An event that has quickly earned its place in the British classic car calendar as a preview to the year ahead, this year’s London Classic Car Show is the place to be if you want to be immersed in one of the best collections of classic road and race cars on display. In addition, meeting the legends that created the icons, those that drove them to victory, and talking with the various experts that keep them on the road is even easier when it’s all under one roof.
Once again boasting an enlarged show space—including the new Historic Motorsport International—over 700 machines will be on view, spanning the history of the motorcar. From recent barn finds to in-progress restorations, one-off concepts and championship winning sports cars, there is without a doubt plenty to see, and especially so when you add to that a large number of independent vendors and suppliers exhibiting everything that goes along with the enthusiast lifestyle.
However, particular attention this year should be given to the uniquely impressive tribute to Ferrari celebrating the influence of the iconic marque across time. With examples including the timeless 250GTO and the last Ferrari under Enzo, the F40, the whole setup represents a conservatively valued gathering of more than £120 million, and is a standalone highlight that should easily attract crowds on its own.
Meanwhile merely steps away is the London Classic Car Show’s distinct ‘Grand Avenue’ section, where visitors can catch some of the best examples of motoring on the move. Focusing on the different body types offered by manufacturers throughout history, this year’s Grand Avenue brings back memories and while also offering the intrigue of cars that you probably didn’t know existed until seeing them roll up onto the spotlit stage.
This year’s show also celebrates the career of Jacky Ickx, perhaps one of motorsport’s greatest all-‘rounders. With a large board listing every podium of his career, from Le Mans, Formula One, and rally, the space is flanked by six notable cars including the Porsche 956 and 959, Mirage GR8, and Ferrari 312B2 that helped take him to victory. It was great to have the rare chance to see these machines up close.
With the weekend action still yet to come, there is plenty of time to get yourself to this year’s London Classic Car Show at the ExCel. Even if just to view the sea of red Ferraris, be assured that you will also get the chance to appreciate some of the best cars the world has to offer.
The London Classic Car Show runs from the 23rd to the 26th of February, 2017.
