 1½-litre, one of 21 cars built as ‘replica racers’ following the success of the works entries in the 1934 Ulster TT. Very few sports cars, classic or modern, can match the pedigree of the ‘Ulster’.
Understandably, the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is flying the E-type flag this year and will have six of these sublimely sexy sports cars on show. It’s also the Mk10 saloon’s 50th, and lining up alongside the E-types, will be one of the very best examples. If a marvellous Mk10 and six sultry E-types weren’t reason enough for visiting the stand, then how about the club’s charity prize draw? For just £1, you could win a stunning 2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe. All proceeds are in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children’s Charity. The winning ticket will be drawn by Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, on Sunday, at approximately 3.30.
By bringing together seven successive models, the Jensen Owners Club has spanned seven decades of Jensen production. There’s a 1938 H-type drop-head, rumoured to have been built for a Hollywood celebrity, a 1952 Interceptor Cabriolet that formerly belonged the club’s late president, Lord David Strathcarron, who was responsible for suggesting the Interceptor name, and a very early 541. The club is also displaying the experimental CV-8 that took the ‘Commanders Cup’ 24-hour trophy at Snetterton in 1965, a 1973 Jensen-Healey, a 1974 Interceptor MkIII, and a 1998 S-V8, the last model introduced.
The Panther Car Club will have an amazing collection as they embrace the show’s theme of ‘running in the family’ with a tribute to one of the most iconic families - the Mafia! The Mafiosi are in town with the Panther family demanding recognition and according to the club, Godfather "Don Deville" takes no prisoners while protecting his family as the youngest cub hits the streets.
The Footman James Classic Motor Show is open from 10am until 7pm on Friday, 9am until 7pm on Saturday, and 9am until 5.30pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from £17.50 when purchased in advance, or £20.50 on the door.
