London Classic Car Show Launched

CLASSIC SOUNDTRACK FOR A CLASSIC SHOW

Innovative 2015 London Classic Car Show launched with a V12 fanfare. Show patrons include TV chef James Martin and BBC Top Gear's James May. Huge support already from automotive and classic car worlds

As fanfares go it was a little different- but the potent roar of a V12 Ferrari engine provided the perfect backing track to the launch of the new London Classic Car Show.

For the show, to be held at London's ExCeL centre from 8-11 January, 2015, promises to be an event rather than just an exhibition.

As well as gazing at some of the most desirable and valuable cars ever made, visitors will not only be able to hear them as they are fired up but also to watch them in action – the centrepiece of the show is The Grand Avenue, a motoring runway along which the cars will be driven.

The London Classic Car Show is organised by Brand Events, the company behind the hugely successful Top Gear Live and CarFest events.

At a special launch in a West London's Adam & Eve Mews on Thursday (10 July), Chris Hughes, Chief Executive, pointed to the Testa Rossa, an Aston Martin DB6 once owned by Paul McCartney and other classics on display and said: “Classic cars look great in London, don't they? They reflect the style and culture of a cool capital. Yet London has no classic car show.

'We aim to change that with a show that's innovative and full of passion.”

The Grand Avenue is just one of the original ideas promised at the London Classic Car Show. The James Martin Classic Café, run by the top TV chef, will serve quality food to visitors while James, a passionate classic car fan himself, has also been appointed as a show patron, charged with mounting a display of cars that mean the most to him.

As a result he will be showing ¬- and driving – some the cars from his own private collection and those of friends. Among those promised are a rare Ferrari 288 GTO and a glorious 250 GTO as well as a number of important Mini-Coopers.

He said: “A show that combines my two passions, food and cars- I'll be in heaven.”

Another famous name with a key role is BBC Top Gear's James May, who will be curating a display of the 'Cars That Changed The World'. Expect a few surprises- it won’t be all Model Ts and VW Beetles.

There will also be motor sports displays, a homage to the Citroen DS, 60 years old in 2015, and an investors' forum where experts will advise on how and what classic to buy as an investment that will provide much more fun than stocks and shares.

Event Director Bas Bungish said: “Although we have only just announced the show, we have already been promised huge support from a number of key players in the automotive and classic car worlds.

“We see this as a celebration of the car and are encouraging manufacturers and their one-make car clubs to get together to put on displays from the past, present and possibly even the future.

“Maserati and Aston Martin have already signed up, along with leading dealers and specialists such as Eagle E-Types, Duncan Hamilton, Nicholas Mee & co, Frank Dale and Stepsons and Hexagon Classics to name but a few.”

Chris Hughes added: “Cars are about passion and joy and the London Classic Car Show will celebrate that.”

Further information about the Show – and the team behind it – can be found via the TheLondonClassicCarShow.com website.