• Special displays to celebrate Mini Cooper S, Porsche 911 and Corvette anniversaries
• Star-studded Fighting Torque debates and discussions on the main stage
• Over-subscribed Historics auction with 100 lots coming under the hammer
• Tickets on sale with significant savings for those buying in advance
With less than a week until doors open, The London Classic Car Show (24-26 February) is fully fuelled to welcome visitors back to historic Olympia with three-days of unmissable sparkling displays, enlightening public discussions plus a buzzing auction of much-loved motors from yesteryear.
Now in its ninth year, the capital’s premier attraction for car-lovers of all ages returns to its spiritual home in West London after a 36-month Covid-induced hiatus… and the seminal show returns in truly spectacular style with hundreds and hundreds of legendary automotive icons making it the must-attend event for all discerning buyers, enthusiasts, collectors and aficionados.
Among the many eye-catching treasures sparkling under Olympia’s magnificent, Victorian, barrel-vaulted roof, the bespoke Radford Mini Coopers originally once owned by three of the four Beatles will, for many, be the one of the extravaganza’s biggest chart-topping highlights. Sadly, John Lennon’s car is no more but the three surviving Minis will be reunited in London for the first time since rehearsals for the Fab Four’s revered White Album… and that was 55 years ago!
Each coach-built model was designed to meet the band’s individual needs – as illustrated by Ringo Starr’s two-tone Rolls Royce Regal Red/silver-grey Mini which features a hatchback (extremely rare for 1966) to accommodate his drums. George Harrison’s Mini De Ville GT is now resplendent in its psychedelic Magical Mystery Tour livery and remains the property of Harrison’s family estate.
The crowd-pleasing Beatles collection is part of a special ‘Generations’ display to celebrate the 60thanniversary of the Cooper S, the go-faster version of the original, game-changing Mini Minor.
Other exquisite ‘Generations’ collections at The London Classic Car Show will honour milestones in the histories of two of the world’s foremost sportscars. This year marks the 60th birthday of the evergreen Porsche 911 and 70th birthday of the rumbling Chevrolet Corvette – all eight generations of both automotive legends will be on dazzling display at Olympia.
Other notable showcases will put the spotlight on Modern Classics, dusty Barn Find relics and cars – such as the Austin Metro – that were once ubiquitous on every street corner but are now rarer than most highly-prized supercars.
At the other end of the spectrum, a pin-up Lamborghini Countach will be posing for photographs in a specially created studio – a must for those of a certain age with memories of Athena posters as well as, perhaps, younger visitors with insatiable social media obligations.
Another head-turner surely will be the evocative ICON 917K – an authentic spaceframe homage to the awe-inspiring Le Mans-winning Porsche 917K, but with one handy accessory – a UK number plate.
The show will also provide all-comers with a great chance to buy a classic car either via many of the dealer stands or the on-site auction being organised by Historics.
Saturday’s over-subscribed sale sees 100 great classics – with a total estimated value exceeding £6m – coming under the hammer at Olympia. Standout lots include sought-after Aston Martins, Jaguars, MGs, Mustangs and TRs as well as what could very well be the world’s first right hand-drive Porsche plus a pair of stunning scarlet Ferrari Dino 246s.
An even rarer Italian exotic – a nearly priceless 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C Super Sport Zagato Spider – will be on offer from Phoenix Green Garage Sales Ltd., one of the many renowned classic car dealers on a show floor steeped in motoring history.
For those seeking a modern sportscar with heritage, Alpine will be exhibiting its new, retro-styled A1110S 1968 Le Mans tribute car on its stand, alongside one of its latest Formula One racers.
Indeed, Olympia will showcase the full spectrum of the thriving classic movement. Classic Investments will be exhibiting its restoration skills, Custodian its innovative new online app designed specifically for the sector and The Classic Car Company – the event’s Official Detailing Partner – will be demonstrating its talents at keeping both bodywork and interiors in pristine conditions.
Car clubs also will be well represented with magical brands such as Corvette, Ferrari, Fiat, Gordon Keeble, Lancia and Triumph all out in force.
Adding yet another interactive dimension, the show’s central Main Stage will host a series of ‘Fighting Torque’ deliberations and debates. These will feature a host of informed and entertaining guests engaging in panel discussions compered by two well-known TV and racing personalities: Alex Brundle and Alexandra Legouix.
With opinionated contributors not always agreeing, a wide range of topical subjects will be scrutinised. These will range from the correctness of EV conversions and restomods to the state of the market and ‘what-to-buy-now’ tips.
“With so much to see and do, this really is the show for anyone who owns, or dreams of owning, a classic car,” asserted Martin Clarke, Content Director of the event. “It’s wonderful that we are bringing The London Classic Car Show back to Olympia and it’s all the more wonderful that we have so much for everyone to celebrate and savour, as well as for our panels of passionate experts to explore and debate. I can’t wait for the doors to open!”
Offering exceptional value, adult admission to the Show is priced at just £25 (plus booking fees) when purchased in advance. A limited number of exclusive Premium Experience tickets are also available for those seeking to enjoy The London Classic Car Show in style.
Full details of all ticket buying options – as well as the latest show news – can be found on the official www.theclassiccarshowuk.com website.
